TAKE ACT YEAR-END TA Year-end tax planning isn’t just about making last-minute moves; it’s about setting yourself up for financial success in the coming year. Here are some key strategies to consider before Dec. 31. Maximize Retirement Contributions One of the most effective ways to reduce your taxable income is by contributing to retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. For 2024, the contribution limit for a 401(k) is $22,500, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution allowed if you’re over age 50. Traditional IRA contributions can also reduce your taxable income, while Roth IRA contributions offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Baskets of Fun
Timing Income and Deductions Consider accelerating certain deductions or deferring income to optimize your tax
Most of the apples you find in stores are ripening now, making September prime apple-picking season! When green apples begin to turn yellow and red apples brighten in color, they are ready to be gathered up. If you are looking for a great excuse to get out in nature with your family or just hankering for some fresh produce, then apple picking is the thing for you. Orchards all over the country have a you-pick season so you can bring home your own fresh apples. Here is how to get in on the apple-picking trend right now! How do you like them apples? If you and your kids aren’t paying to pick apples, and you don’t have the owner’s permission, that’s stealing. If you (or someone else) pay your kids to pick apples, that is child labor, which is, sadly, also illegal. Kidding aside, for the most part, to pick apples at an orchard, you must pay for the privilege. Orchards all across the country have different varieties of apples ripening all the time. Whether you’re in Maine, Michigan, California, or somewhere in between, you are likely ready to go on an apple-picking frenzy with family! Enjoy the fruits of your labor. After a long day of picking apples and making memories, you need a place to put them. Sure, if you want to dig into your apples right away, a bowl on the counter is fine. But if you want to store these apples for safekeeping (or making pie, apple crisp, apple sauce, or myriad other things), keep them somewhere nice and cool, like a refrigerator. If you keep your apples cool, they’ll stay good for weeks, ensuring you can enjoy the fruits of your labor all month! APPLE PICKING WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY
position. For example, if you’re able to prepay your January mortgage payment in December,
Tasty Turkey Meatloaf
INGREDIENTS
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1 lb ground turkey
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 onion, diced
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 eggs
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1/2 cup bread crumbs
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and line a baking dish with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. 3. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the baking dish. 4. Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F. 5. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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