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Super Bowl XLIII

 

  Super Bowl XLIII, can it already be that time? 2008 seemed to fly by and now 2009 has one month already under its belt.

  Some of the facts associated with the Super Bowl just blew me away.

  • 1 billion people watch the game
  • 232 countries and territories broadcast the game and 34 different languages are used
  • A 30 second advertising spot will cost $2.6 million
  • $300-$400 million is the projected economic benefit to the Tampa Bay area (talk about a stimulus package)
  • The Super Bowl is the 2nd largest day of food consumption, second only to Thanksgiving

  I have never been a big football fan but since my youngest son has been in football it is growing on me. The first few games I was confused on why he never tackled anyone when he played left tackle (he plays offense). That was quickly explained to me when I voiced my question out loud. I have since learned to ask my questions when I am not in the bleachers.

  I look at football and see similarities to the small businesses of today. Sometimes businesses are trying to move forward to reach the goal but get stopped with no yardage gained. Other times they end up moving backwards. And on those great occasions, a touchdown is scored!

  There are plays out there for the small business to score a touchdown. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), Cafeteria plans, and Premium Only Plans (POP) are just a few that could put the small business in touchdown range. Be ready to try a new play that could be a touchdown in the making!

Laura Radebaugh - BASE Administration/Adjudication Specialist

A New Year

   2008 is over. 2008 was a crazy year with gas prices, elections, and the recession. Many people have set resolutions or goals for the New Year. Resolutions are the good but rarely ever achieved; loose weight, exercise more, eat better, etc. These should be habits for everyone not just resolutions.
   I am taking a different route this year. My "goal" for 2009 is to become more organized at tax time. It’s a whopper of a chore but I’m going to try to do small things to achieve a larger goal.
   At tax time, I am constantly searching for that document that I know I had but can’t seem to find now that I need it. The IRS has released some tips to make tax time less taxing for us. You can view these tips at
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=201142,00.html. It may be too late for some of the tips to help you in 2008 but 2009 is here!

The highlights of my organization goals are:

  • Know the current tax credits and how to qualify
  • Keep good records – monthly so you can easily know by December if an additional deduction is needed
  • Don’t wait until the last minute (I am famous for waiting until the last day to complete my taxes)
    •    Another helpful document I found on www.IRS.gov is Recordkeeping for Individuals http://www.irs.gov/publications/p552/index.html. This will give you an idea of what you need to save for tax purposes.
         I hope 2009 will be an organized and prosperous year for everyone! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

      Laura Radebaugh - BASE Administration/Adjudication Specialist