FEATURED STORY
Celebrate Earth Day Every Day Through Service
Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and thousands of events worldwide are scheduled to celebrate and protect the only planet we have. While progress has been made since the first Earth Day in 1970, the grassroots effort is ongoing. This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” stressing the fact that the need […]
TALES FROM THE CLOSET
Tales from the Closet brings you all the reading material you need to become and expert at organizing.
ORGANIZING WEBSITES
Use the list of resources below when its time to organize your things. No matter how big or small the job is, you’ll find any one of these websites helpful.
Hoarders Help
It's time to remove the emotional value from the items you never use and the ones that clutter up your home. Remove the clutter and get organizational advice.
Quick Tips
The Don’ts of Springtime Gardening
Get Your Garden Ready for Planting
Donate Clothing, Get a Tax Deduction
HSA Contributions Are Tax-Deductible
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The Don’ts of Springtime Gardening
There are many don’ts of #springtime #gardening, says Better Homes & Gardens — mistakes that gardeners can easily make that could damage plants or make them less productive. First, don’t work soggy soil; you might compact it and make it less viable. Schedule plantings to avoid late-season frosts, and harden seedlings by exposing them to varying temperatures for up to two weeks ahead of planting. Don’t use fresh manure, since its high nitrogen levels can burn plants, and don’t overcrowd plantings. Finally, don’t mulch too soon or too much, since it can lend to moisture buildup and rot. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts
Get Your Garden Ready for Planting
The first step in #spring #gardening is to clean any debris out of the beds. Remove fallen leaves, branches and other detritus to help ensure that they will be pest and blight-free. Next, you’ll want to test your garden soil to find out what nutrients or organic materials it lacks or has a surplus of. Based on the test results, you can amend the soil to provide optimal growing conditions for your #plants. “A good general practice is to topdress the soil with an inch or two of compost, humus and/or manure in early spring,” Proven Winners says, as well as an extended-release plant food product. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts
Donate Clothing, Get a Tax Deduction
Did you know that when you #donate good-quality used #clothing and household items to ClothingDonations.org, you are likely eligible for a #tax #deduction? You must determine the fair market value (FMV) of the items you donate, “based on desirability, use, condition, scarcity and market demand for that property,” says IRS Publication 561. In the case of clothing #donations, for example, FMV is based on the item’s condition and what a typical buyer would actually pay for clothing of that “age, condition, style and use.” Fortunately, many tax-preparation software applications include a #donation calculator. #LastMinuteTaxDeduction
HSA Contributions Are Tax-Deductible
A health savings account (HSA) is a great way to lower #taxable #income while planning for health care events expected and unexpected. Many high-deductible plans including bronze and catastrophic plans purchased on the Health Insurance Marketplace are eligible for an HSA, and contributions offer an immediate tax deduction. Funds can be used to pay for medical expenses, and balances roll over indefinitely. For 2025, families can deduct up to $8,550 in contributions, and individuals can deduct up to $4,300. Contribute before the tax deadline to protect your health and your income! #LastMinuteTaxDeductions