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Purpose
The purpose of this blog is to help you get started with TurboTax for the first ime.
This includes E-filing and setting up direct deposit.
Absolutely, no paperwork or printing is required to transmit your taxes to IRS when you E-file your return.
It takes about 90 minutes to complete a Federal and State return with Standard Deductions for married couple filing jointly.
Introduction: Why I Use TurboTax Point #1 - If you go through the hassle of gathering all tax documents and presenting them to a tax agent, why not skip this step and let TurboTax advise you. All you need to do is input your information into the software. Everything is arranged in an easy step-by-step process with QUESTIONS and ANSWERS that require simple YES or NO responses.
Point #2- I know many of you don't want to be bothered with tax preparation and many opt for a tax agent to prepare your taxes. Keep in mind that IRS holds you responsible for your return (not the tax preparer). lf IRS finds and error in your reporting, they may elect to fix them. However, major errors or omissions may require a tax amendment which can delay your tax refund by weeks or even a month or more. Let TurboTax guide you through the filing process.
Watch a Step-by-Step YouTube Video - "Guide to Filing a Tax Return" by Smart Family Money
Known Facts About TurboTax... 1. You do not need a calculator to figure your taxes. The software does all calculations automatically.
2. You do not need to learn tax laws. The software includes tax laws in the algorithm when calculating your taxes.
3. You do not have to worry about lost paperwork. You are in charge of your own paperwork. TurboTax gives you a systematic procedure for adding documents and statements into the software such as: W2's, 1099s, payments for insurance premiums, medical bills, charitable contributions, credits for children and dependents and many other documents for filing your return.
4. You do not need to gather tax forms. TurboTax has all current tax forms from IRS in their database and they are updated constantly over the internet.
5. Life changing events that affect your finances and tax situations are dealt with first. Here are major life changing events that TurboTax handles: marital status, major illness, sales of real estate or land, number of dependents, major purchases of energy efficient appliances and devices (like solar panel and EV's), retirement, lottery winnings, investments, business start-up, business losses and capital gains.
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Filing with Intuit TurboTax was easy and saved me lots of time and money. It's guaranteed to do the same for you!
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I found these tips to help people in
Arkansas and other southern states prepare for severe winter weather. This is the shortened version. The full list includes information about vehicle and travel, medical prep, pets and livestock prep, property
protection, and what to do after the winter storm.
1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
FOOD AND
KITCHEN PREP
15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned
meat, fruit cups.
16. Have manual can opener available.
17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps
are below freezing.
20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
NWS Weather Prediction Center Fri Jan 23 2026 Valid 12Z Fri Jan 23 2026 - 12Z Sun Jan 25 2026
...Heavy snow over the Central/Southern
Plains and Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley...
...Bitterly cold temperatures and
dangerously cold wind chills from the Southern Plains to the Northeast...
The system will produce a significant,
long-duration winter storm, with widespread heavy snow, sleet, and
freezing rain from the Southern Rockies to New England, lasting from Friday
through Monday. The storm develops heavy snow across a broad region from
the Southern Rockies and Plains through the Mid-Atlantic and into the
Northeast.
Clip from WPC, NOAA and NCEP - Get Local Forecasts by Zip Code - Winter Weather Event Friday Jan 23 - Sunday Jan. 25, 2026 Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represents a unique fusion of modern Italy and ancient history. It features 116 events across 16 sports, hosted across the breathtaking cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo - the first dual-host Winter Games in history.
If he competes, it becomes the story of the Games.
Mark McMorris - Snowboard Slopestyle
3-time Olympic medalist
Eileen Gu - Freestyle Skiing
Superstar in Superpipe, Big Air, Slopestyle
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo - Cross-Country
Dominant force
At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina,
Team USA's men's ice hockey squad includes two sets
of brothers: the Tkachuks and the Hugheses.
As always, the Winter Olympics Games become more than a sporting event - they become a snapshot of human potential. From record-breaking performances on the ice to emotional triumphs on the slopes, each event tells a story of resilience, preparation, and global unity.
FreeStuffinder is for Informational Use Only...
Some References & Images Provided by ChatGPT...
Not Affiliated with Any Publisher, Olympic Team or Any Media Group...
2026 WINTER OLYMPICS - BLACK HISTORY MONTH FULL BREAKDOWN - 116 EVENTS & 16 SPORTS...
Includes traditional events like skiing & figure skating to ski mountaineering - a new olympic sport
24 Events Featuring Black U.S. Athletes - Opening Ceremony February 6, 2026 through Closing Ceremony February 22, 2026 in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The graphic above represents a combined number of medal events where notable athletes, Black U.S. athletes and African-descent athletes may appear in 2026 - across various winter olympic sports.
Noted individuals include:
Elana Meyers Taylor – Bobsled pilot & monobob Confirmed
Sylvia Hoffman – Bobsled brakeman Likely – World Cup roster
Jasmine Jones – Bobsled brakeman Confirmed
Hakeem Abdul-Saboor – 4-man bobsled Likely – World Cup roster
Nic Taylor – 4-man bobsled Awaiting Nomination
Nick Miles – 4-man bobsled Awaiting Nomination
Kelly Curtis – Skeleton Confirmed
Jon Singletary – Bobsled push athlete (development program) Not Official Yet
The list of confirmed U.S. Bobsled Team Members & Skeleton (USABS) Roster has been officially published (nbcolympics.com)for the 2026 Winter Olympics. These athletes are confirmed competitors based on selection criteria, world cup results, and USABS announcements: Elana Meyers Taylor – Bobsled pilot (veteran and multi-Olympic medalist) Jasmine Jones – Brakeman (women’s team) Azaria Hill – Brakeman (women’s team) Kaysha Love – Pilot (world monobob champion) Kaillie Humphries – Pilot (multi-medalist) Jadin O’Brien – Brakeman Frank Del Duca – Men’s pilot Kris Horn – Men’s pilot Josh Williamson, Boone Niederhofer, Bryan Sosoo, Carsten Vissering, Hunter Powell, Caleb Furnell – Push athletes Others as per team build-up for two U.S. sleds.
Other Black / African Descent Athletes Expected to Compete in 2026 Winter Olympics - including Alpine Skiing events (Rivers Triplets - Jamaica)...
Helaina Rivers
- Alpine Skiing
- JAM
Pursuing qualification
Henri IV Rivers
- Alpine Skiing
- JAM
Pursuing qualification
Henniyah Rivers -
Alpine Skiing
- JAM
Pursuing qualification
Black History Month is February 2026 and ironically the
U.S. is sending one of its most diverse and dynamic group of Black and
African-descent athletes to the 2026 Winter Olympics. It will be held primarily in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in Northern Italy.
The Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games is Feb. 6, 2026,
on NBC and Peacock.
NBC Olympics will provide coverage of the XXV Olympic Winter Games on CNBC and USA Network.Olympics.com offers free clips of highlights, interviews and live updates. Local NBC stations offer free over-the-air viewing.
Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream often have free trial periods that include NBC, USA, and CNBC and allow you to stream the Olympics live for short periods at no cost.
HOW TO WATCH: 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Viewing Schedule - Trials Coverage Begins Wed, Feb 4, 2026
5:30 AM (ET) Alpine Skiing Men's Downhill Training
Week 1 - Opening Week (Feb 6 - 9, 2026)
- Opening Ceremony
- First Rounds: Speed Skating, Figure Skating, Ski Jumping
13 different venues will be used during the Games... 1. Milan Cluster - hosting the opening ceremony, ice hockey, speed skating and figure skating 2. Cortina d'Ampezzo Cluster - hosting Aline skiing, biathlon, curling, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton 3. Valtellina Cluster - hosting Alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and freestyle skiing 4. Val di Fiemme Cluster - hosting ski jumping, and Nordic combined 5. Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium - hosting cross-country skiing and nordic combined
Brief Profile of Notable Athletes, Black American Athletes and African-Descent Athletes to Watch - Winter Olympics 2026
1. Erin Jackson - Long Track Speedskating Age: 33 Hometown: Ocala, Florida Education: Studied Materials Science Engineering, University of Florida; Historic 2022 Olympic Gold Medalist in 500m; and first Black woman to win Olympic speedskating gold. Entering 2026 as a top contender in the 500m & 1000m.
Erin Jackson has spoken about her role as a model for young Blacks wanting to pursue their dreams in winter sports. She also expressed excitement and pressure about defending her title in 2026 - and embraces that visibility.
2. Elana Meyers Taylor - Bobsled
Age:41
Hometown:Douglasville, Georgia
Education:George Washington University (Softball star)
Road to 2026: 4-time Olympic Medalist; Returning potentially for a final Olympic run in 2-woman bobsledy after giving birth between Olympics.
3. Sylvia Hoffman — Bobsled
Age:35
Hometown:Arlington, Texas
Background:All-American volleyball player, USA Weightlifting
Road to 2026: 2022 Olympian in Women’s Monobob
Story: Got into the sport through the “Next Olympic Hopeful” scouting program
4. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor — Bobsled
Age: 38
Hometown:Virginia
Profession:Chiropractor, former bodybuilder
Veteran Olympianlikely returning.
5. Brittany Bowe - 500m, 1000m, 1500m (Not Black - Often Paired in Media with Erin Jackson)*
Age: 37
Hometown: Ocala, Florida
Sport:Long-Track Speed Skating
Team USA: 2010 - Present
Tokyo + Beijing Olympian - she earned abronze medal in the 1000 metersat the2022 Beijing Winter Olympics; World Champion, multiple-time World Cup winner, and one of Team USA’s most consistent medal threats in sprints and middle-distance events.
*Comments - Recognized for giving up her 500m spot to Erin Jackson in 2022 when Erin Jackson slipped in the U.S. trials and lost her automatic spot in the Olympics. Brittany Bowe gave up her own 500m slot so Jackson could compete.
Road to 2026: Two-time Olympian (2018, 2022); known for explosive starts and fearless cornering
Story:The first Black woman to make a U.S. Olympic speedskating team.
10. Andrew Blaser - Skeleton (Black heritage via maternal
family)
Age: 35
Hometown:
Boise, Idaho
Education:
University of Idaho
Story:
Former track athlete and U.S. skeleton athlete at the
Olympics (2022). Blaser is noted for his LGBTQ+ representations in winter sports who has not been officially named on the 2026 skelton roster.
11. Seth Jones - Defense NHL Prospects (Possible U.S. Roster Adds for 2026 Ice
Hockey) - Confirmed
Age: 31
Hometown: Arlington, TX
Veteran defenseman for the Florida Panthers, has been officially named to the U.S. Men’s Hockey Roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. He is a NHL All-Star and top defensive player for Team USA.
12. Starr Andrews - Figure Skating (Prospects) Not Named - Finished 7th in St. Louis
Age: 23
Hometown:
Los Angeles
First Black U.S. woman to win a Grand Prix medal (2022)
Starr Andrews has not yet been officially named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team, but qualified and competed at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
ATHLETES
OF AFRICAN DESCENT REPRESENTING OTHER COUNTRIES
Samuel Ikpefan - Cross-Country Skiing (Nigeria) - French-born sprinter who represents Nigeria; and 2nd Olympic cycle
Akwasi Frimpong - Skeleton (Ghana) -Former sprinter; one of Africa’s biggest Winter
Olympics ambassadors.
Jamaica Bobsled Team - Always fan favorites; multiple athletes of African
descent competing again.
Upcomimg Junior Figure Skaters - Anaelle Kouevi & Yann Homawoo, aU.S. junior ice dance team (cousins) who train in Leesburg, Virginia. Made their international debut for the U.S. at Junior Grand Prix in 2025 and nationally at 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships (Junior) in St. Louis - placing 5th in junior ice dance overall and 4th in 2026 U.S. Ice Dance Final
Hope to See Them and Others in 2030 Winter Olympics...!
Interested parents may want to check-out the YouTube video - "Diversify Ice breaks barriers in representation for figure skaters of color | NBC4 Washington" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7dbsvlQlik
Black History Spotlight - Watch "Black Ice" | See the Official Trailer -
Black Ice Streaming Free on The Roku Channel
with ads or stream the title free on Plex,
Plex Player, Plex Channel, or Fawesome
Introduced in AMC Theaters on July 14, 2023 by RoadsideFlix. It is an award-winning documentary that exposes the history of racism in hockey through the untold stories of Black hockey players.
Directed by Hubert Davis with executive producers LeBron James, Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Maverick Carter and Adel “Future” Nura. The film explores the roots of the game, dating back to 1865 and the Colored Hockey League to the game of hockey today.
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