‘Financial Help’ Archives
Prepare + Prosper Offers Free DIY Tax Prep Service
What is DIY Tax Prep? Do-it-yourself tax prep can be a great option for people who are comfortable working with a step-by-step online program. This year, the service is available to folks with an income of $73,000 or less. How does it work? P+P will provide access to: Free web-based tax filing software so you can prepare and electronically file your federal and state income taxes, as well as the Minnesota renter or property tax refund.A DIY Tax Prep Guide to help you navigate tax situations and the tax software.Live online training held weekly by P+P tax-certified volunteers to support people with getting started on their returns and get answers to tax questions.Additional tax prep support is available via phone and email with a P+P tax-certified volunteer to help you successfully file. Learn more! https://prepareandprosper.org/do-it-yourself-tax-prep/Email: DIYtaxes@prepareandprosper.org or leave a voicemail at 651-262-2181. Prepare + Prosper offers free tax prep [...]
Something I Said: 3 Pound Cats
Dwight Hobbes By DWIGHT HOBBES 3 Pound Cats partners with clinics to provide seniors affordable pet care. A true godsend. After all, who is hit harder in these tough economic times? Yet nonetheless need to safeguard our furry, four-footed loved ones? Do a little price comparison at just a few animal hospitals and the picture comes into focus. For a still clearer idea, visit 3poundcats.com. “I originally was trying to place 3 rescue - or pound - cats into assisted living facilities”, recalls owner-operator Dr. Marie Louderback, DVM (call her Dr. Marie). “To get the cats out of the shelters and into homes with people to love them and pet them!” So, she isn’t only giving elders a break but has a heart for homeless would-be pets. Yes, including dogs. Ani-Meals executive director Melanie La Pointe remembers how she met 3 Pound Cats. “When I was unemployed and had 3 little dogs to take care of, my groomer introduced me to Dr. Marie. She helped me keep [...]
IDENTITY THEFT: WHERE TO START
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA Identity theft is one of the most frequent complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission. If you haven’t been a victim, you likely know someone who has. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was created in 1914 to protect the public against unfair commerce practices, and was later charged with much broader consumer protection duties. Side note: It is important for the public to file consumer complaints with the FTC. Not only do they publish an annual report of consumer issues, the more complaint data the FTC has, the more resources Congress allocates for them to address problems. Here’s how you can protect yourself from identity theft. IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION Preventing identity theft is, of course, Step #1. Some tips: Don’t carry every credit card or medical card with you. (Medical ID theft is a real thing.)Leave your social security card at home in a secure location.Do you use the same password for everything? Well, stop.Long [...]
