Lena Gott's Blog
Posted by Lena Gott
A question I seem to be getting a lot lately is whether or not July 3, 2009 is a federal holiday. As mentioned in the article United States Federal Holidays in 2009, the Fourth of July is considered an official U.S. holiday, but July 3rd is not.
On a related note, many of you are wondering when the post office will be closed for the holidays. According to a recent press release on the USPS.com website, most post offices will close at noon on Friday, July 3, 2009. As expected, all post office locations will be closed on Saturday, July 4th.
According to the postal service, only Sunday and holiday premium express mail will run on July 4th. So, if you need to mail anything the first week in July, make sure to do so before 12 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd.
More reading:
Posted by Lena Gott
In the article 2009 Postal Holidays, U.S. Post Office Closings, get answers to the following questions:
- Is the post office closed on Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day?
- What is the difference between a federal government holiday and a postal holiday?
- How do I find out if the mail will run today?
- Why is the post office closed, and where do I find USPS updates?
Posted by Lena Gott
The 2009 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, hosted by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, aired on March 28th, 2009. The winners have been reported on the Nickelodeon website (nick.com/kca). Kids' favorites are as follows:
- Reality Show – American Idol
- TV Actor – Dylan Sprouse
- Cartoon – Spongebob Squarepants
- Female Athlete – Candace Parker
- Book – Twilight Series
- Movie – High School Musical 3: Senior Year
- Movie Actor – Will Smith
- Movie Actress – Vanessa Hudgens
- Animated Movie – Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
- Voice from an Animated Movie – Jack Black
- Male Singer – Jesse McCartney
- Female Singer – Miley Cyrus
- Song – Single Ladies
- TV Show – iCarly
- Music Group – The Jonas Brothers
- TV Actress – Selena Gomez
- Male Athlete – Peyton Manning
- Video Game – Guitar Hero World Tour
Posted by Lena Gott
- IRS Form 5405, First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - learn about both versions (7,500 and 8,000) as well as who doesn't qualify and how to claim the credit.
- $7,500 & $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits - learn the difference between the two amounts, who qualifies to take them, and which one to claim based on the date of home purchase
- $8,000 Tax Credit for Home Buyers - learn how to access the text of the 2009 economic stimulus package for exact langauge of the final housing tax credit rules
- $15,000 or $7,500 Tax Credit for Home Buyers - general information about Senator Isakson's proposed amendment to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- $15,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit - Senator Isakson - find out what the rules might have looked liked if a 15,000 credit had made it into the final stimulus plan.
Feel free to email me with any questions you have about the new tax credits for home buyers!
Posted by Lena Gott
- Talk of an Obama Economic Stimulus Plan
- 2009 Stimulus Package
- Second Stimulus Checks
- $15,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit
- $15,000 versus $7,500 Tax Credit
Learn about the existing $7,500 tax break for first-time homebuyers and Senator Isakson's amendment to replace it with a $15,000 tax credit. Also, feel free to join the discussion over whether or not individuals should receive a second tax rebate in 2009.
Look for more articles if and when the 2009 stimulus package is passed, including when you can claim the homebuyer's tax credit(s) and where to find the text of the final stimulus plan.
Posted by Lena Gott
Barack Obama will become President of the United States on January 20, 2009. The swearing-in ceremony will occur at 12 p.m. noon Eastern time. News outlets MSNBC and CNN will be covering the ceremony live on tv and online.
Read more about how to watch the Inauguration online, including the swearing in ceremony and Inaugural address. Learn about the Inauguration timeline - the day's schedule includes a ceremonious procession to the Capitol, a luncheon, parade, and 10 officials Inaugural balls.
Learn even more about Barack Obama's big day in Inauguration Day 2009 - Date, Time, Tickets. Learn where to get Barack Obama memorabilia, including photos, buttons, t-shirts, and jewelry.
What is in store for America after Obama takes office? Join the debate over 2009 tax rebates (aka second stimulus checks).
Posted by Lena Gott
Great news for everyone who loves Suze Orman but don't want to / can't spend the money on her new book, 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound. Through January 15, 2009, Oprah fans can download the book for free at Oprah.com/download.