1493: uncovering the new world Columbus created by Charles C.

It’s tax time again, so here’s some information regarding Federal and State tax forms at the Canton Public Library:

Federal

1. Form #1040 has arrived and is now available on the spinner rack at the Main Help Desk
2. All federal tax forms are currently available online. Delivery of the Instructions 1040-ALL will begin in late January and continue through mid-February. When they arrive they will be available on the spinner rack at the Main Help Desk
3. Publication 17 and binders containing all the Federal tax forms will be available at the check out desk, the copy machines and the Main Help Desk. Patrons may use these to make copies of forms but they should not be removed from the building

State

Michigan state tax forms are now available at the library! They are located on a spinner rack at the Main Help Desk. They are also available online.

You are invited to TechTown's Open House on Tuesday, February 7 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Register at the TechTown site or call 313-879-5250.

If you have an idea for a new product or business or need help developing your idea, tour TechTown's facilities, learn how they can help you, or chat with TechTown's entrepenuer of the month at their this monthly open house.

Then Again by Diane Keaton

1861: the Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart

Confidence Men: Wall Street, Washington, and the Education of a President by Ron Suskind

Fortunate Sons: the 120 Chinese Boys who came to America, Went to School, and Revolutionized an Ancient Civilization by Liel Lei

The Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA) sends expert John Badalamenti to help you pay off debt with specific strategies. Badalamenti will also provide steps for using your tax refund to improve your financial future. Let's all get our house in order on January 19 at 7:00 PM.

Fringe-ology: how I tried to explain away the unexplainable—and couldn't by Steve Volk

But will the planet notice?: how smart economics can save the world by Gernot Wagner

The unexpected patriot: how an ordinary American mother is bringing terrorists to justice by Shannen Rossmiller; with Sue Carswell

Join the well-know financial guru as he discusses "5 Reasons Why Baby Boomer's Retirement is Different Than Their Parents." Are you planning for or getting closer to the big day when you stop working? Then you need to hear what Bloom has to say on November 10 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room.

The sooner you begin this important goal, the greater you chances of fulfilling the dream. What are your options and where do you start? How has the economy affected you? How do you balance these goals with your other financial priorities? The HANTZGROUP can help you with your plans. Join us on October 20 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room. Bring your questions!

Friends of the Canton Public Library year-to-date income and expenditures for 2011, July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 (cash basis):

Income

Line Item	Amount
Book Store Sales	57,850.27
Book & Author Lunch	239.24
Donations Received	100.00
Interest Inc. (PNC)	34.25
Membership Dues	3,275.00
Total	$61,498.76

Expenditures

Line Item	Amount
CPL	64,110.65
Collection Funding — Mich. History	500.00
Collection Funding — Womens	500.00
Collection Funding — Business	500.00
Collection Funding — Multicultural	500.00
Collection Funding — Other	10,193.12
Endowment Fund	10,000.00
Other CPL	8,865.53
Programming	30,052.00
Scholarships	500.00
Social Events	2,500.00
Events	3,319.63
Community	500.00
Friends	2,819.63
Operation Expense	6,807.12
Furniture & Equipment	284.91
Memberships Paid	160.00
Postage	201.00
Printing and Reproduction	700.00
Return Checks	0.00
Sales Tax	3,766.47
Supplies & Misc	354.74
Tax Preparation & Audit	1,340.00
Total	-$74,237.40

Overall

Line Item	Amount
Income	61,498.76
Expenditures	-74,237.40
Total	-12,738.64

The Accelate Michigan Innovation Competition is an international business plan competition designed to highlight Michigan as a robust and vibrant venue for innovation and business opportunity.

Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled for at least 2 classes in a Michigan public or private university or college for the fall 2011 semester are eligible. The deadline date for students' entries is September 30, 2011.

(Photo Credit: Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. 08 Jul. 2004. eLibrary. Web. 10 Aug. 2011.)

Managing financial investments can be daunting even in the best of times, and volatile markets can terrify even the most savy of investors. Wall Street has been on a wild ride these last few days and you probably have questions about how to best protect your money. Here is a list of books designed to help you protect your investments in times of economic uncertainty:

Storm proof your money: weather any economy, rebuild your portfolio, protect your future by Brett Arends

Crash proof 2.0: how to profit from the economic collapse by Peter D. Schiff with John Downes

The State of Michigan is offering delinquent taxpayers the opportunity to pay past due state taxes and have penalty charges waived. Taxpayers who qualify would also avoid criminal prosecution by the Michigan Department of Treasury. To be eligible, all taxpayers must submit the complete amnesty application and full payment, including interest, by June 30, 2011. Visit mitaxamnesty.org for more information.

Personal finance books are abundant, but not all of them address the unique issues women face when trying to manage their money. These five titles offer gender specific advice for women looking to build wealth, make investments, reduce debt and balance the family budget.

The real cost of living: making the best choices for you, your life, and your money by Carmen Wong Ulrich

Women & money: owning the power to control your destiny by Suze Orman

Canton's Woman’s Life Society Chapter 827, Chicks 4 Charity, is currently offering scholarships totaling $2000 for both full ($1,000) and part time ($500) college students. Applicants must reside in Canton, Plymouth, Belleville or Westland and be enrolled in a 2 or 4 year accredited Michigan college, university or trade school in the fall of 2011. Application Deadline to apply is June 13, 2011. Winner will be notified by July 18, 2011. For more information see the attached application form.

Effective April 1, 2011 the Social Security Administration has suspended annual statements to all workers. At present, this mailing cost the government $70 million dollars. SSA estimates they will save $30 million this year and $60 million dollars next year when they resume mailing, but only to those 60 years and older. An online Social Security benefits estimator is available as well other retirement planning information.

The Center for Michigan is providing opportunities for citizens to speak out.  "Talk Back to Lansing" forums are scheduled in Wixom (April 20), Grand Rapids (April 25) and Lansing (April 27).  Register today.

Let your voice help shape Michigan's 2012 Budget.

Parents, are you looking for a fun way to teach your kids and teens about saving money? Have them try out the new game from Mint.com called Quest for Money. Its goal is to teach money management in a fun and entertaining way. Learn more about the game or jump right in to playing it. Enjoy!

Free Tax Counseling for Canton's Senior taxpayers with low to moderate income is available at the Canton Senior Center in The Summit. Morning and afternoon appointments are available, however joint returns scheduled for the afternoon must have both taxpayers available. Please call the Canton Senior Center at (734) 394-5485 to schedule an appointment.

SOFA, The Society of Financial Awareness, will share tips for getting yourself financially fit. SOFA is a volunteer organization of licensed financial planners who donate their time to educate the public on the finer points of making your money grow and work for you. Please join us on Thursday, March 31 at 7:00PM in the Community Room for this interesting program. No registration is needed.

Looking to get out of the rat race? Striving for less? Check out these books for great minimalist tips:

Philosophy of Simplicity

Enough already!: clearing mental clutter to become the best you by Peter Walsh

Simplexity: why simple things become complex (and how complex things can be made simple) by Jeffrey Kluger