With summer break tragically ending (as it does, sadly, every year), it is time to get back in the groove and prepare for the new school year. If you want to get over the first-day jitters and start out strong, employ these tips to make your first day back at class so successful that others will want to study it. Getting a Head Start According to research by the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, students lose as much as 25%–30% of the knowledge they accumulated the previous school year over summer break. Reading and math skills are particularly affected and see the highest regression rate. And the higher your grade level, the more you are likely to forget. The best way to combat this summer slump is to keep learning. Try reading books and practicing arithmetic at least three times a week to ensure you can maintain what you have previously worked so hard to learn. Shopping Spree You also want to come to school prepared! Shopping for school supplies is a great way to get everything you need for the year ahead, including a snazzy new outfit for the first day, notebooks, BACK TO SCHOOL Tips for a Successful First Day of Class
organizers, and favorite brands of pens and pencils. It’s also important to write your names in your notebooks to make them easier to identify if they end up in the lost and found! Mental Map No one likes getting lost. Whether returning to the same school as last year or heading into a new environment, finding your way can be daunting. If you arrive at school early, you can figure out where each class is and plot your path beforehand. Getting a feel for where you need to go throughout the day can be a great way to help you feel more prepared and comfortable. Many schools also have physical maps, which can be a great resource to store in your backpack if you ever find yourself turned around.
Just as a reminder to our clients, if you have created a revocable living trust with us in the last couple of years and have seen your property tax rate change on your primary residence, please give us a call. After your home is transferred into your trust, some counties require tax exemption forms to be filled out a second time. We are happy to help our trust clients with filling those out and filing them with the documentation the counties need. There is no additional fee for this service if you did your trust with us previously. Also, remember that you will qualify for the homestead exemption the year after you turn 65. This can lead to a significantly reduced property tax bill. If you believe you may qualify, be sure to contact your county auditor’s office, or feel free to call us with any questions. Keep in mind that a surviving spouse may also qualify for this exemption if their deceased spouse qualified or would have qualified. If you have any questions about any of the above, please give us a call! A Quick Reminder About Property Taxes
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