TOP DRAWER INK NEWSLETTER

 

Here's the latest issue of Top Drawer Ink, the newsletter written by author HL Carpenter that's chock full of humor and common sense information.

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February 7, 2009>
Volume 7, Number 3
ISSN 1554-6330

In this issue:

1. Carpenter Country Essay

2. Top Drawer Article

3. Top Drawer Tips

4. Top Drawer Satire

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CARPENTER COUNTRY

What's Happening in Our Neck of the Human Experience

The recent blast of cold air had Carpenter Country’s short one thinking about warm weather and her old swimming pool. Filling it in had been a huge trauma and she’d fought making the decision for quite awhile.

After all, she told anyone who would listen, the pool was the focal point of the backyard and had been for many years. It was the place where family gathered for parties and birthday blowouts. The air echoed with her kids voices and a million ‘when can-we-go-swimming’ shouts.

What will we do for exercise? Where will we go to cool off? she wondered. Stepping out of the back door and jumping into the water had become a habit almost as natural as breathing.

Yet in reality hardly anybody used the pool anymore. If someone put on a bathing suit it was to battle an algae growth or because the walls had to be brushed down. On top of that the old structure would soon require extensive repairs.

So one morning the short one watched as trucks dumped dirt into the place where her grandkids had learned the dog paddle.

But, as they say, when one door closes, another opens.

Today grass grows in the dirt dumped by the trucks. Crape myrtle trees offer shade on a summer day. Water gurgles in a large stone fountain where birds come to drink.

Yes, for her, closing the pool had been a good decision. Now if she could only quit hesitating before walking across the grass-filled plot ...

Ah, another habit in need of change.

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TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Estimated Tax Payments

by
HL Carpenter

Do you operate your business as a sole proprietor, a partnership or an S corporation? If so, you may have to make estimated tax payments.

Read the entire article here

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TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

Tip: If you mail your estimated tax payments to the IRS, your checks should be accompanied by Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax Payment Voucher. You can complete the form online at the IRS web site and print a copy to mail with your payment.

Glossary Term: Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System is a way to make estimated and other tax payments electronically instead of writing checks. You establish an account and initiate transactions either on line or via telephone. The system, which is free, transfers the payment from your bank account to the Treasury Department on the date you choose.

Financial Horoscope: With so much negative financial news threatening to overwhelm you, now’s the perfect time to estimate the amount of happiness in your life. Take a few minutes to complete one of those free online tests. Knowing where you stand may motivate you to make changes – or to appreciate what you already have.

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TOP DRAWER SATIRE

Whole Lots of Nothing

by
HL Carpenter

Step right up, folks, and place your bid. The banking industry is planning to auction off whole lots of Nothing, and financial experts hope you’re interested in buying.

Read the rest here