Okay! Hopefully with that last post, I got you moving and grooving into the New Year. Now it’s time to get some valuable advice from my favorite money expert, Cindy Morus, about something positive to look forward to in 2009 — your tax refund.

How to Have More Fun With Your Tax Refund in 2009

By Cindy Morus, Creator of the Pay Debt Quickly System

I counsel a LOT of people about money. I see the same mistakes being made over and over again.

If you’ve made ‘em, don’t worry. I’m here to help you do it right THIS year! The fact is, moneymakers need a money coach, just like gymnasts need a gymnastics coach.

As your Money Mending coach, here are the mistakes in thinking and behavior I want you to avoid:

* Don’t think of your refund as free money - or lottery winnings. It’s not! That refund is your hard-earned dollars that you loaned Uncle Sam interest free - all last year.

* Don’t spend the refund - or OVERSPEND it - when you haven’t gotten the cash in your hands yet.

* Don’t spend the whole refund to pay down debt.

OK. So now you’re Money Smart about what NOT to do with that refund in 2009.

Next, here are my EASY Money Smart moves that YOU can make to best handle your income tax refund this year.

First, divide your refund into thirds - 3 equal amounts.

Why 3 equal amounts? Because we want to use that refund - however small or large - to handle the past, the present and the future.

Use one third to handle the PAST by paying down debts. Start with your most pressing debt…either the one with the highest interest rate, or the one with the biggest consequence for not paying it down.

Use one third for something you need or want in the PRESENT. If you can, use that money to have some FUN. Do something that is NOURISHING to you - something that makes you feel GOOD. How about a mini-vacation, or an evening of fine dining and great entertainment, or a day at the spa?

***Of course, if the brakes on the car are shot, or you have some other pressing need, you’ll need to do that FIRST.***

Finally, use one third to handle some aspect of your FUTURE. Here are several Money Smart suggestions for you to think about.

*Put money in your Anti-Emergency Fund.

*Put money in your Sleep EZ Fund or save for your retirement through your 401(k), 403(b), IRA (traditional or Roth).

*Put money into college education funds (Coverdell IRAs or 529 plans) for your kids or grandkids.

Why is this “thirds” approach such a great idea? Because you’ll be taking care of a variety of wants and needs - AND taking several easy Money Smart steps forward towards your BIG goal of financial freedom!

THAT is how you can have MORE fun with YOUR tax refund in 2009.

Now is also a GREAT time to “check out your paycheck”:

* Re-evaluate how much money you are contributing to your 401(k) or 403(b).

* If you got a whopping refund, remember you were just sticking YOUR money in Uncle Sam’s pocket. No point in giving Uncle Sam an interest free loan! Adjust your deductions so that you have just enough taxes withheld from your paycheck.

More Help from Cindy:

Trouble with debt? Eliminate your debt and save your money using the Pay Debt Quickly System. It comes with the software and strategies you need get rid of your debt without making an large payments or making any significant lifestyle changes. Click here to learn more and get started right away or sign up for her free Powerful Debt Reduction Starter Guide.

Technorati Tags: 2009 tax refund, cindy morus, pay debt quickly, pay debt in 2009

…a la Madonna? Why not? Enjoy these tarot-infused videos I’ve posted — and yes, I did get the idea from the Divine Lucy D. of Only Tarot.

And have a very happy New Year! I hope 2009 is full of joy and peace for you. Remember, my 20% sale on readings still continues until January 7!

Technorati Tags: tarot cards, tarot readings, Madonna, Reinvention Tour, reinvent yourself in the new year

Hello! Hope your holidays were happy. But guess what? The holidays aren’t over. In fact, according to calendar goddess Waverly Fitzgerald, the Twelve Days of Christmas are just beginning on December 26! So in honor of this “time out of time,” I am giving tarot readings over the telephone at 20 percent off the normal price. In other words:

• 15 minute reading is now $20
• 30 minute reading is now $36
• 60 minute reading is now $60

Until January 7th, 2009! And yes, I do accept Paypal. Perfect for you to get your New Year’s reading, yes? So please leave me a message at diane [at] wavelengthtarot.com and I will get back to you rather quickly about making an appointment with you for a telephone reading.

Have a Happy!

Technorati Tags: tarot reading, telephone tarot reading, sale

Here’s a little postscript on the blog post I just ran on the Winter Solstice written by Donna Henes. Today’s New York Times ran a story about her latest Winter solstice outdoor celebration. I had joined Mama Donna for her celebrations this year for the Summer Solstice and also the infamous Autumn Equinox (the blessing at Wall Street — feel free to do a search for this on this blog for pix and more info) but I must admit I found it more cozy to stay at home in the wee hours of Sunday morning, especially with the sleet and snow. The inteprid Ms. Henes was out there, however, and we are thankful she shows this devotion.

Technorati Tags: mama donna henes, winter solstice, winter solstice celebration brooklyn new york

A post by one of my favorite writers, Mama Donna Henes, on the Winter Solstice:

Blessings of the Returning Solstice Sun

by Donna Henes

The Sun, source of light, love and power in the universe
Whose radiance illuminates the whole Earth,
illuminate also our hearts
That they, too may do your work.
- Sanskrit prayer for peace

The return of the retreating sun, which retrieves us from the dark of night, the long nights of winter, is a microcosmic recreation of the origination of the universe, the first birth of the sun.

The Winter Solstice is an anniversary celebration of creation. Since the earliest of human times, it has been both natural and necessary for folks to join together in the warmth and glow of community in order to welcome the return of light to a world that is surrounded by dark.

And through the imitative gesture of lighting fires,like so many solar birthday candles, we do our annual part to rekindle the spirit of hope in our hearts.

One by one, in tiny increments,candle by candle, gesture by effort, wish by prayer, concern by care,we feed the life-fires of the soul and light the infinite universe,little by little from within.

With bright blessings.

xxMama Donna

* (c) Permission is granted to copy, reproduce, reprint or promulgate in any manner this copyrighted material so long as correct attribution and contact information is included.
*****************************************************
Donna Henes is an internationally renowned urban shaman,
eco-ceremonialist, award-winning author, syndicated columnist,
popular speaker and workshop leader whose joyful celebrations
of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and
contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than
100 cities since 1972. In addition to her popular public rituals for
equinoxes and solstices, she is the official Grand Spirit Marshall
of the world famous Greenwich Village Halloween Parade and the
Mistress of Blessing Ceremonies for NYC Earth Day Festivities.

She has published four books, a CD, an acclaimed quarterly
journal and writes a column for UPI (United Press International)
Religion and Spirituality Forum. Mama Donna, as she is
affectionately called, maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop,
ritual practice and consultancy in Exotic Brooklyn, NY where she
works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and
corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every
imaginable occasion.

For information about upcoming events and services contact:

Mama Donna’s Tea Garden & Healing Haven
PO Box 380403
Exotic Brooklyn, New York, NY 11238-0403
Phone: 718/857-1343
Email: CityShaman@aol.com
www.DonnaHenes.net
www.MamaDonnasSpiritShop.com/
www.TheQueenofMySelf.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Henes

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yAR-aIiQ_xE

Read her blog at:
http://www.myspace.com/queenmamadonna
http://queenmamadonna.blogspot.com
http://mamadonnahenes.gaia.com/

Technorati Tags: winter solstice, mama donna henes, yule, shortest day of the year

to announce that I received the Lemonade award, which is given to blogs that show great attitude and gratitude, from the Book Review Blog Carnival blog. I’m happy to have been chosen by such a great blog! It is now my duty to bestow the award on the following 10 blogs (in no particular order) for great attitude and gratitude:

• Goddess in a Teapot
• Kris Waldherr Art and Words blog
• Wonders and Marvels
• Goblinfruit Studio
• Gaian Tarot Artist’s Journal
• Organic Consciousness
• Tarot by Arwen
• Queen Mama Donna’s Blog
• The Voice of Your Muse
• Living in Season

BONUS BLOG — A Marketing Expert

The rules of this award for recipients:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Technorati Tags: lemonade award, gratitude and attitude

An interesting weekend just passed. If you were on my “wavelength” you would have seen me at the following events:

On Saturday, December 13, I visited children gathered at Kris Waldherr Art and Words gallery in my guise of Santa Lucia. Not wanting to show up empty-handed, I presented them with glogg and gingersnap cookies. A massive sugar rush followed! If you’d like to know more about the tradition behind Santa Lucia, this blog post by Joanna Powell Colbert has a wonderful perspective on it. Then on Sunday…

Manhattan Arts International presented The Healing Power of Art, an exhibit in a 2,000 square foot gallery that generously had a room devoted to healers. Pictured above is Barry Goldstein, a sound healer, working on a client. He was to the right of me — I was reading tarot cards for clients for three hours and met some wonderful people!

All in all, a great weekend!

Technorati Tags: santa lucia, joanna powell colbert, kris waldherr art and words, manhattan arts international, barry goldstein, wavelength tarot, tarot readings

This week’s horoscopes are brought to you, as always, by Astrology Source.

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES FOR THE WEEK OF December 15th - December 21st, 2008

ARIES
This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to change some little things that seem so important to someone.  Listen to their ideas and help them to look positively to the future.  Your social position will allow you to bring others together.  Remember, everyone’s heart is in the same place. You’ll have too much vigor and cheer for one person, so you might as well spread it around.  Give the gift of yourself to someone, who could really use a spiritual lift right now.  The feeling is more important than the reason for doing it.  If it feels right, do it.  Spread the joy.   Example is certainly the best teacher.  Do your community a favor for which it will thank you.  Answer their problems with realistic solutions.  With the right people working together, you could actually work some miracles.    

TAURUS
This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to stay afloat.  Make an effort to have fun, even if you’re feeling a little low.  Don’t allow your emotions to give you a bad attitude.  Something will heighten your awareness of a cold world over which you have no control.  Sincere actions will be the most important.  You should no longer be shy about your powers to help others.  Help along someone who may be going through this awareness for the first time.  What answers you can’t find, you’ll invent.  Take the time to bring your art supplies outside and you’ll be able to create some real works of art.  Your inner self will reflect in everything that passes through your hands.  You’ll be able to relearn an old lesson of patience.  By week’s end, you’ll feel vibrant and sensual.  There are some doors that you shouldn’t open.  Better to create the illusion.  Not everybody has to know all of your business. 
     
GEMINI
This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to figure out what others are thinking.  The competition may be confused when you seem to give them your secrets, but listen to their ideas.  You may have wanted to make changes where none were required.  Communication will bring you the wisdom you need.  Don’t give up on your friends.  A dreaded re-union will turn out to be a memorable event.  The word from a friend or partner will set you in motion.  Use your positive energy to propel other’s engines.  Teamwork is a welcomed alternative to the childish games that have been going on, lately.  Bring your strengths to the table & hope that others will, as well.   Everyone should use this weekend to get into better shape, emotionally.    

CANCER
This week’s scenario is highlighted by your ability to live your life with grace and joy. Friendship and romance will flourish this week.  You’re likely to get just about anything you want.  Don’t refuse any social invitations.  Forget the formalities, you need to go where you are needed, spreading your sunshine along the way.  You’ll score more points by just being yourself.  Read the rest of this entry »