Tax Resolutions for 2012

Many people resolve to be wiser with their money in the new year, and it just so happens that being smart about your taxes is a good way to get started.

Whether it's your only resolution or just one of a few, sticking to your new year's tax resolutions throughout the whole year is the trick to being successful. And just like resolving to be healthy during the year will have you in better shape for the future, following your financial resolutions can make tax time far easier next year.

Use these tips to help build a successful approach to your tax resolution.

Promise to give yourself a tax check-up twice a year. Don't let yourself be shocked when tax time rolls around - the psychological and financial stress of being unprepared for a big tax bill can take a major toll. Do yourself a favor by checking on your tax liability a couple of times through the year. If you need to make adjustments to your withholding, do so as quickly as you can. Even if you find that nothing needs to be changed, you'll have something to smile about and one less worry to occupy your mind.
• Get started now. Procrastination can be your downfall - it often happens that the longer you put something off, the more daunting a task it seems. And the last thing anyone needs is an excuse to be more overwhelmed by the thought of working on taxes. If you know that you struggle with preparing your return, make the call to a professional who can help you. But again, don't wait - tax preparers' appointment books fill up fast during tax season.
• Set up a filing system - and stick to it. The flurry of paperwork is stressful enough when you're doing your taxes - not being able to find a necessary slip of paper only makes it worse. Create files for receipts and other documents and be sure to keep them updated. If you want to go digital, use a scanner to file everything neatly away in specialized folders on your computer.
• Take advantage of tax-saving benefits offered by your employer. If they're available to you, consider how much smarter it is to use pre-tax dollars for things like medical expenses and child care. If you need more guidance about how to best take advantage of the offered programs, check with your human resources department, or your own tax preparer or financial planner.
• 
  Make it a habit to save. Putting extra money away is always a good habit, whether the intent for it is to help pay off tax bills or to purchase a new vehicle. Giving yourself a little extra cushion to fall back on doesn't have to make you feel fiscally stressed, though. Put away $20 here and there, or have a percentage of your paycheck sent directly to a savings account, and you'll be excited by how much you have at the turning of the next new year.

Bothersome as taxes can seem, if you prepare for them throughout the year, you might find the experience far easier the next time you have to file. For more ideas about a financially sound new year, visit

blog.equifax.com.

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Co
678-886-8353
fax-678-405-2793
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

What you don't know can hurt you (lead based paint)

There are a lot of homes for sale on the market at this time. Great deals seem to be around every corner. Many of the homes are in older subdivisions that were built prior to 1978.  These homes may have paint that contains lead called (lead based paint). Lead from paint, chips and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. 

Knowledge is power! Here are the facts to help you make an informed decision!

Lead can enter the body in many ways here are a few
* Putting your hand or objects covered with lead dust in your mouth.
* Eating paint chips or soil that contains lead
* Breathing in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces)

Who can be harmed by lead based paint?
* Everyone can be harmed by lead based paint especially babies and young children. Children's growing bodies absorb more lead. Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead.  Also expecting mothers need to be guarded against the harmful effects of lead.

Children with high levels of lead can suffer from
* Damage to the brain and nervous system
* Behavior and learning problems
* Slowed Growth
* Hearing Problems
* Headaches

Adults can suffer from
* High Blood Pressure
* Digestive problems
* Muscle and joint pain
* Nerve disorders
* Difficulties during  pregnancy
* Memory and concentration problems

Where can lead based paint be found?
 * Inside and outside of the home
 * In soil around the home that has been picked up from exterior paint or other sources

Lead based paint that is in good condition may not be a hazard. Lead Based Paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking needs immediate attention.  It can also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or get a lot of wear and tear such as
* Windows and window sills
* Doors and door frames
* Stairs, railings and banisters
* Porches and fences

You can get your home checked for lead hazards by doing the following.
* A paint inspection it will tell you the lead content of every painted surface in your home. It won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it.
* A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposures (such as peeling paint and lead dust) It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.
As always have a qualified professional do the work.

A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Your doctor or health center can do the blood test. They are inexpensive and sometimes free. Your doctor will explain what the test results mean. Treatment can range from changes in your diet to medication or a hospital stay.

For more information on Lead Based paint give me a call and I will send you a pamphlet on lead based paint in your home it is much more detailed. Most of the information in the article comes directly from that pamphlet so you are getting great information. For those of you that have worked with me before you have received this pamphlet in your packet whether your home is recently built or older because the most confident and savvy buyer or seller is an informed one.

You can also call 1800-424-lead

Real Estate Company

Morrishia Dooley
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com
therealestateavenue.blogspot.com