Please Vote For Me!

* It’s an interesting concept ..

Glenda Watson Hyatt pointed me to this site during Open Mic Night last night.

I Would Like To Get Paid To Blog For A Year

Here’s the catch. All you have to do is vote for me, once every day, for the rest of the year! Don’t worry .. I’ll put a link up in the sidebar to remind you to do this

There is a website called Blog For A Year that is asking for donations and readers to vote on their favorite blogger. Their goal is to raise $160,000 or start on January 1, 2008 to pay a blogger HALF of the raised funds to blog for an entire year – they will keep half the proceeds. Payment to the highest voted blogger will receive bi-weekly paycheques throughout the year on his/her share of the proceeds.

For instance: If the site does raise $160,000 and I am the highest voted blogger, I will get $80,000 in 2008, paid $80,000/26 = $3,076.92 presumably. That’s not bad!

I figured, if I were to be paid that amount of money to blog .. I will use it to stop world hunger, create world peace, and ..// okay I probably won’t – but, I will use it all for blogging. I will use it to finance the growth of the HART-EMPIRE-NETWORK by hiring writers for my other sites, and I will make this the damn best accounting and bookkeeping and income tax resource site out there in the blogosphere!

Please Vote For HART (1-800-HART)

Thank-You.

* PS: Read More About BlogForAYear.com

One For The FUTURE …

One For The NOW …

MORE: at HART-Empire Network

EGADS … sometimes I get SICK of reading all the tips out there on websites .. in blogs .. reading their lists .. their top ten picks .. etc etc .. Most are purely written because some ‘bloggers’ suggest to others that people really want to read tips and lists (do we have a short attention span?) .. and it will increase traffic.

Y E T … I’ve been quite fascinated with this site: Sound Money Tips … so, I guess I will make my own list.. since .. It’s got tips on everything!

TOP 13 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT MY SITE RECOMMENDATION

* (1) Credit cards
* (2) Investing
* (3) Deals
* (4) Shopping
* (5) Autos
* (6) Bills
* (7) Banking
* (8) Mortgages
* (9) Lifestyle
* (10) Savings
* (11) Insurance
* (12) Unemployment
* (13) Taxes

It’s part of the SeekingAlpha Network .. and when they give tips .. you can usually bet that these guys .. give good tips! As you can see .. I’ve associated this post with a lot of categories on this post .. that’s because you can find lots of stuff here – if you are bored .. explore it! There’s lot there.

HART

Occassionally I do a “Google Search” of the 1-800-HART term .. and noticed this today .. in 4th place listing ..

Oh yes! I forgot about that .. I created an online store at Cafepress last year .. I uploaded a few ‘ideas’, including a T-Shirt … but pretty much left the one saying in the Cafepress store.

Well – I just checked that account, and I since last year I’ve earned $64.24 USD commission … and 75% of those commissions were earned from Mouse Pads! I did sell one T-Shirt, but the balance was from Mugs.

Go Figure So …

CLICK HERE IF YOU NEED A MOUSEPAD

1-800-HART Mousepad

Product Details

Keep your mouse rolling in style on our durable cloth top mousepad. A great gift for geeks, gamers, or anyone with a computer. Rubber backing prevents the mousepad from sliding. Machine washable.

Visit the 1-800-HART Cafepress Store

So .. I dunno .. they sell for $14.79 USD if you are interested in this mousepad .. You can probably buy a basic mousepad for much cheaper at Walmart or other places …

Here’s a picture of what it looks like:

I have lots of data on my computer.

I keep all my phone numbers, my time records, my accounts receivable and billings information, my client’s data files for each year for each software that I use, my email records, my wedding pictures, my .mp3 and video collection, and other crap that is just too much to mention.

I am quite organized on my computer .. in fact, this is how I organize my C: Drive …. I am placing a | instead of the backslash so it will show up in here.

|data|

Generally, I keep generic folders under this folder related to the program that is used to create the data. EG ..

|data|excel|
|data|word|

I also keep data separately for different versions of software that I maintain. EG ..

|data|T1-2005|
|data|T1-2004|
|data|T1-2003|
|data|T2-2005|
|data|T4-2005|

And, I also keep things organized for related things. For instance, in my clients folder I will keep templates and for each client the specific word, excel and other data files are stored there. EG ..

|data|clients|
|data|clients|Company1|
|data|clients|Company2|
|data|letters|
|data|letters|lawyers|LawFirmA|
|data|letters|cra|2006|
|data|letters|cra|2005|

I constantly make backups – to another part of my hard drive .. it’s easy! All I have to do is load the windows explorer and copy and paste the \DATA\ folder itself into another folder .. which I call..

|backupdata|

To keep track of the folders and backups, everytime I make a backup to this secondary backup folder, I first create a new directory folder under it, to let me know the date created .. in YYYY-MMDD format. EG ..

|backupdata|2006-0513|
|backupdata|2006-0510|

So, after the backups .. there may be folders that look like this .. (I’ll just post one example)

|backupdata|2006-0510|data|clients|Company2|

I Also Have Lots Of Software On My Computer

Generally, there are three types of program (or non-data) files on my computer. These are the software programs, the pictures, the music and the video files, and other files ‘like that’ that one stores on the computer .. want a backup but, do not necessarily need to backup it up every week. In fact, most of the times, you don’t have to back it up more than once – unless you upgrade the software, or take new pictures or videos.

* General Files all over the place! – I more or less include my pictures and video files in this category. I would store data on my computer like:

|media|
|media|pictures|
|media|video|
|media|music|

I do have one copy of most of my .mp3′s and pictures ‘just in case’, probably made around the Xmas holidays every year. I know – I’m bad. But, I do not grandfather the backup. When I decide to make another backup .. I just xcopy everything over ontop of the existing files, and this way it won’t delete any files on my backup (that I might have deleted on my computer) but instead ‘add’ to the files.

* Program Files – When you are install programs from CD-Rom or zip file .. the installation process usually asks me what folder I want to store the program in. The default is usually in “c:|program files| … I never bother to backup these files. I would never want to restore them either – perhaps UNINSTALL them. When you install files there are so many variables and affects the registry as well. The folders on my computer may look something like:

|Program Files|
|Program Files|Adobe|
|Program Files|Caseware|
|Program Files|Messenger|
|Program Files|Microsoft Office|

* Zipped Installation File – Whenever I download an installation file, I save it in a general zipped files folder, under another folder by that program’s name or website location that I downloaded the software. In my cases, whenever I install a program that I have the zipped file (vs the CD) .. I tend to create my own folders on my computer. The zipped files folder would look like:

|installed programs|
|installed programs|azzcardfile.com|
|installed programs|E-books|
|installed programs|E-books|compilers
|installed programs|eudora5.1|
|installed programs|lavasoft.com|
|installed programs|tax software|2005
|installed programs|tax software|2004
|installed programs|tax software|2003
etc

When I install the programs, for similar programs I would create my own unique folder name. For instance, emails that collect both mine and my wifes, or tax programs for different years might look like:

|EudoraHBS|
|EudoraYKS|
|T1-2005|
|T1-2004|
|T2-2006|

Really, of the above two sections .. I don’t need to backup the installed programs themselves, just the zipped files that created them. I backup it up similar to the music mp3′s and video files .. once if enough every so often to update and add to my collection that I have stored on my computer since the last backup.

And Don’t Forget The Other Stuff On My Computer

I have many blogs and stuff online between two host providers and servers. I prefer to use an old WS_FTP_LE (Light Edition) and file transfer from each domain to a separate domain mirror on my computer. For instance .. I have a complete mirror of:

|PetLvr.com|blog|
|PapillonLvr.com|blog|
|1800HART.com|blog|
|1800HART.com|picks|
|callHART.com|crazy\
|Battling-Sites|

When I do my weekly backups from my desktop #1 computer to my desktop #2 computer, or to the pocket 40-gig drive or 1-gig flash drive .. I would normally include backups of these files – that are on the internet. You just never know.

And Speaking Of Blogs and Backups

Blogs are different. There are files out there on the internet that I backup to the above domain folders .. but that is like the software you run on your computer. For blogs, there is data that the programs run – but, it’s kept behind the internet wall .. where you can see it – but, others can’t. Why? So others won’t come and delete or change or steal your data. This data can be just a redirection to another folder or program behind this “www” wall .. like online stores, newsletter and other scripts, etc … or part of something called a MySql database where raw data is sorted and kept in some database and the programs we use out here on this side of the “www” wall just massages into a readable format!

When I transferred a few blogs from one host provider to another, besides copying and uploading the actual program files from one to the other .. I also had to backup the MySql database.

I documented how I do that .. over HERE.

Some Good Links For Now

There are many good sites on the internet that you can read to learn how to do proper backups.

* For instance, here is one site and its article describing how to backup:

The Importance of Backups

Step 1 – Organize Your Data
Step 2 – Plan Your Backup Strategy
Step 3 – Make It Easy
And Finally …. Some Afterthoughts!

>> IT’s A GOOD READ! Check it out!

* If you go to Sallie Goetsch’s “FileSlinger Backup Blog” and sign up to her weekly backup newsletter (in the sidebar) .. she will send you an email every Friday reminding you to make a backup .. plus offer a few tips and suggestions!

>> SIGN UP FOR HER NEWSLETTER! It’s a great reminder!

I hope that these tips and suggestions help give you an idea to organizing your computer, to enable you to make better backups, and more frequently. I can’t stress the importance of making backups! It’s Sooooooo much easier to just copy one folder (drag and drop) such as the |DATA| folder and all its subdirectories, than trying to hunt everything down. You will be happier in case of accidents – Trust me.

Then .. why did this happen to me then?

http://Battling-HeartandStroke.com – Recently .. I added a new program referal script to this blog in early May 2006, and everything in MySql database blog – was destroyed. That put the steam out on blogging for these Battling-sites series for the moment .. I had full and complete backups of all the programs and themes and files on my computer .. but I just did not take that extra step to make sure that there was a backup of the blog data itself. And, to make my life easier, naturally – I even use the WordPress Plugins to backup the data now – and email my @gmail account that I have!

If you have a wordpress blog and DO NOT have the plugin called WordPress Backup Database plugin …. get it and install it.

I have signed up with TEXT LINK ADS … and am now offering space for up to 8 text link ads.

Ad space is being offered on both this blog and the PetLvr blog. Ads will show up in the sidebar, under the SPONSORS heading, and will appear on every page in this blog – because the current template displays the sidebar on every page viewed.

I would like to personally give thanks to all those sponsoring my sites, and purchasing ads on either 1-8-0-0-H-A-R-T or PetLvr.com – [The Blog]!

I would also like to personally invite readers to check out the text links of our sponsors .. PLEASE SUPPORT THEM .. as they are supporting me .. by visiting some of the finest sites on the internet!

How to purchase Text Link Ads

1) Go to the site managing the ads .. http://www.text-link-ads.com/textlinkads.php … and if you haven’t sign up for a free account yet .. please do.

2) You can browse ads by category in the left column .. or try to find my the ads directly .. This is what they would look like:

Expand: Business / Accounting .. we’re in here!

Click on: Pets (Don’t bother to expand) .. we’re in here!

3) Please note that I have no control over the pricing and market value of your text link ad, but I do receive … “a piece of the action” (to quote one of my favorite Original Star Trek episode comments) .

Take care.
HART (1-800-HART)

According to Canada Revenue Agency .. RC4409(E) – Keeping Records

Chapter 1 – General Information

” ….. information in this chapter applies to record keeping related to income taxes, GST/HST, payroll, trusts, registered pensions, registered charities, registered Canadian amateur athletic associations, municipal corporations, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. This chapter applies to records in paper format, electronic format, or a combination of both.”

You are required by law to keep complete and organized records as stated in the:

Income Tax Act (ITA);
Excise Tax Act (ETA);
Canada Pension Plan (CPP);
Employment Insurance Act (EIA); and
Air Travellers Security Charge Act (ATSCA).

Who has to keep records?

In the context of this guide, “person” includes any individual, partnership, corporation, or trust. Adequate records have to be kept by:

Your records, whether in paper or electronic format, have to:

But Wait!! THERE’S MORE!! Here’s The Catch!!

Requirements for records

As a general rule, the CRA does not specify the books and records you need to keep.

~~~~~~~~~

Canada Revenue Agency performs periodic review of sample individuals and corporate tax payers. This is called an “Audit”. As a general rule, they will only go back three years. If they find anything of question in these three years, they can go back another three years. This is why you may have heard the general rule that you must maintain adequate records for six years. The reality of this situation, is that Canada Revenue Agency can go back much further than six years. They can go back to the source period of any transaction that affected anything within those six years. These are the General Rules. I have intentionally tried to insert “As A General Rule” as many times into this paragraph as possible to get the point across – there are no real specific guidelines to know.

For instance, if you sold your building four years ago and carried over expenses over into the following year, three years ago, and you were being audited …. the expenses would enable them to extend their audit. Then, anything that affected the adjusted cost base of the building could be tested. If you bought your building in 1982, in theory, you could be audited as far back as 1982. It would depend on the individual situation. In this case, they might want to verify the A.C.B. of the property, or even test previous years’ repairs and maintenance expenses that you claimed which could be determined to be capital in nature.

Common sense would dictate that besides keeping a current filing system for your fiscal years’ expenses and receipts … you should also maintain a permanent filing system. These files would contain ongoing capital assets, loan documents, agreements, leases and everything that affects you today – even though it happened yesterday. In a future article, I will document how I keep my personal records, for my business and everything.

Clients often ask me if they can destroy their bank statements, the receipts, invoices and vendor statements from previous years. It is sadder, when these questions are usually with a comment like … “A Buddy Told That I Can ….” Why should they keep their monthly bank statements and payable invoices and utility bills when I had included all of that information when I prepared their Year-End financial statements and filed their Income Tax return?

This is my advise to these clients:

“Please buy a few banker boxes and keep all your records in your basement or pay to store them at a facility. Do not destroy any records. If you destroy your records after I give you this advice, I do not want to continue this relationship with you. Period.

You don’t have to take my advise, you can ask Canada Revenue Agency yourself. You can obtain and file form T137 – Request For Destruction of Books and Records and get official permission to destroy your bank statements, vendor invoices, receipts and the like. The way this form works, is that you ask the government if you can destroy your records, and provide them with the reason that you want to destroy your records. Canada Revenue Agency will then REVIEW your account, and decide to either give you a clean bill of slate and allow you to destroy your records, …. or they will be at your doorstep to do an AUDIT. But the good news is … after the audit, I’m sure they will let you destroy your records at that time. That is, provided you don’t need them for the appeal. ”

That usually does it!

Honestly, it is a bad position that you are putting your bookkeepers and accountants in by even asking such a question. Ultimately, we are not responsible for your records … you are.

Anyway, believe it or not, if you are a business, you should ALREADY KNOW THAT. You probably read about this in some of the government brochures and pamphlets that you received from Canada Revenue Agency when you registered for your business number, Goods and Services Tax number, or your Payroll Number.

I highly recommend that you click on the link at the beginning of this article and familiarize yourself with Canada Revenue Agency’s viewpoint of keeping records .. and not “from what you heard from a buddy”.

Take care.
HART
1800HART.com

I needed a little screen capture utility program, and what I normally do is download “trial versions” of programs. Normally, after the 30 days are up I uninstall the program. When I was originally finished using this program however, I did not uninstall it .. I thought it had potential so I just left it as a dormant shortcut on my desktop.

When I started the PetLvr.com – [The Blog] and this blog, I thought it would be useful to have a good working screen capture utility, because – let’s face it .. we all like to see some pictures when we are reading the news online or blogs or websites!

If you want to test this utility .. go to Screen-Capture-Net.com and check it out.

I upgraded to the “GOLD” registration for $19.95 USD so I will get: Unlimited email support during the first 3 years after the purchase; 3 year unlimited transfer of the program to new computers (if you buy a new computer you can move 5 Clicks from the old one); and 3 year free upgrades to the newest versions of 5 Clicks.

There is a “SILVER” registration for $9.95 that will get you: Unlimited email support during the first month after the purchase
No transfer of the program to new computers; free upgrades are possible but not guaranteed; and no support or help with registration will be provided beyond 1 month after the purchase.

Of course, if you try it and do not like it .. after 30 days you can uninstall and remove it from your computer.

Which Screen Capture Utility are you currently using?

Take care.
HART
1800HART.com

I started a store at “Cafepress” ….

URL is …… http://www.cafepress.com/1800HART/

Design #1

Accountant …….
Anyone who can add the
same column of figures
five times in a row …
and come up with five
different tax deductions

Check it out, if you wish …

HART

July 14, 2005 – I have decided to place my personal Laptop and accessories up for bid on EBAY … It is a good little laptop that I used all the time for my business and for surfing blogs et al. Included is the wireless-G adapter card so you can access the internet. I’m keeping the router!

If this is of interest you (and keep in mind there is a timing issue here) – This entry will be deleted when the Ebay page expires in 60 days and is deleted.

SEE THE EBAY AUCTION HERE

SEE THE PICTURES FOR THE EBAY AUCTION HERE

* All proceeds are expected to go to my Best Buy Credit Card, so I hope I receive some good bidding.

Take care
HART