89- 7
2018 Federal Income Tax Changes: What Helps? What Hurts?
In December 2017, the most significant change in the tax law in the past 30 years was signed into law and became effective for 2018. Some 65% of taxpayers will benefit from the changes with lower tax bills, 6% will see their tax bills increase, and the rest will see no change with the new law.
- 4
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory
The Penobscot Narrows Bridge connects Verona Island and Prospect, ME. This bridge observatory is the tallest in the world. Learn all about this link in mid-coast Maine!
- 2
Tax Diversification: Why It Is Important to Retirement Financial Planning
No one knows the income tax rates in the future. How you save now can affect your income tax in retirement. If you think you will be in a lower tax bracket, save in a tax-deductible/tax-deferred account (IRA or 401(k)). Think you'll be in the same or higher tax bracket, use a tax-free Roth IRA or...
- 0
IRS Home Office Deduction, A Simplified Option
The IRS has added a Simplified Option for claiming the Home Office Deduction. It greatly reduces the record keeping requirements and eliminates some complex tax calculations.
- 16
Turkey Path in Leonard Harrison State Park, Wellsboro, PA
Turkey Path, a one-mile trail dropping over 800 feet in Leonard Harrison State Park, is just one route to the bottom of Pine Creek Gorge—Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon.
- 13
Classic Maine Lobster Roll Recipe
Hungry for a Lobster Roll but, can't make it to Maine? With this simple lobster recipe you can get that classic lobster roll you crave right at home.
- 25
Ocean Path in Acadia National Park
Looking for the best things to do in Acadia National Park? This 2-mile stretch of ocean shoreline on Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful.
- 24
6 Fun and Easy Hikes Around Acadia National Park
Here are 6 fun and easy hikes in and around Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. The hikes are divided by location: near Bar Harbor, Jordan Pond House, and the Quiet Side on the Bass Harbor area.
- 4
Tax Avoidance or Tax Evasion: Which One is Legal?
Is playing within the rules tax evasion and 'not paying your fair share'? Is everyone that lowers their tax bills evading taxes? Is lowering your tax bill illegal or something even the IRS expects? What is the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion?
- 11
How to Shell a Whole Maine Lobster
You want whole Maine lobster, but when you finally get that delicious crustacean placed in front of you, you suddenly realize, 'What the heck am I supposed to do with that thing?' It is not like it comes with directions, pull tabs, or tear away strips. Here is a video and step-by-step directions to...
- 10
Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
Hiking, biking, camping, fall foliage viewing, water sports, skiing, snowshoeing, and hunting are all options in this wild Ice Age canyon in north-central Pennsylvania.
- 9
Waldameer Park's Ravine Flyer II
Family owned Waldameer Park in Erie, PA can boast the #6 best Wooden Roller Coaster in the World! The Ravene Flyer II is not a lightening fast, heart stopping, stratospheric high coaster, but it has all of the making of a classic wooden coaster experience. With awesome views from the top of the...
- 10
Gulf Hagas, the Grand Canyon of Maine
Did you know that there is a place in Maine that draws comparisons to the Grand Canyon? While it's very remote and only about 4 miles long and 100 feet deep, Gulf Hagas is filled with breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, pools, and sheer rock walls.
- 2
It's Never Too Early To Start Getting Organized For Next Year's Taxes
The end of the year is ideal, but anytime is the perfect time to spend a little time with your tax records. Organizing your tax receipts and records now will make completing next year's return easier.
- 10
Geocaching Around Sedona Arizona
Geocaching is modern day treasure hunting. Geocaching.com, the official website for geocaching, lists over 12,000 caches in and around Sedona! Certainly more than we could find in a day, or maybe even a year, for that matter. Using the website, our son, Jeff, was able to locate several geocaches...
- 6
My Favorite Lobster Pounds in Maine
Heading to Maine for vacation? I'm sure that eating lobster is high on your list of "must do's". For that real Maine experience, get your lobster at a lobster pound. Here are some of my favorite lobster pounds near Acadia National Park, my camp in Surry, and even a few not far from Portland and...
- 17
What Is a Maine Lobster Pound?
Every summer in Maine, there seem to be more lobster pounds than Dunkin' Donut shops. Some have been around for what seems like forever, and some are new each year. They all look different. Some look like a shack. Some look like a restaurant. So, what is a lobster pound?
- 10
A Most Unusual Ceremony at the Cemetery
On May 20, 2012, our youngest son, Andy, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He wanted all of his brothers to witness this event. Our second son, Brian, died in January, 2010. Andy had worked hard to get into the Marines. He was beginning to find his niche in life. For...
- 26
10 Retirement Savings Tips for When You Start Your First Job.
When starting your first job, retirement savings are the last thing on your mind. It shouldn't be. Starting to save early for retirement allows for the power of compounding. Here are 10 tips for retirement savings when you start your first job.
- 6
How I Prepared For And Traveled During My Trip To Rural Mexico
How I prepared for my trip to rural Mexico. Passports, immunizations, cell phones and even water bottles to make your trip hassle and worry free. Taxis, ADO buses and even pick-up trucks were my transportation.
- 9
My Trip to Mexico That Was Not in the Travel Guide Books
Enjoy the story and photo journey of my trip to Mexico that was off the beaten path. Few, if any of the usual tourist experiences here. Taxis and buses to industrial towns and rural villages with dirt roads, but no beaches, zip lines, or all-inclusive resorts on this trip. It was a wonderful...
- 16
Hiking to the Hoodoos in Red Mountain Amphitheater, AZ
Red Mountain Trail takes you into the interior of a cinder cone of an extinct volcano. This hike is a great trip when traveling between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
- 47
10 Reasons We Should All Shop at Thrift Stores
Here are 10 excellent reasons we should all consider shopping at thrift stores instead of buying goods new.
- 15
Hiking Underground in a Lava Tube
Lava River Cave is just northwest of Flagstaff, AZ, in the Coconino National Forest. You can walk underground for almost one mile in this ancient lava tube.
- 20
Day Hiking Bright Angel Trail, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
Bright Angel Trail, a corridor trail, is one of the most popular trails at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
- 9
Fun and Unusal Hikes Around Flagstaff, Arizona
Four fun, educational, and unusual hikes for all ages to enjoy near Flagstaff, AZ. Spend a morning or afternoon exploring cliff dwellings, an extinct volcano, a lava flow or, for a really unusual hike, go underground in a lava tube. Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, Red Mountain, and Lava...
- 4
Walnut Canyon National Monument, Flagstaff, Arizona
Walnut Canyon was inhabited over 800 years ago by the Sinagua people. This 20-mile-long, 400-foot-deep canyon, 1/4 of a mile wide, was their home for over 100 years.
- 7
D-Day: Remembering a Day on Omaha and Utah Beaches, Normandy, France
D-Day, June 6, 1944, 156,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France beginning the march to free Western Europe from the grip of Nazi Germany.
- 31
5 Ways to Capture a Screenshot on an Apple iPhone or iPad
Here are five ways for you to capture a screenshot or image with an Apple iPhone or iPad. Save a copy of an open App, get a screenshot of your browser window, or copy a picture on a webpage with these techniques.
- 6
3 Ways to Capture a Screenshot on an Apple Computer
Many tutorials are geared toward PC users. Mac users are often left on their own. Here are three methods to capture a screenshot for Mac users.
- 9
Potty Training Boys: Ready! Aim! Fire!
Potty training, particularly boys, was never an easy task, but eventually everyone finds success. While not offering many new tips or insights, the author recalls the struggles of training his boys and takes a rather sarcastic look at the commercialism of an everyday rite of passage. You may also...
- 65
10 Tips for New Hubbers from an Almost New Hubber
I didn't come to HubPages with a lot of writing or social networking experience. I have had a few experienced Hubbers, directly or indirectly, help me as I have gotten started. Here are 10 helpful tips, pearls of wisdom, or suggestions that may also help you.
- 20
A Father Remembers
Our second son, Brian would have been 33 on April 20, 2015. He died unexpectedly just over 5 years ago. I remember his challenges, his successes, his triumphs.
- 6
Taxes Done? Great!! Now, Get Ready for Next Year.
Don't wait until next year to prepare to do your taxes next year. Review this year's return. Adjust your withholding. Get organized. Save your receipts. Document your business and travel expenses.
- 8
Inclined to Ride or Funicular Fun in Pittsburgh, PA
The Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines are iconic features of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania skyline. If you are so inclined, step back in time and ride a funicular.
- 14
IRS Red Flags That Put Your Tax Return at Risk for an Audit
Certain red flags that the IRS looks for can put you at risk for a tax audit. Stay out of trouble by reporting all of your income and only taking credits and deductions that you are entitled to and can support with proper documentation or receipts for all expenses.
- 16
Unusual Attractions and Destinations in Maine
Summertime is time for vacation in Vacationland. This year, go to Maine and see remnants of an extinct volcano or a glacial desert. Visit the Oceanarium, travel the Golden Road or explore Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory.
- 19
The End Is Near! Your Federal Income Taxes Are Now Due July 15th!
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the deadline for filing your federal income tax return has been extended to July 15, 2020. In addition, payments will not incur penalties or interest if paid by July 15th. If you need more time to file, use Form 4868 to file for an extension until October 15th.
- 14
Top 5 Common Taxpayer Mistakes From My View in My Tax Office
Mistakes made when filing your tax return can lead to delays in receiving your refund. In my tax office I see mistakes that are often avoidable. Some "mistakes" are intentional and are illegal attempts at trying to increase a tax refund.
- 0
What Is a 1099 and Why Did I Get One?
IRS Form 1099 is used to report income or earnings paid to you. Self-employed receive a 1099-MISC and must report it on a Schedule C. Other common Form 1099s that can be received include 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R, 1099-B, and SSA-1099.
- 8
Is the Easternmost Point in the Continental US the First to See the Sun Rise?
Simple question, but no simple answer. The easternmost point in the US is up for debate. The location of the first sunrise in the US depends on the season. While West Quoddy Head is the easternmost point in the continental US, it only sees the first sunrise 34 days a year.
- 2
What is Better, a Tax Deduction or a Tax Credit?
Exemptions, deductions, and credits can reduce your tax liability. Exemptions and deductions reduce your taxable income. Tax credits directly decrease your tax liability, dollar for dollar. A refundable credit can result in a tax refund even when you have no income tax liability or paid no...
- 4
Biking the Sandy Creek Trail Near Franklin, PA
Looking for the perfect bike ride or hike to see the spring, summer, or fall foliage? Just south of Franklin, PA, the Sandy Creek Trail winds 12 miles from Fisherman's Cove in the west to Van in the east.
- 2
Who Can You Claim as a Qualifying Child for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal tax credit. It is designed to help low and moderate-income individuals and families keep more of what they earn. Claiming a qualifying child can increase your EITC. The 4 criteria that must be passed for a qualifying child include...
- 6
Retirement Savings Options for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed
There are several retirement plan options for small business owners and the self-employed. Traditional and Roth IRAs are available to everyone. SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and Individual 401(k)s are great options for the right situation. More complex plans, such as Self-directed IRAs, Keogh plans, and...
- 10
Straub Brewery: One of America's Oldest Lager Beers and Home of the Eternal Tap
This brewery makes 100% natural and handcrafted beer with the same process perfected by Peter Straub over 125 years ago. Visit the brewery and experience the wonders of the Eternal Tap in the town of Saint Marys, PA.
- 6
8 Things Your Franchisor May Not Tell You
Interest has increased in owning your own business. Purchasing a franchise is a way to get a business up and running quickly. Do your homework so you find the right franchise for you. Quality franchises will be there the first day and for years to come.
- 4
How do I get a Federal Tax Identification Number (E.I.N. Number)?
Obtaining a Federal Tax Identification Number, also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (E.I.N.), is fast and free on the IRS website. Many business entities such as trusts, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and estates need and E.I.N. Even sole proprietorships may want an E.I.N....
- 5
How Can I Have My Irs Federal Tax Refund Deposited Into More Than One Checking Account?
You can use Form 8888 to split your refund between up to 3 accounts at U.S. financial institutions. Your refund can be direct deposited into checking or savings accounts, mutual funds and even brokerage accounts. You can use Form 8888 to buy U.S. Series I Savings Bonds or even to fund your IRA.
- 17
What Do You Mean, There Could Be a Tax on Social Security?
Social security benefits are usually tax-free but not always. Interest income, dividends, pensions, IRA distributions, and employment income can all contribute to making your social security benefit taxable. Up to 85% of your social security benefit maybe taxable as income.