Personal Finances – Page 7 – Debra Newby Watkins CPA

Forms, Number Crunching, Taxes, HELP!

Exemptions, penalties, reconciling… What do you need to know to accurately complete your tax forms this year? If you received a subsidy from the Affordable Care Act or were without health insurance for more than three consecutive months, there will be new tax forms which could bring the need for more serious number crunching. For example as a subsidy recipient, if your income changed, you may be re-paying part of what you were given. Taxes can be stressful in an average year, so make sure you have plenty of time to research and complete all of your forms. And don’t forget that accounting professionals (as myself, debra@nw-cpa.com) are here to help you!

Affordable Care Act’s Tax Effects Now Loom for Filers

Blurred Lines

Quick, make a list of all the jobs you’ve held to this point. Ever worked two jobs? One in the decidedly white-collar sector while the other was in the more blue-collar service industry? In her article, Your Professor, Your Waitress, Brittany Bronson explores the current need for “survival” jobs along with many career choices. As a professor at the University of Nevada and a waitress on the side, she has firsthand experience. Her main concern is that showing her students that she must have a second job is destroying the facade of success I present as one of their university mentors.

Save Now, Save Later

Up for a challenge? Then give “No-Spend-November” a try. Be part of this new trend and see what it can do for you. The woman featured in the article says it saved her finances and even helped her get on the path to saving for various goals. Just imagine if skipping the takeout for a month could free up the cash to pay-off a credit card or finance that trip you’ve been wanting to take? Would you be willing to try it? You know you want to, so get thinking and stop spending!

‘No-Spend November’ Can Help You Find Leaks in Your Budget

Are you a Gambler?

Concerned about the current state of the market? Not sure is you should hold ’em or fold ’em?
Walk away or run?

David Yeske, a financial planner in San Francisco, recently sent out a calming note to his clients explaining that downturns are inevitable, but he offered another strategy. He offered some “fun and uplifting” distractions from the scary headlines, and he provided links to videos featuring a rendition of “Stand by Me,” and a flash mob.

Read the full story here:

Market Turbulence Serves as Reminder to Tread Lightly

Scratch That, Reverse It!

When I say “Reverse Mortgage” do you envision Fred Thompson talking about how your home has equity that you can use to live on in old age? In the past, this kind of investment has been viewed as risky at best, but now there may be something to it. Home equity could be just another part of your portfolio, and an important one at that.

Love Them or Loathe Them, Reverse Mortgages Have a Place

Can Robots Manage Your Money Better Than You? Startups Say Yes

But can they do your taxes?

www.npr.org

Some entrepreneurs say algorithms aren’t biased by commissions or complex fee structures.

Amplify Austin

Join the first community wide giving festival through Amplify Austin.

How It Works

Visit this website (AmplifyATX.org) during Amplify Austin Day, which starts at 7pm, March 4 and ends 7pm, March 5.

At that time, this website will be transformed into a giving site; you’ll be able to search by the name of the nonprofits you love or the causes you’re passionate about.

You will have a greater impact by giving through this website on Amplify Austin Day because our sponsors have created an incentive pool to enhance your donations, and prizes of $1,000 will be given hourly to the nonprofits that garner the most dollars or donors.

On Amplify Austin Day, we are giving back to the city we love. Join us!

Have “the Talk”

Many children aren’t learning much about money from their parents, a new survey shows.

Three in 10 parents never talk to their children about money or have had just one big talk with their children on the subject, according to a U.S. telephone survey conducted for the AICPA by Harris Interactive.

Read the whole article:

Many parents failing to educate children about money.

Green Bean Casserole

According to the report, the foods include a 16-pound turkey, a gallon of milk, a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix, a half pint of whipped cream, 14 oz. of cubed stuffing, a pound of green beans, 12 rolls, three pounds of sweet potatoes, 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, 2 pie shells, a 1-pound relish tray (carrots and celery) and various other ingredients.

Read more: The Ten Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive – 24/7 Wall St. http://247wallst.com/2011/11/10/the-eleven-foods-making-thanksgiving-more-expensive-this-year/#ixzz1di2XbAao

How about Mama Stamberg’s cranberry relish?