Health Insurance and Taxes: What’s in Store for You??

It’s almost that time of year again – income tax time. Some of us groan, others cheer all the way to the bank. But no matter if you get a refund or if you owe, we all have to answer the a new, sometimes anxiety -ridden question on the forms, “Do you have health insurance coverage?”

Last year I clicked the box with no hesitation – being on my husband’s employers health insurance plan was simple; it was affordable, we had a great HSA savings plan, and all seemed right with the world. I checked the box and moved on. However this year we find ourselves without any health insurance coverage – so where does it leave us??

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For a majority of taxpayers, reporting their health insurance coverage this year, will be a lot like last year – like I did, you just check a box and that’s it. If you have insurance through an employer, government program, or private insurance company you may receive a 10-95 B or C form. You don’t need to send any copies in, or wait for them to file your taxes – since not everyone will get one – so they are for your records only. (So yes, definitely put in the KEEP not PITCH pile, file them away with your other important documents).

People who purchased a health insurance plan through healthcare.gov (or your state health care marketplace) you will receive a 1095-A Form, which will just confirm your coverage, premiums and subsidies you received to pay for your health insurance. When filing your taxes online through TurboTax, you enter the info much like you do your W-2. Enter all the details onto the site, and  TurboTax takes care of the rest.

For the rest of us who will have to check the ‘no’ box  under health insurance coverage this year, TurboTax does offer assistance to help you easily understand if you qualify for assistance to pay for health insurance, if you qualify for exemptions for going without insurance, and whether you will be responsible for a penalty – and how much- if you choose not to purchase health coverage.

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TurboTax offers a plethora of free suite tools to help you understand how the ACA will affect their taxes, and the best thing of all? TurboTax doesn’t charge tax payers any extra feesfor health care-related forms!

So no matter if you are insured, uninsured, or in  between TurboTax makes it easy to fill out all the necessary forms required –  it’s so simple to answer the questions with a few clicks, you  could even do it on your smartphone or tablet!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Posted in Money Matters | 17 Comments

Make the Holidays Feel Warmer with SOL ALPACA

This is a sponsored post on behalf of SOL ALPACA and the Mom It Forward Blogger Network. Though I’ve been compensated for my time, all opinions are my own. 

The first time I ever saw an alpaca product I was at a festival where a small business owner was trying to get her business off the ground – I had never heard of using alpaca hair to knit/sew,  so I was sorta’ kinda’ completely amazed at how soft and warm it was. Where had  alpaca products been all my life??

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When searching for a company that offers a wide array of selection using this fine fiber, I found SOL ALPACA had recently opened their online store to offer the world their products.

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SOL ALPACA keeps Peru’s very ancient textile traditions alive while giving you the chance to wear the finest fibers of the Andes. The Andean people know warm, and using only alpaca and vicuña’s 32 natural shades create gorgeous modern-day designs that will knock your socks off!

Let SOL ALPACA keep you warm. 

SOL APLACA products makes the perfect Christmas gift -especially for the person who seems to have it all. From their warm scarves to their ponchos, pullovers and vests, you can find the perfect gift for anyone on your list! 

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SOL ALPACA is giving one lucky All in a Days Work reader the chance to win a 30% off  coupon to their online store! (This discount is 30% off the total amount of the purchase – only applicable to items that are regular price) 

Enter by visiting the Sol Alpaca’s site find your favorite product, and come back here and leave the link in the comments!

Posted in Fashion for Less | 8 Comments

Easy Hot Mocha Latte Recipe

If you pay any attention to my social media accounts, I have been obsessed with my coffee lately. I’ve been trying to be a bit more frugal and make my fancy coffee drinks from home, instead of buying them out (have you really ever paid attention to how much money those suckers cost? Times that by 5x a week, and you’re looking at a pretty good chunk of change).

I was given the opportunity to try out Community Coffee K-cups recently, and I am in love! 

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I love the dark roast to use in my hot mocha latte recipe. The breakfast blend is yummy as well (along with their other great flavors), but I prefer a bit richer, bolder flavor since I’m mixing other ingredients into my drink.

The recipe I use is super simple,because well, I don’t have time to be all fancy and complicated. I start off making 1 (or sometimes 2 depending on my need for caffeine that day) Community Coffee K-Cups. 

In my travel mug I mix 1 tablespoon cocoa & 1 packet sweet n’ low together. (or your other favorite sugar substitute) add a few tablespoons of your coffee so you can stir the cocoa in and make sure it’s completely dissolved. Then pour in the remaining coffee – then you will want to foam the milk and pour slowly over the hot mocha (no specific amount, whatever you desire) and then if you want you can garnish with some cocoa powder, but I prefer non-fat whipped cream 😉

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Community Coffee offers a great array of gift baskets perfect for any coffee lover in your life – I have ordered a few of these for family members out of state – I mean, who wouldn’t love the gift of coffee??
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Pumpkin Spice Covered Oreos

What you Need:
-Pumpkin Spice Baking Chips
-Oreos
-Green Sprinkles
-Cupcake Liners
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Directions:
-Place your Oreos in your cupcake liners, this just makes things a little less messy.
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-Melt the bag of Pumpkin Spice Chips in microwave in 30 second intervals until smooth and creamy
-Spoon the chocolate over top of your oreos until fully covered
-Sprinkle the top of your oreos with the green sprinkles
-Allow to cool in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes
-ENJOY
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Eye allergies and Pataday

Similarly to other allergies, eye allergies are usually hereditary. Furthermore, they often appear together with other allergic reactions. When a patient has this issue, his eyes are sensitive to different, volatile substances in his midst. Even though this matter is not necessarily damaging to organism, person will experience numerous symptoms. In medical practice, any substance that can lead to allergy is called allergen. For example, dust, which is harmless to most people, can cause excessive secretion of tears and mucous in eyes. Besides regular issues, allergies can also lead to some other complications like pink eye or asthma. Combined nasal and eye allergy can cause state known as rhinoconjunctivitis.

Commons symptoms include red, teary eyes or itching, runny nose, coughing and sneezing, itching of the nose, throat or mouth as well as headaches due to stuffy sinuses. Additionally, patient may experience fatigue or he may lack sleep.

Various substances that are present in our environment can lead to this state. In most of the cases, these agents are airborne. This way, they can easily come into contact with patient’s nose and eyes. The list includes things such as pollen, mold, dust and animal hair. Other things that are commonly causing allergies, such as bee sting or certain types of food usually do not cause eye issues. Sometimes, patient may also be sensitive to antibiotic eye drops, other types of drugs or even cosmetic products.

Every medical expert will recommend avoiding all these substances as the first line of defense. Some things can easily be avoided. You can give up your pets or you can clean your home more often. During blooming season, when there is a lot of pollen in the air, stay at home and turn on air conditioning. Use high quality filters that can prevent these allergens from reaching your eyes. Similarly, use glasses that are really tight in order to prevent irritation of eye membrane. Drive your car with windows shut. If none of this helps, you can always buy Pataday online and quickly eliminate most of the symptoms that were troubling you.

Have in mind that watery eyes can sometimes be caused by dry eye syndrome. When a person has allergic reaction, histamine in his body will cause crying and watery nose. On the other hand, this syndrome, even though it seems illogical, can also cause similar reaction. Precisely due to this dryness, glands will start with hyper production of tears in order to lubricate the tissue. Before you take any action, make sure to visit the doctor and determine what the precise problem you are facing is.

Pharmacists from You! Drugstore suggest using Pataday as a great way to eliminate most of the eye issues caused by allergy. Medicine blocks histamine eliminating unwanted symptoms. Have in mind that Pataday needs to be used preventively, before you come into contact with problematic substances. Even though this drug is regarded as pretty safe, it may cause issues such as sore throat, headache and stuffy and runny nose.

Posted in Fitness/Health | Leave a comment