This weekend the 65th Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament will take place in Charlotte, NC. The CIAA Tournament is the one of the most successful and celebrated college basketball tournaments in the United States featuring 12 historically black colleges and universities from the oldest American Historically Black College Conference. I have never personally attended the CIAA Tournament but have heard that this is one of the best weekends to party and network annually and in the future hopefully YPBlogSpot’s very own will be able to attend the CIAA Tournament not only to party but to take advantage of great marketing and networking opportunities. DJ Skillz aka “The Next Great American DJ” will be hosting a number of parties this weekend at the CIAA Tournament and with him being a North Carolina native and one of the best DJs in the land then YPs I suggest you party with the best. The flyer above is full of the events and parties DJ Skillz will be hosting this weekend so be safe, network and have a ball. And tell Skillz YPBlogSpot sent you.
YPs I ran across this song and video by Kirk Franklin and Friends(BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Shirley Caesar, Jeremy Camp, Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Smokie Norful, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kiki Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Bishop Paul Morton, Micah Stampley and James Fortune) titled “Are You Listening: A Love Song For Haiti” on the Mo’Nique Show last night and I had to share this with you YPBlogSpot. This song has been dubbed as the gospel community’s response to “We Are The World” with more than 150 participants joining the cause. YPs join don’t forget about the people of Haiti and continue to do your part if it’s just donating money, clothes, food, and/or soliciting people to donate and not forget about the Haitians during their time of distress and need. Keep Haiti in your prayers and be blessed YPs.
In these tough times, it is very important to get the most out of everything you can. I am speaking in terms of your job, the interest rate for your savings, budget, and even your tax returns. My sister and I were having a conversation, and she was telling me about all of the various tax breaks that I could be eligible for? If you donate clothes, give money to charity, buy supplies for your students, relocate, have medical expenses, you could increase the amount of money you get back. This is very important because the government takes so much money out of our paychecks, and tax us everything they can get their hands on. So when doing your tax returns this year, make sure to do your research, don’t be lazy, so you could get the most out of your money. This article might not explain everything, but it is a starting point for your research. Here are new tax breaks for 2009.
By Mary Beth Franklin, Senior Editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
You’ll find lots of new deductions, credits and expanded eligibility rules when you prepare your 2009 tax return.
There’s no denying that 2009 was a challenging year for millions of Americans. But filling out your 2009 tax return could bring some welcome relief in the form of a big refund. There are a slew of new and expanded tax breaks for home buyers and car buyers, college students and their parents, homeowners who installed energy-efficient improvements, and the unemployed. Together, these tax savings are expected to boost average tax refunds above last year’s level of about $2,800, says IRS spokeswoman Nancy Mathis. The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your money back. Read more »
YPJimH says: It is that time of the year again, where our credit cards are used like it is going out of style. Even though we are shopping more, we can all be a little smarter. Follow these tips and get the most out of your money. Have a great Thanksgiving YP’s, and if you are shopping Black Friday, enjoy!
By Amelia Ross
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — You are at the checkout counter with an armload of packages and as you dig into your purse or wallet, you’re presented with an offer of a store credit card along with a holiday gift.
The temptation to sign up for the retailer’s promotional credit card offering a discount on all the stuff you’re handing over to the cashier is high, but what you may not know is not all cards are equal.
Here are some tips on how to how to avoid getting hurt by the fine print and get the most out of buying by credit card. Read more »
YPDSing: Everyone is or should be aware of the growing economic stresses that our country is facing. It seems however, that some states are suffering more than others. The most alarming thing is that, the list is still growing. States have mismanaged their finances so badly that it is affecting the people in a major way. When states are lacking in revenue, certain things begin to happen. The state begins to pickup on their issuing of tickets and fines. The state also begins to lay off people from their otherwise stable jobs. This is a time that we all need to be aware of what is going on, so that we can protect ourselves to the best of our abilities. Knowledge is power, and we must take it upon ourselves to know what’s going on so that we can help ourselves before it is too late. Take a look at this article which details the 10 most troubled states in the U.S. YPs Stand Up!!!
By Tami Luhby, CNNMoney.com senior writer
The same economic pressures that pushed California to the brink of insolvency are wreaking havoc on other states, a new report has found.
And how state officials deal with their fiscal problems could reverberate across the United States, according to the Pew Center on the States’ analysis released Wednesday.
The 10 most troubled states are: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
Other states — including Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, New York and Hawaii — were not far behind. Read more »
YPJimH says: This is a very important information for individuals who are looking to purchase a house in the upcoming year. It is an excellent time to buy, because of the 8,000 tax credit is extended. I remember being in the car with my cousin when we were going out, he stopped at the ATM, and noticed a little 8,000 difference in his account. If you know that you are going to be at a location for at least 5 years, have a steady career, and have some money to put towards a home, it makes alot of sense. The only thing is to do alot of research, because it is definitely a good time for potential home buyers. This article provides some in depth details about the extended tax credit:
President Obama reups popular tax credit through June 2010 and expands it to include people with higher incomes and some who want to trade up into new homes.
By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — President Obama signed an extension and expansion of the first-time homebuyers tax credit on Friday.
The $8,000 credit was scheduled to lapse on Dec. 1 but will now be in effect through the end of June. Homebuyers must sign a contract before April 30 and close by June 30. The income limits were also raised: Single buyers can now earn up to $125,000 and still get the full credit while a married couple can earn $225,000. Read more »
YPJimH says: Here is the list for the top 40 under 40 business’s youngest rising stars. They are innovators, value creators, and agents of change. Click on the link to get their ages, marital status, highest education, and bio.
YPDSing This is truly a disturbing video and we all need to stand up and take responsibility. Everyone needs to get more involved in the lives of our younger brothers/sisters/nieces/nephews/students/etc. I personally, was truly disturbed watching this video. Violence like this definitely needs to end. It seems that our youth have no feelings/remorse/respect for life. Please everyone, show some accountability and talk to someone who you may possibly have a shot at steering away from this kind of path. YPS STAND UP!!!!
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Ali Akbar Dareini, Associated Press Writer
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran tested its most advanced missiles Monday to cap two days of war games, raising more international concern and stronger pressure to quickly come clean on the newly revealed nuclear site Tehran was secretly constructing.
State television said the powerful Revolutionary Guard, which controls Iran’s missile program, successfully tested upgraded versions of the medium-range Shahab-3 and Sajjil missiles. Both can carry warheads and reach up to 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers), putting Israel, U.S. military bases in the Middle East, and parts of Europe within striking distance. Read more »
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — More than a million people could receive an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits under a bill approved by the House on Tuesday.
The bill extends benefits for those living in states with jobless rates higher than 8.5%. Some 27 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, fall into this category. Thenational unemployment rate hit 9.7% in August, the highest in 26 years.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where the Democratic leadership has said they will try to address the issue soon. A bill has yet to be introduced.
While there is support for the measure among Senate Republicans, members will want to look at funding approaches, said a spokesman for Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Read more »
YPRuck: We are all aware of the ridiculously high-unemployment across the nation and I found this article on CNNMoney.com about the unemployment benefits being extended. I am all in favor for the government extending unemployment benefits but in the same token I couldn’t help but to think about the individuals that are taking advantage of the system and just settling for their unemployment benefits and not looking for jobs until their benefits run out. I read some interesting comments that made me think about that issue and I pray that people are doing the right thing and seeking a job while using their unemployment benefits to get them by until employment is obtained. As I stated, I’m all for extending the unemployment benefits for individuals and families that need it because we all know someone that has been a casualty of this recession. Check out this article and share your thoughts YP’s.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Jobless Americans in high-unemployment states would see their benefits extended for another 13 weeks under legislation to be considered by Congress next Wednesday.
The House measure would lengthen benefits for the more than 300,000 people who live in states with unemployment rates greater than 8.5% and who are set to run out of compensation by the end of this month, a Democratic aide said. The legislation would also help another 1 million people who are scheduled to lose benefits by the end of the year.
YPRichB: A few weeks ago YPRuck posted information on the new health care plan proposed by President Obama. The following article sheds more light on the proposed plan. As YP’s we need to make sure we are aware of important changes such as these.
WASHINGTON – You’re a 51-year-old single mother raising two kids and juggling a mortgage and a car loan. Because you’re self-employed, getting health insurance has always been a problem. Under the new Senate plan, you still might have to stretch your budget to pay premiums even if the coverage is more secure.
The health care plan unveiled Wednesday by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., strives to contain costs for taxpayers, reducing the risk that covering the uninsured will blow the federal deficit wide open. But that means benefits are not as generous as in competing plans from Senate and House Democrats.
“We’ve done everything imaginable to get the most generous, most affordable coverage we can within President Obama’s target of $900 billion,” Baucus said, referring to the president’s 10-year estimate of what the legislation should cost.
Everyone from brides and grooms to movie studio execs are celebrating the upcoming calendrical anomaly in their own way.
In Florida, at least one county clerk’s office is offering a one-day wedding special for $99.99. The rarity of this Sept. 9 hasn’t been lost on the creators of the iPod, who have moved their traditional Tuesday release day to Wednesday to take advantage of the special date. Focus Features is releasing their new film “9,” an animated tale about the apocalypse, on the 9th.
Not only does the date look good in marketing promotions, but it also represents the last set of repeating, single-digit dates that we’ll see for almost a century (until January 1, 2101), or a millennium (mark your calendars for January 1, 3001), depending on how you want to count it.
Though technically there’s nothing special about the symmetrical date, some concerned with the history and meaning of numbers ascribe powerful significance to 09/09/09.
For cultures in which the number nine is lucky, Sept. 9 is anticipated – while others might see the date as an ominous warning. Read more »
YPJim H says: It is that time of the year once again, the start of a brand new school year! I remember the feeling of my first days of school like it was yesterday. The anxiousness, the excitement, and the anticipation all wrapped into one. I remember planning out the outfits like it was an business interview, and not being able to go to sleep. It is definitely a emotional experience that I believe everyone can relate to.
But when I look back now, what I do wish was that I applied myself more to school. School holds all types of opportunities, not just educational wise, but more importantly, opportunities at life. An education is a very important tool to create a better life for not only yourself, but for the people around you. So if you are starting a brand new semester in undergrad, graduate, or even have kids in school, remember to always do the best that you can!
President Obama made a very heartfelt speech to the students of America yesterday, and it was very well said, like always. Enjoy, and once you are done, please share your thoughts on what an education means to you! Read more »
