FOUNDATION FOCUS A PUBLICATION OF WILLAMETTE VIEW FOUNDATION VOLUME 4, November 2016
Gratitude = Happiness It has been said that one of the secrets to happiness is gratitude. Gr atitu de is: th e quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Makes sense; if you are focusing on those things for which you are grateful, it will make you happy. You will be thinking of important people in your life, love you’ve shared and received, the helping hand of a friend, a kind word from a passer-by, watching kids use their imagination and wishing you still remembered how to do the same, the weather, good food, experiences, incredible opportunities, stunning scenery, and the list can go on and on.
meaningful, happier life. Todd and his son end each day by listing 3 things that they are grateful for and I think that is something that we could all add to our daily routines. Something so simple can make the biggest difference, not only in your own life but in the lives of those around you. We placed a link on our website to the article “The Secret to Happiness Is Not What You’d Expect.”
Focusing on gratitude always seems to be trending this time of year, as the holidays approach and we begin spending extra time with the ones that we love. Wouldn’t it be great if this was something we focused on all the time. Is it possible to be thankful January thru October as well? It is easy to focus on the negative that is going on in life and in the world, Just days after listening to a speaker talk about the with just a slight shift in our actions, just imagine positive impact of gratitude, I came across an arti- the impact that it might have. Yes, this may be a bit cle about the founder of a project, “A Day Well idealistic and could even be construed as naïve, but Lived”, Todd Lieman. What I gleaned from both starting and ending each day with gratitude seems the article and the lecture is that if you are continu- like the first step toward some good things. ally grateful for the things, people, and even animals in your life, then you will end up living a more Every cloud has a silver lining. Always look for the good in every situation. Look on the bright side. We’ve all heard these sayings, this is not a new concept. This is the season of Thanksgiving, what a perfect time to begin starting each day counting our blessings and sharing our gratitude with others, then keep it going all year long. It’s always a good time to spread happiness!
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Prep For a Smooth Tax Season
LETTER FROM DIANE Wow, are we really heading into the holiday season already? I can’t help but think of that country song urging “Don’t Blink”. It’s been quite a year; lots of changes. One thing that still hasn’t changed is our focus on the residents of Willamette View and the services that we focus on you. I love the changing of the seasons, the beautiful colors of the leaves as they change, and the chance to wear cozy sweaters. Maybe it’s just because I grew up in Arizona where we didn't really have seasons, but the beauty of fall never ceases to amaze me; there is so much to appreciate about our surroundings in the great outdoors. Then, we have family and friends surrounding us indoors. Ah, life’s simple pleasures! I hope the months ahead bring you happiness, peace, and time to reflect on all there is to be grateful for and cherish. Gratefully,
The end of the year is often filled with the splendor of the holidays, spending time with family and enjoying all things pumpkin and cinnamon, the last thing on our mind is preparing for the 2016 tax season. Prepping taxes, paying taxes, talking about taxes isn’t something that people look forward to doing, however, it is something that we all do every year and having a game plan in hand for when you start receiving 1099s, W-2s, K-1s, etc. will make things less stressful and less rushed come April 15th. Below are some tips to follow now and throughout the year that should help your tax season go off without a hitch. Gather and organize your receipts: * Donations, no m atter how sm all, can add u p. Mak e sure you have receipts or copies of your cleared checks for each donation made throughout the year. If you find you are missing one, don’t hesitate to contact the charity and ask them to send you a duplicate tax receipt. They are more than willing to provide this for you. Some can even email or fax it for a quicker response. * Medical r eceipts from prescriptions, doctor visits and other health related expenses are often tax deductible. Keep detailed records throughout the year to make sure that you have everything accounted for.
Make a list of all of your income sources. Use this list to check and then double check that you have received the proper tax form from each entity and that they all have your current address as well as correct name and social security number on them.
Know what taxes you’ve already paid. Make sure you have support for any estimated tax payments that you’ve made through the year. Your tax preparer will want to see these.
Give your tax preparer your most current bank information if you are opting to use Direct Deposit for your Federal or State refund. This is the fastest w ay to get your r efun d. According to the IRS direct deposit has a proven track record: 8 out of 10 taxpayers who get a refund choose to receive it this way.
Diane
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. ~Dalai Lama
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Albert Einstein once said “The hardest thing to understand in the world is the income tax.” Hopefully by adopting some of these procedures you wont feel encumbered by the process. If you have any questions or need a referral for a CPA please let us know. Willamette View Foundation does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice.
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What Does the Foundation Do? The answer that is obvious is, paying the way for residents who are no longer able to meet their living costs at Willamette View. There is more to our service to residents than simply providing subsidy. We are a constant source of comfort and relief from the burden of following up on income and benefits, paying bills, balancing a checkbook, straightening out billings and balances, matching up medical bills and insurance explanations of benefits, and monitoring credit card statements, just to name a few. Quarterly reports are prepared to keep residents or their families (if so requested by the resident) up to date on what has come in or gone out of their checking account. We also consolidate and summarize all the information needed by the tax preparer in order for them to complete both Federal and Oregon individual tax returns for each participant. These functions are provided to residents receiving a direct subsidy as well as those participating in our management services program. Both groups of residents receive as-
sistance that is designed to provide peace of mind and financial security; it’s golden! For some, the Foundation is the one place they know they can turn when they are not able to manage on their own, for others, it’s time to let go of those worries and spend days doing only those things they love.
The number of residents who have benefited from our programs over the past 49 years has grown to a total of 330. Foundation staff is available to help you with bill payment, budgeting, tracking your spending, explaining changes with your medical insurance and we’ve even been known to help residents download books onto their Kindles, and help with text messaging. We’re always happy to help non-participating residents with miscellaneous problems
Facts
November 8th.
Women were given the right to vote 8/18/1920 About 60% of eligible voters cast their vote during presidential elections
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to office for 4 terms prior to the 22nd Amendment set term limits
The US Marine band has played at every presidential inauguration since 1801
Quarterly Foundation Focus newsletters keep all Willamette View residents informed about ways we can help, warned against trending scams, educated on important financial issues, and it’s a way for us to stay connected to you. In the past we have hosted seminars on campus with speakers on estate planning, taxes, scams, the stock market, and other financial topics. Now that our office is off campus we will be adjusting our educational and other programs. If you have ideas of programs you’d like us to put on don’t be afraid to drop us a line! If you have any questions about assistance or management services that might be needed in the future, please do not hesitate to contact the Foundation Office.
2016 Tax Forms
Don’t forget to vote.
Election Day is
or issues that are causing them anxiety; we’re here to lend a hand, a sympathetic ear, and words of encouragement. That’s what friends are for and we’re here for you.
Need to order tax forms or instructions books? Just call: 1-800-829-3676 (IRS) // 503-945-8100 (Oregon) to place your order. They will mail the forms as soon as they are available. Need help ordering forms? Call Nora at 971-233-8956 and she will be happy to do it for you!
American astronauts on the International Space Station can vote in elections from orbit by secure email.
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Willamette View Foundation
971-233-8956 Diane Wernli, Execu tive Dir ector diane@willametteviewfoundation.org Nora Ard, Executive Assistant nora@willametteviewfoundation.org
THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION is to help qualified residents of the Willamette View Retirement Community maintain their dignity and independence through assistance in satisfying their need for housing and financial security. Aid is provided through resident assistance and financial management programs, educational seminars, financial information service, publications and grants to Willamette View, Inc. that benefit the community’s residents.
Let’s Give-Back Together
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dave Louthan - President Ron Gustafson - Vice President Christie Geiger - Secretary/Treasurer Carol Cameron Jon Coney Thomas DeSouza Pat Fisher Robert Potter Bill Spooner
Help us spread some holiday cheer and gratitude to our troops near and far! Please join Diane and Nora on December 2nd 10:30am - 12:30pm in the 2n d floor Heron Lounge to decorate Thank-You and Holiday Cards that will be sent to our military and their families this season. We will provide supplies, snacks and fellowship! Just bring yourself and your creativity. We look forward to seeing you on December 2nd!
IN THIS ISSUE Gratitude = Happiness Page 1
Prep for a Smooth Tax Season Page 2
What does the Foundation Do? Page 3
Holiday Cards for Military Page 4
Willamette View Foundation 11226 SE 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97222 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED