Economic Stimulus Update — Problems and Solutions May 22, 2008

NATP has reported a few issues that have arisen with the economic stimulus package. See below.

Last week we alerted you to some issues taxpayers were experiencing with their stimulus rebate checks. One of the issues involved some stimulus checks not including the additional $300 for each qualifying child. This problem occurred when the taxpayers were ineligible for the child tax credit on their 2007 return because their AGI was too high or because taxpayers did not check the proper box to trigger the $300 child payment. To fix the problem, the IRS is taking extra steps to identify the affected taxpayers and send them separate checks to cover their qualifying children. The IRS emphasized that the corrected checks will be mailed automatically, and taxpayers don’t need to call or take any additional steps. The additional payments involving qualifying children will be made starting in early July. These payments will be made by paper check, even if people received their regular tax refund or initial stimulus payment by direct deposit.

 Post reported by NATP.

 

 

 

 

Register for a Free Blackberry May 19, 2008

Yeah, sounds like a gimmick huh but we found this site that is giving away a free Blackberry 8110 pearl.  I checked these guys out, and  I see they gave five curves away last week.  After talking to one of the cofounders, these guys have some big giveaways planned.  Check them out here! and I would keep checking back on the site. They do have an RSS feed button. That may be worth a subscription. 

 

WES 2008: What we learned May 18, 2008

 

I learned that the BlackBerry device is far superior than ever imagined.  I mean absolutely amazing. The companies that were sponsoring the event beyond research in motion had a great plan. Showcase their technology to all those who would listen. And  I was one interested in listening.  I want to showcase a few of these applications and websites.

I got a chance to hang out with the owner of Pinstack.com. Pinstack is one of the better Blackberry blogs. He is an honest blog that reports the news from the BlackBerry community without all the kicks and giggles. He reports it but does not necessarily comment or give a sign of approval on the sites and applications.  He lets the users do so. There is nothing wrong with either approach but everyone has thier preferred choice.

Also in attendance at WES was Crackberry.com. This site is a full fledged site for those who have Blackberries looking for good information and even buying applications and ringtones.  Definitely a good daily read.

A brand new site was launched named Blackberryhomepage.com and guys its a great site. Now, it’s still new so bare with them. But these guys gave away 5 Blackberry curves. Count them. 1, 2, 3 , 4, 5.  They posted a thread in Pinstack and it had over 11,000 replies and views in 5 days. Its a simple site that helps your beginner blackberry user learn what he is doing.  I talked to these guys at length and did dinner several times during the week. Rumor has it they have alot more giveaways in store.  I will be getting lots of insider information from these guys so stay tuned. If you want a Blackberry device or other things you may deem necessary, I would check this site daily.  They are going to be a site to reckon with.

Coming up in the next few weeks you will see posts on software that you must have for your BlackBerry and other smartphones.

 

Live From WES 2008 in Orlando May 14, 2008

  How is this for a Tax REBATE present?

I am down at the BlackBerry international conference in Orlando, Florida. One thing I have noticed from here is that alot of these attendees were accountants, financial planners or sales people. Then your CEO, CIO, and CFO’s were in full bloom as well. You can truly smell the money that was running around here.

I have to say Research in Motion really laid out the red carpet.  These guys must have paid a fortune for some of the festivities and catering that was done.  The conference offically started Tuesday but the Monday night welcoming party had some of the best food I have ever tasted. I took some shots from the party and you can see them posted later. 

The biggest announcement was the new BlackBerry that is going to be launched in June. It’s called the Blackberry Bold and here it is above.  I can go into details about it but suffice it to say it’s awesome. 

For you novice Blackberry Beginners here are some sites that you need to keep in your handy arsenal. (I met the owners of all the sites)

www.pinstack.com

www.blackberrycool.com

www.blackberryhomepage.com (Great resource for a new beginner and even advanced users)

www.crackberry.com

Now, for you accountants and sales peoples there is a new program called Forms2mobile that you ought to know about.  Imagine taking one of your customized forms and being able to have it on your Blackberry and be able to send information wirelessly through it?  Thats what forms2mobile.com has done. 

The next solution I loved is www.chargeanywhere.com. This turns your Blackberry into a credit card machine. I demonstrated it yesterday and it was phenomenal.  Take your clients money anywhere you go!!!

Today I am meeting with Unify about turning my BlackBerry into a remote control for my home television. Yeah that’s what I said.  

More updates coming. 

Tell us what you are doing with your Rebate checks? May 10, 2008

Is it truly spending cash or are you paying down debt? You hear so much talk about what you should do with your money and what not to.  The government wants you to use it to stir the economy. Common sense says pay some credit cards down. Others say it’s for a vacation.

So we want to hear from you. Comment and tell us what you are doing with your money now that checks are arriving.