Where Most People Vacation

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for visiting my BLOG and Happy April Fools Day!

This week's BLOG features information on tax deductions by MSN Money- "10 BIG Deductions Too Many People Miss," Part 2 of the "Green Spring Cleaning" series (more tips to be "eco-conscious" while getting your home neat and tidy for spring), and introducing the team's newest GRADUATE!

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It's TAX TIME!

"10 BIG Deductions Too Many People Miss"
Article by MSN Money - Jeff Schnepper

If you don't know about a potential tax break, you won't take it. Here are the deductions that a lot of taxpayers often forget.

How many times have you done your taxes and, three weeks later, learned you had missed the opportunity for a deduction? Too many, I'm sure. How can you not miss these deductions the next time? Start planning now.

I've found a number of deductions that my own clients often miss. Here are 10 of them that can affect your tax bill for 2008 and your tax planning for 2009.

• Noncash contributions

• New points on refinancing

• Old points on refinancing

• Health insurance premiums

• Educator expenses

• Student higher education expenses

• Clean fuel credit

• Investment and tax expenses

• Casualty deductions

• Retirement tax credit

To see the full article and more articles visit MSN Money

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Green Spring Cleaning Series - Part 2
General "green cleaning" tips and tricks provided by Sierra Blogging Post

1. Open the windows. The best way to get dirty air moving out and fresh air moving in is to open the doors and windows. Feel the breeze.

2. Skip the air fresheners. Chemical fresheners can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Aerosol air fresheners are even worse — the tiny air-borne particles can damage nerves and lodge in your lungs. Buy fresh flowers in lieu of traditional air fresheners. An open box of baking soda, cedar blocks, and dried flowers also add natural fragrance to the room.

3. Use vegetable-based cleaning products instead of harsh chemical cleaners. Vegetable-based cleaners, like those made with coconut oil, are becoming more popular every day. Even the makers of Clorox have a vegetable-based cleaning line on the market. Choose vegetable-based dishwashing detergent, too. (I just learned that traditional dish detergent is made from petroleum. If every family

replaced just one 28 oz. bottle of petroleum-based dish detergent with a vegetable-based product, we could save 82,000 barrels of oil.)

4. Vinegar, vinegar, and more vinegar. Nature’s cleaning miracle, vinegar can be used to clean just about anything. Use it straight to clean kitchen floors or wash windows, mix it with baking soda and essential oils to clean sinks, and even use it to remove stains in your carpet.

5. Get some baking soda, too. Multi-purpose baking soda can be used for everything from freshening the air, to freshening the carpet or furniture, to scrubbing the toilet and tub.

6. Don’t use bleach or any cleaners containing chlorine. The problems with chlorine bleach are numerous — it can burn skin and eyes and prove fatal if swallowed. When it goes down the drain, it becomes toxic to the natural world, too. A herbal-based sanitizer or one by Seventh Generation is a good alternative, as is just plain old hot water and soap. White vinegar also works wonders (see #4).

7. Skip the harsh chemical cleaners in the bathroom. Make that porcelain sparkle with non-chlorine bleach cleaners or white vinegar and a baking soda-water paste. (See #5)

8. Use natural fiber sponges and rags to do the cleaning. Avoid using paper towels and other one-time use tools.

9. Skip the antibacter

ial soap. It’s just not necessary. The widespread use of antibacterial soap is also leading to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

10. When you make the switch to natural cleaning products, be sure to safely dispose of any dangerous chemical products. Don’t pour them down the drain, into the ground, or into the trash. Read the labels or check with your waste management provider for options.

To see this blog post and many others, visit the Sierra Trading Post Blog

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And Introducing Wendy In Wilmington's Newest Team Graduate...

Hershey has successfully completed the 8-week Puppy Education course at PetSmart here in Wilmington! Heather was a great teacher and we really learned a lot from her!
His resume of tricks now includes:

• "Sit"
• "Stay"
  
• "Look"
• "Down"
• "Wait"
• "Leave it"
• "Come"
• "Give"
• "Settle"
• "Roll Over"
• "Shake"
• Loose Leash Walking
• Socialization Skills
  

The graduation party has not been scheduled yet :)

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CARTUS RELOCATIO N - Referral Network
Did you know that I can help your family and friends buy or sell real estate
anywhere in the United States!
Since Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is affiliated with CARTUS-
the world's largest relocation network -
I can connect your loved ones with a relocation expert ANYWHERE in the country!
So, the next time you know someone thinking of buying or selling, CALL ME!
I'll make sure they receive the same courteous and professional service I provide for my clients!

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I hope you have enjoyed this BLOG and have a great week & weekend!
As always, if I can help with any of your real estate needs, please don't hesitate to call or email!
Cell - (910) 279-3983
Office - (910) 202-3627
Fax - (910) 795-4268
Wendy@SeaCoastRealty.com
WendyInWilmington.com