Upromise Guest Shopping for Kim

I just found a cool new site to help save for my nephew's college expenses! When you shop through their portal or dine in registered local restaurants a portion of the bill is added to your account. You can use the money for any member of your family's college expenses.

Upromise Guest Shopping for Kim

A Double Whammy for NJ Libraries

As if the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to libraries weren’t enough; Assemblyman John Dimaio has introduced an elimination of the required appropriation for the funding of free municipal libraries. Instead library appropriations would be the amount deemed necessary for the proper maintenance of the library by the municipal governing body. I fear the lawmakers in Trenton do not value libraries. Libraries are the cornerstones of our towns. They house the past, present and future of our communities. They provide the resources for all of the community to grow and achieve their potential. In these economic hard times Libraries and their resources are needed even more. While the budget crisis requires cutbacks in all areas, the proposed cuts along with A2555 will cripple municipal libraries across the state.

Please click on the link http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectRep.asp and send an e-mail to your state representatives in the 25^th district in support of your library. 

Organize Your Home Office Day

Today is Organize Your Home Office Day and to celebrate, I’m cleaning off my desk. That is my goal, whether I finish today or tomorrow, I will have a desktop that contains my laptop, printer, pens/pencils, current project folders and a notepad. From the before picture I’m sure it is obvious I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me. The mess I have now is paralyzing me. The pile represents my past, present and future. There are the last vestiges of a business and contacts from the TV show now off the air. Then there are the tax receipts that need to go to my accountant and bills to be paid. Lastly there is my future lost in all that clutter, pieces of inspiration needing to be unearthed. So that is my task, dispose of the past, organize the present and find the dreams of the future. Wish me luck.

New Tech Toy

It’s always a treat when new technology comes to the marketplace to make our lives simpler, more productive or just plain fun. The nook, the latest greatest cell phone or the ATM. Yes, there are changes afoot with the good ole ATM. Useful and functional, it’s been a longtime since there has been anything exciting about the ATM except whether the right one is located in a convenient location when you need it.

Other banks may have the new technology, but I’ve only seen ads for the new Chase ATM. According to the commercial; with the new and improved ATM deposits are oh so much easier. Just insert your check or cash directly into the machine, no envelope or deposit slip and away you go.  Today was the first time I tried out the new toy.  Wow, it works just as advertised.  I inserted my bankcard, indicated I was making a deposit. Now the new technology kicks in. The screen flashes cash or check deposit, I selected check. It then instructed me to deposit the check. I fed the check into the slot face up. Once it read the check it asked me to confirm my $100 deposit. Pretty cool, the machine was right. This new toy may take away the enjoyment I’ve gotten from direct deposit.

·               *  Housekeeping note – There is an option to get a printed copy of the check on your receipt if you need it.

Civic Lessons

I hear this was something that was once taught in schools, but I don’t remember it.  In 5^th grade we learned about the states. In 8^th grade we learned about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  I don’t ever remember being taught how local, county or state government worked. Luckily last week, I heard a speaker, Harry Pozycki, that taught me the basics of New Jersey government. No, not the rampant corruption in the state – that, I did know about. Instead, he spoke about the importance of local government, how easy it is for an ordinary citizen to voice their opinion and influence the direction of their town.

Harry Pozycki founded the Citizen’s Campaign – A Call to Service a group that is striving to “cultivate a culture of service” and develop future leaders. Their website is Justthecampaign.com. The Citizen’s Campaign has been behind legislation and executive orders that have created State level Play-for-Pay reforms and opened local and county board/commission appointments to the general public. This weekend, I took their online course on Appointed Offices. It is a 30 minute emersion into local government. I found it very informative and well worth the time.

Over the weekend, my Councilman Tim Smith updated his Facebook page with information about a grass roots initiative he spearheaded on Government Efficiencies in Morris County. In late January, the 1st report from GEM was released. governmentefficiencymovement.org will provide a copy of the 111 page report. I’m looking forward to the next phase of the movement, particularly on the possible consolidation of the tax assessing and collection process.  

Both of these men, Tim and Harry have shown me that we don’t have to sit back and let government run amuck, that common sense can prevail with governmental entities working together, transparency in government and citizen involvement. They’ve done their part on the first two, now it’s up to me to do my part on the 3^rd. 

Libraries & Literacy - I

Investing in personal prosperity = business and financial literacy

How does the Roxbury Library aid in personal prosperity? There are a myriad of finance books available at the library that enlighten us on the way to prosperity.  My favorite finance author – Suze Orman often speaks of making more room in your life by clearing out the clutter.  Luckily, the library offers a computer class on how to master E-Bay to help us unload our no longer wanted “treasures”.

After the beginning of the year, if you need a tax form, head to the table in the lobby to pick up your form.  If you need help with your taxes, make an appointment with one of the AARP tax volunteers.