Wednesday, February 13, 2013

TAX TIPS FROM A. JACK-JONES!



TAX SEASON IS HERE....!
By- A. Jack-Jones, MI

Here are a few reminders to get you better
prepared (this is a 5-7 day-preparation process- the saving process is
not included).

1.Taxpayers start getting your tax deductible vouchers and receipts in
order according to category ( 1-2 days).

2.Call your mortgage company to see if your statement is available
online prior to 31 January(15-30 min on the phone).

3.If you are a tither at church ask your head Deacon when your financial statements will be available; do you need to pick it up or will it be mailed (this is 15 minutes after Sunday service).

4.Research (2-3 day process)how you would like to have your taxes
prepared.
*Local FREE services are usually available in the
community-usually for those with a limited income ($30K or less).
*Check Staples, Office Depot, or purchase them online download
to your PC (Turbo Tax, TaxCut and TaxACT).
*Do-it Yourself Income Tax Preparation Services Online(Complete
Tax, H&R Block, Rapid Tax & The Masters Tax Service)

5.Get you tax forms online at www.irs.gov if you are doing them by hand
(1 day- if you do not have access to a computer go to your local library
with $3 in change to use the printer- Cost is usually about $.15 to .30
cents a page).

6.Put some cash aside to purchase from the store and for those of you
that got rid of the credit card (CC)this year you can use paypal (many
online purchases depots use paypal-they can deduct funds right from your
checking account).

NOTE: If putting aside cash is a problem for the next two weeks (one pay
period)do this two or all of the saving options below...

1. bring a lunch at work...savings $50-80 dollars
2. brew your own coffee at home or bring in your own tea bags
sugar, etc....($10-20 dollars)
3. do not purchase a soda...savings $10-15 dollars

This will save you $115 max or $70 minimum. This is just an estimate of
your possible savings.




BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE NEW BLOG FULL OF MONEY TIPS AND MORE BY MRS. A. JONES - COMING SOON!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Majestique Healthy Holiday Recipe!

Melba's Collard Greens and Turkey Wings

Everyone knows that I TRY to eat a little healthier, so when I come across a yummy recipe with a healthy twist, I like to share it! I found this one years ago in a cookbook from The National Council of Negro Women's Black Family Cookbook. It was the recipe I used when I first attempted to make my greens without the tradtional smoked pork. I have to say, it was quite YUMMY! Yummy enough where I have been doing it like this for the past 20 years. Enjoy!

Melba’s Collard Greens and Turkey Wings


3 pounds fresh collard greens
About 2 cups water
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 pound smoked turkey wings
1-2 tablespoons sugar
pepper
Garlic powder
Salt-substitute seasoning

Soak and wash collard greens. Remove all grit, remove hard stems. Place greens together in small bunches. Roll together. Cut crosswise into wide strips.

Place greens, water, onion, and turkey wings in large pot. Season with sugar, pepper, garlic and salt-substitute seasoning.
Cook until greens are soft and tender.

Nutrition Content per serving:
Calories 175/ carbohydrates 21 g/ fat 6 g/
protein 10g/ cholesterol 30mg/ saturated fat 1g/ sodium 448 mg

Source: National Council of Negro Women’s Black Family Reunion Cookbook:
adapted from recipe by Melba Moore, entertainer.