Jimmy's Favorite Sites

By Jimmy R. Hammond, CPA

Here are a few sites I have discovered which are helpful, informative or interesting. These sites relate to Annapolis, to business or are just worth dropping in for a casual visit. Let's go surfing and take a look.

I am not sure about the cost-benefit ratio but if you would like a hands-on forms experience at www.printbox.com, you can purchase and download a Microsoft Word add-in that will allow you to create pre-numbered raffle or theater tickets or other variants. They will also sell you perforated card stock that will make your project look like you had it done professionally. Samples of projects are on display at the site as well as embedded in the download to give you a good start on your project. One caution, you might become your charity's ticket supplier if you are too good at it!

No doubt you have seen numerous references to www.speedpass.com. This site allows you to register and electronically link your favorite credit or debit card to a small key- chain device you can use at most Mobil and Exxon stations and a growing list of other retailers as well. The Speedpass web site recently announced that select McDonald's and Stop & Shops have the wireless connection for your use. Once you are accustomed to using the Speedpass wand at the pump, you'll wonder why you didn't get it before.

Recently, I was asked to comment on the need for and purpose of a prenuptial agreement. During my "crash course,"---no pun intended---I discovered that many professional people who are marrying later in life or are coming into a new relationship with substantial assets from earlier marriages are cautiously optimistic. I also discovered www.uslegalforms.com/premarital.htm which has sample prenuptial agreements written for every state. I am not an attorney and therefore cannot attest to the completeness of these documents, but it would appear they are great to-do lists that will help you through the planning phase and can be an asset to your attorney. The download fee for the Word Document or Adobe PDF file format is $29. Countless other documents are available at this location. As always, consult your accountant or attorney to prevent surprises or embarrassment.

This past year the roof on my house was replaced and, in the process, several gutters were removed and repaired. There was one downspout, however, that just didn't look right and was a hazard to foot traffic. The carpenter asked if I had ever considered a "kusari doi," or Japanese rain chain. A quick Internet search revealed www.cherry blossomgardens.com/arain.asp, the purveyor of Oriental garden items. My wife and I quickly agreed to the suggestion and now everyone asks about our little copper buckets that replaced that ugly, old downspout.

In my never-ending search for maps, graphics and other web site paraphernalia, I found www.aquarius.geomar.de/omc. This site allows you to create a map of any location in the world using GMT (generic mapping tools). You complete a map request online, give them your email address and, in less time than it takes to search, find, cut and paste, your map appears in your email box as an html file ready for your use. There are countless map companies, but none cheaper than "free" and none that let you create a specific map area. It's a great geography tool and makes learning fun for the young and old.

As always we encourage your thoughts and suggestions, Thanks!