New #COVID-19 infections in the U.S. are at their lowest in almost a year, according to Johns Hopkins, and 61% of adults have had at least one vaccination shot. But Memorial Day weekend is not that time to let your guard down while enjoying a beach, parade or cookout with family and friends. Continue to mask up when social distancing isn’t feasible (especially in enclosed spaces with strangers) and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. There’s no reason to contribute to a summer surge.
Tag: COVID-19
It’s (Probably) Time to Plant Your Vegetable Garden
Last year, there was a huge uptick in vegetable #gardening after the #COVID-19 lockdowns went into effect. If you were among those who took up a new hobby to keep busy in your extra at-home time, you know that vegetable gardening offers its own rewards in healthy, flavorful nutrition. But even if you didn’t, it’s time to put some of your favorite herbs, fruits and vegetables in the ground! Check out this handy planting calendar from Gilmour to determine when to plant in your area.
Contain Distance Learning in a Dedicated Space
Thanks to a dramatic push to get people vaccinated against the #coronavirus, schools may be able to reopen in the fall. Until then, however, parents will continue to deal with the #clutter and #chaos of at-home learning — papers, screens and projects that ordinarily might be confined to the a classroom. Design your remote learning space to contain everything the child needs to learn, the Khan Academy suggests. Make sure that the workspace has good lighting, no distractions and is comfortable enough for extended sessions of screen-based study.
Create an Effective Remote Learning Area
COVID-19 has forced a lot of families to suddenly embrace remote learning. But even though it is largely performed on screens, remote learning can attract #clutter and will require a dedicated space to be effective. Organized by Heart says to start with the basics: Pick a desk or work surface that’s the right size and height for your children to stay focused; add a corkboard, clips or magnets so they can display their work; and add some easy-access storage space. Most importantly, “Keep things portable and easy to put away.”
Save More Money With Tax Credits
COVID-19 relief payments aren’t taxable, since they are essentially tax credits that the IRS awarded early. But there are other tax credits that can help lower your tax liability, the College Investor says. For example, you can claim up to $2,000 for adult educational expenses under the Lifelong Learning Credit, or use the American Opportunity Tax Credit to reduce liability as an undergraduate. And if you are a working parent of modest means, you may qualify for an Earned Income Tax credit of up to $6,660. #LastMinuteTaxTips