Welcome to tax season -- a time for W2s, 1090s, 1040Ezs and other forms that could double as robot names. As years go, 2009 was a turbulant one for many tax filiers. The good news is, there are some important changes to tax filing and new and extended credits that were created to help taxpayers impacted by the recession this year. Some of these tax tips and changes are listed below, even more can be found at United Way's Smart Choices Guide online. So good luck and happy filing. Let me know if you found the info below helpful or if you know of other tips to include.  read more »

Tuesday’s catastrophic earthquake in Haiti has mobilized federal, city and state governments, community based organizations, schools, corporations, and individuals towards the relief effort, but many are asking this singular question: what can I to do to help?  read more »

What do we tell a country that has seen many years of pain, corruption, poverty and despair before disaster struck on Tuesday, Jan 12th interrupting the lives of 3million plus? No one or country can ever prepare for a time such as this... being buried alive, suffering under rubble because your country cannot afford the proper tools to remove you, fear because you cannot locate your family members, anger and frustration because you cannot get help for the loved one who is bleeding in your arms nor a hug of comfort from someone who can help because everyone around you is in need. Chaos...  read more »

Even if you are –like me- a long-time resident of Boston, participating of its annual homeless census will be like seeing Boston for the first time.  read more »

Out with the old and in with the new -– now with a busy year behind me, and a little free time to spare in the New Year, I’m thinking about how I can use my SERVE UNITED hours. SERVE UNITED is a volunteer program for United Way staff.

I'd love to hear about what cause is closest to your heart and where you have volunteered this year. Have you volunteered on an one-time project or in an on-going thing? Do you volunteer in a group, with family or with friends? Did you volunteer through a United Way volunteer opportunity or did you find one on your own. Looking for ideas, so let me know how you SERVE UNITED.  read more »