Why Are You Saving?

Last week on What Do You Think Wednesday, our poll revealed that there’s a wide variety of exercising going on! The favorite was running (with 22% of votes), but people also reported enjoying walking, biking, lifting weights, pilates, yoga, water exercise, low impact aerobics, elliptical machine, Cross Fit, kick boxing and more!

Sure, we’d all like to save money for education, retirement and other long-term plans. But, what’s that one thing you want to get SOON and you’re pinching pennies to get it?

>> How are you saving the money?  Click Reply to share your savings ideas.

How Do You Work Out?

When voters last week were asked about couponing, 71% said they use them when possible. The rest of the vote was split between ‘I always use them’ and ‘I can never seem to find one for what I need.’

How are you doing with that New Year’s resolution to live a healthier life? Are you working out and keeping active?

>> How much do you exercise? Daily? Weekly? Share your motivation tips with others in the Women with Interest community.

Do You Use Coupons?

Last week, you weighed in on what age they thought that young people should get mobile phones. Votes were evenly split between Age 10 – 13 and High School Age.

There are shopping deals out there, if you’re willing to look. And clip.  But, is it worth your time to search for savings? Let us know your thoughts in this week’s What Do You Think Wednesday poll.

>> How about mobile coupons? Do you find yourself using those more? Do you use your smartphone to access deals? Share your couponing/savings secrets!

Free Tax Help for Some

The IRS announced last week that more than 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide to provide tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income and elderly taxpayers.  This is a partnership between the IRS and nonprofit and community organizations around the country.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help generally to people who earn $50,000 and less. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help to taxpayers who are 60 and older.

If you seek this assistance, the IRS requests you present the following items to have your returns prepared:

• Photo identification
• Valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents
• Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
• Other relevant information about income and expenses
• Total paid for day care
• Day care provider’s identifying number

To file taxes electronically on a Married Filing Jointly tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

To locate the nearest VITA site, please call 1-800-906-9887.

To locate the nearest TCE Program site, call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP’s website.  The TCE Program is a partner with AARP.  Trained and certified AARP volunteers serve as tax-aides.

Also, remember, even if you do not earn enough income to necessarily need to file taxes, you might want to consider filing anyway.  You may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is one of the largest benefits for working families and individuals.  In order to claim the credit, you must file a tax return.

>> Tax season is in full swing!  Do you have any tips for those struggling to get everything together and filed?  Do you use a tax adviser or an online tax preparation tool?  Let the community know by replying to this post.

Buffalo Chicken Dip for the Big Game!

This tasty recipe from Franks® RedHot® will surely
spice up your football party this weekend.

Original recipe can be seen at www.franksredhot.com.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Serves: 4 cups dip
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch salad dressing

• 1/2 cup FRANK’S® REDHOT® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce or FRANK’S® REDHOT® Buffalo Wing Sauce

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 cans (12.5 oz. each) SWANSON® White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

DIRECTIONS:

HEAT oven to 350°F. Place cream cheese into deep baking dish. Stir until smooth.

MIX in salad dressing, Frank’s RedHot Sauce and cheese. Stir in chicken.

BAKE 20 min. or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish as desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Tips from Franks®:

• Reduced Calorie Recipe: Substitute neufchatel cheese for the cream cheese, and low fat options for the salad dressing and blue cheese.

• Microwave Directions: Prepare as above. Place in microwave-safe dish. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 5 min. until hot, stirring halfway through cooking.

• Slow Cooker Method: Combine ingredients as directed above. Place mixture into small slow cooker. Cover pot. Heat on HIGH setting for 1 1/2 hours until hot and bubbly or on LOW setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir.

• Tailgating Tip: Prepare dip ahead and place in heavy disposable foil pan. Place pan on grill and heat dip until hot and bubbly.

• Tip: You may substitute 2 cups shredded cooked chicken for the canned chicken.

When Should They Go Mobile?

Our last blog poll asked which you would choose if you could pick only one – health, wealth or wisdom? A commanding 72% of voters chose health. Nearly 22% chose wisdom and only 6% chose wealth!

Do you have young children or teens in your household? Vote in this week’s What Do You Think Wednesday poll, and let us know your opinion!

>> How did you decide (or how will you decide) in your house when it’s time for the kids to have phones? Share your thoughts on the subject with the Women with Interest community. Click Reply above to add your comments.

Saving Money for College – The 529 Plan

Saving money for your child’s education can be a daunting task, especially with costs rising at such a rapid rate.  If you’ve decided to begin saving for a child’s education, you should know about a 529 savings plan.

The SEC describes a 529 plan as “a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs.  529 plans, legally known as ‘qualified tuition plans,’ are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.”  There are two types of 529 plans: college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans.

Prepaid tuition plans allow you to buy units or credits at participating colleges for future tuition, and sometimes room and board.  These are typically sponsored by state governments and have residency requirements.  Many of these investments are guaranteed by the states that sponsor them.

College savings plans allow you to establish an account for a student for the purpose of paying that child’s college expenses.  You may generally choose from a wide variety of investment options for this type of account and withdraw the funds to be used at any college.  These are typically not guaranteed by the state and are not federally insured.

For a closer look at the comparisons between the two types, see the below chart, courtesy of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

For more information about Kansas’ state-sponsored 529 plans, see www.learningquest.com.  Forbes named Kansas’ Learning Question Education plan as one of the top 3 best broker-sold 529 savings plans in the nation.

For more information about Missouri’s state sponsored 529 plans, see missourimost.s.upromise.com.