February 2, 2022
As of this morning – US troop deployment to eastern Europe is a go in connection with the tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The Pentagon announced this morning a total of 3000 US troops – at the request and invitation of our NATO allies would be deployed to Romania, Germany and Poland. The Department of Defense was clear to say none of these troops would be on the ground in Ukraine and this is a *temporary* move. Their mission is in support of those NATO allies and reassure those who are concerned about the possibility of Russia encroaching not just into Ukraine – but also possibly into their countries.
And we aren’t alone. As of right now– France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark to name a few– are also sending troops and other military assets to the region. The UK is also considering a “major” military deployment.
If you don’t really understand what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine, go watch these two videos I posted last week.
So, what US troops are going and where?
As I’ve told you, NATO allies, Poland and Romania share a border with Ukraine and these are the place these US troops are going. The Pentagon says —
1000 troops are already stationed in Germany will move to Romania, then 2000 members of the 82nd Airborne out of North Carolina will deploy to Poland. A group of several hundred, will go to Germany to set up a central command post in the event that one is needed.
Now – it’s important to note – these 3000 troops are *not* included in the 8500 troops that the Defense Department put on “ready to deploy orders” to become part of the NATO response force. That group has not yet deployed but are said to be ready to go.
the Biden Administration says today’s move is necessary because of Russia’s continued posture along the border of Ukraine. They don’t believe Vladimir Putin has made a decision to invade Ukraine but he continues to add to his troops in the region. The White House and State Department continue to say diplomatic options are absolutely still on the table.
Read more on the troop deployment from the Department of Defense here.
PLUS
What *new* tax credits am I eligible for because of my baby that was just born in 2021.
First of all…congrats on the baby. I hope you’re sleeping.
Second – the IRS says if you meet the financial qualifications, that new baby will be eligible for the full child tax credit payment *and* EIP3 (the third federal stimulus payment that went out for most people in March of 2021). That could mean up to $5000 in tax credits. So – you’re going to wanna pay attention.
Again — if you are a new parent with a new 2021 baby – this video is for you. Everyone else – don’t worry I’ll make videos for you too.
Ok – new parents. And yes – that includes you parents who welcomed a new baby through adoption or foster care.
First things first – you need to claim that new baby as a dependent on your 2021 tax return.
Second – you may be able to file for a Recovery Rebate Credit to get the $1400 2021 stimulus for the baby. You financially qualify if you are a single filer and have an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000, file as head of household and your AGI is less than $112,500 or file married and your AGI is less than $150,000. You also need to be a US citizen or your new baby must have a social security number to qualify.
And third – you may be able to claim the full $3600 Child Tax Credit for that new baby. To financially qualify for that – you must meet the same financial qualifications I listed before to receive that full amount. But if you make more than that you still may be able to claim a lesser amount in Child Tax Credit. You must also have your main home in one of the 50 states or Washington DC for more than half of 2021 to qualify.
It’s also important to know – if you’re a new parent and normally don’t file a tax return because of your low-income status – and you meet all the other qualifications, you can still file a simple tax return and claim both the Child Tax Credit and a stimulus payment for your new baby.
Read more on this from the IRS here.
