James L. Paris's Blog, page 177

Should You Prepare Your Own Tax Return?

Things are rapidly changing in the world of tax return preparation. Take for example the notion of mailing in a paper tax return. More than 80 percent of tax returns are now sent to the IRS electronically. Consumer software for tax return preparation is providing more and more people a way of handling their tax filing without having to even set foot in a tax preparer's office.

Should you prepare your own return?

My answer is a qualified maybe. I get asked this question a lot, and the answer is simply not the same for everyone. If you have a modestly simple tax situation, then yes handling your own return is no big deal. If you have W-2 income (employee), a mortgage on a primary residence, participate in an IRA or a qualified plan at work, and nothing more exotic than this, filing on your own is a reasonable option.

Even for a W-2 employee, filing a tax return can quickly become complicated. If you have expenses as an employee that your company does not reimburse you for, they MAY be deductible. There are a lot of rules, and you can only deduct expenses that surpass a minimum threshold. This one wrench thrown into the equation may be more than you want to deal with.

Other situations, such as operating a side business, owning rental real estate, or having gains/losses from investments, raise the level of complexity to a point that is beyond most people. The various software programs are great, but they can only work with the information you input.

What software should I use? What about free software? 

To begin with, much of this has become cloud based. So, for most people, you don't need to go down to Office Depot or Wal-Mart to buy a boxed version of your preferred software. These days, most people will simply navigate online to the provider they want to use and prepare their return 'in the cloud.' 

Major Players In Tax Prep Software

TurboTax

H&R Block

Tax Act

Here is a great side by side comparison from PC Mag.

Many tax software programs today offer a 'free option' for those filing the most basic of returns. If your income is below $60,000 the IRS offers access to free tax prep software as well.

Hiring A Tax Preparer

The tax preparation field is really made up of two levels of professionals. There are individuals that have a basic knowledge of the tax law gained through a several week training program. You will find them at various retail locations in your community. You will even see these firms open up temporary offices during tax season. 

The second level of tax preparation professionals are those that are formally trained accountants. This would include CPAs but also individuals that practice as accountants year round without a CPA credential. 

If your return involves business income, rental real estate, substantial work related expenses, or gains/losses/dividends from investments, you likely need help from a year round accounting professional.  

Just as in the world of software, you will also hear about 'free tax preparation' in many communities. Honestly, I simply can't recommend this option. I am all for saving money, and these volunteers mean well, but if you have anything beyond the most basic tax return, this is not a viable option.

The Tax Preparation Field Is Largely Unregulated

Hard to believe, but anyone can hang out a shingle as a tax preparer. The IRS had plans of regulating tax preparers, requiring them to register, and pass a competency exam. A federal appeals court ruled in favor of those that sued the IRS wanting to keep the status quo.  Many unregulated preparers get into the business to set up multi-million dollars scams. Miami, Florida is ground zero for tax refund theft.

What about having a friend do your taxes? 

I am hearing more and more about these kind of arrangements. You may know someone that is good with computers and they offer to prepare your return for you. Maybe you buy them dinner in exchange for their time. I recently heard about a scenario where a twenty-something was preparing returns for their entire circle of friends and family. It was also added what a 'great job' they were doing as everyone was getting very large refunds... refunds larger than they had ever received in the past. Hmmm.... well, you can guess what I thought about this. I just don't like the idea of such informal arrangements. My concern is just as much for the good samaritan volunteer tax preparer. Even if they are doing the return for free, they are taking on a liability in the event that there is a problem with that return. The IRS has taken an ever increasingly strident position with tax preparers who push the boundaries of the tax code. While not officially in the business of preparing tax returns, volunteering like this does bring a significant liability to your doorstep.

What about those new health insurance penalties?

Yes, the penalties do really kick in this year for those that do not have health insurance. For those (like me) that have opted out of Obamacare, you must file IRS form 8965 to claim your exemption. Otherwise, you will pay a penalty based on your income. If you did not have health insurance coverage in 2014, you will owe a penalty that is generally based on 1% of your gross income. The penalty goes up to 2% for not having coverage in 2015. 

Biggest Mistakes To Avoid

The most common error is neglecting to report all of your income. It can be easy to overlook a 1099 from your online business, or a side job that you did. The IRS computer system will catch this, and although the taxes may not be significant on a small amount, you may have to file an amended return.

Another common mistake is simply typing in Social Security numbers incorrectly. It is easy to do, especially if you are claiming dependents. Just one digit off and your return will be flagged.

If you have your own tax season strategies for saving money and avoiding headaches, please use the comments section below and we can start a conversation. 

Helping you make the most of God's Money!

James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice 
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio

A Tiny House Community May Come to San Diego in the Near Future

The tiny house movement is just that, a movement, and it continues to gain both stature and strength around the United States.

One of the latest examples off the acceptance of tiny homes is an effort in San Diego, currently underway, to build a tiny house master-planned community. The goal of Habitats Tiny Homes is to put 50 tiny homes on a five-acre parcel of well-maintained land in North County. Habitats founder Janet Ashforth is looking to make these specialized abodes available to buyers for as little as $25,000, if all goes as she hopes.

Ashforth admits she has a ways to go before the plan is formally approved, and there is a presently a great deal of pushback from local residents who fear the planned community will end up becoming a glorified tent city-type of residence for undesirables. Ashforth strongly denies that the planned community will become such a place, but recognizes that overcoming such perceptions may be her greatest obstacle to succeeding.

All of this said, the efforts of Ms. Ashforth and Habitats Tiny Homes are just another sign of the growing legitimacy of tiny homes in a nation long-heralded for its McMansions. If you���re one of the growing number of Americans who is giving some thought to moving in the tiny house direction, you might want to check out the terrific series of video courses, available on the Udemy platform, that serve as a great entry point for the beginner who is seriously considering a tiny house of his own.

Macy Miller is an architect and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional whose own tiny house has been featured in TIME magazine and elsewhere, is the lecturer of this highly-rated four-video series on tiny house design. The topics covered include codes, foundation selection, construction, utilities and systems, and custom design. One of the things I like best about the series is that each course is created for the true beginner���for that person who is giving some real thought to perhaps having his own tiny house, but is not yet ready to begin hammering nails (or paying someone to do it for him). Each course is essentially a thorough introduction to each of the topics, but once you have completed them, you will be much, much further along in your understanding of tiny house development.

The courses all come with a 30-day, money-back guarantee, which is always a great feature. To learn more about each course, including how to purchase, see below:

Tiny House Design Part 1 - Codes and Foundation Selection ��� Click Here
Tiny House Design Part 2 ��� Construction ��� Click Here
Tiny House Design Part 3 - Utilities and Systems ��� Click Here
Tiny House Design Part 4 - Custom Design ��� Click Here

By Robert G. Yetman, Jr. Editor At Large

Free Amazon Products For Writing Reviews

Just a quick note here to let everyone know that the live workshop on Wednesday went great. I was able to show people step by step how to use my strategy to get items from Amazon at 90% or greater discounts (and some even free). During the workshop I not only explained how to use the Snagshout website, but I actually bought several items so that those in attendance could SEE the process firsthand. The replay is now available to members of ChristianMoneyPlus - Click Here.

EMP Threat Takes Center Stage at Recent NH Republican Debate

The electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, threat about which we have been talking for some time is clearly gaining serious traction on the domestic political stage. Did you watch the recent GOP debate in New Hampshire, when candidates were asked how they would deal with the threat posed by a nuclear North Korea? Did you hear Senator Ted Cruz���s response? Watch it below, and pay especially close attention to what he says beginning at the 1:38 mark of the video:

These attacks can be caused by solar storms and lightning bolts, as well as by a nuclear explosion, as Sen. Cruz points out here. The detonation of such a weapon by a rogue nation or non-state group could plunge an affected region into a world of darkness, and it is estimated that it could take years for an area to recover from an EMP attack.

We have mentioned a couple of excellent resources in this space on the subject of how to prepare to survive an EMP attack. One of those is Darkest Days, a 177-page, spiral-bound, fully-illustrated manual (8 1/2 x 11 page size), that goes through the A to Z of how to survive an electromagnetic pulse attack. This is a terrific piece of material, and one that will serve you well either as a stand-alone EMP survival resource, or as a complement to other EMP survival information you may already possess. Additionally, not only is Darkest Days available for a great price, but the purchase comes with a 60-day, money-back guarantee, so that if you are not satisfied for any reason, you can get a no-hassle refund. To learn more about Darkest Days, or to pick up your copy directly, Click Here.

By Robert G. Yetman, Jr. Editor At Large

Should A Christian Make Ungodly Investments?

As a Christian would you want to financially support a business involved in pornography or a major Las Vegas casino complex? These are the kinds of baited questions that are posed by those who tout so-called "morally responsible" investing. Investment screening on the basis of a political or philosophical agenda originally gained popularity among environmental activists who avoided companies with poor environmental track records (the secular phraseology in their cases is "socially responsible"). For several years now, Christians have entered into their own brand of philosophical investing, usually called "morally responsible." You can name your cause and, nowadays, there is likely a mutual fund to be found that will uniquely address it, in terms of the company stocks it chooses to include���as well as exclude���from the fund portfolio.

Unfortunately, adherence to a genuinely ���morally responsible��� position on investment selection is basically untenable. I wish that were not the case���it would be a pretty terrific (investment) world if we could both invest well and do so in a way that is truly characteristic of moral responsibility���but accomplishing that is next to impossible, when it comes right down to it.

One of the biggest problems with trying to realize a morally ���pure��� investment portfolio has to do with the complex relationships between businesses and other organizations. Here is a quick example: American Express, like most major corporations, gives money to a large number of non-profit organizations annually. Among those it has financially supported over the years is Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is widely known for its "pro-choice" views, views with which I, of course, do not agree. However, should I use this as the reason to avoid investing in the stock of American Express or any mutual fund that may purchase shares of this large multi-national financial firm?

This is just one tiny example of how this problem of investment ���purity��� can evidence itself. Think of all the companies in the world that have relationships with countless numbers of other entities of all types, and then ponder if it is realistic, from an investment perspective, to be able to truly cull the morally responsible companies from those that are not.

These noted complexities exist in a variety of economic sectors, at a variety of levels: grocery store chains seem harmless enough, in one sense, but most now sell alcohol and tobacco, as well as some salacious magazine material; major media companies obviously produce all kinds of programming that is in conflict with our Christian values; book store chains (well, those that are left) carry pornographic magazines, as well as other objectionable magazines and books; the Internet is riddled with pornography and unwholesome web sites; and medical and pharmaceutical companies are involved, one way or another, with medical procedures with which we disagree.

How about banks and other lending institutions? On the surface, these kinds of businesses certainly do not appear to be engaged in morally irresponsible practices, but think more fully on this - your bank is lending money to the same businesses mentioned above. With whose money are they making these loans? Yours, if you are one of their depositors.

You see my point. We can find something objectionable in the products or practices of almost every company, in virtually every industry. If we do not have an issue with what they manufacture or sell, we may easily have one with regard to their policies, or perhaps with their choices on behalf of the charitable contributions they elect to make. Aside from all of that, we may learn that the CEO or founder has different political affiliations than we do, or has been divorced, is an atheist, or has been sexually immoral, etc.

Christians Can't Agree On What Companies To Avoid...

Take for example the firearms industry. Some Christians consider companies involved with the sale of guns and ammunition as ungodly, while others are staunch proponents of gun ownership and the 2nd Amendment. What about companies that profit from the design and sale of military grade weapons to the U.S. government? Some Christians would take the position that any company involved in profiting from military weaponry is immoral, while others believe that our country should have a strong national defense. What about the environment? Some Christians would avoid investing in any company involved with oil exploration, nuclear energy, or other activities that might hurt the environment (such as fracking), while others have a much more tempered view, and see a balance between man's needs for resources and protecting the environment. One faith based fund even goes so far as to screen out companies that offer corporate benefits to same sex partners of their employees (which is very much becoming the norm, even though as Christians we disagree).

Morally Responsible Funds and Portfolios Just Don���t Perform Terribly Well

While I do not mean to trivialize our need as Christians to stand for important values and virtuous standards, I think we must approach this matter with balance and reason. The performance results of morally or socially responsible investing are generally poor. Virtually all of the mutual funds involved in this kind of screening of investment selections have underperformed the market year in and year out. I believe the reason for this is simple: if an investment company has to spend most of its time deciding what not to invest in, it ends up having very little time or resources left to devote to finding profitable opportunities for its investors. Furthermore, these firms have to avoid so many of the best blue chip companies for the aforementioned reasons���that they stand very little chance of being able to truly compete in the investment marketplace. 

By the Way���You are NOT Giving Money to a Company When You Buy Its Stock

Something else worth noting: In the vast majority of cases, when you purchase stock in a company, you are participating in what is called the "secondary market." For example, if I were to go out today and purchase a used Ford minivan, I would be participating in a secondary market of Ford vehicles. In my example, would Ford receive even $1 of my money if I purchased a used Ford van from another individual? No. Likewise, if you or I purchase shares of Disney stock through a stockbroker today, we are buying those shares from another investor and not from Disney. This means that Disney would not receive one cent of our money. The only exception to this would be if you purchased shares of a new issue of stock. Being invited to participate in an initial or secondary offering of stock is a very rare occurrence. These offerings are usually made to a firm���s largest and best customers, since they are almost always very profitable within a few hours of their issuance. The average man on the street will likely never have an opportunity to buy newly issued stock. He will end up like 99 percent of all investors, purchasing stock that has already been owned by someone else first. When you buy stock in a given company you are not giving it your money; you are simply becoming a shareholder by purchasing the interest of another investor.

The Solution: Rather than Limiting Your Investments to Companies That Espouse 100 Percent of Your Values, Try Something Like My ���80/20 Principle���

We Christians know that even within our various denominations there are profound disagreements about significant issues of our faith. How then can we expect a secular company to reflect our Christian values? Follow my 80/20 principle to arrive at a reasonable balance with this issue.

Even though I know that, in almost every case, my money is not going to actually "support" companies in which I buy stock, I still try to avoid any unnecessary associations with overtly objectionable businesses. Although this is not a scientific approach, I will generally read several analysts reports on the company I am considering investing in and apply my personal 80/20 principle. This principle simply asks, "Is the company doing business with more than 20 percent of its focus in areas objectionable to my beliefs and values?" This means that even though Kroger (a grocery store chain) sells alcohol and tobacco, it is not the main focus of its business. I would still consider buying its stock. It also means that since a company like Playboy Enterprises (no longer publicly traded) which focuses virtually all of its business activities on pornography, I would pass on the stock regardless of how "profitable" it looked. I would pass on casinos and gaming companies as well. I could still buy stocks like Disney, AT&T, General Electric, as well as those of most Internet businesses and media companies (note that I am not recommending any of the aforementioned companies; I am only pointing out that I personally feel comfortable as a Christian purchasing these stocks since I have concluded that no more than 20 percent of their business activities are inconsistent with my values and beliefs). This kind of common sense screening is fairly easy to apply if you are buying individual stocks.

Additionally, in my capacity as an actual shareholder, I can try to effect change within the company by writing letters to the board of directors. I can assure you that this carries much more weight than being just a member of the general public.

Ultimately, this is an area that is highly personal. I do not believe that it is my place to act as your conscience and advise you on a stock-by-stock basis about which stocks could be ethical to invest in. However, I do suggest that if a morally responsible outlook is important to you when it comes to investing, approach the task on a ���best efforts��� basis, rather than dogmatically; try to avoid being overly ���legalistic��� about this issue, and seek to exclude from your consideration only those companies that are blatantly in contradiction with your moral views.

 Helping you make the most of God's money!

 James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice 
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio 

Free Live Workshop - Save 90 to 100% On Amazon

Live Workshop Wednesday February 10th at 8 pm Eastern

I have been writing for some time now about a site that I frequently use to get free and deeply discounted products from Amazon.com (80% or more discounts, and many times FREE). All that is required is that I write a short review after I receiving them. Just two days ago I saved over $60 on two nutritional supplements that I purchased. I will be sharing in detail how I get these discounts and how you can too. The reason that I decided to do this as a webinar, is that I can actually show you the process. In fact, I will actually order an item or two right in the webinar, so you can see how easy it is. If you have never been on one of my live webinars, you will hear my voice and see my computer screen. I have had so many people tell me over the years that it is one thing to read my books and articles, but when they SEE me demonstrate a strategy it clicks so much more quickly.

I am also super excited to announce that I am now on Periscope! What that means is that I will be doing short live video updates throughout the week and you can watch them if you follow me on Periscope. I will be showing you on the webinar how to get set up for free on Periscope.

Of course, we will save time at the end of Wednesday's webinar for your live questions as well. The replay of this live event will be made available for members of ChristianMoneyPlus, but not on our general site. You don't have to be a member of ChristianMoneyPlus to join us live, and there is no cost to be on the live webinar.

Live Workshop Wednesday February 10th at 8 pm Eastern

It has been a few months since we have done a live webinar, so I am really looking forward to Wednesday night! We are limiting this one to 250 participants, so sign up right away. I hope you can join us! Click Here To Register For Free

 Helping you make the most of God's money!

 James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice 
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio 

 

San Bernardino Official Says the Time Has Arrived for County Employees to Be Armed at Work��

Once again, citizens are being told to fend for themselves.

It was just two months ago that terrorists slaughtered 14 unarmed employees of San Bernardino County, California. Now, First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood has made a proposal to the Board of Supervisors that would allow county workers to carry guns while on the job.

Said Lovingood at a Board of Supervisors meeting soon after the attack: ���Terror has arrived at our doorsteps, and we will and we can never be the same again.���In addition to calling for county employees to have ready access to arms while at work, Lovingood���s proposal includes a provision to encourage the local population, more generally, to pursue obtaining concealed weapons permits. These ���calls to action��� in the face of the threat of growing violence in our communities���terror-related and otherwise���are growing stronger and louder with each passing day. My position is that one should endeavor to do anything and everything he can to be prepared to defend himself and the innocent lives of those around him. This includes being ready to blunt an attack when you do not happen to have a weapon in your possession.

To that end, I encourage you to take a look at a great piece of unarmed self-defense instructional material called 15 Brutal Fight Enders. 15 Brutal Fight Enders is a two-DVD set that teaches simple moves designed to quickly and effectively end a street conflict. A wide variety of techniques are demonstrated by a host of quality instructors, including former U.S., Israeli, and Russian military special operators, hall of fame martial artists, even a one-time federal prison inmate (there���s a total of 18 different instructors who teach on behalf of this product). There are so many scenarios and defenses covered that it���s not possible to describe them all in this space, but they include techniques to defend against punches, bear hugs, headlocks���how to respond to an attack using head butts and bites (that���s right, I said bites)���even how to effectively use improvised weapons, including a comb, to defend yourself. The total length of the video trainings is a little over an hour and a half.

One of the best features of 15 Brutal Fight Enders is the price - you pay just the cost of shipping. You not only receive the 15 trainings, but four more bonus trainings, as well as another bonus item all about the application of non-verbal cues in a threat environment. Additionally, not only do you receive the physical DVDs, but you also get immediate access to the material through digital downloads, as well. All free, just pick up your own shipping cost - Click here to learn more.

By Robert G. Yetman, Jr. Editor At Large

Expert Names Top Five Bitcoin Websites

Many of you know that I have been fascinated with Bitcoin for several years now. I even bought a small amount of the digital currency back when it was just $12 - all part of research for an article I was writing. People have a variety of reasons why they are interested in owning Bitcoin. For some, it is the idea of buying and holding, and maybe selling some day when the price peaks. For others, they simply like the idea of the cutting edge technology of digital money. Of course, I am fully aware that criminals have used Bitcoin for illegal purposes  (just as many use Dollars for nefarious activities). I have taken the time to learn enough about the digital currency to believe that it has a lot to offer, notwithstanding the reality that some will continue to use it as a means of running online criminal enterprises. I am convinced that worldwide law enforcement has taken down the majority of the large players using Bitcoin for sinister exploits.

Bitcoin is presently trading at $372 - quite a nice increase from the price I bought in at. If you have been following the digital currency over the past few years, you are no doubt aware of its ups and downs (reaching more than $1,000 in 2013).

Top Five Bitcoin Sites

A week ago I was honored to have Bitcoin expert, Roger Ver, on my radio show. If you missed it, you can catch the replay on iTunes or YouTube. Ver shared some really great actionable information that I wanted to pass along in this article (but I still suggest you listen to the entire show if you have time). Ver even mentioned in the article that he believes a $1 million dollar value for Bitcoin is possible! Well, I hope he is right.

Roger Ver Recommends:

1. Best Site To Learn About Bitcoin - Bitcoin.com

2. Best Site To Set Up A Bitcoin Wallet (digital software that will hold your Bitcoins) - Wallet.Bitcoin.com

3. Best Site To Buy Bitcoin - Buy.Bitcoin.com

4. Best Site To Save Money. Save up to 30% on Amazon.com using Bitcoin - Purse.io

Purse.io is partially owned by Ver, so we want to be sure and disclose that to our readers. The genius behind these large discounts is offering a mechanism for people with Amazon gift cards to exchange them (at a discount) for Bitcoins. I won't go into a lengthy explanation here, as there is ample information on the site. Ver shared anecdotes in the interview of people buying high ticket items, like computers and video game consoles, and saving hundreds in the process. He suggests the savings are so substantial, that some are using the platform to buy at a discount and then reselling these items on eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist. 

5. Best Site For Saving Money At Starbucks - Fold

This site works on the same principle as Purse.io, matching up individuals with Starbucks cards that want to trade them for Bitcoin. There is also information on the site suggesting that users will be soon able to use the service with other retailers as well, such as Target and Whole Foods. 

Let's crowdsource a great list of ideas and suggestions - please use the comments section below to add to this article.

Helping you make the most of God's money!

 James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice 
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio 

Free Tactical Self Defense Pen ($54 Value)

As a martial artist and self defense instructor, I am fully aware of the reality that not everyone has the time or the interest to go through extensive personal defense training. As a result, many people are turning to non-lethal weapons as a means of improving their chances in a street attack. Of course, it goes without saying that firearm sales and concealed weapons permits are more popular than ever. There is, however, a segment of the population that does not feel comfortable carrying a firearm. One argument in favor of a non-lethal weapon is that the clear goal is to stop, not kill, an attacker. Even if you are in a bonafide self defense situation, like was the case with George Zimmerman, you just never know whether or not you will face criminal charges if you kill your attacker. There is also the risk of a firearm accidentally getting into the hands of a child or grandchild in your home. For all these reasons, many people are choosing weapons that will serve as an equalizer, but do not bring with them the risks of deadly force.

Legal Problems Still Exist When Carrying Non-Lethal Weapons

In many states, you may be in just as much trouble if you are caught carrying a collapsible baton, spring assisted knife, pepper spray, mace, or any number of martial arts weapons, as if you were carrying a loaded gun without a permit. This is why the world of non-lethal weaponry can be as legally treacherous as weapons strictly designed to deliver deadly force. The solution to this dilemma is many times referred to as improvised weaponry. A book that I love is A Guide To Improvised Weaponry: How to Protect Yourself with WHATEVER You've Got, available through Amazon for $10.78. The book shares a wide variety of ways to use everyday items as weapons. If you loved the TV show, MacGyver, you will love this book.

An Answer To Legal Problems Associated With Carrying Non-Lethal Weapons

One very smart and creative answer to the problem of the regulation of non-lethal weapons is to carry a 'weapon' that you can legitimately claim to be an 'everyday item.' In my own case, I have a self defense umbrella that I have even taken on plane trips. It is a fully functional umbrella, but has a super-reinforced metal rod inside it. I have seen a wide variety of self defense keychains with pointed edges and other design elements that can turn them into a make-shift weapon in the twinkling of an eye. In other cases there are walking canes that can quickly take down an attacker, and even gloves with metal plates inside them - all everyday items that can give you the edge so you do not become a victim. 

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and in this case that could literally be true. Ape Survival is giving away the tactical self defense below and including a free training guide on how to use it. Yep, it is a working pen, and yet it can deliver a blow that will bring an attacker to their knees in seconds. The tactical pen is free for a limited time, just pay your own shipping - Click Here. (and it is a heck of a lot easier to carry than a sword!).

Please consult your local laws to be sure you can legally carry a tactical pen in your area. While I find it highly unlikely that you will run into legal trouble, I am never surprised by anything these days when it comes to the regulation of our right to self defense. By the way, another freebie I have been recommending lately is a two video set on how to end a fight in less than six seconds. It is free (just like the tactical pen), just pay your own shipping, Click Here.

Helping you make the most of God's money!

 James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice 
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio

$39 Device Replaces Home Alarm System

If you are a regular reader, you know that I recently dumped my traditional alarm system and moved over to SimpliSafe several months ago. If you are looking for an alternative to a hard wired home security setup, check out my article on SimpliSafe. In this article I want to touch on a low cost option that may be an adequate alternative to a full blown alarm system for many families.

I recently decided to augment my Simplisafe system with a home security camera (Note: this is a standalone camera and a Simplisafe alarm system is not needed to use it). The camera I purchased (pictured below) was $40 and connecting it to my home WiFi took just 10 minutes. After adding the free app to my phone, I now have 24 hour access to the video feed. During the setup process I discovered a fantastic alert feature, which sends a text message to my phone any time there is motion detected by the camera.

Funlux Mini WiFi Megapixel 720P HD Wireless IP Surveillance Camera

I tested this feature by turning it on while allowing my dogs to run free in the room where the camera is situated. My dogs triggered the motion sensor within a few seconds and I instantly received the notification on my phone. If your primary security need is to be notified if someone is in your home while you are away, this may be all you need. 

The motion sensor notifications are optional and can be turned off if you like. You can also hear what is happening in the proximity of the camera, and even use the app to speak to anyone in the room (hey you, get out of my house!). Another very cool feature is that the camera works in low light and even a dark room. The other day I left home and all the interior lights were off.  I could not believe the great quality image, in almost complete darkness! 

There are no monthly fees, just the one time cost of the camera - I love it! For more details and to grab one for your home or office, Click Here.  

Helping you make the most of God's money!

 James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice 
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio