If I actually get any money back I will probably use it to add an extra payment to my normal $1000 monthly payment. Gotta get out of this student loan debt!!
Good question, Larry. Though some people are on budget billing systems and might have a specific amount they pay each month, some people pay as they go/use power -- and in cold climates, the dollar amount can range wildly. A “hidden" cost related to utility bills comes in when you’re using too much power to stay warm or otherwise when you could be making smart changes -- like blocking drafty doors and windows -- that would cut those excess costs. This is why I offered some ways to cut back on utility costs in general so they might help keep the bill more stable this time of year. Does that clarify for you?
Our refund amount is usually pretty substantial due to my husband's side business where there are some deductions that make sense to take once a year instead of quarterly. Once we know the amount of our expected return, we plan out where it will go. First and foremost, we set aside money for the upcoming year's heating expenses of both oil and firewood (we live in NH, so the cost can be considerable). After that, we save the rest, usually dividing up the remainder between retirement and our savings to buy our next vehicle. This year we've begun to save money to move to south in a few years, so some may go to that account as well. Our only debt is our mortgage, so we don't need to worry about earmarking any to pay down debt- it can all be set aside in one way or another.
While we refrain from going on shopping sprees as some tend to do with the 'found' money of a tax refund, we don't miss it. Seeing our savings grow and knowing we're set to heat our house for the next winter feels better than any trip to the mall or new electronic gizmo! A lot of folks I know in my area scramble to figure out how to pay to fill their oil tank in the cold, and we never have that stress any more. Well worth every ounce of discipline not to touch that money for frivolous things!
We already have our refund back. We just sent in our last payment for our student loans. So the whole check is going towards our 6 month emergency fund.
Unfortunately, I owe money this year and won't be getting a refund. If I was getting one I would've put some toward bills and some toward a much-needed vacation!
Our tax refund is earmarked for redoing the lighting in our finished basement, hopefully with LEDs. It desperately needs redoing and we may as well make it energy efficient
As a meat selling farmers market vendor, I'm angry about #8. Fresh frozen meat is the way to go. Why would you want to buy refrigerated meat at a farmers market? It is not a grocery store where there is a quick turnover, and a producer would not want to bring a refrigerated meat item that does not sell and not have market for another week and then throw it out. 24 hours in the fridge will defrost it or defrost in the microwave. Consumers are in many cases too lazy (me included) and don't understand limitations of proper food storage and ask for odd things. People ask me for heritage chickens in May and June that are fresh that take 6 months to grow out on pasture. I would have to start them in December or January on my pasture which has one to two feet of snow.on it, and -10 below zero. Almost nobody understands seasonality of meat or vegetable products from a local farmer because they are used to going to.a.grocery store and getting pineapple and strawberries in Iowa in January at 2 in the morning.
I started this process and I am only 11. By the age of 101, my $2000 will be worth 9.2 million! Amazing, right. It is worth it and if you are going to do this, I would recommend getting 1 year C.D.s in the bank and investing with the growth and income plan at Edward Jones. Yes, I AM smart for my age.
After watching Davey Ramsey the motivation drew me in. Paying the minimum on all my debts and then what was left over after budgeting went straight to the lowest debt. I also found it important to make a budget that's strict but helps you to pay your self first meaning give yourself a weekly allowance, put some away for emergency and some for retirement even if its $1 - $5 bucks. List all your bills and take away any unnecessary bills. Spend one month and try to make it a continuous habit to write down everything you spend. Compare months and expenses and find the lowest debt. As you pay it off you can see the list getting smaller and your bank account savings getting bigger. It feels great! Lastly do your home work on bank interest and savings rates, programs like thank you rewards and I promise to get money for any maybe all online purchases and use those rewards as extra money towards your debt.
Might want to rethink adding social notes to business communications: in some workplaces, thank God, you're expected to know the difference between 'personal' and 'professional'.
We will be using our to pay off student loan debt. :(
We are fortifying our emergency savings account since we have a rather paltry amount in there right now. Aaaah. We can breathe easier again!
Nothing...I'm not getting one.
Building the Emergency Fund/Helping Pay For My Wedding :)
I am planning to use my tax refund for a family weekend getaway.
If I actually get any money back I will probably use it to add an extra payment to my normal $1000 monthly payment. Gotta get out of this student loan debt!!
I’m right there with you, Elizabeth. Doing stuff the old way is just more gratifying!
Good question, Larry. Though some people are on budget billing systems and might have a specific amount they pay each month, some people pay as they go/use power -- and in cold climates, the dollar amount can range wildly. A “hidden" cost related to utility bills comes in when you’re using too much power to stay warm or otherwise when you could be making smart changes -- like blocking drafty doors and windows -- that would cut those excess costs. This is why I offered some ways to cut back on utility costs in general so they might help keep the bill more stable this time of year. Does that clarify for you?
Our refund amount is usually pretty substantial due to my husband's side business where there are some deductions that make sense to take once a year instead of quarterly. Once we know the amount of our expected return, we plan out where it will go. First and foremost, we set aside money for the upcoming year's heating expenses of both oil and firewood (we live in NH, so the cost can be considerable). After that, we save the rest, usually dividing up the remainder between retirement and our savings to buy our next vehicle. This year we've begun to save money to move to south in a few years, so some may go to that account as well. Our only debt is our mortgage, so we don't need to worry about earmarking any to pay down debt- it can all be set aside in one way or another.
While we refrain from going on shopping sprees as some tend to do with the 'found' money of a tax refund, we don't miss it. Seeing our savings grow and knowing we're set to heat our house for the next winter feels better than any trip to the mall or new electronic gizmo! A lot of folks I know in my area scramble to figure out how to pay to fill their oil tank in the cold, and we never have that stress any more. Well worth every ounce of discipline not to touch that money for frivolous things!
We will use our refund to do landscaping to our backyard.
We'll be saving our refund to apply to home remodeling later this year.
hi, everyone. if anyone know how to region unlock the Panasonic DVD-K520 or the pioneer dvd v550? thanks
We already have our refund back. We just sent in our last payment for our student loans. So the whole check is going towards our 6 month emergency fund.
My tax refund will be deposited into an emergency fund to help me build up to 3-6 months savings. Every bit counts!
Sadly, we are self-employed so instead of getting a refund, we owe thousands to the government each year. :(
My tax return is going straight into my emergency savings. Still need to build it up!
Unfortunately, I owe money this year and won't be getting a refund. If I was getting one I would've put some toward bills and some toward a much-needed vacation!
Our tax refund is earmarked for redoing the lighting in our finished basement, hopefully with LEDs. It desperately needs redoing and we may as well make it energy efficient
I will be using it for my upcoming wedding / retirement savings.
As a meat selling farmers market vendor, I'm angry about #8. Fresh frozen meat is the way to go. Why would you want to buy refrigerated meat at a farmers market? It is not a grocery store where there is a quick turnover, and a producer would not want to bring a refrigerated meat item that does not sell and not have market for another week and then throw it out. 24 hours in the fridge will defrost it or defrost in the microwave. Consumers are in many cases too lazy (me included) and don't understand limitations of proper food storage and ask for odd things. People ask me for heritage chickens in May and June that are fresh that take 6 months to grow out on pasture. I would have to start them in December or January on my pasture which has one to two feet of snow.on it, and -10 below zero. Almost nobody understands seasonality of meat or vegetable products from a local farmer because they are used to going to.a.grocery store and getting pineapple and strawberries in Iowa in January at 2 in the morning.
I started this process and I am only 11. By the age of 101, my $2000 will be worth 9.2 million! Amazing, right. It is worth it and if you are going to do this, I would recommend getting 1 year C.D.s in the bank and investing with the growth and income plan at Edward Jones. Yes, I AM smart for my age.
After watching Davey Ramsey the motivation drew me in. Paying the minimum on all my debts and then what was left over after budgeting went straight to the lowest debt. I also found it important to make a budget that's strict but helps you to pay your self first meaning give yourself a weekly allowance, put some away for emergency and some for retirement even if its $1 - $5 bucks. List all your bills and take away any unnecessary bills. Spend one month and try to make it a continuous habit to write down everything you spend. Compare months and expenses and find the lowest debt. As you pay it off you can see the list getting smaller and your bank account savings getting bigger. It feels great! Lastly do your home work on bank interest and savings rates, programs like thank you rewards and I promise to get money for any maybe all online purchases and use those rewards as extra money towards your debt.
Might want to rethink adding social notes to business communications: in some workplaces, thank God, you're expected to know the difference between 'personal' and 'professional'.
I don't schedule "me" time
Hi Guest--
Denim Christmas stockings could be really beautiful! (Also, they'd hold heavy stuff, so good for lots of presents or coal).