Dear Just Be: I reorganized my bedroom and now have unwanted items, where can I donate them?

If you took our advice from our Dec. 30 blog posting on becoming more organized, you probably have some items you no longer use or need. So what do you do with them? Well, there are many things you can do with unwanted items; you can sell them, give them to friends or family, trash them, or donate them.

Donating is easy, gives back to the community and is tax deductible. When donating any item whether it is a coat, a book, a lamp, a kitchen item, etc., make sure it is in good condition. Use the rule, if I needed this item would I take it in this condition? If the answer is no, then you are better off throwing it away. Before donating any clothing item, toy, or cooking item please wash the item. Places to donate items are all around you. Some of the more common places to donate to are:

• Good Will International
• The Salvation Army
• United Cerebral Palsy
• ARC
• Savers
• Local churches

For your convenience, many of these places can pick up items from your home or you can drop donations off at their facilities. Check out a donation center near you to see how you can make a difference in not only your life, but in someone else’s.

Dear Just Be: With Spring right around the corner I want to look into getting some home projects done with a contractor. Any advice?

There are some ways to take the mystery out of home project estimates. We asked our contractor expert and here is what we learned:

"How much will it cost?" is the one single question homeowner's want answered when speaking with a contractor regarding repairs or improvements. For some, seeing a project estimate for the first time creates a sensation of not being able to breath. How can we recognize a fair price for contract work and quickly spot unjust prices?

Those familiar with standard building practices are able to compile a materials list for home projects. When adding labor rates and municipal fees, a generic picture of what a project could cost helps a family determine what to expect and how much work to plan for.

For those uncomfortable with pricing out lumber, fasteners and calculating project hours, enroll the help of a knowledgeable friend, family member or professional to help you create a numeric picture of your project before receiving your first estimate.

Tips to consider when collecting estimates:

1. Review three or four estimates and identify a median price range. Unless your project is extensive, requiring several hours of research and the creation of building plans, your estimates should be free of charge. If necessary, have a knowledgeable friend or family member review the estimate with you.

2. When deciding between multiple estimates within the same price range, determine what company employs the most qualified employees and has the best track record for customer service, customer satisfaction and performance. No one would choose rough, unfriendly workers roaming in or around your living space if there's a choice of friendly, customer service oriented workers of the same skill level. Customer testimonials and references will assist you.

3. Use your local Home Repair Resource Center (HHRC) if you're fortunate enough to have one. Get helpful information from HRRC home improvement library.

4. The internet is a rich source of information containing everything from "do-it-yourself" articles, YouTube videos of construction techniques and Angie's List.

Just remember, a little bit of homework can help you make a confident selection of a professionally trained craftsman and insure that your home improvement experience is positive and affordable.

Dear Just Be: I need a new haircut and stylist. Where do I start?

To many of us our hair is our best feature. Getting a bad cut can be horrific even though you know your hair will grow back. It is the waiting and trying to figure out how to style your hair until it grows back. Well, here is how to avoid the bad cut and find a great haircut and stylist.

First do research. Look at other people’s cuts and styles. When you find a cut and style you like, approach the person and ask where they got their hair done. Because of this compliment they will gladly share. Be sure to get the person’s name so you can refer to them when setting up an appointment.

Another place to do research is go with a friend or family member when they get their hair cut. While waiting for them observe how the salon is run and how the stylists behave. Are the stylists talking and goofing around with each other and not paying attention to clients? Are the stylists just talking about their dramas and not listening to the client? These can all be tell tale signs of the sort of service and cut you will receive.

When you do see stylists listen to what she/he has to say. Don’t rush in answering their questions, take your time. You don’t want to walk away having spent big bucks and for a cut and style you don’t like. When you discuss the style you think you want, listen to what he/she says about the cut on you. It is important that there is communication between the two of you. If he/she just says ok and doesn’t give feedback, walk away. You are paying them for their expertise and 97% of the time there is some sort of modification or suggestion that can be made for the style you like because of the texture of your hair, shape of your face, etc. A point about picking out a cut/style is that it should be easy to do at home and upkeep even six weeks after the cut and style. Lastly, when a style is mutually agreed upon and the scissors are brought to your head, make sure you aren’t sitting with your legs crossed. This will make the cut uneven, because your body is uneven. If you are satisfied with the cut, style and service, tip your stylist. Industry standard is just like in the restaurants, you should tip around 20%.

Dear Just Be: My family says my cat is overweight. Can pets have weight issues?

Sadly, they can. A recent study suggests that 40% of pets in the U.S. are overweight. It is important to maintain your pet’s weight at a healthy place because there are other, more serious, issues that come from being overweight such as, arthritis, back problems, breathing problems, etc. Here are some easy ways to assess if your pet is overweight.

1.) Can the ribs be felt with gentle pressure of the sides?
2.) Is there a "waist" - an indentation in the area between where the
ribs end and the hips begin (when looking down at the back)?
3.) Can the hip bones be touched with gentle pressure?
4.) Does your pet have trouble or is your pet slow to rise or move about?
5.) Does your pet seem reluctant to play, or tire easily with activity?

If you answer yes to two or more of these questions it is a good idea to see your vet to get a true assessment of your pets overall health.

For information or ideas on how to maintain or treat your pets weight visit:

Colorado State University
Camp Bowwow
About.com - Vet medicine

Dear Just Be: I can't believe its the middle of January! Any helpful hints on how to prepare for the 2010 tax season?

It is a new year and with it comes yet another tax season. Most of us dread collecting our receipts and tax forms and trudging through the process- but it doesn't have to be that terrible. Use these helpful hints to get organized, and stay organized, for the 2010 tax season and future years.

1. Start sifting through all of your financial information and develop an organizing system with file folders to help you. Put your tax deductible item receipts in the folder.

2. Track purchases of big items that may be eligible for tax deductions such as, vehicles, energy efficient appliances, a house, etc. This way you'll have all the necessary information at hand when the time comes.

3. Be on the look out for your tax forms from your employers (i.e. 1099's, W-2's) and add them to your tax folder(s). If you haven't received these by February 1st, talk to your HR department and start tracing where these forms are---don't delay and wait to the last minute. No sense being penalized for a late tax return if you plan ahead!

4. Check in with the IRS website for valuable information concerning the current years tax rules and new items. For example, the IRS recently posted a form on their site by which you can submit an online request for a copy of your 1040 transcript free of charge. Plan ahead...don't delay...if you need a copy of last years transcript, go to the Short Form request for individual tax return transcript today.

5. Be sure to have the right tax forms to complete - check with your local post office, or go online to to www.IRS.gov to download forms.

6. Once you are all set to start filing your taxes, set aside ample concentrated, quiet time and space to fill out the forms. Take breaks so you don't burn out and can keep a clear head. DOUBLE CHECK your math and verify the numbers.

7. File early to avoid delays and to receive your refund as early as possible. E-Filing and direct deposits can speed up your return. (E-filing can also help avoid calculation errors and confirms your tax return has been received by the government.)

Remember to keep your cool and take it slow!