Billy Florence Leadership Insights

About Lou Mazzante & Jean Mazzante

Louis and Jean Mazzante have shared articles with us frequently.  Here is a little more about them...

Lou Mazzante, “Commitment separates doers from the dreamers. One of my favorite thoughts on this subject comes from the playwright, Johann von Schiller who said, ‘He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times.’”

About Lou (Louis) and Jean Mazzante

Lou Mazzante, family man, patriot, business leader and life-long learner.

After Completing College Lou Mazzante, entered the Naval Aviation Flight Program, and earned his Naval Wings. Mazzante is a veteran and retired from the U.S.N. as a Naval Commander. Lou Mazzante has pursued his aviation career after leaving the Navy and is currently a Captain for Continental Airlines.

Mazzante business leader: Several years ago Lou developed a interest in developing his own business and created MIMS. Lou and Jean Mazzante attribute their entrepreneurial success to hard work and being able to learn business proven leadership principles and mentorship.

Lou Mazzante states, “Everything in life can be learned, the question is who are you learning from?” Mazzante adds “Determine what you want and find the individual who can teach you how to get it. Lou’s and Jean’s keen interest in personal and professional development brought them in contact with mentors, Fred and Linda Harteis.

Lou (Louis) Mazzante is happily married to Jean Mazzante with two beautiful children, and considers his family his biggest priority and asset.

© 2007 LOUIS MAZZANTE All rights reserved. Reprint approved for Billy Florence Quixtar News site.

Billy Florence - Americans Go Online At Tax Time

Americans are online at tax time. When it comes time to file, one-half of consumers will be logging onto their computers and filing their taxes online. In addition, one in three will be using computer software to prepare their taxes. According to the IRS Commissioner, the home computer is increasingly replacing the paper tax form. All e-measures edge upward; more taxpayers are using credit cards for IRS payment and choosing electronic deposit for their refund.

Tax payers are filing early to get their “bucks back.” According to a recent study,
nearly two-thirds of consumers filed their income taxes in January and February. One in five plan to file in March. Fifteen percent will join the ranks plan to wait until April to file their taxes.
Nearly seven out of ten taxpayers are expecting to receive a tax refund this year. What are America’s plans when Uncle Sam returns some of their own money back to them? Dumping some debt is the number one priority. Nearly half are planning to pay down some of their debt. It may be a challenge as stores gear up to get their dollars and dimes by launching a new round of promotions and sales. One third plan to put some of their refund in savings and one in four will direct the refund toward their everyday expenses (groceries, rent, car payment).

Financial Options: Most of us treat a tax refund check as a gift from the government. It isn't. it represents our gift to the government.

The IRS takes a good chunk of your paycheck, and holds it until tax time the following year. If the government gives money back, it's because you gave the IRS an interest-free loan for a year. Taxpayers give an extra $220 billion to the government every year, about $2,200 per refund on average, according to the IRS. Just think of the interest that cash could generate in a high rate online savings account, a CD, or the stock market.

This approach does require planning in advance and having access to cash if your financial situation changes and you owe the government money at tax time.

Take the time to educate yourself about the potential risks and rewards of accepting more responsibility for your own money.

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Quixtar News site.