• Decide if you need permanent or term life insurance. Permanent policies will provide money to your family no matter when you die. Term policies will pay only if you die during a specific period of time.
• When you’re trying to decide between life insurance companies, ask family and friends for recommendations. You can also meet with an insurance agent to talk through your options.
• Ask for the outlines of several plans so you can compare the features of the various options you’re considering.
• Always answer the questions on your application truthfully.
• Once you select a plan, store the policy with your other important financial documents, but not in a safe deposit box. Upon death, boxes are sometimes sealed temporarily by the bank, which could delay your family’s access to the coverage.
• Review and update your policy from time to time, especially after major life events like marriages or children being born.

DETER - DETECT - DEFEND  against  IDENTITY THEFT

• Protect your social security number:
•   Don't carry your SS card with you
•   Don't write your SS number on checks
•  Give your SS number only when necessary - use other types of identifiers whenever possible.

• Treat your trash and mail carefully:         
• Shred charge receipts, copies of credit applications,  insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements before discarding.
• Consider opting out of prescreened offers of credit in the mail by calling 1-888-567-8688        (NOTE: You will be asked to provide your Social Security number).
• Deposit outgoing mail containing personally identifying information in postal collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox.
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.
• If you are planning to be away from home contact the U. S. Postal Service at  1-800-275-8777 to place a vacation hold. 

• Be on guard using the internet:
•  For practical tips to help you be on guard against internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information, go to: http://onguardonline.gov           

• Select intricate passwords:
•   Place passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts.
•   Don't use easily available information (i.e. mother's maiden name, birth date, last 4 of social security number).  Instead, for a strong password, use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
•  Give your SS number only when necessary - use other types of identifiers whenever possible

• Verify a source before sharing information:
• Because identity thieves are clever and may pose as representatives of banks, internet service providers, etc., don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact.

• Safeguard your purse and wallet:
• Protect your purse and wallet at all times.  Don't carry your social security card, and carry only the identification cards, credit cards or debit cards that you will need when you go out.

• Store information in a secure location in your home.

• Gas Mileage Tips -- Find out how driving efficiently, keeping your car in good condition, and combining trips can help you save money.
• Traffic and Road Closures -- Get resources to keep you informed about road and traffic conditions.
•  Scenic Byways -- Find scenic drives that you might enjoy while traveling on the road.

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

•  Cost $80
  
•    Valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. Expires the last day of the month punched.
  
•     Includes two signature lines and any two individuals may sign the pass. Both are considered pass holders.
  
•     Admits pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee sites.
  
•     At per person fee sites, admits pass holder and up to three (3) persons age 16 and older. Children 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
  
•     Photo identification may be required to verify ownership.
  
•     Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
  
•     To plan your trip and determine if this pass is the right one for you, please contact the offices of the federal recreation sites where you plan to visit.

_____

Why the Price of Gas is Rising

Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells will be speaking tonight, March 22nd, at the Beacon Square Civic Association meeting Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Wells will discuss the  appraisal process, property values, legislation affecting those property values, among other topics.

The Beacon Square Civic Association is located at 3741 Bradford Drive, New Port Richey.  Heading south on U.S. 19, turn right onto Moog Road, and then turn right again on Bradford Drive. 

More information is available by calling the Association at 727-807-7007.

* Information provided by the Suncoast News / Pasco North edition.

• Studies show that students whose parents are involved in schools are more likely to resist negative peer pressure, more likely to graduate and to go to college, and less likely to have learning and behavioral problems.
• One of the best things you can do to see that your child gets the most out of his or her education is to get involved and encourage them to do the same. Serving on the PTA or becoming a class parent assures that you know what’s going on so that your child can take full advantage of school events.
• Encourage your child to sign up for extracurricular activities and take part, as a family, in school work days, spirit nights, donation drives and the variety of activities held throughout the school year.

• Don’t wait for a conference to talk with the teacher about a child’s progress. Students will be more successful if parents have an open dialogue with their children, teachers and school administrators from the start of the school year.
• Be positive. Your child may be nervous about heading back to school, so be sure to model optimism and excitement about the new year. Your child will pick up on your good attitude. Also, let him or her know you're always available to talk about problems.
• Discuss your child’s learning style and past successes and challenges with school. Ask questions about your child’s curriculum, educational track and expected benchmarks for the academic year. Notice when your child completes homework/assignments and provide encouragement. Praise your child for positive efforts even if you don't see the results yet.
• Talk every day about the progress he/she is making in each class. Encourage your child to talk to teachers if he/she does not understand an assignment.
• Almost every student approaches the start of a new school year with at least a bit of trepidation, and if your child has struggled with school in the past, he/she is much more likely to be less than overjoyed about heading back into the classroom. Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school. Refresh positive memories about previous years.

• Create a homework center—a specific area in the house where your child can do homework each evening. Establish a regular homework time, making sure that it’s in a quiet place and stocked with enough supplies, such as pencils, erasers, paper, a folder or two, and a calculator.
• Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
• Supervise computer and internet use.
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance
• Keep encouraging literacy at home. Read at least once a week with your child and make frequent trips to your local library.
• Have a dictionary available for your child to look up new or unfamiliar words
• All students need to be proficient in Science and Mathematics in order to be successful as adults. Communicate the importance of learning Science and Mathematics. From the kitchen, to the family car, balancing a checkbook and figuring out the discount on their latest purchase – Science and Mathematics surround us and enrich our lives in many ways.
• When it comes to your child and school, don't forget that routines are your ally. From consistent bedtimes to a well-established homework zone, developing positive habits can help ease anxiety and promote appropriate behaviors.

• Children between the ages of 6 and 9 need about 10 hours of sleep each night. Preteens need a little over nine hours. Therefore, setting a regular sleep routine could improve your child’s sleep habits and schoolwork. Establish a reasonable bedtime so that they'll be well-rested and ready to learn in the morning.
• Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies have shown that children who eat healthful, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the school day and earn higher grades than those who have an unhealthy diet.
• Have your child organize and set out what they need the night before; Clothes should be laid out in their bedrooms.Homework and books should be put in their backpacks by the door. Pack light, a backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student’s body weight. Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles and may increase curvature of the spine.
• Encourage students to leave the iPods, cell phones and other electronic toys at home. Most schools ban them during school hours anyway -- and students have been robbed of their electronic items going to or from school. Teach your child not to share locker combinations with other students.
• Encourage your child to keep a notebook or journal in order to write down the need-to-know info to help them remember details such as their locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, their homeroom and classroom numbers, teachers' and/or bus drivers' names, etc.
• Use a wall calendar or personal planner to record when assignments are due, tests will be given, extracurricular practices and rehearsals will be held, etc.
• Meet with the school nurse - This is especially important if your child requires any medications at school (for asthma, allergies, attention deficit disorder, etc.), has any allergies (foods, medications, bee, yellow jacket, etc. stings) or any medical conditions (seizures, heart conditions, etc.) that may restrict their participation in school activities.
• Make sure students are aware of all school rules governing their behavior while in school.
• Children may be embarrassed about being targeted by bullies, let them know it’s OK to report a bully to a teacher, principal or resource officer.
• Prepare your child for social situations. A certain level of social anxiety is normal. Respond to signs of anxiety by talking to your child about school concerns. Make time to listen when kids want to talk - review your child's worries one at a time and help them problem solve so they don't become overwhelmed.

MEDICAID & THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)  

• If you are eligible for health coverage from your employer, but are unable to afford the premiums, some States have premium assistance programs that can help pay for coverage.  These States use funds from their Medicaid or CHIP programs to help people who are eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage, but need assistance in paying their health premiums. 

• If you or your dependents are already enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you live in a state offering assistance (Florida), you can contact the Children's Health Insurance Plan or your State Medicaid office to find out if premium assistance is available. 

• If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you think you or any of your dependents might be eligible for either of these programs, you can contact any of the groups listed here to find out how to apply.  If you qualify, you can ask the State if it has a program that might help you pay the premiums for an employer-sponsored plan:
  
• Contact the State Medicaid Office
• Contact the Children's Health Insurance Plan
• Contact INSURE KIDS NOW by calling 1-877-Kids-Now (1-877-543-7669)

• Once it is determined that you or your dependents are eligible for premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP, your employer’s health plan is required to permit you and your dependents to enroll in the plan – as long as you and your dependents are eligible, but not already enrolled in the employer’s plan.  This is called a “special enrollment” and you must request coverage within 60 days of being determined eligible for premium assistance. 
• As a Florida resident, you may be eligible for assistance paying your employer health plan premiums. 

• Avoid contact with corded phones.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords.  Unplug electronic equipment well before the storm arrives because power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing and bathroom fixtures because they can conduct electricity: do not wash hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes or do laundry.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
• If you're caught outside during a storm, stay away from tall trees. Avoid open fields, beaches, and boats on the water. If possible, seek shelter in a thick growth of small trees or in a low lying area.  Also avoid anything metal such as golf clubs/carts, tractors, bicycles, etc. Seek shelter in a car if possible, but avoid touching any of its metal parts. 

• Breathing - if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
  
• Heartbeat - if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
  
• Pulse - if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing and eyesight.

  Social Media Ways to Get Tax Information You Need 

* Including ASL Videos and Tweets *

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2011-09

If you prefer social media resources over hard copy documents, or you use your smartphone to work smarter, this will interest you!

1. IRS2Go Mobile App:  The IRS launched a smartphone application this year that lets you interact with the IRS using your mobile device. The mobile application can help you get your refund status and tax updates. IRS2Go is available for the iPhone or iTouch and the Android. 
2. YouTube: The IRS Video Channels on YouTube provide with short, informative videos on various tax-related topics. The videos are in English, American Sign Language, and a variety of foreign languages.
3. Twitter Follow along with IRS tweets which include tax-related announcements, news for tax professionals and updates for job seekers. Follow us @IRSnews.
4. Audio files for Podcasts - The IRS creates audio files for use in podcasts. These short audio recordings provide useful information on one tax related topic. The audio files and their transcripts can be found in the Multimedia Center on IRS.gov.  These files are also available as podcasts on iTunes.
5. Widgets - Widgets are tools that can be placed on websites, blogs or social media networks to direct others to IRS.gov for information. The IRS has developed a variety of widgets that feature the latest tax initiatives and programs. These widgets can be found on Marketing Express, the marketing site that allows IRS partners and tax preparers to customize their IRS communications products. 

• IRS New Media Center
• IRS Multimedia Center

• Understanding a notice or letter you received and need face-to-face assistance, or telephone help  to understand what's next
• Multilingual assistance takes away language barriers either in person, or over the phone with bilingual interpreters 
• Making payments are accepted at your local IRS TAC. Just be sure you know tax period and type of tax for the payment you are making; and be sure to bring any IRS notice you received about it.
  
• Free preparation of federal tax returns for Earned Income Tax Credit or whose income is less than $49,000 - on the current and prior year - basic tax returns
• Apply for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) If you are not eligible for a Social Security number but need to file a tax return, bring the completed tax return, Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Identification Number, and certified identification documents to your local TAC to apply for your ITIN and file your return. For more information, see Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.
  
• Alien Clearances Before leaving the United States, most aliens must obtain a certificate of tax compliance. This document, also popularly known as the sailing or departure permit, must be secured from the IRS before leaving the U.S. You can get the permit from your local TAC. For more information, see Publication 513, Tax Information for Visitors to the United States.
  
• Tax Return and Tax Account Transcripts Do you need a copy of your tax return for financial aid or to obtain a mortgage? If so, a tax return or tax account transcript generally meet the requirements of these lending institutions. Visit your local TAC for free transcripts, typically available for the current and past three years.

• Make at least half you grains whole grains
• Vary your veggies
• Focus on fruit
• Get your calcium rich foods
• Go lean with protein 
• Find your balance between food and physical activity 
• Keep food safe to eat

• Use sunscreens with broad spectrum SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
• Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
• Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun; for example, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, more often if you’re sweating or jumping in and out of the water.

After many years of wishing and hoping, the Lacoochee-Trilby communty received news that grant funds are being set aside for a communtiy center in Stanely Park. Many individuals across the county have been working to bring services to the Lacoochee-Trilby area and are pleased that a significant step has been taken toward building a communty center. The Pasco County Library, with grants funds, has offered a variety  of programs to citizens in the Lacoochee-Trilby area. The Library has brought laptops with aircards to the Boys and Girls Club, Trilby Community Center, and other locations to provide citizens with access to  Access Florida (food stamps/medicaid), employment assistance, as well as other programs.  Once the communtiy center is built, the Pasco County Library is hoping to offer an array of library services there. For more informaiton regarding the funding for the new community center read the article in the St. Petersbrug Times - $300,000 grant set aside for community center in Lacoochee