Archive for December, 2010

Source: Market Watch

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Take a good look at the impressive gains that both U.S. and global stock markets posted this year, to many investors’ pleasant surprise. You don’t want to miss the repeat performance in 2011.

The third time’s a charm, as the saying goes, and 2011 offers a trio of financial-market milestones. It’s the crucial third year of the so-called presidential cycle, the beginning of the third year of the bull market that started in March 2009 — all 10 bull markets since 1949 have celebrated their third birthdays — and, in June, the start of the third year of agonizingly slow but still positive U.S. economic growth.

“It’s going to be either a good year, or a great year,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at Standard & Poor’s Equity Research.

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Source: CNN Money

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Come January, you’ll start to see some changes in your paycheck, as the new Social Security tax break that President Obama signed into law Friday takes effect.

The measure, part of a sweeping package of tax cuts, will reduce the amount of money workers pay into Social Security in 2011, which will mean more take-home pay for many workers, although not for all.

Workers normally pay 6.2% on their first $106,800 of wages into Social Security. As a result of the tax cut deal passed by the House on Thursday night, they will only pay in 4.2% in 2011.

So, for every thousand dollars in wages per paycheck up to the cap, one would only have $42 withheld (4.2% x $1,000), rather than $62 (6.2% x $1,000).

But given how late in the year it is, it may take employers a couple of pay periods to get everything working as it should.

Employers typically need a few weeks to program and test their new payroll systems. The IRS just issued guidance on Friday morning, a few weeks later than normal because Congress waited until the very last minute to render its decision on tax policy for 2011.

“It could be the third paycheck of the year before you see a ‘normal’ check,” said Scott Mezistrano, senior manager of government relations of the American Payroll Association.

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Image Courtesy of Binau.com

Winter Tips

This is an H3

• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic
• Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Check the attic for adequate ventilation
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets.

Sources

State Farm Winter Tips

The ritualistic donning of the evergreen Christmas tree is seeped deep in the tradition of man, and has nothing to do with religion. 

The evergreen tree has played a role in Winter celebrations since ancient times, as a symbol of fertility and reproduction. Evergreens were set up in the home as symbolic idols, adorned with apples and other fruit. Decorations were intended as fruit offerings, and it is speculated that is where the idea of putting gifts under the tree originated. 

Many pagan festivals used evergreen trees to honor gods and spirits. Nords used trees as a symbol that Winter would pass and the green of Spring would return. The Druids of ancient England and France decorated oak trees with fruit and candles in honor of their gods at harvest time. Romans would decorate their trees with trinkets, candles and small pieces of metal for Saturnalia ceremonies.  

The modern custom of the Christmas tree is said to originate in Germany. German would bring trees in their homes to decorate. In areas where evergreen trees were scarce, families would build a Christmas pyramid out of wood and adorn it with branches and chandles. 

It’s unknown the exact date that trees were first decorated in America, but the term “Christmas Tree” did not come into common use until 1830 when it spread throughout the land with the arrival of German immigrants. One of the first public displays of the Christmas Tree was set up by German settlers in Pennsylvania at a time when most considered the tree to be a pagan symbol. They would bake fancy ornaments for their trees, and eat them once the tree was taken down. 

German glassblowers began producing lightweight glass balls to replace the heavier, natural decorations which weighed down the tree limbs. The trimmings were said to represent the joy and light of Christmas, with a star on top to represent the “Star of the East.”

English royalty made the Christmas tree popular with the first tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, adorned the first English Christmas tree with candles, candies, fruits and gingerbread. Soon the custom spread throughout England. 

The tree is said to have gained its Christian symbolism by St. Boniface and later, by Martin Luther.

Source: Christmas Tree (Wikipedia) & Nova Reinna