I have already filed my taxes myself (in both DC and VA for the second year in a row - don't move between states - it's a hassle!) All of my refunds came in pretty quickly, and I've decided to invest in a cyclo cross bike to get me around the city (just for fun, not commuting). Picking up the bike tonight and heading out on the trails!
We have not filed yet, but have had them prepared so we could complete the FAFSA. Haven't sent them in yet because we owe, so holding off until we have to do it.
Filed the first available day, got it back before they started delaying, and spent it on 1) a credit card balance, 2) property taxes, and 3) replacing tires on the car.
I can't believe hot sauces or vinegar didn't make it to the list. Both can add a lot to staples that get boring (potatoes / rice / some veggies etc.) And unlike lots of the other recommendations don't add much in the line of calories or saturated fats etc. Usually pretty cost effective also. Well thats my 2 pennies.
I have yet to file my taxes--I know I'm losing out on the interest I could be making in my rewards checking account but this has not led me to file them yet...procrastination has reared its ugly head...perhaps I should read your article on 10 ways to stop procrastination!
While I don't know how much difference it makes, I also unplug the tv from the wall if I am away for a week...I remember reading years ago that the newer tvs are still using energy when not in use so that when you turn them on, they are quick to provide a picture. Got 2 benefits out of that - 0 power consumption while away and sometimes I watch less tv - I come home from a trip and just ignore the old soap box!
I balance the instant (Grande Mocha Frappuccino) with delayed (new clothes) by giving myself permission to spend xxx number of dollars per week on indulgences. Without those few bucks and forcing myself to buy only needs, I'd burst and slurge in about 3-4 weeks. So, it's best to just give myself permission to spend $5 once a week on a fancy coffee or treating myself to another tasty treat and not feel guilty about it than to not spend a dime. In the long run, my impulses are more under control that way.
I think there's some sound advice in this article, but going out and purchasing a brand new something just because it's more efficient than the old something often isn't wise financially.
i.e., the TV example. If I have a TV that functions perfectly as-is and costs me $30 a year to operate, it will take me over 30 YEARS to break even on energy costs alone by buying a $650 TV to replace the old one.
That said, if you want a new TV, by all means, get a new one, but don't throw the old one out just because it's not as efficient as a brand new one.
Have you filed your taxes yet? Did you (or will you) use a tax professional to do your taxes? If you get a refund, how will you spend it?
Yes! My husband and I filed in early February -- as soon as we received all of our paperwork. Our local library hosts the United Way, who has volunteers come in to help people do their taxes for free. They helped us notice (and fix!) some problems last year, so we went back again this year.
This is our first year with any dependants, and we have two! We received a better refund than we ever had in the past. We budgeted all of it -- half immediately went on a credit card, more went into savings, some was earmarked for car repairs, and a bed for our son.
The remainder was split evening between my husband and I. He chose to spend all of his portion on a ski trip. I still have most of mine, but I have budgeted it, also, for likes like a winter coat (when they go on clearance) and non-maternity jeans. ;)
This is hysterical living frugal. Try living poor. Get laid off from your job, then be told that your going to retire soon and its in the companies best interest to hire someone with less experience. There is ZERO public transportation in our city, and the Municipal library closed due to budget cuts. We are a community of 95K. Retire soon my fannie! I am 50 cant retire until I am 72. The money magnets destroyed our 20 year 401k.
I have had my taxes done since February 9th.
I don't use tax services, I just do my own taxes.
As for my refund, it is going in the bank to be put towards a down payment on a house.
I haven't done my taxes yet, and I plan to go to a professional sometime within the next 2 weeks. And since I've been responsibly paying down debt for a couple years now, I plan to use my refund (if I get one) to help pay for a nice, week-long vacation. I might have to use some of the refund to buy a new phone after the vacation...because I might throw it into the ocean :)
I have already filed my taxes myself (in both DC and VA for the second year in a row - don't move between states - it's a hassle!) All of my refunds came in pretty quickly, and I've decided to invest in a cyclo cross bike to get me around the city (just for fun, not commuting). Picking up the bike tonight and heading out on the trails!
We have not filed yet, but have had them prepared so we could complete the FAFSA. Haven't sent them in yet because we owe, so holding off until we have to do it.
I'm a long-time Facebook fan.
Filed the first available day, got it back before they started delaying, and spent it on 1) a credit card balance, 2) property taxes, and 3) replacing tires on the car.
Thanks for the nice read.
I can't believe hot sauces or vinegar didn't make it to the list. Both can add a lot to staples that get boring (potatoes / rice / some veggies etc.) And unlike lots of the other recommendations don't add much in the line of calories or saturated fats etc. Usually pretty cost effective also. Well thats my 2 pennies.
My splurge was my Shun knife a few years ago- makes prep work fun! I also can't live w/out my Lodge dutch ovens- use them almost everyday!
I have yet to file my taxes--I know I'm losing out on the interest I could be making in my rewards checking account but this has not led me to file them yet...procrastination has reared its ugly head...perhaps I should read your article on 10 ways to stop procrastination!
We filed our taxes at the beginning of February. Our refund (not much, but enough for a nice out to eat) was deposited by Valentine's Day.
https://twitter.com/#!/ReneeAChapman/status/179581187386384385
fan on facebook!
While I don't know how much difference it makes, I also unplug the tv from the wall if I am away for a week...I remember reading years ago that the newer tvs are still using energy when not in use so that when you turn them on, they are quick to provide a picture. Got 2 benefits out of that - 0 power consumption while away and sometimes I watch less tv - I come home from a trip and just ignore the old soap box!
I did file my taxes already through a professional and the refund is going into our savings account :)
I balance the instant (Grande Mocha Frappuccino) with delayed (new clothes) by giving myself permission to spend xxx number of dollars per week on indulgences. Without those few bucks and forcing myself to buy only needs, I'd burst and slurge in about 3-4 weeks. So, it's best to just give myself permission to spend $5 once a week on a fancy coffee or treating myself to another tasty treat and not feel guilty about it than to not spend a dime. In the long run, my impulses are more under control that way.
I filed a couple weeks ago. I got my state refund, and I will pay the feds April 1.
Yes, filed w/tax professional.
I think there's some sound advice in this article, but going out and purchasing a brand new something just because it's more efficient than the old something often isn't wise financially.
i.e., the TV example. If I have a TV that functions perfectly as-is and costs me $30 a year to operate, it will take me over 30 YEARS to break even on energy costs alone by buying a $650 TV to replace the old one.
That said, if you want a new TV, by all means, get a new one, but don't throw the old one out just because it's not as efficient as a brand new one.
Have you filed your taxes yet? Did you (or will you) use a tax professional to do your taxes? If you get a refund, how will you spend it?
Yes! My husband and I filed in early February -- as soon as we received all of our paperwork. Our local library hosts the United Way, who has volunteers come in to help people do their taxes for free. They helped us notice (and fix!) some problems last year, so we went back again this year.
This is our first year with any dependants, and we have two! We received a better refund than we ever had in the past. We budgeted all of it -- half immediately went on a credit card, more went into savings, some was earmarked for car repairs, and a bed for our son.
The remainder was split evening between my husband and I. He chose to spend all of his portion on a ski trip. I still have most of mine, but I have budgeted it, also, for likes like a winter coat (when they go on clearance) and non-maternity jeans. ;)
This is hysterical living frugal. Try living poor. Get laid off from your job, then be told that your going to retire soon and its in the companies best interest to hire someone with less experience. There is ZERO public transportation in our city, and the Municipal library closed due to budget cuts. We are a community of 95K. Retire soon my fannie! I am 50 cant retire until I am 72. The money magnets destroyed our 20 year 401k.
Taxes are filed, and my return came back within a week or so!
I like WB on FB!
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/junethomemaker/status/179566260219150336
I have totally already filed my taxes with TaxACT! No one was going to come between me and my direct deposit refund this year :-P
I have wisebread liked on facebook!
I have had my taxes done since February 9th.
I don't use tax services, I just do my own taxes.
As for my refund, it is going in the bank to be put towards a down payment on a house.
I haven't done my taxes yet, and I plan to go to a professional sometime within the next 2 weeks. And since I've been responsibly paying down debt for a couple years now, I plan to use my refund (if I get one) to help pay for a nice, week-long vacation. I might have to use some of the refund to buy a new phone after the vacation...because I might throw it into the ocean :)