What You Need to Know About Life After High School

1. College a. How to pay for college b. What to bring to college c. How to pass college courses d. How to study in college e. What to do your first day of college

2. Career a. How to apply to jobs b. How to set up and get a job using LinkedIn c. Job interview questions you should be prepared for d. How to write a professional email (also helpful for college)e. How to write a resume

3. Finances a. How to establish and build credit b. How to get out of debt c. How to write a check d. How to cash a check e. How to balance a checkbook f. How to make a budget (and save money)g. How to do taxes

4. DIY (Do It Yourself) a. Basic car maintenance b. Basic house repairs c. How to do laundry d. How to dress professionally e. How to tie a tie f. Basics of cooking g. Happiness in success

Message from Ms. Muskat:This table of contents is composed of links to pages in this document. The best way to use it is downloaded as a PDF.Remember that Google and Youtube are always there for you to help you figure things out.If you ever need anything post-high school, whether it’s a letter of recommendation or someone to look over a college essay, you can reach out to me. I plan on keeping my website, so you can contact me through the contact info on there. Also, if you lose this document, I plan on keeping a link to it on the website as well.https://msmuskat.weebly.comamm14345@gmail.com

CollegeHow to Pay for College:

1. Apply for FAFSA (this is need-based) https://fafsa.ed.gov/ 2. On your college’s website, look at their Financial Aid or talk to the Financial Aid department staff about

options available to you.3. Scholarships are offered by the school you go to and by outside organizations. The school’s Financial Aid

department will manage their scholarships. Look for other scholarships from college advisors. Here are some great resources: https://myscholly.com/ https://www.nextgenvest.com/ https://www.unigo.com/.

4. Consider going to community college for a few classes before transferring to another four-year college or university. Just make sure your classes will transfer!!

5. Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit. If your parents are paying for your college, they can claim the tax credit if their modified adjusted gross income is no more than $90,000 (or $180,000 if filing jointly). Reduce your taxes by up to $2,500 a year per child https://www.irs.gov/publications/p970.

6. Apply to work-study at your college! Many colleges will offer opportunities for you to have a campus job that will be “paid” to you by reducing your tuition rate. Look around your college’s website to find their offers.

7. If you have student loans that you need to pay back after you graduate, you can consider some programs that will forgive student loans. For example, some Americorps programs will forgive some student loans. https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps.

What to Bring to College:Sometimes your college will provide a packing list. After your first year at college, you’ll have a pretty good idea on what you really need to bring and what you don’t need.One tip that I encourage to to avoid bringing these two things:

1. T-Shirts. You’ll get so many college t-shirts when you get there that your old ones won’t be used much.2. Books you already read. They take up space and you’re probably not going to use them at college.

List of ESSENTIALS:

Bed set Pencils/pens Calculator Dinnerware set Towel & washcloth

Hair care supplies

Pillows Notebooks Backpack Water bottle Shower flip flops Textbooks

Mattress Cover Folder/Binder per class

Umbrella/ raincoat

Pop-out hamper Shower caddy Trash can

Laptop Computer (with backup hardware that it came with just in case)

Calendar Tool Set Detergent First Aid kit Toothbrush & toothpaste

Power strip Index cards Fan Hangers Nail clippers Posters and games

Links to additional packing lists with more than essentials:https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/pack-it-up-what-to-bring-to-college https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/making-a-decision/off-to-college-checklist

How to Pass College Courses:1. MAKE A CALENDAR!! I promise this helps

2. Set Aside Regular Study TimeOnce you hit college, say goodbye to a “normal” school schedule. You might have an 8AM lecture and be done by lunchtime on Monday, not start until 3PM (and finish after dark) on Tuesday, and have no classes at all on Wednesday. And then, of course, you want to make room for the rest of college life – work, campus events, clubs, fraternities, sports, and social activities. It can be hard to fit in a consistent block of time for homework – and if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself rushing to complete assignments late at night or early the next morning before school. You may not be able to study at the same time every day, but you can set up a weekly schedule that allows you to study at the same time each day of the week. So for example, you might block off an hour right after lunch on Mondays, an hour first thing in the morning on Tuesdays, and a longer study session on your free Wednesdays. A disciplined homework routine will keep you from accidentally forgetting an assignment or missing a deadline – just make sure you buy a good calendar or planner so you can keep track of everything!

3. Think About Your Study EnvironmentLiving on your own in a dorm or apartment for the first time is very exciting – but it’s not particularly conducive to developing good study habits. There’s just too much commotion, too much noise, and too many distractions. You answer the phone or a friend drops by, you decide to put in a load of laundry or watch a little TV – and suddenly the whole day is gone before you know it, and you haven’t gotten any homework done. That’s why universities set up rows of study carrels in the library – so kids can have a reliable place to focus on their schoolwork. If you don’t like the library, choose a study area in another building – any spot that is quiet, comfortable, well lit, and away from the hustle and bustle. Set up a portable “study kit”. This might consist of a hanging file box or expanding file that contains all of your supplies and school papers. Then settle in for an uninterrupted hour of work each day. You’ll find that you get your assignments done twice as fast as you would in the middle of all that “dorm chaos,” and then you’ll have plenty of free time to hang out with your friends.

4. Making Choices And Setting BoundariesIn college, your schedule becomes your own for the first time in your life. You will discover very quickly that you simply don't have time for everything – and that’s when you learn to prioritize. Keep your calendar with you at all times and write down EVERY important upcoming to-do that you can think of – football games, dentist appointments, work shifts, classes, study sessions, club meetings, project due dates, social activities, you name it. Then you will be able to pinpoint scheduling conflicts and make a decision about which activity is more important. When faced with a choice between writing a paper and attending a party, it’s easy to say, “I’ll do it later” – but that only works if you pick a specific time and schedule it into your calendar! Just remember why you’re at school in the first place – for an education. And if the fun stuff is getting in the way of studying, you might need to make a few adjustments in your schedule.

By Ramona Creel

How to Study for College Classes

Ms. Muskat’s Tips:1. Show up to class.2. On the first day of classes, you’ll get the syllabus. Write down every due date in

a calendar so you don’t miss any assignments or exams. Professors do not take late work and don’t care if you’re not ready for a test. If you have projects or writing assignments, plan how much time it will take to complete and plan ahead!

3. A resource that I used a lot in college to study is https://www.studyblue.com/. It is online notecards that you can also download an app on your phone to study on-the-go. It’s free!

People remember knowledge in different ways. Use your learning style to find a way that works for you:Tips for Visual Learners

1. Write down anything that you want to remember, such as a list of things to do, facts to learn facts for a test, etc.2. Try to write down information in your own words. If you don't have to think about the material and restate it in your own words, you won't really learn it. 3. Underline or highlight important words you need to learn as you read. 4. When learning a new vocabulary word, visualize the word. 5. When you have a list of things to remember, keep the list in a place where you will be sure to see it several times a day. Suggestions: bulletin board by your desk at home, in your notebook, on the mirror in the bathroom… 6. Try drawing a picture of any information you want to learn. Try making a diagram, a chart, or actually drawing people, things… 7. Always read any material in the textbook before going to class so you have a chance to visually connect with the information before hearing it.

Tips for Auditory Learners (Oral, Interactive) 1. Use a tape recorder to record notes when reading instead of writing facts down. Play it back while you are riding in the car, doing dishes, washing the car, jogging… 2. Subvocalize. That is, talk to yourself about any information you want to remember. Try to recite it without looking at your notes or the book. 3. Discuss with others from your class and then quiz each other on the material. Really listen.4. When learning a new vocabulary word, say it out loud. Then spell it out loud several times. See if it rhymes with a word that you know. You could even try singing the word in a song. 5. To learn facts, say them out loud, put the facts to music or read them into a tape recorder. Then listen to what you have recorded often. 6. When writing, talk to yourself. First tell yourself what you will write, say it out loud as you write it, and then read aloud what you have written or tape record it. 7. Always read material in your textbook to be learned after hearing the information first in the class lecture, (unless the instructor assigns the reading first before class so you can participate in class discussions).

Tips for Physical Learners (Tactile, Kinesthetic) 1. Try to study through practical experiences, such as making models, doing lab work, or roleplaying. 2. Take frequent breaks in study periods only 5-10 minutes in length. 3. Trace words and letters to learn spelling and to remember facts. 4. Use the computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch. 5. Memorize or drill while walking, jogging or exercising.6. Try expressing your abilities through dance, drama, or sports. 7. Try standing up when you are reading or writing. 8. Write facts to be learned on 3" x 5" cards, with a question on one side and the answer on the other. Lay out the cards, quiz yourself, shuffle them, lay them out again and quiz yourself again. 9. When working with a study group, think of TV quiz games (Jeopardy, etc.) as ways to review information.Source: American River College http://www.gavilan.edu/tutor/documents/StudyTipsforDifferentLearningStyles_000.pdf

What to Do Your First Day of College:When you move in on campus:

1. Come with an open mind for meeting new people and having to do work for classes.2. Talk to your roommate. Introduce yourself to your hallway neighbors so they can become friendly faces.

You never know who’s going to be a lifelong friend.3. Keep your dorm room door open when you’re in there. Open door = friendly neighbor.4. Go to meals. Sit with people - even if you don’t know them - and introduce yourself.5. If your college offers a freshman orientation, go to it!! You’ll learn all about your college and get to meet

people.6. Walk around campus to find your classes, dorms, cafeterias, the library, the gym, and places to study.

When you start classes:1. On the first day of classes, you’ll get the syllabus. Write down every due date in a calendar so you

don’t miss any assignments or exams. Professors do not take late work and don’t care if you’re not ready for a test. If you have projects or writing assignments, plan how much time it will take to complete and plan ahead!

2. Use these links for additional tips: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/12/what-you-should-know-before-your-first-college-class/2643391/ https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/what-to-expect-on-your-first-day-of-class-in-college

Add your own notes:

CareerHow to Apply for Jobs:

1. Networking is one of the most important ways to find and get into jobs. Make connections at college with people in your career field. Make connections with people you work with at jobs and internships.

2. Networking on social media is also a great way to get connections. See the section below on how to set up and get a job using LinkedIn.

3. Try searching for jobs using these links:a. https://www.indeed.com/ b. https://www.careerbuilder.com/ c. https://www.monster.com/ d. Google search for jobs in your area

4. Not sure if a company is a right fit for you? Try using https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm.

How to Set Up and Get a Job Using LinkedIn:The latest survey data says a full 94% of recruiters today use social media in their recruitment efforts. And that is across the board for short order cooks to financial analysts. LinkedIn is basically Facebook for job recruitment. Go onto www.linkedin.com (there’s also an app) and create an account. It goes through step-by-step, but here are 8 steps to be noticed on LinkedIn.

1. Your picture The picture should be of your face. Not your dog. Or a waterfall. Chose a simple headshot where you are looking straight ahead. No selfies. It’s well worth the money to have a professional picture taken. Remember, it doesn’t have to be boring or artificial. You don’t have to wear business attire if that’s not your style. But you need to look professional and pleasant. Smile. You are going for “dependable” and “trustworthy.” Avoid “sexy” or “quirky.”

2. Your headlineYou have 120 characters at the top of your profile to describe to the world what you do. Many people just put their official job title. Which is one way to go… or you can really use the system to your advantage here. Choose descriptive and compelling keywords that a) make you as marketable as possible, and b) help you get found by the right people. Remember, LinkedIn is a search engine. Examples of effective headlines are “Recruiter, HR, Talent Management Expert” or “Brand Marketing, PR, Communications Professional.” Comes in handy especially if you are currently looking for work.

3. Your summaryLinkedIn’s Summary section is the best part of its 2012 revamp. You can include high-resolution photos, an infographic of your experience, or a video of a talk you gave. It is well worth it to put in the effort to write a unique and captivating summary section.

4. Your experience This is the body of your profile — just like on a traditional RESUME — where you really showcase your experience, expertise, and skills. You add where you have worked, for how long, and in what roles and functions. Include your current position and at least two other positions. There are two basic ways to handle this section: Adapt it from your resume; you can copy/paste the relevant job descriptions and accomplishments for each position. If you are uncomfortable listing too much information under specific employers, you can simply add the name of employer, your position, dates, keep the rest blank, and include in the Summary a more general “skills-based” experience piece.

5. Keywords and SEO

Include keywords everywhere, especially in the Summary and Experience sections, for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes. When recruiters use LinkedIn, they use certain industry-specific key words. These are the terms that will help you show up in their search results within LinkedIn. Ways to figure out your keywords:What words and phrases might people in your target market use to search for someone with your background, experience, and service offering? Go to the Careers page of some potential employers you are interested in, and pick common keywords around that job or industry.

6. RecommendationsThis is one area that we see easily fall through the cracks. Yet it is one of the most valuable tools in building up your credibility in the job marketplace.

You have to be proactive about asking for recommendations, following up, and keeping on top of it. Recommendations can be from anyone: bosses, colleagues, mentors and mentees, happy clients, or anyone who has collaborated with you and benefited from your skills or advice. A well-crafted recommendation that is genuinely glowing from a peer is better than a few generic sentences from a high-level managing director. Our best advice is to have a strategy. Ask each person to speak to particular skills or highlight certain experiences with as much detail as possible. Help out your recommenders by giving them this detail. For example, if you want them to highlight leadership skills, remind them of two or three instances when you skillfully led a project. Finally, ensure that the sum total of your recommendations covers all your skills and experiences, and that the content in them backs up (or least does not contradict) what you wrote about yourself.Always thank your recommenders and offer to recommend them too. In fact, go one step further and send along a draft of a potential recommendation.

7. Groups and associations Groups are a way to build relationships and network with people who are doing similar work or have similar interests as you. You have about 1.3 million groups on LinkedIn to choose from.Join as many relevant groups as you can and contribute to the conversation. As a start, join the alumni groups for where you went to school and any industry association groups pertinent to your line of work. When you join the discussion, try to lend your expertise to benefit the conversation and to show your interest and your value.

8. Ensure you have a “Fully Completed Profile” LinkedIn says your profile will appear 40 times more in search results if it is “complete.” In other words, you will be open to 40 times more opportunities if you do this. So please do. Here is LinkedIn’s definition of a 100% Complete Profile:— Your industry and location— An up-to-date current position (with a description)— Two past positions— Your education— Your skills (minimum of 3)— A profile photo— At least 50 connections

Hello World! That’s it! Your profile is now ready. Use it to position yourself as an expert in your field. Keep adding content and optimizing for best results. Connect with people and start building a powerful network of old colleagues and future collaborators alike. In the next post we will show you how to use LinkedIn both as a networking tool and a formidable job search engine.Read the original article on Careerly. Copyright 2013.

Job Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared For:1. Plan out how exactly you’re going to answer specific questions before going into a job interview. 2. If an interviewer asks you a question you aren’t ready for, take a pause. It is ok to think first about your

answer, and then respond. 3. Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them at the end of the interview. Please do not

say, “no”. Prepare at least two questions beforehand that you want to ask about the job or company.4. Use this website that has both the most common job questions AND ways to answer them:

https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/27-most-common-job-interview-questions-and-answers.html

How to Write a Professional Email:Use this whenever you have to interact with college professors or job managers/supervisors. The way you come of is crucial to you keeping your place in jobs and college.

How to Write a Resume:1. Document link to a resume template:

It will say “View Only”. Just click on FILE → MAKE A COPY to make a Google Docs copy. If you want a Word Document, click on FILE → DOWNLOAD AS → MICROSOFT WORD. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WAwEoOZUZY-6BiprjUrTjeXf-w_V2d53TcHVLDo55zo/edit?usp=sharing

2. Use this PDF for additional tips: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MIczXBD8pcvaMCWyZXd32RIEq8y8OxzS/view?usp=sharing

3. Remember to look for capitalization, matching format styles, and all sections are lined-up on the page. Job descriptions start with a past-tense verb. If you’re ever not sure about something, Google it.

FinancesHow to Establish and Build Credit:

1. Credit is essentially something that you get now, and pay back later.2. Get a credit card from a good bank. If you’re going to college, check which banks are in that area.3. Always, always, always pay your bills on time. Whether it’s student loans, car loans, mortgages, or cell

phone payments. When you get your credit card, pay it on time.4. To build your credit score, follow these guidlines:

a. Don’t pay interest. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to carry a balance to build credit. So consider paying off your entire balance each month to avoid interest charges.

b. Don’t miss a payment. Late payments can stay on your credit reports for years and wreck your credit. So do your best to make each payment on time, even if you can only afford the minimum payment.

c. Don’t spend too much. While you might be excited about breaking in your new credit card, try not to use more than 30 percent of your available credit. That means if you have a $1,000 credit limit, try not to spend more than $300. Keeping your credit utilization rate low can help improve your overall credit health.Source: https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/how-to-build-credit-from-scratch/#c

5. When you apply for aparments or loans, the company will look up your credit score to see if you are eligible. That’s why it’s important to keep your credit score high.

How to Get Out of Debt:Source: https://www.credit.com/debt/get-out-of-debt/

1. You need to have a complete picture. Here’s what you need to do:a. Gather your most recent statements for all loans and credit cards.b. Get your free annual credit reports to check them for accuracy and to identify all debts.c. Get your free credit score to find out whether you’re eligible to lower your interest rates or for a

debt consolidation loan.d. Check the National Student Data System to gather all student loan information.

2. Make a lista. Make a list of all your debts: name of creditor, interest rate, balance, minimum monthly payment.b. Also list how much you’ll need to pay in order to zero-out the cards’ debt within three years, as

found on credit card statements.c. Remember to include loans not listed on your credit reports (e.g. family loans, medical bills).

3. Lower your ratesa. Based on your credit, you may qualify for much better interest rates on credit cards.b. Open a free account with Credit.com and see what kind of low rate balance transfer credit cards

you can get.c. Check out student loan consolidation and Income-based Repayment at StudentLoans.gov.d. Call your card issuers to ask for lower rates on credit card balances.e. Consider a consolidation loan and/or balance transfers to pay off high-rate credit cards at a lower

rate.f. Find out if you can refinance a high-rate auto loan.

4. Get your numbera. Total the three-year pay-off amount for all your credit cards.b. Add the monthly payments for all other debts.c. Write down the result: Your Total Monthly Payment.

5. Plan your strategya. Determine if you can afford to pay the Total Monthly Payment until your debt is paid off.b. If not doable, contact a credit counseling agency and/or bankruptcy attorney for advice.c. If doable, decide which debt to pay off first (highest interest rate or lowest balance?) — “target

debt.”d. Set up “auto pay” for required minimum for all debts except target debt.e. Pay as much as possible toward target debt until paid off.f. Choose new target debt and pay extra toward that one, and so on.

6. Monitor and adjusta. Monitor your credit score each month to see if your credit score improves (over time it should).b. As your credit score improves, reconsider a consolidation loan or balance transfers to save money

often spent on interest charges for remaining debts. (Your interest charges are often listed on your credit card statement.)

c. Stick with your plan until your debt is paid off.

How to Write a Check:1. Set up a checking account with a bank of your choice. When you do this, the bank will give you a

checkbook. When you use this checkbook, the money will be coming out of this checking account. (Some banks will charge you for a checkbook.)

2. If you need to pay someone (rent, gift, etc) and don’t have the cash, you can write a check. Remember, the money you write on the check will come out of the bank account that you set up with it.

3. Track your spending by balancing your checkbook (see below)!

How to Cash a Check:1. Let’s say someone GIVES you a check (if you don’t have direct deposit, this is how you will get your

paychecks!).2. If you have a checking account that you want to put this money in, then flip over the check and write on

the lines: (1) For deposit only, (2) Acct Number …., (3) Sign your name3. If you do not have a checking account, go to the Issuing Bank that is written on the check.

a. Most banks will be willing to cash checks that have been issued from their accounts, which means you can visit a local branch of the issuing bank to get your check cashed. The big benefit of this is that you’ll often be able to cash both personal and payroll checks.

b. However, you’ll likely have to pay a fee for the service. Pretty much every bank charges a fee of anywhere from $4 to $10 to cash their own checks for a non-account holder. (It’s important to note that, at some banks, check cashing is free for checks smaller than a certain amount, or for personal checks.) These fees are in place to cover the cost of processing the check — and you may field an offer to open an account in order to avoid the fee.

4. If you do not have a checking account, you can also go to Walmart.a. The retail giant Walmart offers check-cashing services for customers. They’ll cash payroll checks,

government checks, tax checks, and MoneyGram money orders, but not personal checks. The fee is $3 for any check up to $1,000, and $6 for any check between $1,000 and $5,000, which is the check-cashing limit.

How to Balance a Checkbook:Source: http://www.dummies.com/personal-finance/how-to-balance-a-checkbook/

Set up a checking account with a bank of your choice. When you do this, the bank will give you a checkbook. When you use this checkbook, the money will be coming out of this checking account. (Some banks will charge you for a checkbook.)When you use a checkbook, you need to know basic addition and subtraction to keep it balanced. Balancing a checkbook means you’ve recorded all additions (deposits) made to your account and subtractions (withdrawals). Each deposit and withdrawal is called a transaction. The purpose for balancing a checkbook is to know how much actual money you have in your checking account at any given time.

You can hand-write this in the chechbook you get from your bank when you open a checking account, or set up an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your deposits and withdrawals.

Here are the six columns to keep track of:1. Number: The check number.2. Date: The date you made the transaction.3. Description: To whom the check was written, or if you made an ATM withdrawal, or used your debit card4. Amount or Debit: The exact sum of the check, withdrawal or payment.5. Deposit: This is where you mark down any deposits such as paychecks, money gifts (from a super-

wealthy relative, perhaps?), money you may have transferred from a savings account into your checking account, and so on.

6. Balance: The actual amount of money that’s in your account. You start with an opening balance (the amount of money you had when you opened the checking account). And then, by subtracting all checks, withdrawals, payments, and bank fees, and by adding any deposits or interest payments, you will arrive at your balance for that day.

For more information, look on this website: http://www.dummies.com/personal-finance/how-to-balance-a-checkbook/

Source: https://wallethub.com/edu/how-to-balance-a-checkbook/13769/

How to Make a Budget:1. Find out your monthly net income (that means the amount of money you make in a month MINUS taxes).2. Figure out what you need to pay for. The most important ones are housing, savings, food, transportation,

personal.3. Aim for 35% of your net income going towards paying for housing. At least 10% of your net income should

go into your savings account. (HINT: SAVINGS IS SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE)

4. Calculate how much of your money can go into each category. For example, to find out how much I can pay for rent, I’m going to multiply my monthly net income by 35%.

$2,000 x .35 = $700 that I can use to pay for rent.5. Track your spending every month using Excel spreadsheet or paper. Simply add up what you’re spending

on each category to stay within your budget.

How to Do Your Taxes:The IRS requires you to file a tax return in each year that your income is greater than your standard deduction plus one exemption if you are not the dependent to another taxpayer. Many taxpayers fail to file a return even when required to do so. If you are one of them, you are probably racking up interest and penalties on back taxes every month you are late. Your obligation to file these returns never goes away, but catching up may be easier than you think.

Step 1: Collect income information Gather as much information as you can about your income for the years you need to file. You'll need your prior W-2s and 1099s for those years. If you are missing a W-2 and cannot obtain a copy from your employer, you can request a substitute from the IRS by filing an IRS Form 4852, which you can find on the TurboTax website. If you sold any capital assets in those years, such as stocks, you need to report this income as well. However, if your goal is to stop penalties and interest from accruing, you can always estimate your income and make a tax payment before receiving a copy of your 1099 or W-2.

Step 2: Determine deductions and exemptions Reduce your tax bill with deductions and exemptions. Just because you are filing your return late doesn't mean you forfeit the exemptions and deductions you could have taken. If you plan on itemizing deductions, you need to obtain whatever documentation you have that supports each deduction.If you don't have this, you can always claim the standard deduction for each of those years. You can also reduce your taxable income with exemptions for any dependents you were eligible to claim in the prior years. You need the names and Social Security numbers for each dependent you claim.

Step 3: Obtain proper tax formsObtain the correct forms and instructions for the specific tax year. Your past-due returns must be filed on the original tax forms. You can easily access prior year tax forms on the TurboTax website or by contacting the IRS. Don't make the mistake of using current year tax forms or you may end up preparing the return again.

Step 4: Complete tax formsFill out the forms you need according to the instructions for those forms. Since the tax law changes from year to year, it's important that you use the instructions applicable for the tax year you are filing a return for. Aside from the confusion it will cause, using the wrong instructions may cause you to underpay or overpay the amount of tax you actually owe.

Step 5 : Mail your tax returnMail your tax return and all supporting documents to the address listed in the instructions. Sending your return to the wrong address may delay the time it takes the IRS to process it. For easier and faster results, you can complete your prior year return using TurboTax.

TipMake sure you make a copy of every document you send to the IRS. Documents are occasionally lost, and you may need a backup in case you are audited.

Do It YourselfBasic Car Maintenance

Ms. Muskat’s Tips:4. If there is a warning light on your car, find your car owner’s manual and look up

the meaning of the light and how to fix it.5. Consistently check your tire pressure (see below), especially when seasons

change.6. Pay attention on when you need to get the car oil changed. If you bring it to a

shop, they will put a sticker in the top left corner of your car that states when the next oil change should be. If you do it yourself, see below.

TIRE PRESSUREHow to check if your tires need more air: Look from ground-level parallel towards the tires. See if the tires match these descriptions:

If your tires need more air, 1. Check your tires yourself. Sometimes an alert will appear on your dashboard when you need

more air.2. Go to any gas station and find the Air pump. You will need to reach all four tires with the air hose.3. Open your front driver’s door and look for a sticker on the door panel that says Front/Rear Tire

Pressures. There will be a number that your tire pressure should be at. Usually the number is 35 PSI or 38 PSI.

4. Follow directions on the Air Pump (yes, sometimes it costs a couple dollars).5. Remove the cap from the tire valve on the first tire.

6. Use your tire gauge to check the air pressure in the tire.

7. Use the air hose to add air in short bursts.

8. Check the pressure after each time with your tire gauge.

9. If you add too much air, let some out by pressing the pin on

the tire valve with the back of the air hose nozzle or with the

little knob on the back of the rounded end of the tire gauge.

10.Keep checking the pressure until you get it right.

OIL WARNING LIGHT

Typically this light will come on if your oil pressure is too low. Low oil pressure is serious and if you continue to drive with this light on, eventually your engine will die. Low oil pressure can be caused by a failed oil pump, a blocked oil filter or strainer in the sump, or by low oil levels - for example if your engine is burning oil. Either way, you need to get it fixed, and fast. Low oil pressure is A Bad Thing and your engine won't thank you for leaving this problem untreated.

How to change the oil yourself: https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/diy-oil-change/diy-car-maintenance-how-to-change-your-car-oil-yourself/view-all/

HOW TO JUMP START A CAR1. Take out your jumper cables.2. It’s a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in the trunk compartment. If you

don’t have jumper cables, you have to find a good Samaritan who not only is willing to assist you but who has jumper cables as well.

3. Place both vehicles in Park or Neutral and shut off the ignition in both cars.4. Engage both parking brakes as well.5. Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery.6. It has “POS” or “+” on it, or it’s bigger than the negative terminal.7. Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the other car.8. Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal on the other battery.9. Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery.10.Use one of the metal struts that holds the hood open.11.The cables should look like this.12.Make sure to connect jumper cables in the proper order.13.Start the working vehicle and let the engine run for a few

minutes.14.Try to start your vehicle.15. If it won’t start, make sure that the cables are properly

connected and have the good Samaritan run his or her engine for five minutes. Then try to start your car again. If it still won’t start, your battery may be beyond help.

If the jump works and your car starts, don’t shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. If the car won’t start the next time you use it, the battery isn’t holding a charge and needs to be replaced.

http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-jump-start-a-car/

Basic House Repairs:

Google and YouTube will be your best friend when trying to fix things around the house. Whether you’re installing a TV in your dorm room, fixing a toilet, or hanging a picture, the internet can help.Here are some websites to check out:http://www.dummies.com/ (search for your problem- they really have everything)https://lifehacker.com/the-most-common-home-repairs-you-can-easily-do-yourself-1445435125

How to do Laundry:To avoid any mishaps, read directions on the tag of your clothes and the directions on the detergent you’re using.Watch this video for an overview on laundry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QxmleZeu9sWant to be kind to the environment? Always use cold water.

Source: https://www.moritzfinedesigns.com/step-by-step-guide-to-laundry/#_a5y_p=4050051

How to Dress Professionally:Source: https://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/Students/dress-to-impress.html

How to Tie a Tie:Here is a video to show This is the easiest way to tie a tie. Check out the source website for how to tie a bowtie, Windsor, and Half Windsor knot. Source: https://www.vineyardvines.com/tie-a-tie2/tie-a-tie2.html

Basics of Cooking:Google and YouTube will be your best friend when figuring out how to cook something.

Need to search for something? http://www.dummies.com/food-drink/

SmoothieA really good smoothie might be more than blended fruit and yogurt, but don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it sounds. A good rule of thumb is to try 1 cup fruit + 3/4 cup liquid + a spoonful of nut or seed butter (or a quarter of an avocado!) + ice. And don't forget that handful of spinach that we swear you can't even taste. For a thicker smoothie, add half a frozen banana. For a sweeter smoothie, add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup.

PastaPasta is actually as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Boil water with a few pinches of kosher salt. (Why? Adding salt while boiling seasons the pasta internally as it swells in the water.) 2. Pour in pasta, give it a stir, and cook according to package instructions. 3. Drain pasta in a colander and douse with a little olive oil to prevent sticky noodles. Bonus tip: Cut back on your water consumption by only filling your pot halfway.

SaladGet creative, starting with different greens (arugula! Spinach! Shredded kale and Brussels sprouts!). Add raw or roasted veggies, maybe a handful of nuts or seeds, and even a few slices of fruit. Drizzle with the vinaigrette

Roasted VegetablesThere’s nothing like a pile of roasted veggies to make you feel infinitely more full and cozy. Heat your oven to 400 degrees and start chopping. Douse the veg with oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until tender and just starting to brown.

Fried EggFor Over-Easy or Over-Hard Eggs: Heat 2 tsp. butter in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.Break eggs and SLIP into pan, 1 at a time. Immediately reduce heat to low. Cook slowly until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Slide turner under each egg and carefully flip it over in pan. Cook second side to desired doneness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.https://www.incredibleegg.org/cooking-school/egg-cookery/fry-eggs

ChickenWe're big fans of pan-searing, so we don't have to wait for the oven to preheat. But if baking is your thing, you only need to preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place chicken (breasts or thighs) on the baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper; flip and repeat. Bake until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees—start checking after 20 minutes, but it usually takes 30-40 minutes. Note: Raw chicken carries salmonella, so it’s important to clean every surface touched using lots of hot water and soap.

Source: https://greatist.com/eat/cooking-basics-everyone-should-know

Happiness in Success:For the full article: https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/article_-_five_steps_to_mindfulness.pdf

You can learn how to create a moment of joy, a feeling of happiness, at any time of the day. Explore these 5 simple steps to enjoy more mindfulness.

1) First Mindfulness Exercise: Mindful BreathingThe first exercise is very simple, but the power, the result, can be very great. The exercise is simply to identify the in-breath as in-breath and the out-breath as out-breath. When you breathe in, you know that this is your in-breath. When you breathe out, you are mindful that this is your out-breath.

Just recognize: this is an in-breath, this is an out-breath. Very simple, very easy. In order to recognize your in-breath as in-breath, you have to bring your mind home to yourself. What is recognizing your in-breath is your mind, and the object of your mind—the object of your mindfulness—is the in-breath. Mindfulness is always mindful of something. When you drink your tea mindfully, it’s called mindfulness of drinking. When you walk mindfully, it’s called mindfulness of walking. And when you breathe mindfully, that is mindfulness of breathing.

So the object of your mindfulness is your breath, and you just focus your attention on it. Breathing in, this is my in-breath. Breathing out, this is my out-breath. When you do that, the mental discourse will stop. You don’t think anymore. You don’t have to make an effort to stop your thinking; you bring your attention to your in-breath and the mental discourse just stops. That is the miracle of the practice. You don’t think of the past anymore. You don’t think of the future. You don’t think of your projects, because you are focusing your attention, your mindfulness, on your breath.Mindfulness is always mindful of something. When you drink your tea mindfully, it’s called mindfulness of drinking. When you walk mindfully, it’s called mindfulness of walking. And when you breathe mindfully, that is mindfulness of breathing.It gets even better. You can enjoy your in-breath. The practice can be pleasant, joyful. Someone who is dead cannot take any more in-breaths. But you are alive. You are breathing in, and while breathing in, you know that you are alive. The in-breath can be a celebration of the fact that you are alive, so it can be very joyful. When you are joyful and happy, you don’t feel that you have to make any effort at all. I am alive; I am breathing in. To be still alive is a miracle. The greatest of all miracles is to be alive, and when you breathe in, you touch that miracle. Therefore, your breathing can be a celebration of life.

An in-breath may take three, four, five seconds, it depends. That’s time to be alive, time to enjoy your breath. You don’t have to interfere with your breathing. If your in-breath is short, allow it to be short. If your out-breath is long, let it be long. Don’t try to force it. The practice is simple recognition of the in-breath and the out-breath. That is good enough. It will have a powerful effect.

2) Second Mindfulness Exercise: ConcentrationThe second exercise is that while you breathe in, you follow your in-breath from the beginning to the end. If your in-breath lasts three or four seconds, then your mindfulness also lasts three or four seconds. Breathing in, I follow my in-breath all the way through. Breathing out, I follow my out-breath all the way through. From the beginning of my out-breath to the end of my out-breath, my mind is always with it. Therefore, mindfulness becomes uninterrupted, and the quality of your concentration is improved.

So the second exercise is to follow your in-breath and your out-breath all the way through. Whether they are short or long, it doesn’t matter. What is important is that you follow your in-breath from the beginning to the end. Your awareness is sustained. There is no interruption. Suppose you are breathing in, and then you think, “Oh, I forgot to turn off the light in my room.” There is an interruption. Just stick to your in-breath all the way through. Then you cultivate your mindfulness and your concentration. You become your in-breath. You become your out-breath. If you continue like that, your breathing will naturally become deeper and slower, more harmonious and peaceful. You don’t have to make any effort—it happens naturally.

3) Third Mindfulness Exercise: Awareness of Your BodyThe third exercise is to become aware of your body as you are breathing. “Breathing in, I am aware of my whole body.” This takes it one step further. In the first exercise, you became aware of your in-breath and your out-breath. Because you have now generated the energy of mindfulness through mindful breathing, you can use that energy to recognize your body.

“Breathing in, I am aware of my body. Breathing out, I am aware of my body.” I know my body is there. This brings the mind wholly back to the body. Mind and body become one reality. When your mind is with your body, you are well-established in the here and the now. You are fully alive. You can be in touch with the wonders of life that are available in yourself and around you.When your mind is with your body, you are well-established in the here and the now. You are fully alive.This exercise is simple, but the effect of the oneness of body and mind is very great. In our daily lives, we are seldom in that situation. Our body is there but our mind is elsewhere. Our mind may be caught in the past or in the future, in regrets, sorrow, fear, or uncertainty, and so our mind is not there. Someone may be present in the house, but he’s not really there, his mind is not there. His mind is with the future, with his projects, and he’s not there for his children or his spouse. Maybe you could say to him, “Anybody home?” and help him bring his mind back to his body.

So the third exercise is to become aware of your body. “Breathing in, I’m aware of my body.” When you practice mindful breathing, the quality of your in-breath and out-breath will be improved. There is more peace and harmony in your breathing, and if you continue to practice like that, the peace and the harmony will penetrate into the body, and the body will profit.

4) Fourth Mindfulness Exercise: Releasing TensionThe next exercise is to release the tension in the body. When you are truly aware of your body, you notice there is some tension and pain in your body, some stress. The tension and pain have been accumulating for a long time and our bodies suffer, but our mind is not there to help release it. Therefore, it is very important to learn how to release the tension in the body.The tension and pain have been accumulating for a long time and our bodies suffer, but our mind is not there to help release it.In a sitting, lying, or standing position, it’s always possible to release the tension. You can practice total relaxation, deep relaxation, in a sitting or lying position. While you are driving your car, you might notice the tension in your body. You are eager to arrive and you don’t enjoy the time you spend driving. When you come to a red light, you are eager for the red light to become a green light so that you can continue. But the red light can be a signal. It can be a reminder that there is tension in you, the stress of wanting to arrive as quickly as possible. If you recognize that, you can make use of the red light. You can sit back and relax—take the ten seconds the light is red to practice mindful breathing and release the tension in the body.

So next time you’re stopped at a red light, you might like to sit back and practice the fourth exercise: “Breathing in, I’m aware of my body. Breathing out, I release the tension in my body.” Peace is possible at that moment, and it can be practiced many times a day—in the workplace, while you are driving, while you are cooking, while you are doing the dishes, while you are watering the vegetable garden. It is always possible to practice releasing the tension in yourself.

5) Walking MeditationWhen you practice mindful breathing you simply allow your in breath to take place. You become aware of it and enjoy it. Effortlessness. The same thing is true with mindful walking. Every step is enjoyable. Every step helps you touch the wonders of life. Every step is joy. That is possible.When you practice mindful breathing you simply allow your in breath to take place. You become aware of it and enjoy it. Effortlessness.You don’t have to make any effort during walking meditation, because it is enjoyable. You are there, body and mind together. You are fully alive, fully present in the here and the now. With every step, you touch the wonders of life that are in you and around you. When you walk like that, every step brings healing. Every step brings peace and joy, because every step is a miracle.

The real miracle is not to fly or walk on fire. The real miracle is to walk on the Earth, and you can perform that miracle at any time. Just bring your mind home to your body, become alive, and perform the miracle of walking on Earth.