Feb. 5, 2007 - News You Can Use

February Highlights

1. Prepare and File Your Taxes for Free

If your Adjusted Gross Income in 2006 was $52,000 or less, you are eligible to electronically prepare and file your federal taxes for free. Visit USA.gov’s link to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to learn more about this program.

2. Save Energy at Home

Wintertime is often associated with costly energy bills. Check out USA.gov’s Home Energy Saver link for tips on conserving energy and saving money. You can compare the energy costs of an average home and an energy-efficient home in your zip code.

3. National Consumer Protection Week—February 4-10

National Consumer Protection Week highlights efforts to help all Americans make well-informed purchases, avoid scams, protect personal information, and file complaints. Visit USA.gov’s Consumer Guides and Protection page for information from federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as national consumer advocacy organizations.

4. African-American History Month

February is African-American History Month. Visit USA.gov’s link to the Department of Education to find a timeline of African-American history; a website about Nobel Peace Prize Winner Ralph Bunche; a multimedia exploration of the Harlem Renaissance; and much more.

5. American Heart Month

Every February, the heart plays a prominent role in the American consciousness. Valentine’s Day sparks heartfelt expressions, heart-shaped sweets, and heart-adorned greeting cards; and American Hearth Month reminds Americans about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. The sobering fact is that heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the United States. Show your heart some love and visit USA.gov’s link to the Healthy Heart Guide.

6. President’s Day—February 19

Monday, February 19 is President’s Day, the common name for the U.S. federal holiday officially designated as Washington’s Birthday. The holiday was originally established to honor the contributions of the first U.S. president, whose actual birthday was February 22. The holiday’s theme eventually expanded to honor President Lincoln (born on February 12) and the legacies of all past presidents.