THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD NIGHT
Sleep is an essential part of our lives, but it becomes even more important as we get older, as it’s a necessity for healthy aging and staying energized. Ideally, everyone should sleep between 7.5–9 hours a night, but as we get older, this becomes much harder to achieve. Health complaints, minor disturbances, and a decrease in melatonin levels make it difficult for seniors to get a full night of sleep, which can cause irritability and fatigue. In order to combat these disturbances, here are a few things you can do to ensure you get enough sleep during the night.
Build an active daily routine. Outdoor exercise and general
movement every day is good for your body, but being outside and absorbing sunlight can balance and optimize your melatonin levels, which can help you fall asleep easier. On top of exercise, try weaving protein-rich snacks and meals into your routine. Foods like light meat and nuts can improve sleep quality, and dairy foods contain tryptophan, which is a sleep-promoting chemical. Eliminate unhealthy substances. Limit your intake of caffeine and sugar throughout the day — especially right
DON’T DREAD TAX SEASON Get Your Biggest Refund in 2022
No one likes tax season, but the 75% of taxpayers who receive refunds every year appreciate the extra cash. However, many people inadvertently overpay their taxes and lose out on money they’re legally owed. Don’t let that happen to you — make sure you get your maximum refund by paying attention to the following factors. Itemization One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when filing your taxes is taking the standard deduction or choosing to itemize deductions. Due to recent tax reforms, more people should take the standard deduction than in previous years — TurboTax and the IRS estimate that about 90% of taxpayers will get more money back by choosing the standard deduction. But if you have hefty state or local taxes, pay large amounts of mortgage interest, or donate large amounts to charitable organizations, it’s worth the time to determine if itemizing will get you a larger refund.
still claim additional tax money back. With “above-the-line deductions,” you don’t have to itemize. If you contribute to a health savings account (HSA) or individual retirement account (IRA), you might be eligible for an additional deduction. People who pay student loan interest, teachers who purchase school supplies, or individuals who pay alimony can also claim these costs above the line. Earned Income Tax Credi t People with low to moderate incomes can claim the earned income tax credit (EITC), but about 1 in 5 eligible taxpayers fail to do so every year. Some taxpayers don’t realize they qualify; others (mistakenly) decide not to file taxes because their income is below the IRS’ filing threshold. Whether you’re eligible for the EITC will depend on your income and household size, but those who qualify can reduce the amount of taxes they pay by $500–$6,000 and receive a larger refund check. This year, don’t leave any money on the table. You earned it, so it should go in your wallet. But taxes can be tricky. If your situation is complicated or you don’t know where to start with filing, see a tax expert.
Above-the-Line Deductions If your biggest refund comes via the standard deduction, you can
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