SJ1

Do not go getting fancy or busting out any big words. I want the idiots version please.   Is my elterngeld from 2011 taxable? My husband is claiming it bumps us into the next income bracket and results in a higher tax.   and can you explain kindergeld vs child tax credit. If I understand it we get a set amount per child as a tax write off, but our kindergeld is deducted from that amount is that correct?   And last but not least if teenie was born end of dec 2010, can we claim him on the full year 2010 taxes as you would in the states, at least that year I only had one months elterngeld/kindergheld so the tax benefit might hold some worth there?   I just am trying to understand how it works :)

I have been here almost two years now and I have noticed that Germans do not seem to be so into coupons and freebies. Perhaps I am just not looking in the right places. What have your experiences been here?   This is what I have seen so far:   1. Just standard store mark downs (sales), occasional quick sale or clearances   2. Coupons in magazines such as the one from Rewe but they are usually random like buy a chain saw and save 10%, not like the abundance of food coupons we get back home   3. Occasional free gifts with purchase, for instance right now with Wetbild get a free grocery bag with your oder   4. A few bonus programs. I know vodafone has one and I have seen people using the dautschland karte   But I miss the good old samples and freebies without the need to purchase. Just good old spread the word marketing tactics.   And the sunday papers with buttloads of coupons.   So am I forever confined to stock piling at aldi and lidl during sale weeks, or am I overlooking new avenues to find deals and steals :)

I am working on my German, and plan to do the integration course once financially feasible. But being at home all the time is really starting to get to me. I have tried looking for work and only have found the freelance English positions.   Do you have any tips for jobs in the Heilronn area that would hire someone with minimal German. I would be happy with even a mini job, or just a few days a week. Just want to get back into the swing and make a few bucks for myself.   Any tips are appreciated.   I am willing to work in any field.   My work experience has been in retail management, sales, and marketing but not necessarily jobs easily completed with a limited German vocabulary.   Thanks a bunch