Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 3/1

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One down, two to go. I filed my son’s tax return this morning, which was accepted by the IRS within minutes. Next up, I’ll do my daughters (which will take minutes), and start gathering the data for my own. Hoping to mark taxes completely off the todo list this weekend. Fist pump for putting another tax season in the rear view mirror, and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump 10 Ways to Simplify Your Finances to Save a Ton of Time and Money from Couple Money 6 Ways We’re Saving Money After Buying a […] Read more »

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy H&R Block Tax Software Online

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I’ve used H&R Block tax preparation software for years. It’s available in physical form from retailers, as well as downloadable online directly from the H&R Block website. While downloading the software may be convenient, there are a few reasons you might make a special trip to buy a physical copy instead. Buying a physical copy of H&R Block tax preparation software could save you money, and be more convenient to access your returns if needed in the future. Physical Copy Is Cheaper Buying a physical copy is cheaper than buying the digital version online. Below is a cost comparison of […] Read more »

Fist Pump Friday: I Love You Like A Blogger Roundup – 2/22/19

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This is the snowiest February on record here in Minnesota, and we’re not done yet.  Another major snow storm is forecasted this weekend, and potentially more next week before the end of the month. We’ve had snow day after snow day from school, and the white stuff is piling up everywhere.  On the positive side, it’s easy on the budget since it’s hard to spend money when you’re stuck at home! Fist pump for snowstorms (I think?) and my favorite posts of the week! Posts That Make Me Fist Pump Where’s My Tax Refund? How to Check Your Status from […] Read more »

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

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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

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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

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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 »

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

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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

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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

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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 »

7 Things You Need To Do Your Taxes

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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 »

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

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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

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  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

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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 »