Search Results for: blog how are you going to spend your tax refund

Turn off the Television to Get Out of Debt

Did you know that simply turning off the television, or watching less of it can lead to more savings? I’m not just talking about the savings you will get from foregoing the $200 cable bill or the electricity it takes to run your television. I’m talking about the other hidden benefits, the secret savings that will kick in. Less Need to Buy Where do we usually find out about things that we absolutely need to have (although we never knew about them before)? Why the television, of course. It is still the number one way that we get our advertising. … Continue reading →

Extra Money from the Government

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Between our tax returns and the additional stimulation package, many of us will be receiving some extra money from our government this month. What should you do with this financial windfall? In terms of the economy, the government hopes you will spend this money. Still, even if you invest it in stocks that should also help the economy. How should you decide what to do? Whenever you receive a bonus amount of money, that is both unexpected and not part of your budget, it can be a time to make financial amends. Some good examples of ways to use this … Continue reading →

Affordable Summer Travel—Timing is Everything

No doubt about it, when it comes to finding travel deals timing is key. Especially if you are looking for bargains to tropical destinations such as the Caribbean. The good news is we are entering the slow period for places like Bermuda and Aruba, which hike their prices during the busy winter and spring months. If you have always dreamed of relaxing on the sunny shores of Grand Cayman or sipping tropical libations while floating in Bermuda’s cobalt blue waters now is the time to do so without going bankrupt in the process. Check out these discounted island vacations that … Continue reading →

Cash Strapped? Check Out These California Travel Packages

Whether you enjoy spending time with your family camping on the top of a mountain or you prefer kicking back on a powder soft beach watching the sun dip below the horizon the state of California has got you covered. However, in these tough economic times many families are putting the brakes on their summer getaways. The trend is not going unnoticed by California businesses that count on tourists to stay afloat. Hence the following travel packages designed especially for travelers who are watching their wallets, but still want to treat the kids to some summer fun: MAMMOTH LAKES Mammoth … Continue reading →

Tax Time Cleanup

There is almost no better time to clean up your financial files than at tax time. You are already pulling tons of information together for yourself or your accountant. Before you file it all back… take a few minutes to look at what you got. Saving is better than throwing away when it comes to bills, receipts and statements. Until you have accumulated so many that, you no longer can find what you need. Then it is time to stop and re-evaluate. Your tax forms are the most critical documents to keep track of. The IRS recommends you keep the … Continue reading →

Tax Cut

Ever since I first began doing my own taxes, more than 20 years ago, I have been doing them the old-fashioned way – by hand. Yes, I am a dinosaur in this day and age. However, that has all changed today. After making my whole family miserable for the month it took me to do the taxes last year, my husband told me it was time for a change. I finally had to agree that the aggravation factor alone was enough to consider a different option. Therefore, I began to ask around. My neighbor offered the best piece of advice. … Continue reading →

Dealing With Sudden Windfalls

When you receive a sudden windfall of money, it is important to use this money wisely. Well, it is important to plan on how to use this money. Often people will receive a large sum of money from bonuses, tax refunds, inheritances or settlements and the money will seem to magically disappear. Often people will spend more than they received and end up worse off than they were before. Here are five tips on how to handle a sudden windfall. 1) Before you do anything with the money you should sit down and plan what you want to do with … Continue reading →

Money Week in Review Jan 27 – Feb 2 2007

Miriam and I have both been writing about money this week from the perspective of saving, as always, but we also got quite a bit of new ideas down for you. What to do if your toddler asks you for money and making financial sacrifices for your children. Here’s the week in review with a short quote from the beginning of each blog post: 01 Feb 2007 How Are You Going to Spend Your Tax Refund? by Miriam Caldwell What are you planning on spending your tax refund on? There are several options available for you. No matter what you … Continue reading →

How Are You Going to Spend Your Tax Refund?

What are you planning on spending your tax refund on? There are several options available for you. No matter what you decide to do, you need to exercise caution as you use this money so that you do not spend more than you actually receive back. One option you have is to pay off part of your debt with your tax refund. It can be satisfying to see large amounts of debt quickly eliminated. It is important that if you do decide to pay off your debt, that you do not simply rack up more debt for next year. You … Continue reading →

A New Year, a New Budget

You may be making New Year’s resolutions regarding your money situation, or you may simply be taking the time to check in and make sure that you are still headed down the right financial path for your current goals and dreams. The beginning of the year is a great time to sit down and make a new budget. As you do this you may want to consider some ways to increase your take home pay, as well as ways to cut expenses so that you can achieve your financial goals. 1) You can sign up for a flexible spending account. … Continue reading →