“Winning the Future” Requires a Win-Today Workforce

Last week, millions of Americans watched the State of the Union. In outlining his strategy for “winning the future,” President Obama highlighted the need to create jobs by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building the rest of the world. He also focused on the need to reduce the deficit. Among budget-cutting strategies he outlined was a proposal to freeze annual spending for the next five years, exempting education, defense, veterans affairs, homeland security, Medicare, and Social Security.

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The Earned Income Tax Credit Puts Money In Your Pocket

Did you know you could be eligible to get more money back -- as much as $5,666 -- from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this tax season? That is money you can use to boost your savings, build your assets, and help you pay for other important household and medical expenses.

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Do You Have a Dream? Let Goodwill Help You Live It

On Martin Luther King Day, we remember the legacy of an American who dreamed of equality, justice and peace in our country. Here at Goodwill, we also take this day to reflect back on our founder Edgar Helms, who had a similar dream to create equal opportunity for all people - his dream was to eliminate barriers to employment and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.

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Make Mentoring Month Every Month Through GoodGuides®

January marks the 10th anniversary of National Mentoring Month. This month, organizations and individuals raise awareness of mentoring in its various forms, with a goal of recruiting individuals to become involved in formal mentoring programs. In November 2009, Goodwill Industries International, along with 56 Goodwills in 38 states, kicked off the GoodGuides youth mentoring program. Today, more than 3,100 youth have been matched with mentors. Across the country, youth, families and referral sources report positive changes in the lives of youth from mentoring. Read about one successful pair matched through the GoodGuides program and learn how you can make a difference in a young person's life as a mentor.

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Twelve Tips to Save Money in 2011

Though the holidays are over, the bills linger into the new year. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck — or even if you're able to save a little money — you’ve probably found yourself looking for new and creative ways to make the most of your current funds. There are always tricks to stretch your dollar, but often simple changes in your habits make the real difference. From changing your entertainment routine to being more aware of your cash flow, here are 12 ways you can stretch your budget heading into 2011.

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Congress Passes Temporary Spending Bill: Sets Stage for Funding Battle Next Year

On December 21, 2010, the U.S. Congress passed a “continuing resolution” (CR) to temporarily fund federal programs until March 4, 2011. The bill is expected to be signed by President Obama today. As cleared, the bill would increase government spending by $1.16 billion in fiscal 2011 compared with fiscal 2010. The bill also includes millions of dollars in additional funds for a variety of federal programs, including some aimed at aiding veterans and students.

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Jump-Start Your Job Search in 2011

As 2010 comes to a close, it is a great time to set new goals and revamp your job search strategy. In the upcoming year, employers are expected to show an increase in hiring as the economy continues to rebound. 2011 could be the opportunity you need to improve your job-hunting habits and resolve to finding your dream job. What changes can you make in your strategy today that can help advance your career in 2011?

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Gain Good Job Skills and Support Working Families as a VITA Volunteer

This year, growing numbers of workers will qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) because their income declined or they experienced unemployment. The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for working individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes. Last year, the program lifted an estimated 6.6 million people out of poverty — including 3.3 million children— making this tax credit one of the largest anti-poverty federal measures in the U.S. To help workers claim the EITC and other tax credits, the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to low-to-moderate income working families with the help of trained volunteers. Goodwills across the country are currently training hundreds of volunteers to help members of their community to prepare their taxes this season.

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