United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey Announces Free Tax Preparation Programs to Individuals and Families earning less than $66,000

Free and confidential tax services available virtually as tax season gets underway

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) marked the beginning of tax season by announcing new, COVID-19 safe ways for low-to moderate income individuals and households to file their taxes using the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and MyFreeTaxes.com.

In partnership with Campaign for Working Families (CFW), VITA provides free and confidential tax preparation services to individuals and families with incomes of less than $55,000. The program also provides financial counseling, helps participants receive the highest possible refund, and offers access to important tax credits that can return thousands of dollars to qualified taxpayers, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

This year, VITA services will be offered virtually and in-person, while observing COVID-19 safety protocols. Taxpayers who qualify for VITA have four convenient ways to file: 1) have a volunteer walk them through filing virtually; 2) virtually upload their documents to be completed by a volunteer; 3) drop their documents off at a site and return to review and sign their completed tax forms or 4) visit a traditional VITA filing location.

“It’s extremely important for eligible individuals and families to take advantage of VITA services,” said Bill Golderer, CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. “Every year, millions of taxpayers don’t claim tax credits designed to help lift families out of poverty. These tax credits can serve as a lifeline for struggling families, especially at a time when many are feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19.”

In addition to VITA, individuals and households who earned $66,000 or less in 2020 can file their taxes for free through MyFreeTaxes.com, a national partnership between United Way and H&R Block. This free, online tax preparation is easy, secure and can be done from the comfort of your home.

Last year, VITA volunteers completed 61,000 tax returns, saving community members approximately $18.1 million in fees to paid services and returning $47.9 million to the community. Individuals and families interested in participating in UWGPSNJ’s VITA program or MyFreeTaxes.com can find more information on services and on-site locations from United Way.

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) is on a mission to reduce poverty and expand opportunity for all. Serving Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, and New Jersey’s Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Cumberland counties, United Way creates solutions that break the cycle of poverty. As part of a network of independent local nonprofit organizations, United Way provides countless ways to give, advocate and volunteer. To learn more, visit www.unitedforimpact.org.

Courtesy Photo: United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ)

Summer savings through Groupon coupons

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Groupon coupons is a popular site for families to save on activities, restaurants and consumer goods. As a family of four, we look to save money where we can. It’s exciting when you can find a sale for a much-need product for the home or your children.

My husband and I have used Groupon coupons at some restaurants in the past, but not yet for household items. Since we need some items at Home Depot, we are going to review this link before we go to the store: Groupon.

I’ve always been impressed with the deals at Walmart. Our local Walmart in Philly is always crowded with parents and kids. Walmart is a great store to find birthday party gifts and school supplies. You can’t beat Walmart prices on baby necessities like car seats, strollers and high chairs.

Check out this link and you will find over 100 coupons available at Walmart, either in-store or online: https://www.groupon.com/coupons/stores/walmart.com.

Groupon has 4^th of July sales through “star spangled” merchants including Home Depot, Target, Kohl’s, JCPenney and Levi’s.

Have you browsed the Groupon coupons site yet? You will be surprised at the deals you can find.

Career Wardrobe offers deals on clothing to empower people to work

Earlier this month, I attended Career Wardrobe’s annual reception and silent auction #HopeOntheMove. Last year, I enjoyed networking with other local women professionals and supporting this worthy cause. I decided to attend this event again.

Career Wardrobe is a non-profit that uses clothing and professional development to empower unemployed individuals to work. The Boutique provides professional clothing to individuals in transition. Job seekers can shop at no cost with a referral or for a small fee if they are not receiving government assistance. In Philadelphia, the Boutique is open to public where shoppers can find deals on women’s designer and modern clothing with sales supporting the non-profit.

Career Wardrobe recognizes that everyone may need help at some point in their working lives, and thus expanded their programming to meet the needs of the community. In 2015, they opened their doors to men with the Make It Work for Men program, providing dressing services to men in order to assist them in presenting a smart first impression.

The annual evening event includes a Hope Walk of community leaders and local media personalities modeling professional outfits on a fashion runway.

I realized my own wardrobe was in need of an upgrade, as I meet with clients or prospects on occasion face-to-face. So on my birthday, I left my kids with my husband and walked over to The Boutique at 1822 Spring Garden Street to do some shopping.

What a pleasant surprise. I tried on some outfits and in under 40 minutes, I left with three dresses, a pair of jeans and a dressy top. The price tag was a bargain for these five items. I was happy to find this deal on my birthday. The staff was super friendly as well.

I now feel prepared for when I have a future meeting. Yeah! I don’t have to scramble at the last minute for a suitable outfit. I encourage women seeking a wardrobe upgrade—both working and stay-at-home–to check the store out.

I’ll definitely return to The Boutique in the future!

Career Wardrobe partners with community and government agencies to reach those in need of its services throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. The social enterprise is the regional provider of the PA WORKWEAR program, giving women on public assistance access to professional clothing for job search, training, and work.

Career Wardrobe operates Boutiques in Philadelphia, Chester, and Bristol, PA. Clothing donations are accepted Monday through Saturday in Philadelphia, Fridays in Chester, PA and monthly at partner locations in East Falls and Haverford, PA.

Living Well on Less while Juggling Kids and Career

These are trying financial times for countless working mothers in the US and their families. As of summer 2011, eight million former US workers are searching for jobs; an astounding six million have given up. Corporations have matched earnings reports from 2006, but with 2.5 million fewer workers. Most workers who lost their jobs during this recession have been unemployed for over six months – a majority over 12 months – and are fearful they will never recover economically. And the companies that show the most dramatic increases in profitability also add the fewest workers.

Are you living on less income? Here are five ways to live decently on less income while managing a career and active young kids:

Buy in bulk. Every six months, we go to BJ’s and buy bulk items to last us for half a year. The purchase then might be several hundred dollars, but it is worth it over the long haul. We buy necessities like paper towels, toilet paper, dish and laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, deodorant, tissues. Calculate the discounts yourself–it’s often half the savings over the long term. We have a BJ’s membership–my parents swear by Costco’s.

Buy items from discounted places. The Dollar Store or consignment stores are wise options for the thrifty. Do you shop at consignment stores? You can bring in hand-me-downs and exchange them for other needed clothes. Babies and kids outgrow clothes quickly, and this can be a major expense for moms. Consignment shops offer brand name items at a fraction of the original price. My mom has purchased clothes for the girls at a local store. They’ve been gently worn but I have been impressed with the quality.

Dine in! My husband Jason is a great cook and likes to take over on our meal preparation. Seriously, he should have been a chef. We rarely dine out in restaurants and have saved a tremendous amount of money over the years by his home cooking. Calculate the amount of money you spend on restaurant dining. If too high, you’ll want to spend more time cooking in your home.

Avoid impulse buys like designer suits. Place high dollar items also considered “wants” on a “watch list” for 30 days before purchasing the items. Perhaps a new suit for work or new smartphone can be placed on the watch list. After 30 days, revisit the items; perhaps you have passed on the new item because you spotted a suitable replacement at a consignment store. Or you may realize that your current smartphone is perfectly fine, and you don’t need the latest and greatest gadget.

Consider public education. Private schools in your area may be costly. For many families, it is a priority for their children to attend private school. I attended private school growing up; there is a good chance my girls may end up starting Kindergarten at a public school in Philadelphia. Have you considered your local public school? There are quality public schools children can be sent to for free; your tax money already goes there.

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