Monthly Financial Check Up: January 2012
This month I came in $1681.17 in the red. I was expecting to have a negative cash flow because of the job loss so that was something to keep in mind.
Areas where I remained under budget are:
-Shopping : I remained at $66.65 under my shopping budget. This budget includes household items, clothing and personal items.
- Home: As usual, I remained under my home budget for the month, based on the rent and water bills.
- Utilities: I stayed under my utilities budget to the tune of $42.26, even though the electric bill still needs to come down.
Started Working On My Taxes
Well I still do not have all of the documents I need to completely file my taxes. I started inputting what I have so I could see an estimate of the final picture. My tax situation is greatly different from previous years because I lost my job last year and still have not found suitable full time employment.
My W2 lists a really low figure compared to past months since I did not receive paychecks from September to December of last year. I ended up giving the same amount at church as I was giving before I lost my job but the tax software is saying I cannot claim it because I donated too much based on my income.
Get $50 Bonus From ING When You Open An IRA In 2012
If you have not already opened an Individual Retirement Account or IRA you now have a chance to get an extra $50 by simply opening a new account with ING.
All you have to do is go to retiremyway.com/50 and open your new account with $500 before 31 January 2012. Once your account is open and funded then you will receive the bonus by 16 February 2012. Of course this bonus will be reported as income for the year and will be listed on your tax documents but the benefit will far outweigh the cost in my opinion.
Documents You Need To Do Your 2012 Taxes
It is tax time once again and while some people view this time with trepidation, I am one of those who actually look forward to doing my taxes.
I do not get excited about my taxes because of a possible refund. In fact if I do get a refund it is really very small, meaning that the government did NOT get to hold on to my cash for a whole year.
Tracking My Finances In 2012: January Week 3
I have decided to post my weekly spending for the previous week on Fridays so you know how my cash has been flowing for the week. Please note that I get paid on the last day of the month so my cash flow net effect will usually be negative until the last day of the month.
This does not mean that I am adding to my debt, it just means that the money coming in is less than the money going out because bills are due starting on the first but I don’t get paid until the last day.
Tracking My Finances In 2012: January Week 2
I have decided to post my weekly spending for the previous week on Fridays so you know how my cash has been flowing for the week. Please note that I get paid on the last day of the month so my cash flow net effect will usually be negative until the last day of the month.
This does not mean that I am adding to my debt, it just means that the money coming in is less than the money going out because bills are due starting on the first but I don’t get paid until the last day.
I Am Really Ready To File My Taxes
Well I would like to file but I am still waiting on my statements. I know it is a bit early but last year at this time I had most of my statements, yet this year I do not have anything yet.
I hope it is not a case of more places deciding to have you log in to the system and print off your own statements because that is just annoying to me. I have no idea what my tax situation will be this year with the job loss but maybe with having a much lower income I will get a refund this year.
Coupon Preview For 2012
Well folks it is time again to update the coupon listings for the new year. Check out the coupon page which now has the current coupons available for 2012.
Tomorrow is GREAT day to buy the Sunday newspaper because there will be a total of SIX coupon booklets available. This is an excellent way to replenish your stock of coupons that have expired. It will also allow you to actually START your coupon stash if you have not done so already.
I know I will be getting the newspaper tomorrow because my coupon book is empty right now as I got rid of all expired coupons at the end of last year.
