Al's House

Your Coffee Break
   News You Can Use 
  for Personal and Business Development 

February 15. 2013

In this Issue
Our Friends
Tips and Tricks
Foundation News
Musings
Shayna's Success Stories
Your Money
Rolling Notary
Something to think about.

 

"Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes."  

Zig Ziglar 

*****

 "It always seems impossible until 

it's done."

Unknown

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Tips and Tricks
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We want to make your life easier and less stressful so we are adding a handy tip in each issue to help make

that happen.

 ************

Keep knives sharp to avoid injuries.  Being able to use less pressure will give you better control.  Once or twice a year take your knives to the meat department of your local grocery store; butchers do a fantastic job of sharpening knives to keep them in good shape and this is usually a free service.

 

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Musings

 Attracting Readers

       You are justifiable proud of the articles you write.  Have you ever wondered why people are, or are not, reading your blogs and new sletters.  It can be difficult to capture the reader's attention, but there are a few simple ways to make your writings more readable.

       Keep in mind that most people have short interest spans; and in our fast-paced society, most people just scan the beginning of the article to see if it something they want to read.  If the article doesn't hook them in the first couple of sentences, they will pass on to something else. 

       Long articles are often skipped.  If you have an important message try breaking it up into smaller chapters.   Leave the end of each chapter open so the reader will be anxious to read the next part. Use bold titles that can act like headlines to attract attention.  Formatting around shot, eye-catching sections will entice the reader to read on.

       Bulleted or numbered lists and inforaphics also work well to hook readers.  It has been shown that the first thing that catches the readers eye is, in numerical order:

1.      pictures or graphics

2.      text is the caption below the graphic

3       the first couple of sentences of the article. 

This gives you three other lures to your copy.

       If your writing is going to be published online include links to more information, particularly if the linked article re-enforces your position.  The only caution is to use them sparingly, no more than two or three per post.  Also, be sure that your links open in a new window.  This way you won't lose your reader.

       Good writing takes practice.  Using some of these suggestions will help you get better.  If possible, hold your article overnihandwritingght before you publish it, just in case you want to edit it with a fresh eye.

Shayna's Success Stories  


      Shayna's author DonnaUpshaw is available for custom cartooning and also has a line of wonderful note cards to bring smiles to your clients.. Click here to follow Shayna's Success Stories  from the beginning of her adventures.


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Your Money - Your Life 

Start a Filing System for Your Taxes

       If you haven't started yet, now is the time to start organizing for next year's taxes.  You may think this premature, but it isn't; planning throughout the year makes tax filing much easier.  You will also have the experiences of this year to guide you for the future.

       The first step is to create a filing system.  Remember when Grandma had envelopes for the milkman, the butcher, and the rent.  That is still a great system, possibly updated to file folders or computer folders with all your records scanned and stored inside.  A good  filing system helps you keep track of important documents and avoid forgetting about transactions that occur during the year. Waiting until later in the year to start sorting will virtually guarantee you will miss important deductions.

       Your system can also help you make important spending decisions.  Knowing in advance will allow you to make better  choices of how to fund big purchases.  For example, interest on a student loan is deductible, credit card interest isn't.  Saving in a Roth IRA with after tax dollars yields no tax when you withdraw them for retirement, a regular IRA will be deductible up front, but heavily taxed at redemption. 

       Knowing in advance the status of your tax situation will give you peace of mind and a better grip on how you use your assets.

 

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    • change the economy of a whole Village 
    • or provide books for early literacy programs 

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