Topic: Volunteering

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Income tax refund: five tips for maximizing it

People are always looking for ways to get every dollar back they deserve at tax time. Fortunately, there are some smart moves you can make before April 17 to help maximize your income tax refund. Spending a few minutes now will save you time preparing your taxes and can help you get big savings. Here are five tips to get you started:
Top five states for upward mobility

The Opportunity Project (opportunityindex.org) calls itself a campaign to promote "access to the American Dream." Its state-by-state report ranks upward mobility. Instead of looking only at gross domestic product and poverty, the index weighs such things as household income, percentage of children in preschool, and crime. Here are 5 states that scored high in the Opportunity Project's report.
In Pictures: Cooling off
Commencement 2011: what 10 eminent speakers told graduates

Here are the Monitor's hand-picked highlights from the 2011 commencement season.
In Pictures: Missouri tornado

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Looking for a few good boomers to help others

Retiring baby boomers are proving to be valuable volunteers. 'A part of paying for our spot on earth is to help those who need help,' says one.
Income tax refund: five tips for maximizing it

People are always looking for ways to get every dollar back they deserve at tax time. Fortunately, there are some smart moves you can make before April 17 to help maximize your income tax refund. Spending a few minutes now will save you time preparing your taxes and can help you get big savings. Here are five tips to get you started:
As Japan marks tsunami anniversary, a fresh spirit of volunteerism

One year after Japan's earthquake and subsequent tsunami disaster, some 1 million people have taken the time to volunteer in the disaster zone, bolstering a trend that began in earnest with the 1995 Kobe earthquake.
The Simple Dollar
How to find a retirement saving plan that works for you

Everyone has a different idea for how they want to spend their retirement. Given how varied people's goals are, why is it reasonable to think that everyone should have the same retirement saving plan?
Top five states for upward mobility

The Opportunity Project (opportunityindex.org) calls itself a campaign to promote "access to the American Dream." Its state-by-state report ranks upward mobility. Instead of looking only at gross domestic product and poverty, the index weighs such things as household income, percentage of children in preschool, and crime. Here are 5 states that scored high in the Opportunity Project's report.
Peace Corps withdraw abruptly from Kazakhstan

More than 100 Peace Corps volunteers are leaving Kazakhstan, after the US organization announced an abrupt end to its program.
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'Voluntourism' – not just for rich people anymore

A project in the Philippines sends Filipinos abroad as volunteers. The benefit: They come back and want to fight poverty at home.
Politics of fighting wildfires: Did Rick Perry's Texas do enough on its own?

Wildfires have taxed the capabilities of Texas to the limit, forcing Gov. Rick Perry, who has slashed firefighting budgets, to press President Obama for millions in federal aid.
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Peace Corps teachers return to Sierra Leone

After a 16-year absence Peace Corps teachers like Arteeca Eccles are again helping children learn math, science, and English to in a country where only 35 percent of adults can read and write.
In Pictures: Cooling off
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Volunteering: the positives of serving others

Volunteering benefits both those who help and those who receive the help. Volunteers feel part of something greater while at the same time developing new skills.
Commencement 2011: what 10 eminent speakers told graduates

Here are the Monitor's hand-picked highlights from the 2011 commencement season.
In Pictures: Missouri tornado
Reader recommendation: Voices from the Peace Corps

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.
Top 5 nations working the most hours

Americans might like to think of themselves as the world's hardest workers, but a new report ranks them ninth in terms of working hours when placed alongside 28 nations, including China, India, and South Africa. Here's a quick glance at the longest-working nations.
New education push: 1 million volunteers to help struggling students

Efforts to recruit 1 million new volunteers, announced Thursday by United Way Worldwide, hope to scale up successful programs to transform the lives of American students.
Can Adam Smith save your marriage? Four steps of 'Spousonomics'

Every marriage is a little business. "Economics is about how to allocate scarce resources," says Paula Szuchman, coauthor with Jenny Anderson of "Spousonomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage, and Dirty Dishes." "That's what married people are trying to do, given that they have limited resources – time, money, patience." Marriage experts and even economists aren't ready to replace Dear Abby with Adam Smith. "Marriage is more than an economic transaction." says Raymond Fisman, a Columbia University economist. Still, he's a fan of the book. Test these four economic principles on your marriage:
As Brazil floods death toll rises, so does the tide of local volunteers

The Brazil floods death toll shot past 600 on Sunday, but survivors are being helped by a groundswell of local support unusual for a country that sees lethal floods almost every year.
Britain tries on a big heart in times of little cash

The Conservative prime minister, David Cameron, lays out a vision for his 'big society,' one in which people donate and volunteer more. Ideas range from donating at ATMs to eBay-style trading of volunteer work. Is this America's future?
In Pictures: Holiday helpers
Is your office going to the dogs? Five top dog-friendly employers.

Only 17 percent of US employers allow pets, even though researchers find that dogs make employees happier, more productive, and encourage teamwork. Read our list of the five top dog-friendly companies.
In Pictures: September 11: Revisiting Ground Zero
Six most generous nations: US ties for fifth

Which country has the most generous people in the world? A poll of 153 countries ranked global philanthropy in three categories: individual donations, volunteer time, and the number of people willing to help a stranger. Gallup’s 2010 World Giving Index Report was released Wednesday.
In Pictures: Hurricane Katrina: 5 years later
Gallery: Celebrities aiding Africa