Some Texans consider it the next best thing to paradise, returning year after year to enjoy its comfortable climate and affordable prices.
Located near the midpoint of Mexico's west coast, Puerto Vallarta sprawls around tranquil Banderas Bay at the feet of the jungle-clad Sierra Madre mountains. It records 345 sunny days per year, with average high temperatures of 28 C (86 F) from January to April and 31 C (92 F) from May to December.

Recently, with my strong support, Congress enacted the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (Medicare Improvement Act). This bill, which passed over the veto of President Bush, strengthens Medicare and ensures that seniors and persons with disabilities can keep access to the health care they have been promised.

While the spirit of giving seems to grow during the holiday season, the IRS reminds taxpayers to keep some important points in mind when making donations with the expectation of deducting them on a federal tax return.
Taxpayers can deduct donations only if they make them to a qualified tax exempt organization.
"The IRS website allows taxpayers to search for many charitable organizations online with Publication 78," said IRS spokesperson Luis D. Garcia. “Qualified organizations can include non profit groups that range from religious to scientific, charitable to educational, or that work to prevent cruelty to children or animals. Generally, organizations will be able to tell you whether they are federally tax exempt and eligible to accept tax-deductible donations."

Current trends indicate it will be over 6% and largest cost-of-living adjustment since 1982; announcement due next month
Sept. 15, 2008 – Senior citizens may be headed for their largest pay increase – or cost of living adjustment – in more than 25 years, following this year’s Social Security COLA of only 2.3 percent. Projections are now being made that the increase for 2009 will almost certainly exceed six percent.

Q: I want my son to get an inheritance after I die, but I don’t want him to get it all at once. I’m afraid he would waste it instead of using it for necessities. How can I make sure he only gets a little bit at a time?

A: You need to create a trust and leave the inheritance to someone else who can hold the money for your son and give it to him in small amounts.