by admin on August 3, 2010
Here is the list of state holidays. Make sure you shop during these to save on taxes for back to school savings.
To help consumers make the most of the sales tax holiday, consider the following tips:
- Plan ahead. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. And make a list of the items you need to purchase to avoid buying on impulse. Be sure to check with your child’s school for a list of required supplies to avoid return trips.
- Comparison shop, carefully. Tax holiday “sales” and promotions may not be the bargains they appear to be. Make sure you’re comparing “apples to apples” when looking at sales and promotions.
- Talk to the retailer. Before making your purchase, ask the merchant how refunds and exchanges will be handled after the sales tax holiday ends.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Because stores may be particularly busy during the sales tax holiday, pay extra attention to those around you. Never leave your wallet, purse or credit card on a counter. Don’t get overloaded with packages. Shop with a companion or ask for a security escort to your car.
- Shop at businesses you know to be trustworthy.
by admin on July 20, 2010
The U.S. Senate broke a Republican filibuster and approved legislation restoring unemployment benefits to 2.5 million Americans who lost aid during a political dispute over how to pay for it. Benefits will be extended for those who have already used their standard 26 weeks of unemployment. President Obama, a strong supporter of the unemployment benefits extension, is expected to sign it into law tomorrow.
The legislation would extend through November a program offering the long-term unemployed up to 99 weeks of assistance and provide aid retroactively to those whose checks were cut off by the impasse. It would push total unemployment benefit spending this year to more than $130 billion, a 50 percent increase from last year, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
Democrats dropped other unemployment assistance provisions amid complaints over the cost, including a 65 percent subsidy created last year to help the jobless buy health insurance through their former employers (COBRA). There is no plan to extend them during this session of Congress even though it benefited 2 million households last year, according to the Treasury Department. The measure wouldn’t renew an additional $25 weekly jobless benefit (Federal Additional Compensation Program) that was part of last year’s economic stimulus. That means that all retroactive payments would be for $25 less than what they were before June 2nd, as will all payments in new tiers. Nor would it extend a tax exemption for the first $2,400 in unemployment aid.
Also, Democrats don’t plan to extend aid to the growing number of Americans who have already received the maximum 99 weeks of allowable aid (Tier V or Tier 5 provision). 99 weeks (Tier IV) would still be the maximum amount of a time a person could receive benefits for in states with high unemployment rates, and 86 weeks (Tier III) would still be the max in states with low unemployment rates.
A number of other jobs-related provisions, including plans to send additional aid to state governments, that once comprised Democrats’ election-year agenda were jettisoned amid complaints they would add too much to the deficit
by admin on July 12, 2010
In an effort to revitalize the economy and give individuals employment opportunities, the federal government implemented the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The purpose of this Act is to invest money in projects such as infrastructure, including the construction of highways and improvement of mass transit, and cleaner, more efficient energy alternatives. With determination and creativity on how to promote your skills and experience, you too can find a federal stimulus job.
Steps
- Read the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Before you can find a federal stimulus job, you need to know and understand the intent of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that is generating employment opportunities. Employment areas that the Act is channeling money include those related to alternative energy, infrastructure improvements, education and healthcare.
- Track the money. The federal government has a website, Recovery.gov, which allows you to query, by state, agencies that have received stimulus money. Knowing which agencies receive money will help narrow your federal stimulus job search and enable you to work smarter and more efficiently.
- Monitor an agency’s website for bid/contract awards. This information will give you the names of companies receiving federal stimulus funds, the amount of funding and job description. Should you have the skills that a federal stimulus project requires, you can then contact the recipient and inquire about employment opportunities.
- Contact your local Office of Economic Development or Chamber of Commerce. Your local Office of Economic Development is an excellent resource to inquire about existing and potential federal stimulus jobs, for they often work in partnership with state and federal agencies to bring economic opportunities to an area. They, along with the Chamber of Commerce, can also provide you information on area businesses that are in line to receive federal funding and will in turn be increasing their workforce.
- Attend federal stimulus job fairs. Job fairs are a convenient way to meet with agencies and/or companies that have received federal funds and in the process of hiring employees to complete projects. When attending job fairs, be sure to dress professionally, for you are going to make a first and lasting impression with potential employers. Also, be sure to have resumes that you can pass out to prospective employers.
- Search the Internet. Online employment websites are a convenient way to find a federal stimulus job. Federal websites such as Recovery.gov and USAJOBS.gov allow you to query job opportunities by agency, location and occupation. Depending on the site, you may be able to apply for vacancies and post your resume online.
- Visit your local unemployment office. The local unemployment office can provide information on federal stimulus jobs that are currently or available in your local area. Staff may also be able to give you insight and a timeframe on future job opportunities that will be available.
Tips
- Attend seminars or take classes to learn more about topics such as green technology and other forms of alternative energy. This knowledge will increase your marketability and chances of landing a federal stimulus job.
- If you are a veteran or served in the military for three or more consecutive years and received an honorable discharge, be sure to note that on your application so you receive veterans’ preference.
Sources and Citations
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Find a Federal Stimulus Job. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.