The Good Life Report - Year-End Tax Tips, Ways To Give Back This Holiday Season & More
"You're born an original. Don't die a copy."
- John Mason
Breakfast Quesadillas
1 quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Salt
- ⅓ cup pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 medium tortilla
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- Salsa or hot sauce for serving
Directions:
- Whisk together the eggs, hot sauce (depending on preference) and salt. Add the beans and set aside.
- Melt the butter or add oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in the egg mixture and cook until just set.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl and add in the chives and cilantro.
- In a separate skillet, warm the tortilla over medium heat, flipping occasionally.
- Once the tortilla is warm, sprinkle half the cheese over one half of the tortilla. Top the tortilla with the eggs and top the eggs with the rest of the cheese.
- Press the top half of the tortilla over the toppings and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
Recipe adapted from Cookie and Kate[1]
Year-End Tax Tips
'2020 is almost over, which means it's time to start wrapping up those taxes for the year! There are lots of things to do to prepare for 2021. Here are some year-end tax tips to consider:
- If you think you will be in the same or a lower tax bracket next year, it may be beneficial to defer income until 2021. This could include self-employment income or year-end bonuses.
- You may be able to take some last-minute tax deductions, such as controlling when you contribute to charity.
The end of the year is the perfect time to talk with your tax professional on how to position yourself for 2021.
* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from Turbo Tax[2]
Try This Drill When Cold Weather Hits
When the weather outside is frightful, golfing isn't as delightful! But that doesn't mean that you have to lose your muscle memory just because you can't get out to the course. This drill can help.
Find a place in your home where you can do a full swing without hitting anything. Or, you can go outside if the weather permits. Then, do 25 or more full swings with your heaviest club or add weight to your club. This will help loosen the muscles you use when you swing and retain positive muscle memory. Golf pros have seen their students gain 15-20 extra yards off the tee after doing this every day in the winter.
Tip adapted from PGA[3]
Ways to Give Back This Season
The holiday season is a time to give back to our community. There are many service opportunities available, whether you seek out ones in your community or give back on your own. Here are some ideas:
- Bake cookies or casseroles and pass them out at the local fire departments, police stations, hospitals, or to elderly neighbors or those in need.
- Pack stockings for homeless people in your community. Include helpful goodies like water bottles, granola bars, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and a toothbrush, or warm gloves.
- Clean out the toy box with your child or grandchildren and donate some toys or games that they don't play with anymore. This is a great learning lesson for little ones!
- "Adopt a family" during the holiday season and help them out with gifts or necessities. Churches and other local organizations often have a program where you can find families in need and help them out.
- Donate to a food bank. You can either shop for nonperishables or donate your time!
Tip adapted from US News and World Report[4]
Eco-Friendly Gift Guide
Still looking for the perfect gift for those on your list? There are plenty of ways to be green this holiday season, including shopping for gifts that are either sustainable or help give back to organizations that are helping take care of our planet. Here are some ideas:
- Reusable water bottles make the perfect gift for that person who always has a plastic bottle with them. Help them drink more water and save plastic!
- Reusable straws are a fun gift and are becoming easier to carry around. Look for reusable straws that are compact and go with you anywhere, from restaurants to coffee shops.
- Amour Vert is a company that's focused on creating sustainable fashion pieces. Plus, they plant a tree for every t-shirt bought!
- Avocado produces healthy, non-toxic organic mattresses, pillows, and sleep accessories. Getting a good night's sleep has never been greener!
Tip adapted from Scary Mommy[5]
