‘Floaters’ are normal in most cases and no reason for concern

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 09 February 2010 20:07

Q I’ve been noticing this thing in my eye. At first I thought it was an eyelash. Then I realized the thing was actually in my eye. One of my friends told me it’s a “floater” and not to worry. What exactly is a “floater” and should I see a doctor?

 

ATo allay any fears you may have, I should tell you that floaters are usually nothing to worry about. I have them myself. More than seven in 10 people experience floaters. Now for some biology.

The lens in the front of your eye focuses light on the retina in the back of your eye. The lens is like the one in a camera, and the retina is like film. The space between the lens and retina is filled with the “vitreous,” a clear gel that helps to maintain the shape of the...

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If you need assistance, choose your tax preparer carefully

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 02 February 2010 20:02

“Most return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients, but some engage in fraud and other illegal activities,” says Michael Devine, IRS media relations specialist for the IRS. Taxpayers who decide they need assistance when preparing a tax return should choose a tax preparer with care and caution.

Even if a return was prepared by an outside individual or firm, taxpayers should remember they are legally responsible for what they file with the Internal Revenue Service, according to Michael Devine, IRS media relations, St. Louis, Mo.

“Most return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients, but some engage in fraud and other illegal activities,” he said.

Return preparer fraud involves the preparation and filing of false income tax returns by preparers who claim inflated personal or business expenses, false deductions, unallowable credits or excessive exemptions on...

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Record keeping can make all the difference

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 02 February 2010 20:01

Normally tax records should be kept for three years. When you discard them, dispose of them properly to avoid identity theft. People can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of their receipts and other records all year.

In most cases, people do not have to keep tax records in any special manner. Good recordkeeping will save time and help taxpayers remember the various transactions they made during the year.

“Records help you document the deductions you’ll claim on your return and will help if the IRS selects your return for examination,” said Michael Devine, IRS media relations.

Whether someone does their own taxes pays a professional to complete the return, having tax records in one place will make returns easier to complete and more accurate.

“Generally speaking,” he said, “you should keep any and all documents that may have an...

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Check your credit score before your hunt for a house

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 19 January 2010 19:41

A good credit report and score can open doors for you in the real estate world, and empower you to secure the best loan and terms possible before you ever tour a single house. With many signs pointing to the beginnings of a recovery in the housing market, potential home buyers can still find plenty of selection, low prices and low interest rates.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, now might be the right time, but before you contact a real estate agent or apply for a mortgage, your top priority should be checking your credit report to see if your credit is in good shape.

Credit—specifically, misuse and misunderstanding of credit—spurred the housing crisis, many experts agree. The consequences have included tighter standards from lenders and the need for borrowers to better understand how to use credit wisely.

Interest rates remain low and those with good credit will be better positioned to take...

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