A FREE Monthly Newsletter From Your Friends At FRANKS & RECHENBERG, P.C.

Volume 15

Issue 3

MARCH

2015

MARCH EVENTS

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME MARCH 8

ST. PATRICK’S DAY MARCH 17

SPRING BEGINS MARCH 20

INJURED ON THE JOB? Insurance company pushing you around? Need to get your bills PAID? Want to know what is your case worth? CALL David N. Rechenberg at (847) 854-7700 so he can

start working on your case right away!

Page 1

Tell a Friend about “TidBits for Today” We sincerely love sharing our monthly publication with all our good friends and clients who tell us how much they enjoy receiving our newsletter. Now you can give a FREE subscription to a close friend, family member, or co-worker simply by calling our office at (847) 854-7700 and giving Marlo or Dimitra the person’s name and mailing address.

We will send them a welcome letter along with the first issue letting them know that you gave them a free subscription to our monthly “Tidbits for Today” publication. This is a wonderful idea to help your friends and loved ones enjoy the most out of life.

Are You Ready For March Madness?

Americans are enthusiastic supporters

of big sporting events. But in March,

they go from fans to fanatics over

basketball. Get your brackets ready,

the NCAA Basketball tournament begins

March 17. Some say March Madness was

originally isolated in Illinois from

1908 to 1939. But the madness has

since spread as teams throughout the

country enter the tournament.

The first three rounds begin on March

17. The championship will be played

April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in

Indianapolis, Ind. There are 64 teams

this year that have a shot at the

national title. In this one-loss-and-

out format, if the hottest team gets

cold, the entire tournament is upside

down -- not to mention millions of

brackets. But that is one of the

tournament's charming and alarming

qualities.

(Continued to page 4)

Staying well

New Study: Caffeine Reduces Risk Of

Kidney Stones

Doctors used to tell kidney stone

formers to avoid caffeinated

drinks. Now they are doing the

opposite because an analysis of

studies given in the Journal of

Clinical Nutrition suggests that

caffeine actually helps to prevent

kidney stones.

The research on three large studies

of health professionals, who had

never had kidney stores, found that

those who consumed the most

caffeine were 25 percent less

likely to develop stones than those

who seldom consumed it.

The researchers say coffee contains

various antioxidant and anti-

inflammatory compounds that play a

role in kidney stone prevention.

Know a friend who was arrested for DUI? Offer them great advice! Tell them to call

David Franks at 847.854.7700 NOW!

www.McHenryCountyDUILawyer.com Page 2

Seven Big Tax Changes

For 2015

Though 2014 taxes don't need to be

filed until April, some late

starters won't make it. For 2014,

the penalty for late payment is 1

percent of your household income

or $95 per person. Changes for

2015:

1. The Health Insurance Penalty.

All Americans must have health

insurance or pay a penalty. For

2015, those penalties will be 2

percent of household income or

$325 per person, which can really

add up.

2. About 401(k) limits. Employee

contributions to a 401(k) plan

will increase to $18,000, up $500

from 2014. Tell your payroll

department now to adjust your

contributions.

3. Flexible Spending Accounts. The

2015 limit on employee

contributions is $2,550 for

qualified health care expenses.

That's up $50 from 2014. (continued to page 4)

Summary of Tax Forms for 2014

IRS implores you not to lose or ignore essential paperwork. This year there's a new tax form to fill out and include with your 2014 tax return. It's name is Form 1095-A, the Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. If you bought health insurance through the Marketplace, you should have it by now. If Form 1095A is lost, never shows up, or is wrong, you can get information on how to reach the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov and IRS.gov/aca. Think of the form like a W-2 from your employer or a 1099 that you'd get from a bank. The Marketplace reports the 1095-A information to the IRS, so be sure your tax return matches up. The IRS recently released a 21-page publication on how the Affordable Care Act affects taxes. It is IRS publication 5187 "Health Care Law: What's New for Individuals and Families." If you just started collecting Social Security in 2014, you should have received SSA-1099 by now. It's sent in January to people receiving Social Security Benefits. If you lost it or didn't get one, call 800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office. A 1099 can also be sent to you for gambling winnings, self-employment or subcontractor income, interest and dividends on investments. So you might get two or three 1099s.

(continued to page 3)

March 25 is International Waffle Day

If you don't prepare waffles on a regular basis,

now's the time to seriously consider making them.

Waffles can become the focus of your next lunch

or supper, your 'just pop in the toaster' snack, or

your impressive dessert to finish off a dinner party.

They're inexpensive, easy-to-prepare, offer endless

inspiration and earn consistent accolades. Here's a

recipe that's delicious, and healthful. Gourmet

waffle styles include the Scandinavian vaffels,

Belgian or Liege yeasted waffles (gaufres, thicker

grid pattern), Dutch stroopwafels (two thin layers

of crunchy baked batter with a caramel-like

molasses filling), Hong Kong egg waffles (gai daan

jai, tiny and ball-shaped, fluffy inside and crusty on

the outside (pulled apart to eat one by one). Each

requires a special waffle iron, but low-cost brands

are available.

Oatmeal, Honey 'n Nut Waffles

This recipe makes 8. Extras can be frozen and re-

crisped in your toaster.

*1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*2 teaspoons baking powder

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*2 eggs, lightly beaten

*1 1/2 or 2 cups milk

*1/4 cup butter, melted

*2 tablespoons honey

*1 cup quick-cooking oats

*1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

*Preheat the waffle iron. In a large bowl, combine

the flour, baking powder, oats and salt. In a smaller

bowl, whisk eggs, milk, butter and honey; stir into

dry ingredients and mix. Fold in nuts.

*Pour batter into center of the waffle iron. Close

lid and bake until waffle is golden brown. If the

batter seems runny or thin, let it sit for 5-10

minutes before putting on the iron; it will thicken

to the right consistency. Top waffles with warm

syrup or fresh fruit/jam with whipped cream or

yogurt.

(continued from page 2)

Summary of Tax Forms for 2014 Special events paperwork: Special events can create a string of paperwork. If you bought a house, be sure to keep the HUD-1, the closing statement you received when you bought or sold a house. If you refinanced a mortgage, you'd also have received the HUD-1 statement. If you have a newborn, be sure to have the child's Social Security card ready for tax time.

GETTING DIVORCED? WORRIED ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR CHILDREN? CONCERNED ABOUT WHO WILL

PAY THE BILLS AND MORTGAGE? WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH YOUR SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT? HELP IS ON THE

WAY! REDUCE YOUR STRESS AND CALM YOUR FEARS. GET ROBERT S. MEDANSKY ON YOUR SIDE! ROBERT IS A

FAMILY ATTORNEY WITH OVER 29 YEARS EXPERIENCE HELPING PEOPLE GET THROUGH A DIVORCE! CALL ROB

NOW AT 847.854.7700. Page 3

Football Players Intimidate With

Colored Contact Lenses

It's bad enough to look across the line

of scrimmage into the eyes of a huge lineman.

But imagine if that guy was the devil himself!

To psyche out opponents, Mario

Williams, among others, is wearing a demonic,

blood-red pair of contact lenses. He says it

does nothing for his performance, but it's

like wearing a scary mask.

According to Athlon Sports, other

football players who have tried it include

Clemson's Kalon Davis, Vanderbilt's Caleb

Azubike, NFL receiver Santonio Holmes, and

retired NFL player Kyle Vanden Bosch.

(continued from page 2)

Seven Big Tax Changes For 2015

4. The Standard Deduction. The basic

tax break for all Americans each year

rises to $6,300 for single filers and

$12,600 for married taxpayers filing

jointly for 2015. That's up $100 and

$200 respectively. It's important

because if you can't itemize enough

deductions to pass this amount, this

is the only tax break you're likely to

get on your 2015 tax return.

5. New Tax Brackets. Tax thresholds

have been adjusted for inflation. The

highest rate of 39.6 percent will now

apply to single taxpayers who make

$413,200 and married couples making at

least $464,850. The figures are up 1.6

percent from 2014. For more

information, check the IRS website.

6. IRA Rollovers. In 2015, you can

only make one rollover from an IRA in

a 12-month period. But you can still

make as many "trustee-to-trustee"

transfers as you wish, moving your

money from one provider to another.

Limit all rollovers to direct

transfers in 2015 if you plan on

moving money more than once.

7. AMT changes. The "alternative

minimum tax" sets a limit on tax

breaks and ensures a minimum tax

burden on the middle class.

The Alternative Minimum Tax exemption

for 2015 is $53,600 for individuals

and $83,400 for joint filers, or up

about 1.5 percent from 2014.

INJURED ON THE JOB? Need to get your bills PAID? Wondering how the new Worker’s Compensation Law will affect your

case? Want to know what your case is worth? CALL David N. Rechenberg at 847.854.7700 for answers to your questions and so he

can start working on your case! www.IllinoisWorkInjuryLawyer.com Page 4

(Continued from page 1)

Are You Ready For March

Madness?

What is Bracketology? To heighten

viewers' interest, contests ensue

called NCAA Bracketology:

contestants pick the winners in

each geographic bracket.

Bracketology could bring the most

popular betting frenzy in sports,

generating a lot of interest for a

small investment.

Bracket contests are held in many

companies. The results are so

unpredictable that even the novice

can compete with the so-called

experts, making it fun for all.

“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow

where your thoughts take you.”

James Allen: British philosophical writer

ENJOY tea with honey and lemon. The tea hel

How about the meat group?

People Over Age 55 Are Fraudsters'

Favorite Targets

No question about it. Some age 55-plus Americans

have the most financial savvy of any group. But some

that age and older are targeted for various types of

fraud. They have income and savings, are open to

"good deals" offered by scammers, and, surprisingly, if

they turn out to be victims, 75 percent of them are too

embarrassed to report being robbed. Frauds are easier

to report since the Senate Special Committee on Aging

launched a Fraud Hotline to help deal with the

"epidemic" of frauds and scams recently targeting

older Americans.

You can call the hotline at 855-303-9470 or visit the

website at aging.senate.gov. Frauds include lottery

scams where "winners" pay large upfront fees to

collect; computer scams where people are tricked into

believing they have malware and charged a lot to "fix"

the problem; tax-refund schemes which may include

identity theft. In the grandparent phone scam, the caller

says he's a grandchild in need of big money for a legal

or health problem.

Then there are Social Security scams, and Medicare

fraud where victims are convinced they owe money for

care or procedures they never had. The Senate

committee often deals with two issues: the

frequency with which victims don't report fraud,

and the difficulty victims have when trying to

report the scam. (continued to page 6)

ARRESTED FOR A CRIME? Don’t know where to turn?

Call David B. Franks at 847.854.7700! www.McHenryCountyCriminalLawyer.com Page 5

ESTATE PLANNING! LEARN HOW TO PUT THE PROPER PROTECTIONS INTO PLACE AND AVOID

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES BY SCHEDULING A FREE ESTATE PLANNING CONSULTATION WITH ROBERT

MEDANSKY AT FRANKS & RECHENBERG, P.C. YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY! HURRY!

CALL ROBERT MEDANSKY AND SCHEDULE YOUR

FREE ESTATE PLANNING CONSULTATION TODAY! 847.854.7700 Page 6

(continued from page 5)

People Over Age 55 Are

Fraudsters'Favorite Targets

Hotline personnel provide

consumers with advice on the steps

that can be taken, including where

to report the fraud locally, and

ways to reduce the likelihood of

becoming a victim a second time.

What Would Lincoln do?

Abraham Lincoln had less leadership experience

than previous presidents. George Washington and

Andrew Jackson were generals, some had been

governors, and the Southerners owned plantations.

Yet Lincoln filled the office of president so

effectively that he regularly tops historians' ranking

of great presidents. Which of his principles of

action can guide has successors?

Cite precedent. Ever the lawyer, he found

precedents and men he could look up to in

America's founding fathers. His career was a long

effort to show that his positions were those of the

founding fathers, especially when it came to

slavery, human nature, liberty and equality. Make

your case. Lincoln could play inside baseball, says

biographer Richard Brookhiser. He could make

deals and manipulate colleagues when he had to.

He recognized that democracies are not ruled by

such maneuvers but by the people. Lincoln once

said, "Public opinion in this country is everything."

It depends on wooing, shaping and educating

public opinion. Use Humor. He often used jokes to

distract people he knew he couldn't satisfy

immediately. His humor worked on a deeper level

to keep things in proportion, reminding people that

they shouldn't be surprised at the unexpected, but

carry on, jauntily if possible.

(continued on page 7)

Mission Statement

It the mission of Franks & Rechenberg, P.C.

to continuously earn our reputation as a pre-

eminent local law firm by always providing

our clients with responsive, zealous, cost-

effective and highly competent legal service

and representation, in a professional,

courteous and respectful manner.

www.FnRLaw.com

Involved in an automobile accident and the Insurance Adjuster is asking to take your recorded statement and requesting

you to sign an authorization? Find out what to do by ordering our free Audio CD and learn the 7 questions you must ask

the Claims Adjuster when he calls demanding answers from you! Call 847.854.7700 to get your free CD today. Page 7

(continued from page 6)

What Would Lincoln do?

Be inclusive. The Republican Party, formed in

1854-56, included longtime abolitionists, Whigs,

Democrats, and Know Nothings, who disliked both

slavery and immigrants. Some called his cabinet the

"Team of Rivals."

In his 1854 Peoria speech, Lincoln said, "Stand

with anybody that stands with RIGHT. Stand with

him while he's RIGHT and part with him when he

goes wrong."

It worked for Lincoln and might work for you.

Congratulations To Our

Client Of The Month!

Every month, we choose a very SPECIAL client.

It’s our way of acknowledging our great clients

and saying thanks to those who support our firm

by telling others about us.

This month’s Client of the Month is Mr. Brian

Eichhorst. We’re treating Brian and his wife to

popcorn and the movies!

1301 Pyott Road, Suite 200, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

A Referral is

the Best

Compliment

You Can Give Us!

TidBits for Today…! Is a FREE monthly newsletter from your friends at

FRANKS & RECHENBERG, P.C. Attorneys at Law 1301 Pyott Road, Suite 200 Lake in the Hills, Illinois 60156 (847) 854- 7700 www.FnRlaw.com, www.TheIllinoisPersonalInjuryLawyer.com

www.McHenryCountyDUILawyer.com www.FnRlaw.com Fax: (847) 854-7700

What’s Inside?

1. Are You Ready for March Madness?...…………………..…..(Pg 1) 2. Seven Big Tax Changes for 2015............….…………………(Pg 2) 3. Oatmeal, Honey ’n Nut Waffles Recipe...............................(Pg 3) 4. Crossword Puzzle…..…………...…………….…………………(Pg 5) 5. What Would Lincoln Do?.………………………………………(Pg 6) 6. Client of the Month! ………………………………………....…..(Pg 7)

The Answers To These And Many Other Questions Are Inside The March 2015 Issue!

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