First Watch

I'm in St. Louis visiting family and friends for the Easter Holiday.

Linda and I decided to try a new restaurant -- First Watch-- for breakfast. We usually go to The Diner, a quaint, local eatery, but since a friend recommended First Watch, we decided to give it a try.

We were impressed by their extensive menu which offered several new twists on standard breakfast dishes such as omelettes and crepes. We both enjoyed our breakfasts and when I went to pay the bill, of course, I asked for a senior discount. Doesn't matter if it's a restaurant, car repair shop, or book store -- everywhere I go I ask for one.

I also mentioned it was our first time there and to my shock, the manager gave us our meal FREE! What a deal!

He said they pick new customers at random and treat them to their first meal.
To see if there's a location in your area: http://www.firstwatch.com/

TAX TIME

Hey, can you believe it's that time of the year already?

I'm not talking about Spring, though I'm happy it's here and we've had some beautiful days!

It's TAX TIME - ugh!

So, have you filed your income taxes yet or are you like me -- procrastinating? Usually I'm done by this time of the year, but I just can't seem to get started on them.

I've even made appointments with myself on my calendar, but I just don't feel like doing them. Well, I've got a new self-imposed deadline of April 7th because I'm going back to St. Louis to visit my family for Easter.

How about you -- need some help? There's several ways Boomers can get free tax advice.
Here's a few:

• Your local senior center. Many of them have volunteers who will help you fill out your form.
• The AARP website for free assistance in your area -https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator.jsp
• The IRS site where you can find out how to call in your question or where your nearest IRS office is located - http://www.irs.gov/

As an ex-IRS agent, the best free advice I can give you is -- FILE YOUR TAXES on time. Even if you end up owing money and can't pay it immediately, you must file your return by April 15th. I've read several articles recently where the IRS is more than willing to work with taxpayers in setting up a payment plan due to these tough economic times.

The link for setting up a payment plan is: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=149373,00.html?portlet=2