Making Ends Meet

Sharing “How-to’s”, “Where-to-Go’s”, fresh ideas and everyday adventures of raising a family more affordably.

Think Taxes Now –Save Time & Money Later!

February 8th, 2010 at Mon, 8th, 2010 at 12:04 pm by Amy Hannold

Tax time is upon us.   Consider your tax-filing situation.  Here are some things to think about:

Contribute to an IRA for yourself and your spouse. You have until April 15, 2010 to make IRA contributions for 2009. (From cnn.com: check out CNN.com or MSN.com for their money-related articles)

Consider your withholdings allowances and withholding status:  Though many of us look forward to a tax refund every year, ask yourself if what you’re getting back could be paid to you throughout the year, instead of loaning it to Uncle Sam at 0% interest—wouldn’t that be better? Evaluate your W-4 and see if any changes can be made.

Get Organized: Make it a resolution! Designate one area in your home and one set of files to organize all of your financial/home data. Start collecting those pieces of information that you’ll need at tax time. Being organized can save you lots of time and money when you know what you have and can find it fast! This includes receipts for big purchases, warranties/instructions, credit card statements, etc.

Want More Money Information? Check out these sites:

Money Instructor:

http://www.moneyinstructor.com/

This site has information for parents, teachers, homeschoolers and individuals who want to teach kids money matters—and learn for themselves as well! Read more about personal finance and other helpful money saving/investing/credit ideas.

Yahoo Finance:

http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes 

Several finance articles on money and personal finance can be found here. Lots of information on new tax laws and how to prepare for filing taxes.

Best Consumer and Finance Freebie:  Order your free copy of the “Consumer Action Handbook”!  It’s the yellow pages/encyclopedia of everything you need to know to protect yourself, make wise spending decisions and more!:

http://www.consumeraction.gov/

Amy Hannold Amy is a "Family Time and Money'" writer and speaker. She enjoys mentoring families through in-person presentations, articles, and grocery store encounters. Amy is the Frugal Living Editor for 247Moms.com, an encouraging online community for moms. Share your ideas, tips, and stories!

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