http://nashvillejobslink.com/fairs/index.htm

Also, when going to a job fair, remember to do your research – that’s the word from Lori Lebleu at Belmont University.   Make sure the recruiters know you’ve done your homework.

She also suggests a sixty second sales speech…Introduce yourself, highlight your backround and talk about your future goals.  Quick and to the point.

In our interview with Kilgore, than runs Thursday and Friday on Channel Four News at Six, you’ll get some answers to some candid questions.  Including questions about his hefty bonus.  Kilgore didn’t shy away and didn’t refuse to answer any of our questions.   In fact, he was gentleman about discussing some pointed issues.

Kilgore knows a lot about the power industry.  He’s worked at a power company in Georgia for 14 years.   He’s also spent time at a utility in Arkansas, even the Department of Defense.   He knows the TVA is under the microscope and as its chief, he has to answer to the critics. 

Tonight at six,we’ll talk to Kilgore about his salary and electric rates.  On Friday, we’ll talk about that massive ash spill in Roane County.

In order to get the free help, you must make less than $42,000 or file a simple return.

Next week the state will reveal a county by county breakdown of those numbers.  It will be interesting to see where the drop has been the hardest and if it tells us anything about the future.

We’ll see on March 5th.

In some cases, it’s inevitable.  In some cases the banks and lenders will work with you to find a solution.  The bottom line is if you are in need of assistance get it, even if there’s a slight chance you will have to default on your payment.

When it comes to getting help, experts want to make it clear, you shouldn’t have to pay.  Across Middle Tennessee there are several resources available that won’t cost you a thing.  I’ll put a link at the bottom.

However, the one thing you must be willing to do, is be honest about your finances.  This overwhelming feeling and reality isn’t occuring by accident.  It’s all about accountabililty.  But caseworkers will tell you, this reality check is the only way to get yourself back on track.  They’ll help you make a budget, a plan of attack.

A complete list of THDA-certified foreclosure counselors is available on the THDA website, www.thda.org.

The stimulus package provides a tax credit of up to $2,500 for the first four years of college.  Previously, the credit amount was $1,500 for two years. A tax credit is a dollar for dollar savings on your taxes. In addition, Tennessee we have the Hope Scholarship which is $4000 each year for instate students. You do have to meet GPA or ACT standards in order to qualify. So, it definitely pays to keep grades up. That when coupled with the federal tax credit can equal a savings of $6500 each year for each student.  Or said another way, you can have access to $6500 per year for college, tax free.

Other Tips for funding your child’s education if college is still several years away:

The Coverdell Education Savings Account is still available. You can contribute up to $2,000 each year for each child. There are income limitations, if you are single and your income is over $95,000, or if you are married filing a joint tax return and your income is over $190,000, the contribution is phased out.

529 Plans are also still available and generally, much larger amount per year, the amount varies my plan.
Check out www.savingforcollege.com for more information on the cost of college, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and 529 Plans.
There are rules that apply to each of these education funding opportunities. Please be sure to check with your financial advisor before making any decisions.

2. Your Taxes:

The new Stimulus Package provides for a tax deduction for the purchase of a new vehicle. In the State of TN we have a very high sales tax; the new deduction makes purchase of a new vehicle attractive from a tax deduction standpoint. Our sales tax is 9.25%. Under the Stimulus Package you can deduct the sales tax on the first $49,500 of a new vehicle purchase. This tax deduction is available even if you don’t itemize.
Other tax tips for the Stimulus Package:

There is a one time tax credit for first time home buyers in the amount of $8,000.  This tax credit does not have to be paid back, as in the past. It is available for first time home purchases completed between January 1, 2009 and Nov.r 30, 2009. 

You may visit Liz Wilson’s Web site at www.monarchadvisorygroup.com

The information provided here is general in nature and is not intended to provide specific advice of recommendations for any individual. To determine investments or strategies that may be appropriate for you, consult your attorney, accountant, financial advisor, or tax adviser prior to action. Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. 

Here in Tennessee, the stimulus will infuse money into several state departments. 

The Department of Transportation (TDOT) is expected to get millions to fund road and bridge projects.  Jobs would be created as independent contractors hire people to do the necessary work. 

The Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will be responsible for handing out millions of dollars for water and sewer related projects across the state.  It’s money that Metro Nashville officials will be happy to receive in order to help repair Davidson County’s ailing sewer system.

With all of that said, how will you benefit?  Will your personal checkbook be impacted.  After all, it will be some time before jobs and other opportunities are created.

The short answer is yes. 

We sat down with Liz Wilson of Monarch Advisory Group.  As a certified financial planner she pointed out some specifics of the stimulus package and how it can help Tennesseans in their everyday lives.  We’ll feature Liz tomorrow on Channel Four News.  Here’s a hint, the savings center on some of the most important and significant purchases you’ll ever make.   We’ll have more of her advice on-air and on-line on Wednesday.

With that said, we are bit fortunate here in Middle Tennessee.  When you look at the big scheme of things, we are in a much better position compared to most cities across the country.  We have a diversity of industries.  Imagine what it would be like to live and work in Detroit or any other auto town.  The ripple effect is a reality.If you are in a tough spot right now and are in search of some employment, there are many opportunities here in Middle Tennessee.  As we reported on Channel Four News at 5, health care, education and insurance.  We’re not just talking about doctors and nurses…people who can do billing, filing, the list goes on and on.  So look at your skills and then look at companies/firms in those industries.  You may find that unlikely match! Belmont University’s Lori Lebleu knows the job market in Middle Tennessee well.  She’s been studying it for years.  I asked her to forward me some of the best sites around.   Lori makes a point of telling me how important is to make some type of personal connection.  Emailing a resume won’t do it anymore.  Talk to friends, church members, relatives…you never know who someone may know.

Lori LeBleu’s Favorite Job Sites:
* Nashville Career Transition Support Group – Provides information on networking and job search seminars open to the public in Nashville.
http://www.geocities.com/mtctg/ 

* The Riley Guide – A very comprehensive guide to all types of career information and includes an index of job posting boards.
www.rileyguide.com 

* USAJobs – It’s the official site for jobs and employment information by the Federal Government. View job openings, get general information or apply on-line.

* Indeed.com- Gives jobseekers free access to millions of employment opportunities from thousands of websites.  Includes all the job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations, and company career pages.

http://www.greencollarhiring.com

http://directemployers.jobcentral.com