Smaller Tax Refund? 4 Simple Steps To Calculating If You Really Got A Tax Cut In 2018

Written by on · 1 Comment

Americans expected a lower tax bill in 2018 because of the highly touted Tax Cut and Jobs Act signed into law in December of 2017. Yet as people do their tax returns we hear stories of smaller than usual tax refunds, and accusations the government lied to them. A smaller or larger tax return is not an accurate way to determine if you truly got a tax cut, however. To determine if the amount of taxes you paid increased or decreased you have to dig a little deeper. Before Starting Before we get started, a few things to keep in […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 2/15/19

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day.  Some people go way over the top to buy stuffed animals, flowers, jewelry, and other things for their significant other. If that’s what you want to do, and you have the money for it, more power to you. I bought my wife a $3 jumbo card (poster sized!) and a $5 bag of Lindor Chocolate Truffles (she loves them). We did go out to eat, but we used discount cards I bought at Costco, AND the money to buy them came out of last weekend’s discretionary funds. So, my total Valentine’s Day budget was $8.  My […] Read more »

Save Your Grocery Budget by Shopping At Home First

Written by on · 1 Comment

It was Saturday morning, and I was going through my usual meal prep process for the coming week, making a grocery list in parallel. I was just about to head to the grocery store when I realized I had forgotten something. I had forgotten to shop at home first. Shop At Home First I had seemingly done everything right in my process. I had planned meals for the entire upcoming week, and then made a list of everything I needed to make those meals. What I should have done first was go through my cupboards and refrigerator to see what […] Read more »

The Benefits Of National Legal Staffing Support

Written by on · Leave a Comment

When most people think of ‘outsourcing’, they think of call centres in exotic locations. With the rising need for legal services, many law firms are realizing how valuable legal process outsourcing can be. Through National Legal Staffing Support, your practice can grow while you focus 100-percent on your clients without your overhead growing due to the increase in demand. National Legal Staffing Support, LLC. offers a number of valuable legal services that free up a lot of time for busy attorneys. About National Legal Staffing Support As a trailblazer of legal process outsourcing, also known as LPO, National Legal Staffing […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 2/8/19

Written by on · 3 Comments

I was reminded recently just how much I love my carpet cleaner. My two cats seem to enjoy throwing up anywhere they please, the stains difficult to get out. I pulled out my carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpet in our main living room while watching television last weekend. Replacing the carpet in just that one room would cost over $1000, having it professionally cleaned around $100, but with my own carpet cleaner I paid only for a $5 bottle of detergent. Fist pump for carpet cleaners and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump […] Read more »

Five Second Fruit Smoothies for $1

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Fruit smoothies are cool creamy treats enjoyed by many, including myself. But with a price tag of five to eight dollars depending on the food vendor, I don’t indulge often. That changed when I recently acquired a personal sized bullet style food blender. I received a NutriBullet blender for free as part of my employer’s healthy living incentive program. The blender came with a sizable book of recipes to make vegetable and fruit smoothies. Unfortunately all the recipes had at least half a dozen ingredients. I knew I would never use any of them. I wanted something simple and convenient, […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 2/01/2019

Written by on · 1 Comment

I’ve barely left the house in a week. Thanks Polar Vortex. A few days ago the high temperature was -28 degrees. Things are finally starting to warm up a little and my wife wanted get out and do something.  We decided to go to dinner at our favorite restaurant – but not before we stopped at Costco to by a discounted gift card! Fist pump for warmer weather (relatively), and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump Haggling or No Haggling When Buying a Car? from Beating Broke The Top Ten Other Words to Describe […] Read more »

5 Tips to Improve Your Odds of Getting Approved for a Mortgage While Self-Employed

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Are you self-employed and looking to purchase a home? There is the added stress of wondering if you’ll be approved for a mortgage due to you being self-employed. Those who have their own business and are their own boss have many perks, but also many struggles. It can be hard to guarantee you’ll have an income. However, it also is a very proud moment when you see your business succeed. Don’t let being self-employed stop you from getting approved for a mortgage. With the following five tips, you can help improve your odds of getting accepted for when you need […] Read more »

6 Tips for Cutting Costs as A Homeowner

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Homeownership is a dream that many renters have, but be sure you’re aware of all the associated costs. Ask any homeowner you know about unexpected expenses, and you’ll get a laundry list of tips to think about before buying. Homeownership can be an enjoyable but expensive experience. If you’re looking to save money as a homeowner, consider these tips as measures to cut costs. Tax Breaks Whether you’re a new homeowner or considering your first home purchase, you should always understand your tax obligation. Property taxes are owed each year, but the government offers incentives and tax breaks for specific […] Read more »

7 Things You Need To Do Your Taxes

Written by on · Leave a Comment

The end of January signals the beginning of a dreaded activity for many; doing your taxes. For years I procrastinated, spending more time worrying about it than actually doing it. Doing upfront prep work gathering all the documents you need to do your taxes is the key to making the process as easy and smooth as possible. I take a large envelope, and write on the front each piece of information I need. Normally I start by copying this list from the previous year’s envelope. I put a big square next to each item, and check the box as I […] Read more »

How to Financially Prepare for Divorce

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Divorce is costly – emotionally, physically, and financially – whether you’re the one that initiates it or receives the news from your spouse. Preparing for a divorce is a lot of work, but the more you can do ahead of papers being filed with the court, the better. Consider Your Current Situation Whether you work or spent the majority of the marriage as a stay-at-home parent, divorce will inevitably change your financial situation. Many states allow the displaced spouse to ask for spousal support, and will consider each partner’s contributions to the marriage, though the laws do vary from state […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 1/25/19

Written by on · Leave a Comment

I recently watched a motivational video in which the speaker explained the way to find your passion is to try a bunch of things and see what you find most interesting. Then, keep doing it to see if it develops into a passion, or if it’s just something that’s “meh.”  I’ve been smoking meat for close to 10 years now, and I think I’m safe in saying it’s one of my passions.  This weekend, I’m going to try a new challenge.  I’m going to smoke a pork belly.  I hear if it’s done right, it will be the best pulled […] Read more »

Fender Benders: Do These 3 Things To Protect Yourself Financially

Written by on · Leave a Comment

  I slowed down and came to a stop as the traffic light in front of me turned red. Suddenly I heard tires screeching, and a “thunk” as my van lurched forward. I had been hit from behind. I got out of my van and signaled the driver behind me to pull into the gas station across the street. Inspection of both vehicles showed no damage other than a small scuff on the other driver’s front bumper from my license plate, which he wasn’t concerned about. Preparing to leave, the other driver was shocked when I asked to exchange insurance […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 1/18/19

Written by on · Leave a Comment

I’m working from home today, and writing this from my kitchen table watching it snow outside.  It’s been a mild winter with warmer than normal temps and very little snow thus far. While that’s about to change (arctic blast headed our way next week), the warmer temperatures have significantly reduced my utility bills. While I’m a big believer in snowy winters, I don’t mind the extra cash in my budget this far into the winter. Huge fist pump for lower utility bills AND my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump The Government Shutdown is Every […] Read more »