grow some green

wondering what to do with your extra stimulus package green from the government?

ideal bite posted some super useful ideas today...
The Benefits

• Add to the $2.3 trillion already invested in socially responsible businesses - money that helps the green marketplace grow.
  
• Between 2000-2005, the value of the Global 100 most sustainable companies outperformed a common benchmark (the MSCI World Index) by 80%.

Community Investing Center - put money into a low-risk bank account (insured at $100,000 per depositor like traditional banks) that provides loans to underserved borrowers. Measure your potential impact here.

Blue Marble - socially responsible investment firm helps you green your portfolio; low account minimums (starting at $100 plus $100 per month).

MicroPlace - makes it easy for you to give small loans (even just $100) to entrepreneurs in developing countries; you make a low-risk return of 2%-3%.

Fleur de l'Europe Brut - hell, even do-gooder investors ought to indulge in a little biodynamic bubbly once in a while ($70).

Calvert Online and Social Investment Forum - tools that help you pick funds and stocks based on the eco and social criteria that matter to you.

THE TAX MAN

have you paid the man yet? efiled? i just did and my $$ was refunded from the feds and the state pretty darn fast. ez online process... save paper and money and time. thank goodness. i already spent my money anyway on my gimme gimme gimme frame.

from the ideal bite

The Benefits
Easy does it. Web programs and PC software guide you through the filing process. Bonus: no standing in post office lines with other last-minute filers.

Rapid returns. If you e-file, you can expect to get your return in about half the time it would take with paper.

Not wasting W-2 much paper. The IRS processes over 2 bil sheets of paper each year. E-filing means fewer forms, and getting your refund deposited directly in your account saves even more paper.

It's accurate. The IRS says e-filing is 99% accurate, versus about 80% accurate with paper.

Wanna Try?
IRS E-file - 24-7 federal filing online; free if you make less than $54,000/year. (Note: the IRS may send you info in the mail with a code you need to enter on its site.)

Federation of Tax Administrators - see if your state offers online filing.

TurboTax Deluxe Online - tax software that makes filing even easier than IRS e-filing. Also: simpler, free edition for people with straightforward assets and income ($60/federal and state).

Tax Incentives Assistance Project - if you saved energy at home or with a fuel-efficient car purchase in 2007, you could be eligible for a tax credit.

Mint - free, online money management software so you can prep for a richer 2009.