During your summer break or vacation, consider the following ideas to not only recharge, but to do so without sitting in front of a screen, monitor, or phone.
Leverage the library. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to a library, consider a trip to find two or three good books to help you pass the time this summer. If you have kids, consider going once a week or every two weeks as a summertime activity for the entire family. Plus the library is a great place for a variety of activities and resources, including books on tape for that long drive to your summer hideaway!
Start journaling or writing. Instead of reading a book you got from the library, why not actually write a book? If that sounds too ambitious, then consider starting a journal or writing shorter essays. Summer is a great time for taking your imagination and ideas, and getting them on paper.
Start a new outdoor hobby. Many studies confirm that outdoor activities give a boost to both your mental and physical health. It doesn’t matter if the activity uses a lot of energy, such as biking, running, or hiking, or is a more laid-back activity like gardening or bird watching. Pick a new outdoor activity to help you de-stress and reconnect with nature.
Dust off your board and card games. Whether it’s a game for the entire family or a group of friends, summer is a great time to grab your favorite board and card games from the closet. Even better, consider going to a thrift store and finding a new board game. For the very ambitious, consider inventing your own game.
Volunteer. In addition to giving back to your community, volunteering can help both students and adults learn new skills and meet new people. Your volunteering activities are also something that usually look great on a resume.
Go for electronic-free walks. Many people exercise while listening to music or a podcast, or watching something on TV. Consider going for a walk or doing your normal exercise activity without an electronic device. Focus instead on the scenery around you or meditate on something that happened that day.
Meet with old friends. Always too busy to meet up with old friends? Consider scheduling game nights or outings. Not only can you catch up with everyone, you do it while laughing through a fun activity.
Start a quest. Pick a theme – such as mini-golf courses, state parks, lakes, or birds – and make it a quest to visit or find as many as possible. Consider it a real life quest. Then make it memorable. For example, if your quest is to visit every state, consider taking a picture with your child and their favorite stuffed animal in each state. Then write a caption to make a great memory.
Finally, no matter what activity you choose during summer break, enjoy your time away!
It costs nothing to say thank you. Yet cultivating gratitude in your life may be one of the most rewarding moves you can make. Not only does it invoke warm fuzzies in everyone involved, expressing your appreciation may actually improve your health and well-being.
A landmark study by gratitude researcher Robert A. Emmons has shown that gratitude can reduce physical illness symptoms and toxic emotions. It can even help you sleep better and longer, according to a study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.
So what are some ways you can make gratitude part of your everyday life? Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
Write it out. Write out what you’re thankful for in your life. This may mean making a nightly habit of writing in a journal or jotting down a message to a loved one and giving it to them. You could also make some sticky note reminders of what you’re grateful for and hang them on your mirror to read each morning.
Share a good memory. Reminiscing often stirs up feelings of gratitude. For instance, think about the time you first met a close friend in grade school. Contact them and tell them how grateful you are that it happened. Send a photo of that family vacation when you all shared a common experience like learning to water ski. When you think about it, you will quickly discover happy memories to share with loved ones.
Offer your service. Show your gratitude through your actions. If you appreciate your community, join a group to clean up the park and streets. Provide a positive online review for your favorite local café. Or volunteer at a Veterans Affairs hospital.
Lend an ear. Some of the most meaningful moments involve simply being heard. Return the favor. If your sister is usually the one who lets you ramble on about work grievances and family drama, it’s time to give her a turn. Let her know you’re there and ready to listen. Maybe you avoid your chatty (albeit helpful) coworker. When you see them next, give them 5 minutes of your time.
Pay it forward. Did your neighbor share a gutter-cleaning hack with you? Next time you see someone on your street cleaning their gutters, offer to lend a hand. See a mom digging for spare change at a check out register? Pay it for her. Let the appreciation of your good deed change someone else’s outlook for the day. When they offer to pay you back, just tell them to pay it forward.
There are opportunities to cultivate gratitude all around us. Refocusing on what you appreciate on regular basis can help you live a healthier, more satisfying life.
Back by popular demand is this season’s holiday movie and TV trivia quiz! So while you’re waiting for your holiday dinner or just resting after a wonderful feast, break out this quiz to share with family and friends. Enjoy!
The song White Christmas, performed by Bing Crosby, was sung in a number of movies. In which movie did the song make its debut?
Holiday Inn. The song White Christmas was released in 1942 as part of the movie Holiday Inn. Many think that the song debuted in the movie titled with the same name. While extremely popular, the movie White Christmas was created in part to leverage the popularity of the song.
Bonus: Who won an Oscar for writing White Christmas? A: Irving Berlin
In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, what happens every time a bell rings?
An angel gets it’s wings…
Bonus: What was the name of the angel? A: Clarence
In the movie Home Alone, the family is going on vacation and accidentally leaves Kevin behind. Where were they going?
Paris
Bonus: Give yourself a point if you can name either of the thieves in the movie. A. Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern)
In the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, what three words are used to describe the Grinch?
Stink, Stank, Stunk
Bonus: Who voiced the Grinch in the famous cartoon? A: Boris Karloff, who appeared in 174 films and is known for his role as the original Frankenstein, won a Grammy award for portraying the Grinch and narrating How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Tom Hanks played six different roles in this popular holiday movie.
The Polar Express
Bonus: The Polar Express had a number of firsts. Name any one of them for a bonus point. • First full-length animated movie released in IMAX format. • First full-length movie to use animated 3D capture technology allowing creation without drawing each individual frame. • First movie to be released with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. • First animated movie to have a song nominated for an Academy Award. The song was titled Believe.
In the movie A Charlie Brown Christmas, what does Charlie Brown do poorly that turns out all right in the end?
He buys a sad-looking tree. But in the end everyone gets the Christmas spirit and wishes Charlie Brown a Merry Christmas. Linus sums up the feeling: I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.
Bonus: Name the comic strip made famous by Charlie Brown and its creator Charles Schulz. A. Peanuts
May you and yours enjoy the holiday season with peace and joy.
Results:
11 to 12 points: Deck the Halls! You are awesome.
8 to 10 points: You are dashing through the snow…no walking for you!
4 to 7 points: Ho! Ho! Ho! You are having fun besides watching holiday movies.
0 to 3 points: Holidays? What Holidays? Pass me a cookie, would you please?
We seek a talented Tax Manager with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a public CPA firm to join our team at Hawkinson Muchnick & Associates, PC. As a Tax Manager, you will play a crucial role in providing exceptional tax services to our business and individual clients. This position offers growth opportunities, including the possibility of ownership, and promotes work-life balance.
Responsibilities:
Provide comprehensive tax planning and compliance services for a diverse client base.
Manage and review tax returns, ensuring accuracy and adherence to relevant regulations.
Conduct tax research and stay up-to-date with changing tax laws and regulations.
Develop and maintain strong client relationships, delivering exceptional customer service.
Identify tax planning opportunities and provide strategic advice to clients.
Supervise and mentor junior team members, fostering their professional growth.
Requirements:
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a public CPA firm, specializing in tax services.
Strong knowledge of tax laws, regulations, and compliance.
CPA certification is required
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Hawkinson Muchnick & Associates, PC is a leading CPA firm based in Douglasville, GA. With over 30 years of professional experience and deep roots in the Douglas County area, we are known for our stability, expertise, and commitment to our clients. Our team of seasoned Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agent ensures that our clients receive top-notch financial planning services.
More than just a traditional tax and accounting firm, our comprehensive and customized strategic Financial Planning packages set us apart, allowing us to provide personalized solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. As active members of the community, we actively participate in local organizations and take on leadership roles to make a positive impact.
How to Apply:
If you are a dedicated Tax Manager seeking a rewarding opportunity with growth potential, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for our team preferably via LInkedIn Job Post or via this website via the contact form. Let’s start a conversation about your future with Hawkinson Muchnick & Associates!
Note: All applications will be treated confidentially. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for further steps in the hiring process.
About Us: https://hma-cpa.com
Location: Douglasville, GA
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring the possibility of welcoming you to our team at Hawkinson Muchnick & Associates, PC.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act recently signed into law provides a one-time payment, among other items, to individuals to help ease the economic strain caused by the coronavirus epidemic.
Here are the details of the stimulus payment initiative.
WHO QUALIFIES TO RECEIVE A PAYMENT? A one-time payment of $1,200 will be sent to most adults. For every qualifying child under age 17, families will receive an additional $500. Retirees and people on disability are also eligible to receive a payment.
WHEN WILL I GET MY PAYMENT? The IRS hopes to get the first batch of payments out the week of April 6. It may take up to a month for everyone to get their checks, assuming everything goes as planned.
HOW ARE PAYMENTS BEING MADE? If you included your bank account and routing information on your 2019 tax return, you will receive your stimulus payment via direct deposit. If you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return, the IRS will use information from your 2018 tax return. If you did not include your bank account and routing information on either your 2019 or 2018 tax returns, the IRS will allow you to request direct deposit from a screen (under development) from their website. All others will receive their payment via a check in the mail.
Alert! Invalid bank information. If you have not filed your 2019 tax return AND the direct deposit information on your 2018 tax return is no longer valid (i.e. you opened a new bank account), you will need to take action immediately! If you do nothing, the bank deposit will, hopefully, be rejected and you will receive your check in the mail. Expect a delay, however, as it may take several months to receive a check by mail. You can also try calling the IRS to update your information.
WILL I GET THE ENTIRE AMOUNT? As with other government programs, there is an income phaseout. Here are the thresholds:
Single adults with income of $75,000 or less get the full $1,200. The $1,200 payment is reduced by $5 for every $100 in income above $75,000. Full income phaseout is $99,000.
Married couples with income of $150,000 or less get the full amount of $2,400. The payment is reduced by $5 for every $100, making the full payment phased out at $198,000.
Head of Household adults (normally single adults with children or other dependents) will receive the full $1,200 payment if they earn less than $112,500. Reduced amounts will go out to Head of Household adults who earn up to $136,500.
HOW WILL MY INCOME BE CALCULATED? Your 2019 tax return will be used to determine your income for purposes of whether you receive the full amount of the stimulus check and how many qualifying children you have. If you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return, your 2018 tax return will be used.
Alert! Don’t use my current situation. It may make sense to get your 2019 tax return in immediately OR DELAY IT. Figure out which tax return gives you the best payment! if phaseouts using last year’s information lowers your payment amount get your 2019 tax return filed. If your 2019 return lowers the payment, delay filing it. So pull out last year’s return NOW and take a look!
ARE THE PAYMENTS TAXABLE? No. These payments are not taxable.
Remember, this is only one of the many relief components in recently passed legislation. There are also unemployment benefits, small business benefits and much more to come.
Washington – Following President Donald J. Trump’s
emergency declaration pursuant to the Stafford Act, the U.S. Treasury
Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today issued guidance allowing
all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of
federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15,
2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. The guidance
also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of
federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15,
2020, without penalties or interest. This guidance does not change
the April 15 filing deadline.
“Americans should file
their tax returns by April 15 because many will receive a refund. Those
filing will be able to take advantage of their refunds sooner,” said Treasury
Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “This deferment allows those who owe a
payment to the IRS to defer the payment until July 15 without interest or
penalties. Treasury and IRS are ensuring that hardworking Americans and
businesses have additional liquidity for the next several months.”
Today’s guidance will
result in about $300 billion of additional liquidity in the economy in the near
term. Treasury and IRS will issue additional guidance as needed and
continue working with Congress, on a bipartisan basis, on legislation to
provide further relief to the American people.
