Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.
– Henry David Thoreau
Hi,
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how to protect your passwords online . Here is why – yesterday, someone hacked my yahoo account, copied all of the contacts I had in there, and deleted them. Then they sent an email that began, “I’m writing this with tears in my eyes…” and gave a sad story of me and my family being mugged in Wales, UK, then not being helped by the police or the embassy. On top of that, I was stuck in a hotel with a $1, 170 (wait, don’t they use pounds?) bill and the manger wouldn’t let me leave. The email then asked to send the money. The really tricky thing was they closely duplicated my email address, changing one character, so it really looked like it came to me.
I tried to let people know via twitter and facebook, but because they deleted all my yahoo contacts, I couldn’t send another email saying the other was a fraud. I’ve notified yahoo and hopefully they have or will shut this guy down.
So a couple of lessons, change your passwords regularly. And if you get a weird email from a friend saying they need money be sure to question the friend directly in a new email and not replying to the plea (or give them a call).
Looking on the bright side, I was able to connect with a lot of people that I hadn’t heard from in awhile as they called or emailed checking in on it. So for that, I can say, thanks Hacker!
Well…we’re moving into the “Love” month! But for many folks, it’s also the TAX month. Ouch.
Even if you’re working with a CPA or tax professional, it’s just a big pain to gather all of your tax documents without missing anything.
So I wanted to share this little checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything when you are going through your taxes. I hope it’s helpful!
Aaron Miller’s
“Straight Talk” Personal Strategy
My Tax-Time Checklist
This list is mostly complete–but I’m always looking to add to it! Let me know if you think I missed anything.
Personal Data
Social Security Numbers (including spouse and children)
Child care provider tax I.D. or Social Security Number
Employment & Income Data
W-2 forms for this year
Tax refunds and unemployment compensation: Form 1099-G
Miscellaneous income including rent: Form 1099-MISC
Partnership and trust income
Pensions and annuities
Alimony received
Jury duty pay
Gambling and lottery winnings
Prizes and awards
Scholarships and fellowships
State and local income tax refunds
Unemployment compensation
Homeowner/Renter Data
Residential address(es) for this year
Mortgage interest: Form 1098
Sale of your home or other real estate: Form 1099-S
Second mortgage interest paid
Real estate taxes paid
Rent paid during tax year
Moving expenses
Financial Assets
Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID
Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV
Proceeds from broker transactions: Form 1099-B
Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R
Capital gains or losses
Financial Liabilities
Auto loans and leases (account numbers and car value) if vehicle used for business
Student loan interest paid
Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other fixed time deposits
Automobiles
Personal property tax information
Department of Motor Vehicles fees
Expenses
Gifts to charity (receipts for any single donations of $250 or more)
Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work
Unreimbursed expenses related to your job (travel expenses, entertainment, uniforms, union dues, subscriptions)
Investment expenses
Job-hunting expenses
Education expenses (tuition and fees)
Child care expenses
Medical Savings Accounts
Adoption expenses
Alimony paid
Tax return preparation expenses and fees
Self-Employment Data
Estimated tax vouchers for the current year
Self-employment tax
Self-employment SEP plans
Self-employed health insurance
K-1s on all partnerships
Receipts or documentation for business-related expenses
Farm income
Deduction Documents
State and local income taxes
IRA, Keogh and other retirement plan contributions
Medical expenses
Casualty or theft losses
Other miscellaneous deductions
To your family’s wealth, health, and happiness!
Aaron Miller