Money Myths That Trip Up Homeschoolers
March 7, 2010
Over at Parent at the Helm, they are running my series on
Five Money Myths That Trip Up Homeschoolers
Myth #1: Just a Little More Money Will Solve All My Problems
Truth: Problem is not lack of money, but lack of contentment
Read more here.
Carol Topp, CPA
Teens and Taxes
February 22, 2010
You know me as the HomeschoolCPA, but about this time every year, I do a lot of individual tax returns. One issue seems to confuse a lot of American families:
When does my teenager owe taxes? What about babysitting income? Is it taxable?
Taxes for teenagers can be confusing, so I am hosting a live webinar to help parents understand taxes for their teenagers.
Teens and Taxes live webinar
Thursday, March 4, 2010
9 pm EST, 8 pm CST, 7 pm MT, 6 pm PST
The live web class will be hosted via Talkshoe, a podcast service. There is no charge for the webinar, but I do ask that all attendees register so that I can send you a handout and reminders.
By registering, you will also be able to purchase a copy of my ebook Teens and Taxes: A Guide for Parents and Teenagers for only $7.50, 50% off the regular price $14.95
My ebook, Teens and Taxes is a very helpful guide for parents. Although the ebook is helpful, it is not necessary for you to have a copy in order to benefit from the webinar.
During the webinar , I will be discussing
- When does a teenager need to file a tax return
- Should a teenager file their own return?
- Can a parent include their teenager’s income on their return?
- Do babysitters need to file a tax return?
- How much money can a teenager earn before they owe taxes?
- Can I still claim my teenagers as a dependent?
There will be time for your questionseither via on-line chat or by phone.
Here’s how the webinar works.
After you register by sending me your name and email, you will receive an e-mail from me with:
A link to the webinar where you can listen via your computer and participate in the on-line chat room to type in a question.
A phone number and code that you may use if you wish to listen into the webinar but cannot be at your computer. You will be able to hear everything I say and can even ask questions over the phone.
A handout you may print to take notes during the webinar
A link to purchase Teens and Taxes: A Guide for Parents and Teenagers for only $7.50, 50% off the regular price $14.95
I will also send you a reminder email the day before and the morning of the webinar.
Register today, buy the ebook Teens and Taxes for a discounted price and get your questions ready for Thursday, March 4!
Carol Topp, CPA
More lessons from a homeschool co-op
September 19, 2009
Faye had so many good lessons she learned from her homeschool co-op, I’m splitting them into two parts. here’s more great lessons learned from someone in the trenches of a homeschool co-op.
6. Sometimes kids won’t like the class you are teaching; some may even decide to drop out after a few weeks. Try not to take it personally.
7. A co-op with mixed ages provides amazing opportunities for older kids to learn how to be around, and help, younger kids. My little guy made so many connections with the older boys; it was wonderful. And, having the older kids play with my son was a huge help to me. Bonus–I may have found a future babysitter!
8. There is nothing like a good game of Twister to shake things up a bit. Read my Twister article to learn about our fun!
9. It may take some effort to stick with a co-op. After all, you probably had a routine before you joined the co-op, but don’t give up. A co-op can really liven up your weekly schedule, not to mention all the new avenues can open for your kids.
10. The more you can help, the better the co-op will be. If you have a few extra minutes, see if something needs to be set up, or cleaned up, or put away. If you have an idea for a class/program/field trip, share it with the planning group. One of our co-op families held a “tie dye” day and invited everyone to their house for a day of messy, creative fun. I will never forget the site of all those tie-dyed shirts, blowing in the breeze on the clothesline.
11. If one idea doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to toss it or tweak it. We had started a MathCounts program, but for some kids that just didn’t work. So, another mom gathered some awesome math games and brought them to the co-op for the kids who were a little intimidated by MathCounts. The result? The math games were a HUGE hit; kids were helping to get their parents out the door on time, so they wouldn’t be late for math games!
12. Let your kids have fun, and don’t force them to try everything. Sometimes just being exposed to new things will pique their interest in something different, which may encourage them to give it a try. A co-op should be educational, but it should also be enjoyable.
I completely agree with everything Faye learned, especially #10 on everyone helps and #11 on staying flexible. They are so important in a homeschool co-op and so easy to forget! Thanks for sharing your experiences Faye!
If any of you want to learn how to start a co-op or run the co-op you belong to in a better way, order my book, Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out.
Carol Topp, CPA
Carnival of Homeschooling
July 21, 2009
Welcome to the Carnival of Homeschooling! Our theme this week is:
As Time Goes By: Reflecting on 25 Years of Marriage and 12 Years of Homeschooling
In 2009 my family celebrates two milestones, our oldest daughter graduates from homeschool high school and my husband and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage (today!), so I’m reflecting on the passage of time.
Before you begin
This is Dave and I before we were married, setting the stage for marriage with a period of engagement. Like engaged couples, parents just starting to homeschool can be excited and fearful at the same time.
Teri’s Take asks Will you begin homeschooling this fall?
Praiseworthy Things asks parents to consider the important question, What About Preschool?
Percival Blakeney Academy compares Home Schooling VS Home Cooking
Starting to homeschool
Our family went from just the two of us to four when we added two daughters. We had a lot to learn as parents and many parents learn a lot as they begin homeschooling. I am so grateful for the parents and experienced homeschoolers that shared their wisdom with us.
Wired For Noise shares a review of a book set that is great for beginner readers in Reading Together
The Frugal Homeschooling Mom adds reason number 8 in Why Homeschool? Eight Reasons (and more to come)
Terri Sue Bettis presents Homeschooling an Only posted at Cricket’s Corner.
explore-discover-learn asks Why do Kids Bully? and offers Bully and Cyberbully Printables
Terry presents Art Supplies Can Spark a Child’s Creativity posted at My Creativity Blog.
Growing and learning
This is one of my favorite pictures from early in our homeschool journey. My daughter is about seven and is pretty happy to show us her spelling book! Notice little sister peeking out from behind her shoulder. Our daughters kept growing and learning as these homeschool bloggers also continue to do:
Purls of Wisdoms blogs about learning styles in Homeschooling Styles
Whippasnappa’s Blog notices the changes in her children because of homeschooling in Thoughts on Homeschooling
C h r y s a l i s tells us that stargazers across the world are in for a major event next month. Scientists say that on July 22, a total solar eclipse will be visible from India, China, and parts of the South Pacific in The Eclipse Will Look Like a Diamond Ring
Barbara Frank Online asks Is your young teen sleeping through the summer? in The Young Teen in Your House
A Mountain Mom shares The process of being organized.
ChristineMM presents Homeschool Stuff Reorg Before & After posted at The Thinking Mother.
Freehold2 discusses an important topic in Copyright and Homeschoolers
Kathy presents Airborn: Homeschool Review posted at Homeschoolbuzz.com Reviews.
Jen presents My Homeschool Recipe posted at Cage Free Monkeys.
Jimmie presents Living Math Curriculum Review posted at The Curriculum Choice.
Travel and field trips
My husband used to say that the money we saved by homeschooling meant we could take really big field trips and here’s a picture from one of our biggest “field trips” ever-to China in 2003. We all learned so much and see the world differently as a result of traveling. Here some homeschool families share their travels near and far.
Summers’ Family Adventures enjoys Cleveland’s Metroparks in Rocky River Nature Center
Kimberly from Life of a Homeschool Family visits a local museum in Macon Museum of Arts & Sciences
Home Spun Juggling shares photos from her recent trip to the aquarium in Sharks, Jellies, and Penguins, Oh My!
Amy from Neighborhood Clubhouse explains How Homeschooling Families Can Find Free Travel Accommodations
Dave from Home School Dad explains a service project his family did in Oh Where is My Hairnet?
Susan presents Riding the Escalator posted at The Expanding Life.
Continued commitment
My daughters have continued to be committed to homeschooling all the way through high school. This picture shows their books from one year of high school! They really felt a sense of accomplishment when they saw their book towers! The following posts will encourage you to continue in your commitment to homeschool.
Aimless Conversation discusses the importance of setting goals in Homeschooling With a Purpose
Loving Learning at Home reflects on her homeschool life in Assessment Time; Reflection Time
Homeschooler Cafe’ encourages other homeschool parents in Just Hang In There!
See what the Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers will be using next school year in Our 2009-2010 Curriculum
Kiwi Polemicist is concerned about homeschooling freedoms in Sweden in Update: Sweden wants to outlaw homeschooling done for religious and philosophical reasons
Take Dana’s poll How Involved are Dads in Homeschooling? at Principled Discovery
Beverly’s Homeschooling Blog shares Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl was homeschooled. Pfc Bergdahl is a soldier being held captive in Afghanistan
Milestones and celebration
Here is my daughter, Emily, on her graduation from homeschool high school. Quite a milestone in her life that we’re happy to celebrate! Of course milestones mark an event, usually an ending, but in Emily’s case this milestone is a beginning as well as she heads off to Grove City College in PA this fall.
Homemaking 911 celebrates a milestone in Christina is Graduating This Month
Amanda presents I Think I Can, I Think I Can, Wait? Yep, I Know I Can! posted at The Daily Planet.
From my other blog I share Homeschool High School Graduation and Sending Your Kids to College.
Wrap up
Thank you to all the bloggers that shared their posts! I hope you have enjoyed this reflection on our family life and marriage. No matter where you are on your path, remember that the joy is in the journey!
This final picture is Dave and I at a family celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary. We haven’t changed a bit, right? Wrong! Of course our past 25 have years have changed us for the better, I hope. Homeschooling our daughters has been a rewarding, fulfilling experience.
The next Carnival of Homeschooling will be at Small World. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of homeschooling using the carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page. The deadline is Monday July 27 at 6 pm PST.
Carol Topp
I'm hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling
July 14, 2009
I’ll be hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling Blog Carnival next week!
The current Carnival is over at Tami’s blog
The theme is:
As Time Goes By: Reflecting on 25 Years of Marriage and 12 Years of Homeschooling
This year my oldest daughter graduated from homeschool high school in May and my husband and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage on July 21st, so I’m reflecting on the passage of time.
My categories will be along the lines of time such as:
Before you begin
Starting to homeschool
Growing and learning
Travel and field trips
Continued commitment
Milestones and celebration
If you have a post that could fit my theme or a particular category, send it me using this handy submission form: http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_199.html
Any posts on homeschooling will be accepted, but if you have a post (even an old one) fitting the theme or my categories, that would be appreciated.
The due date is Monday, July 20 at 6 pm. The earlier, the better!
If you haven’t read any blog carnivals before, please read What is a Blog Carnival.
Thanks!!
Carol Topp
Pictures from Virginia Homeschool Convention
June 25, 2009
I was excited to be invited as a speaker to the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) 2009 convention. I spoke on leading a homeschool group, having a family budget, micro business for teenagers, 501c3 tax exempt status and being a WAHM (Work at Home Mom). I also talked to dozens of homeschool leaders, parents and teenagers that stopped by my booth.
My booth to meet and greet homeschool leaders from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and surrounding states.
My booth helper, friend, co-op member and fellow WAHM (Work at Home Mom), Katy Daum (tall one on the left) and me in front of our booth.
At the Leaders lunch with Exhibit Hall Coordinator, Tammy Bear (left), an extraordinary, organized, lovely lady!
I met my virtual friend, Janice Campbell (right) of Everyday Education, in person. She had a lovely booth.
The Exhibit Hall at HEAV. I was also pleased that Paul Suarez from The Old Schoolhouse (the next aisle over) stopped by my booth.
What a great weekend. I enjoyed meeting so many homeschool parents, teenagers and leaders.
Carol Topp, CPA
Carnival of Homeschooling
June 9, 2009
The latest Carnival of Homeschooling is up at Principled Discovery. She has chosen a field guide to homeschoolers as her theme “to attempt to describe this fascinating specimen of educational freedom and gain a greater understanding of its habits, habitat and daily life.” Very clever and lots of good posts on homeschooling.
My post on insurance for homeschool groups is there.
Carol Topp, CPA
Milestone: Graduation Day for my first born!
May 30, 2009
Today, my first born , Emily, will graduate from high school. this is quite a milestone in her life and mine. 12 years of homeschooling! It’s been a privilege and an honor. I’ve lea
rned so much by homeschooling her, and of course she has learned a lot, too!
I won’t say it’s been pure joy, bit it comes close. 3rd grade was pretty rough with lots of phone calls to the “principal” (my husband at work) about her stubbornness. Put two type A, opinionated people together and you’ll have some conflict. But in the end we are so much closer for working it out instead of giving up. High school has been great. It is fun and exciting to see her grow and develop.
Congratulations Emily! Your dad and I are very proud of you.
Carol Topp, CPA
New eBook: HomeWork: Juggling Home, Work, and School Without Losing Your Balance
March 17, 2009
The Old Schoolhouse magazine has just launched a new electronic book on being a work at home, homeschool mom called HomeWork: Juggling Home, Work, and School Without Losing Your Balance
ebook only $12.95
Are you looking to creatively supplement your family’s income?
Would a home business even work for your homeschooling family?
Whether you are. . .
- Considering a new home business endeavor, or already working from home
- Seeking creative ideas, or exploring opportunities that might work for you
- Wondering how to set up a home business
- In need of some inspiration, encouragement, motivation or advice from experienced home’preneurs who’ve been there
- Wondering how others manage homeschooling and homework and continue to smile
. . . this E-Book, HomeWork: Juggling Home, Work, and School Without Losing Your Balance contains the information and support you are looking for!
My friend, Katy, was the project coordinator and asked me to contribute a chapter. My chapter is titled “Keeping Finances Organized in a Work-at-Home Business.”
To see the rest of the topics and a description of the book, click here:
HomeWork ebook
Carol Topp, CPA
who is loving working from home and homeschooling!
Any Tax Breaks for Homeschoolers?
February 13, 2009
Since tax season 2009 has officially launched, I’ll address a question I am frequently asked,
Do homeschoolers get any tax breaks for their homeschooling expenses? Can a homeschool family deduct any of their homeschool expenses?
The simple answer is “No; there are no tax credits for homeschool expenses from the federal government.”
The longer answer is “Maybe, depending on what state you live in.”
Several states have an educational tax credit. Iowa, Arizona, Minnesota and Illinois all have some sort of tax break for individuals. The credit is available to any public or private school student, so it is not unique to homeschoolers. Florida and Pennsylvania offer businesses tax credits if they sponsor a scholarship.
This document has a chart of education tax credits and deductions by state (updated November 2008). Scroll to page 6 to see the chart.
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/feelaw.pdf
Home School Legal Defense Association has an explanation of some states’ tax breaks or credits:
http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/200504150.asp
Homeschoolers can get creative and think perhaps they can start a business or a nonprofit organization of their homeschool activities and then deduct their expenses. Ann Zeise of A to Z Home’s Cool addresses these ideas:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/articles/031401.htm
You cannot contribute to your own child’s K12 education and get any tax deduction for it, no more than if you sent him to a private school and tried to write off the tuition.
Carol Topp, CPA