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The More You Save For College, The More You Save On Taxes - Act Before December 31, 2011

As the year draws to a close, you may want to consider a tax-saving strategy that has a tremendous additional benefit - it helps your loved ones pay for college.

To meet the needs of nearly anyone who wishes to save for college, the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program offers two distinct plans: the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, in which growth is tied to the rate of college tuition inflation, and the PA 529 Investment Plan, in which returns are tied to investment performance of the options you select.

Both plans provide important tax benefits - not only for parents, but for grandparents, other relatives, and friends who choose to contribute to your child’s account.

The program is offering free enrollment for the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan until December 31.  Use enrollment code "StartToday."  There is no enrollment fee for the PA 529 Investment Plan.

Families who contribute before December 31, 2011 can also take advantage of Pennsylvania’s income tax deduction.  Contributions up to $13,000 per beneficiary can be deducted from Pennsylvania taxable income.  Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $26,000 per beneficiary if each spouse has taxable income of at least the amount deducted.

Additionally, grandparents or family members can receive their own tax deduction by contributing to your account.  Gifts of up to $65,000 in a single year ($130,000 for a married couple filing jointly) for each beneficiary can be made without incurring federal gift tax consequences (assumes no other gifts in the next four years).

To learn more or to open an account, visit www.PA529.com or call 1-800-440-4000.

Service offers Pathway to "Green Jobs"

The Pathways to Green Jobs Center at 445 Hanover Avenue in Allentown offers free training and job placement assistance to eligible residents who are interested in employment in the growing Green Jobs Industry. The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Pathways to Green Jobs Center provides free assessments and skills training leading to a National Career Readiness Certificate, free classes ranging from English as a Second Language, GED, and Academic Workforce Readiness to Weatherization, Carpentry, HVAC, and much more.

Call (610) 841-0300 to set up an appointment. more...  Vias Hacia Los Empleos Verdes Para residentes de Allentown.  mas informacion...

Pennsylvania American Water is reminding residents, with winter around the corner and freezing temperatures starting to arrive, that cold air can cause pipes to freeze and burst, potentially causing flooding and severe water damage.

To illustrate precautions that homeowners can take to prevent frozen pipe damage, the company posted a brief video on YouTube at http://youtu.be/5tIxfG_iJo0.

"We encourage homeowners to take precautionary measures now before the very cold weather sets in, so that you can prevent frozen water pipes and costly repairs, as well as save water and energy," said William Kelvington, vice president of operations for Pennsylvania American Water.

Pennsylvania American Water also offers the following tips to get your home ready for winter:

• Search for pipes that are not insulated or that pass through unheated spaces, such as crawlspaces, basements or garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, available at hardware stores.
• Before freezing weather sets in, make sure the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your house (via a turnoff valve), and that lines are drained.
• Nearly 15 percent of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. Wrapping your water heater in an insulation blanket can help reduce heat loss.
• To save wear and tear on your cooling system, drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes and check for excess water pooled in equipment.  If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly. Close them when water appears.
• Add extra insulation to the attic to prevent warm air from creeping into your roof, causing ice damage to the roof and gutters.
• Keep water temperature around 120 degrees and install inexpensive low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water use. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees would reduce water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to remove debris that could freeze and cause clogs during cold weather. Know where your water main is located in case you need to turn it off during an emergency.

You can find additional winter weather tips at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com under the About Us tab and selecting the Customer Communications link.