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YP SPOTLIGHT
C. Michael (Mike) Charbonneau
Job Title/Employer
Manager of Communications and Public Affairs, NIPSCO
Tell Us About
Your Job
"I manage a nine-county territory in the north central region of NIPSCO's service area where I am the company spokesman, manage the company's charitable contributions budget and serve on boards and committees for various organizations."
Involvement in YPN
"I moved here four years ago and literally knew no one. YPN and The Chamber gave me the opportunity to meet other people looking to get involved. I think it is very important to have groups or associations like this in every community that wants to retain and attract quality young professionals."
Something Most People Don't
Know About You
"I owe a tremendous amount of thanks for where I am in life to my lovely wife, Katie. She challenges me to better myself yet is also very supportive."
Hobbies/Interests
"I really love to golf and thus, I do it as often as possible. I am also passionate about helping to guide young people who have been dealt a tough hand in life. I still keep in touch with three young men who I mentored in the past. They are now at Canyon State Academy in Arizona, and watching them achieve things they never thought possible is truly humbling and rewarding."
Advice to Other YPs
"What I want to see is young professionals dive into critical issues and get their hands dirty. We often look to more established people in the community, expecting them to tackle all of the big issues for us. Young professionals have great ideas, a lot of energy and passion, and the numbers to really drive things forward."
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TAX TIPS FOR YPs
As
your W-2s and 1099s start piling up on the counter, it is time to
fulfill your patriotic duty and file your personal tax forms.
Consider the following tips from YP Chad McDonald, CPA for
Christine A. Lauber, CPA and Consultant, to maximize your refund
this year!
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Sales taxes on a new
car purchase, as well as property taxes are deductible this year
even if you do not itemize your deductions.
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Premiums for
private mortgage insurance (PMI), usually paid when you purchase a home
with less than a 20% down payment, is deductible this year if
you itemize.
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Remember, home
mortgage interest can be deductible on your return, credit card
interest never is. Consider using a Home Equity Line of Credit
for those occasional emergencies instead of a consumer credit
card. There may be a tax savings in it for you.
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The American
Opportunity Credit is a new credit available for 2009 and 2010.
It is a modified version of the Hope Credit, good for a maximum
credit of $2,500 if you paid to further your education.
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It is a good idea to
supplement your retirement plan at the office with an IRA.
Contributions to a Traditional IRA are fully deductible on your
return, up to $5,000. While Roth IRA contributions are not
deductible, they provide tax free growth and distributions upon
retirement.
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Energy credits are
back for those major appliance and home repairs. Energy saving
appliances like refrigerators and washing machines qualify for
this credit as do new windows and doors. Consult a tax
professional to learn how you can take full advantage of this
credit.
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Much has been said
about the $8,000 first time homebuyer credit. However, many do
not know it was expanded to include homeowners that have lived
in their current homes for five years. Depending on when you
purchase your new home you may be entitled to a refundable
$6,500 credit.
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Most electronically
filed returns that have the refunds direct deposited into an
account are received in about two weeks. The IRS has a free
on-line tax preparation service that allows you to e-file your
own returns, if you are comfortable preparing your own returns.
 The
IRS Web site,
www.irs.gov, has a lot of information you can use. If you feel
your return is more complicated this year, do not hesitate to
contact a local CPA. If it is just a question, most CPAs will be
happy to answer it over the phone; otherwise, a personal
consultation may be in order. When your refund comes, treat yourself
to something nice, you deserve it!
COMMUNITY CORNER
Heroes for Haiti
Make a difference in the lives of local residents and those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. For every person that donates blood via the South Bend Medical Foundation this month, the SBMF will donate $10 to the Red Cross International Response Fund. Donations can be made at the SBMF South Bend location (530 N. Lafayette Boulevard) or its Mishawaka location (118 W. Edison Road). Call 574.234.1157 for more information.
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Third Annual YPAP Trivia Night
The Young Professionals Against Poverty will host a Trivia Night on March 6 at Legends of Notre Dame. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 7:00. The cost for a team of ten is $150. For more information and to register contact Carly Reust
creust@alumni.iu.edu.
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St. Paddy's Tent Party & Pub Tour
DTSB will host its annual St. Paddy’s Tent Party & Pub Tour on March 12 from 5-11 p.m. Admission is $5 and you must be 21 years or older to attend. The tent party will feature live performances, festive drinks, food and fun! Learn more at
www.paddyparty.com.
DTSB is seeking volunteers to help in the entrance areas during the following shifts: 5-7 p.m., 7-9 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. Volunteers will take money, put on wristbands and hand out tickets. All volunteers will receive free general admission to the event as well as complimentary drink tickets for the evening. For more information about volunteering call Cara at 574.282.1110.
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2010 Expo for Women
The 2010 Expo for Women will be held March 12 and 13 at the Century Center. The expo will include exhibitors, activities, seminars and demonstrations. This year’s guest speaker will be Kate Gosselin from TLC’s “John & Kate Plus 8.” Ticket prices and hours of operation can be found at
www.expoforwomen.org.
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Dodge Brawl
The Youth Service Bureau is a community-based, non-profit organization that provides a safety net to youth and families in crisis. On Saturday, March 20, they will host a dodge ball tournament at the Holy Cross College Pfeil Center. Put a team together and play! Six to eight members are needed per team, with at least one female. It will be a fun event and a chance to relive those old gym class days. Contact the Youth Service Bureau at 574.235.9231 for more information and registration forms.
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