As many tax payers discovered from the last tax season, it was better to take the standard deduction and not itemize deductions. Will your expenses exceed standard deduction amounts for your 2019 taxes? As a taxpayer, you will have to take a good look at your expenses each year to see whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.

Here's information you need to consider when filing your 2019 taxes:

* Medical and dental expenses —If they are more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, you get a deduction.

* State and local taxes — You will not be able to deduct state and local income, sales and property taxes if your deductions exceed $10,000. It's $5,000 for married taxpayers filing separate returns.

* Miscellaneous deductions — These job-related expenses cannot exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income.

* Home equity loan interest — You won't be able to deduct interest that you paid on home equity loans except if you took out the loan to buy, build or substantially improve your main home or second home.

* Charitable contributions limit modified — The limit has increased from 50 percent to 60 percent of your adjusted gross income. You may be able to deduct more of your cash contributions.

* Casualty and theft losses deduction has been modified — Net amounts are deductible only to the extent that they're attributable to a federally declared disaster.

* The deduction for moving expenses is suspended — There are exceptions if you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty and don't get reimbursed by the government for the expense, you can deduct it from your taxes.

* Repeal of deduction for alimony payments — These payments are no longer deductible. Note that alimony and separation maintenance payments are no longer included as income, so you won't need to report these payments on your tax return.

Many taxpayers will opt to not itemize deduction because the standard deduction is nearly doubled.
Good News - You may be able to deduct more of your total itemized deductions if they were limited in the past due to the amount of your adjusted gross income.

We recommend that you consult qualified professionals and/or IRS regulations as you approach the tax filing date...April 15!
Source...

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This Football-shaped Meatloaf is sure to please your party guests!

We are looking forward to a happy, healthy, and successful 2020 and wish the same for you and yours.

Here is a list of Quotes for the New Year by renowned people that will guide you as you traverse through the 365 days of 2020 – Enjoy!

1) “Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress.”  Charles Kettering

2) “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

3) “Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You will look 10 years younger. Do not be afraid to say, I love you. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.”  Ann Landers

4) “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  Mark Twain.
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5) “Glory to God in highest heaven, Who unto man His Son hath given; While angels sing with tender mirth, A glad new year to all the earth.”  Martin Luther

6) “All of us every single year, we are a different person. I do not think we are the same person all our lives.”  Steven Speilberg

7) “Be always at War with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you, a better person.”  Benjamin Franklin
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Most people enjoy the holidays, because it’s generally a festive and fun time of the year! It’s also one of the busiest! There are lots of parties to attend, social events to plan, family get-togethers, shopping to be done, and cookies to be baked. Add seasonal weather to the mix, finances, cold and flu season and a super long “to-do” list and this time of year can also take a big toll on our health. With all the fun and celebrating it’s easy to forget ourselves sometimes, but it’s so important to remember to take good care of yourself and remain heart healthy during these stressful and busy weeks!

Here are some easy tips to lessen the stress, strengthen your heart and be heart healthy this holiday season.

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff (or the big stuff)

No doubt, all of us have long to-do lists this time of year. Sometimes you can plan way ahead and still not have things work out like you planned. It’s ok! Learn to be gentle on yourself, and when things get overwhelming, force yourself to simplify. Scale back your to-do list. Delegate some errands to your partner, children or friends. Space out your shopping and baking, and don’t overbook your schedule with events and social gatherings. Take deliberate time out of your day to relax and regroup. Force yourself to take a nap! What’s important is that you aren’t stressing yourself out needlessly. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that less is more!

2. Sneak in some exercise

Just because you’re “busy” doesn’t mean you’re staying active. Sometimes the cold weather keeps us from our regular exercise routines, and the stress of the holidays can also cause us to overeat and hibernate on the couch a little too long! Park a little farther when you’re out shopping to add some steps to your day. Walk around the mall a little longer than you have to. Dance in the kitchen to Christmas songs on the radio while doing the dishes. Stressful day? Pull out the yoga mat and do some deep breathing and stretching in the evening. Just be sure that you are mindful about moving your body through the Winter months. Your heart will thank you!

3. Be wise about portion control

We are literally surrounded this time of year by rich food and alcohol. Sometimes it’s easy to justify a little gluttony when you’re “celebrating”, but when you’ve been celebrating for 2 months, you can come out the other side 15 pounds heavier and with a higher cholesterol count if you’re not careful! Treating yourself is ok, but always make sure the bulk of your calories are coming from real, unprocessed foods. Fill up on the healthy stuff first, and you’ll feel less inclined to eat a sample of every dessert.

4. Make sure you’re getting enough rest

Insomnia and sleepless nights can take their toll on our bodies when we constantly have lists of things we need to do going through our brains. Sometimes it feels impossible to shut it off. One good tip is writing down everything you need to do the next day. If you have it on paper, sometimes it’s easier for the brain to let it go. Take time to relax each evening with a good book, a warm bath or a warm drink. Try to stay away from electronics in the late evening, and make sure you’re room isn’t too warm. These are helpful for a good night’s sleep. No matter how busy you are, always aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. A well rested body is a healthy body and helps keep the heart healthy! According to Dr. Mercola, there are definitely consequences of not getting enough sleep!

5. A joyful heart is a happy heart

There’s a lot to be said about having a positive outlook and being of good cheer. Not only can a good attitude benefit those around us, but it can keep our blood pressure from rising and keep stress away too! There’s a direct correlation between mental and physical health, so keep your mind positive. Look for ways to serve others, and look for the good in every situation and your whole body will thank you!
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