When we think of tax time, we often focus on our federal returns. However, the truth is that you also have to think of your state return as well. For many people that just means one state return. If you’ve moved, though, you might have multiple state tax returns to file this year.

Income in Different States

Since my family moved across the country recently, we are considering the financial implications. Of course we’ve had to deal with the cost of moving, and the realities of selling our  home, as well as the joys of making sure we have the right insurance coverage. When you switch states, you often have to switch providers.

However, it’s not just those things we have to think about. We also need to consider the state income taxes associated with earning money in more than one state. While we might not actually owe money in our new state (although we likely will), we will still have to file a tax return. This is especially true since my husband earned money for institutions in two different states.

I’m not sure how my business income will be handled yet, though, because the business hasn’t been moved yet. The business is still located in our old state of residence, so I don’t know how that will play out. I still need to find out what, exactly, my options are for setting up my home business in the new state, and then I’ll work out the taxes at that time — preferably with the help of a knowledgeable tax professional.

What gets really fun is when you have a job that takes you through several states. A couple of years ago, my brother had a job that involved him working in about 10 different states over the course of a year. That meant that he was paid in those states, and the companies involved considered his pay to be in those states. Even though he only owed taxes in about two of those 10 states, he still had to file a tax return in every single state. It was a tedious process.

Understanding Your Tax Law

It’s important to note that, while federal tax law is the same no matter where you go, state tax laws vary. So, you need to know what is expected of you in the state you are moving to, or the state in which you are working. It can be tricky, so it’s important to make sure that you consult with someone who understands the tax law in your state so that you don’t wind up in trouble at some point.

It’s never fun to pay taxes, but it’s an important part of your finances. Take the time to find out what needs to happen when you work in multiple states so that you don’t miss filing a crucial tax return. The fees and penalties from a failure to file can be a big problem, and you will want to avoid them. Look into the situation ahead of time so that you aren’t taken by surprise later.

More than a quarter of the United States population have no emergency fund. Furthermore, the trend is to neglect saving anything in light of rising costs of living, lay-offs, foreclosures, and other financial hardships in the recovering economy. While I believe more people need to realize they can’t afford NOT to save, there are admittedly few incentives to maintain a regular savings account, especially when most bank-based accounts feature lack-luster interest rates. One way that banks have been attempting to improve Americans’ savings rates is with the expansion of prize-linked savings accounts.

The concept works a bit like a lottery. Participants who meet the savings criteria (such as depositing minimal or specific amounts, maintaining balances, and leaving money untouched) are entered into cash drawings on a regular basis. Prize funds are then added to the winner’s savings account. Unlike traditional lotteries that encourage people to waste money for the small chance of winning, everyone who participates in prize-linked savings accounts is financially better off, whether they earn extra cash or not. This is because the simple incentive of winning a little extra something keeps many people motivated to leave their money in the bank, untouched, and build up an emergency fund.

The largest of these programs is known as Save to Win, and was launched in Michigan in 2009. While these accounts still aren’t widely accessibly, there are currently four states that have legalized them — Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Washington. The research in these states has shown significant increases in the number of savings accounts among lower-income populations, the key target audience, as well as a total increase in savings account holdings.  While most programs include cash prizes, some are based on a points systems that further qualifies participants for sweepstakes involving cars, vacations, and other non-cash prizes.

Although credit union advocates and other financial gurus are highlighting the positive effects of prize-linked savings account programs, and lobbying to promote them in other states, many are skeptical of the ethics and wisdom of using prizes as an incentive to save money. In my opinion, anything that encourages people to save rather than spend their earnings is worth looking into. People like to spend money, and they like to think they’re getting something for nothing. ‘Tricking’ yourself into saving money by marrying it with the excitement of ‘gambling’ still results in savings,  no matter how you look at it. Of course, being motivated by prizes alone is an immature approach to personal finances, but for many people, it’s a place to start. Getting in the habit of saving money is the biggest hurdle to this important financial practice, but once it’s started, is much easier to maintain.

Starting to save money, no matter how little or how tight your finances are at the time, will show you what you are capable of if you put your mind to it, and will create a foundation of financial stability for the future. While I’m not currently enrolled in a prize-based savings account, it’s definitely an idea I would consider. How about you?

When it’s time to buy a car, “new” isn’t always an option – or even your preference. While new cars are nice, they are the costliest way to get four wheels under you. If you’re in the market for a vehicle, a used one may be the way to go to get the most car for your money.

Unlike new cars that begin life in primo condition, used vehicles are sometimes shrouded in mystery. You may wonder these things about a used car:

  • Has it been well-maintained?
  • Was it carefully driven?
  • Does it have any safety or performance issues?
  • Why is it being sold?

The goal when looking to used vehicles is to find reliable wheels at a fair, affordable price. It will take some effort, but there’s a lot you as the buyer of a used vehicle can do to get a good deal – whether you buy from a dealership or a private party.

Determining which used vehicle to buy

Determine an appropriate type of vehicle necessary for its intended use based upon:

  • Who will be driving it? Make certain to take the driver’s size and needs into account.
  • How many passengers does it need to seat? Ensure there’s enough comfortable and easily accessible seating for its usual passengers.
  • Storage – Will it be hauling cargo? Make sure there’s enough space and doors to allow easy loading and unloading.
  • Where will it be driven? Will it be driven in rugged terrain, on the highway, for suburban or city driving or in winter weather?
  • Will it be used for long drives or short commutes? Consider comfort, gas mileage and size.

Consult sources such as Kelley Blue Book and Craigslist to research and determine what’s available that will suit your needs. This exercise will also give you an idea of the price range of the types of vehicles that meet your criteria. Once you know what’s selling for how much, you can narrow your choices according to what you are willing to spend.

Choosing among used cars

Once you know the ballpark type and price, set about finding the best choice by examining the details of a particular vehicle. You can research the history of a car by getting a Carfax report on it which will inform you if the car you’re considering has:

  • been in a major accident
  • had a mileage rollback
  • had multiple owners (and the length of their ownerships)
    incurred structural damage
  • been used for lease, personal, taxi or police use, or has been state-owned
  • been declared a total loss, junked or salvaged
  • been rebuilt
  • incurred flood or hail damaged
  • experienced airbag deployment
  • had a mileage rollover
  • has been branded a “lemon”

The report will also divulge the:

  • last reported mileage
  • estimated miles driven per year
  • recall information
  • warranty information

Sometimes the seller pays for the Carfax report on the vehicle for sale. If not offered by the seller, you can purchase a Carfax report yourself at a cost of $39.99 for one car or $49.99 for up to five cars.

Once you’re assured the cars you’re considering are basically in good shape, have each assessed by a trusted mechanic to determine these final details:

  • Maintenance record – Has this vehicle been properly and regularly maintained by its owner(s)?
  • Present condition – Overall, how drivable, safe and reliable is this vehicle, as is, here and now?
  • Future maintenance – What will the vehicle require in the foreseeable future – if not now -to keep operating well (like brakes, tires or exhaust system work)?

There’s no reason to expect that, by buying used, that you can’t get a reliable vehicle for a fair and affordable price.

There are times that it’s easy to let something financial slip through the cracks. Nowhere is this more apparent than when you are trying to pay your bills on time. I know that, in the past, I’ve occasionally missed a bill payment — and I’ve frantically tried to correct the problem and beg customer service representatives to waive the resulting fees.

If you are having a hard time paying your bills on time, here are 3 strategies you can try to solve the problem:

1. Automate Your Finances

One of the easiest ways to make sure you bills are paid on time is to automate your finances. When you have your bills scheduled to come out automatically, it takes some of the pressure off of you. I have many of my bills set on automatic. My cable and Internet bills are on automatic. I also have many of my credit cards set to automatically pay the minimum each month. While I try to pay off my credit cards each month, the reality is that sometimes you are slow. I avoid late fees by having the minimum paid automatically. I can go in and make the bigger payment later.

Look for ways to automate your bills, and all you have to do is check in periodically to make sure that everything is functioning as it should.

2. Set Reminders

In some cases, you can’t automate your finances, or you might be reluctant to. When this is the issue, it makes sense to set reminders for yourself. You don’t need anything fancy for a reminder. You can use the calendar app on your smartphone, or even use an online calendar app. Set your reminder for at least seven days before your bill is due, and then pay it and send it out as soon as you get the reminder. You can also use this to remind you to schedule electronic payments if that’s the route you go. If you don’t have the bill taken care of automatically, at least set a reminder so you don’t forget.

3. Schedule a Regular Money Day

You can also schedule a regular money day. This is a good idea anyway, even if you have your finances automated or use reminders. I like to take care of money things one day each week. I save my receipts and enter them into my personal finance software. I also check in quickly on my bank account to make sure that direct deposits and automatic debits are happening as they should — and in the proper amounts.

A regular money day can help you connect with your money, and keep everything in order. It’s also a good time to look at your bills and see what’s due in the next 10 days. Then you can schedule payments or write checks, as appropriate.

It’s important that you stay on top of all of your money issues, not just your bills. By taking the time to evaluate your finances regularly (even if it’s just a quick look at where you stand), you can get in the habit of paying your obligations on time, and seeing what needs fixing before it becomes a disaster.

Student Loan Tips & Strategies

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Approximately 37,000,000 million Americans had outstanding student loans in 2013, and the average amount of that debt is at least $24,000. These statistics show that student loan debt is a major plague on the personal finance of millions of people across the nation. Student loans have become a necessary evil in light of the rising costs of tuition, and since full-time students aren’t required to pay loans until after they’re out of college, it’s an easy option that doesn’t immediately affect your personal finances. Many people push aside any concern over their student loan debt (perhaps not even aware of how much they owe!) until they start receiving the first bills in the mail. What was an easy and hassle-free way to finance college at the time then becomes a major financial hurdle. There are deferment options, but eventually they have to be paid. To avoid staring at a $24,000+ loan statement at the end of your education, here are some options to keep your student debt from crippling your finances and your credit score down the road.

Tip #1: Pay The Interest
Unless you’re approved for subsidized federal student loans, you will be responsible for paying interest that accrues on your loan balance after you’re out of school.  While you’re not obligated to pay anything while you’re in college, it’s a smart move to at least pay your interest on a monthly basis. Any new interest that accrues on your student loan balance, if not paid, will be added to your principal (original loan amount) so that, essentially, you’ll be paying interest on interest. Depending on how much you’re borrowing, the amount of monthly interest that accumulates should be manageable and will keep your loan balance close to the amount you actually borrowed.

Tip #2: Don’t Borrow More than You Need
Just because you’re qualified and approved for a certain federal loan amount doesn’t mean you should take all of it. Keeping your loan amount as close to what you’re paying for tuition as possible will allow you to borrow less over the lifetime of your loan and eliminate the temptation to blow the refund money. It’s possible to return refunds to your lender or college even after you’ve received a refund; miscalculations don’t justify spending money you can’t afford to borrow.

Tip #3: Pay As Much as You Can Out-of-Pocket
Since most people know they’ll be going to college or sending their children to college in the future, there are other ways to save money and budget for tuition expenses that don’t involve going into debt for the entire amount. Again, the less you have to borrow, the better. Specific savings accounts known as 529 Savings Accounts and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts allow parents to save and invest money for their children’s education expenses. Many of these types of accounts are even tax-free or tax-deferred to allow maximum possible savings.

If it’s too late for these options, look at your budget and consider what you can afford to pay on a monthly basis. Anything you are able to pay in cash will reduce the total amount of your loan and make the transition to post-college life a little less burdened with debt. Even though student loans aren’t usually considered a bad form of debt unless they’re in collections, they are still debt. Don’t wait until you’re out of college to deal with them, or you might be dealing with them for a lot longer than it took you to earn your degree.

It happens every year. You have the best of intentions to limit your holiday spending. But then you hit the stores and… BOOM! Out go your best laid plans when you remember another gift you really “should” buy or you see something positively irresistible…

The holidays are good at bringing out our inner child; and children are not notoriously good at responsibly handling money. Let’s approach the holidays in a mature fashion and discover a way to enjoy them without the binge – and the inevitable financial hangover.

They say the definition of “crazy” is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different outcome. If you want to spend more responsibly, you’re going to have to change the way you think and act when in comes to the holidays. It will take implementing a well-considered plan, but it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holidays. The goal is to enjoy the holidays responsibly – not deprive yourself of holiday joy.

Change Your Thinking

Start on these as early as possible. Refine and revise as necessary.

  • Reflect on and make a list of what makes the holidays meaningful and happy for you. It could be a special meal with loved ones, particular foods, activities, outings, traditions that bring back pleasant memories. Perhaps it’s the opportunity to give generously. Maybe it’s a once-a-year bash. Those things that make the holidays special to you comprise this “holiday essentials” list.
  • Determine an all-inclusive budget. Decide how much you can realistically afford to spend on the holidays. Remember to include the things you’ve put on your list. Food and drinks for a special celebration, tickets to a performance, a day at the salon to get glammed up for a party, airfare to visit loved ones… Holiday expenses aren’t only the things that get wrapped.
  • Think – really think – about who you want to buy gifts for. Notice I said “want to” to buy gifts for – not “should” or “have to” – but want to. Holidays should be a joy – not a job. As soon as giving a gift is an obligation, it’s no longer a gift. Remain mindful that YOU are in control of your money and the quality of your holidays. Make your gift buying list accordingly.
  • Give with the recipient in mind. Brainstorm on the interests of those who made your gift buying list. Starting early will give you a better chance of finding something that is really “him” or “her” rather than buying some generic gift out of clueless desperation. Check their social media pages – or their wishlist on a site like Amazon.com – for ideas about their interests and wants.

Change Your Habits

  • When you go holiday shopping, shop only for the holidays. You’re on a mission. It’s easier to stick to your budget if your regular expenses aren’t co-mingled with your holiday expenses. It’s surprisingly easy to justify or overlook a holiday expense when you “pick up a scented candle” while doing the grocery shopping.
  • Shop sane. You’ll make better choices when you shop at a time when the stores aren’t mobbed and when you’re not rushed or anxious.
  • When your list is complete, you’re done. Stop shopping. The stores won’t tell you that you’re done. In fact, they’ll try to convince you that you have “last minute” shopping to do up until the holiday arrives.
  • You don’t need more… anything to make your holiday complete. Step away from the candy canes, decor, ornaments. Those little extra expenses add up big and are rarely budgeted for.

Your holidays can be beautiful, memorable and affordable if you change your thinking and habits.

When you’re trying to live a frugal lifestyle, and avoid spending a lot of money on things, one of the areas that you are likely to cut back in is clothing. It’s hard to keep up with styles without spending an arm and a leg, and filling up your closet. Even if you go the frugal route, it’s easy to fill up your closet with a bunch of clothing that you might not wear more than a few times.

One way to get around this might be to sign up for a clothing service like Gwynnie Bee.

Clothing Rental

I recently tried Gwynnie Bee, using a 30-day free trial. The idea behind the service is that you pay a flat fee each month, depending on how many items of clothing you want to have at a time. When I was explaining it to my husband, I told him it was like Netflix, but for clothes. (Only, of course, no one gets discs from Netflix anymore; it’s all about the streaming.)

At any rate, you decide how many articles of clothing you want to have at a time, and they are sent to you. You can wear the clothing as much as you want, and then send the items back. When you send the clothing back, you get a new article of clothing. It’s like getting new clothes regularly, but you don’t have to store them anywhere, and you don’t have to keep buying new things.

You do have to pay a monthly fee, though. However, depending on your spending habits, you might actually spend less when you pay the monthly fee instead of buying new clothes. Of course, you can also have the option to buy some of the clothing. If you decide you want to buy, you can do so, and pay about half price for the item.

How Gwynnie Bee Worked for Me

Gwynnie Bee is a clothing rental service that is aimed at women sizes 10 to 32. There are other clothing rental services out there, like Rent the Runway, Le Tote, and The Ms. Collection. One of the problems I ran into with Gwynnie Bee is that, in many cases, it was still difficult to find clothing in my size, and that reflected my style. I tend to choose basic items, and apparently they are in high demand.

As a result, it took a little longer to get things going for me, and it also meant that some of what I received wasn’t a first choice (or even a second choice). The biggest drawback is that you can’t choose what comes next. You choose a number of possibilities to keep in your “closet” (it works best when you have at least 20 items), and the service just sends what’s available at the time.

I ended up with more dresses than I wanted, and none of the tops I was hoping for. Plus, since I wear the smallest size available at Gwynnie Bee, there were times when I couldn’t even add something to my closet.

For me, clothing rental probably isn’t the best option. However, I can see how it might work for someone else, especially someone who has a big even coming up. If you can get a free trial, go for a test drive and see how you like it. Then evaluate whether or not it makes sense for your finances.

When food spoils prematurely, I feel like I’ve wasted my money and end up literally throwing it away.  In fact, any time I end up throwing away food because of my own failure to store it properly, use it in a timely manner,  or for undetermined reasons, I get frustrated because it wastes money from my grocery budget. Part of the reason I’ve noticed more waste in the last few years is that I’ve increased the quantity of fresh foods in my diet, which isn’t something I’m willing to change. The dietary effect of items that are so well-preserved that they can sit in your fridge for years and still look (and smell) like the day you bought them should be questioned! Although I’m sure there will always be something that spoils inn my refrigerator before it’s used, there are at least a few things I can do to prevent some of it and save money (not to mention, get to enjoy the food I purchased!) Here are a few tips from myself and other experienced perishable food buyers.

Check Your Temps
Higher rates of spoilage could be a sign that your refrigerator temperature is set too low (below 38 degrees), or that it’s not maintaining its temperature and needs to be replaced. Because some fridge have number settings instead of temperatures, place a thermometer in it to determine exactly how cold your items are getting.

Store Strategically
Until recently I had no idea there was a strategy to where you place certain food items in your refrigerator. For instance, you should place milk on the shelf inside your fridge, and not in the door, because the door temperature doesn’t get as cold. Reserve the door for condiments, butter, and items that aren’t as likely to spoil. Meat should be placed on the bottom, interior drawer of your refrigerator to maintain the coldest possible temperature and keep other items free from contamination. Storing certain produce items together in your refrigerator can cause them to spoil faster, and some produce shouldn’t be refrigerated at all (tomatoes, potatoes, and tropical fruit, to name a few).

Notice Trends
If you’re not going through a particular portion of dairy, meat, or produce before it spoils, it’s a good sign you should buy it in smaller measurements. I caught on to this when I couldn’t manage to get to the bottom of my fresh spinach before it spoiled. Now that I use the smaller container, it usually stays fresh long enough for me to use it up. Are you throwing away a lot of milk, cheese, or fresh produce? You probably need to downsize your shopping.

Another trend to notice is which brands (or stores) you consistently have to throw away before expiration dates, and stop buying them. It also doesn’t hurt to talk to the store management about your problem to see if you can get a refund, as well as call or email the manufacturer to file a complaint. Speaking up about a quality issue helps not only yourself, but other consumers.

Shop Smart; Cook Smart
Sometimes excess spoilage is just a case of poor menu planning. This is why it’s a good idea to have your week’s menu tentatively planned before you shop, and make a plan for everything you buy that has a shelf life.  Even if you’ve shopped smart, you’ll still end up with items that are nearing their danger zone. Make these items a priority in your meals, and work around then. Many recipe apps allow you to search by ingredients so you can find something interesting and palatable with what you have on hand.

Just taking the time to follow these tips can save you a lot of money on your grocery budget and help you become less wasteful. I’ve used them myself and notice a big difference in my ability to keep my money instead of  throwing it away.

As the seasons change from summer to autumn, so do many a daily routine. Children are back in school, the weather changes dramatically and time is focused differently. All these changes to our day-to-day routine can knock our budgets off kilter. The negative effect of these autumnal adjustments on our household budget can be minimized by planning and paying particular attention to a few details, including:

1. Household maintenance – Changing seasons makes it even more important that certain household maintenance is performed. This will keep operational costs down and help prevent damage caused by severe weather. Attend to these bits of maintenance around your home:

  • Furnace – A clean furnace is an efficient-running furnace. Vacuum up dust in the unit and replace the filters. This is a good time to have it checked out and tuned up by a professional to ensure it runs properly and at peak efficiency.
  • Insulation – Add some insulation to drafty areas to ensure your home’s heating stays inside where it belongs. Caulk or insulate air leaks around windows and doors, both inside and out.
  • Gutters – Those gorgeous falling autumn leaves can quickly clog your gutters, making it difficult – or impossible – for them to do their job of siphoning water away from your roof. Prevent costly roof damage by cleaning them out before heavy storms come your way.

2. Automobile maintenance – Cold weather can be hard on your vehicle. Save yourself from costly repairs and inconvenience by attending to these vehicle issues before winter weather is upon you:

  • Tires – Properly inflated tires give you better gas mileage. Tires with good tread will help you drive – and stop – more safely when conditions are poor.
  • Fluid levels – Oil, antifreeze, brake, transmission and window washer fluids should checked for optimum vehicle performance throughout the cold weather.
  • Emergency supplies – Prepare a kit to keep in your vehicle to help you deal with emergency situations that includes a flashlight, blanket, small shovel, emergency flares, non-perishable food and waterproof matches.

3. Plan / prepare for holidays – Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner. Don’t let them blind-side you! Take time now to establish a timetable, a budget and a plan so you won’t be forced to spend time or money impetuously due to lack of preparation.

4. Cook in bulk – Cooler weather makes the prospect of preparing and cooking meals in advance a more appealing endeavor. Back-to-school means more activities, school happenings and a string of holidays for which to prepare. Having meals prepared ahead of time you can get on the table quickly and easily makes it less likely you’ll resort to pricey takeout food when the family has places to go and things to do.

5. Take care of everyone’s health needs – When people are closed up against the cold weather, germs spread more readily. As you approach the cooler months, prepare for the likelihood of increased illnesses. Missing work due to illness is never good for finances. Get flu shots now when they can provide the longest protection. Also, stock up on basic remedies like cough syrup, decongestants and analgesics so you won’t have to run out for them when someone is already sick.

6. Review your yearly budget – As the end of the year approaches, now is an opportune time to review how you’ve done financially. Where has your money gone? Where have you strayed from your budget? What needs adjusting as you plan for the year ahead? The answers to these questions will inform you as to where you can spend more wisely, cut back or save more.

Autumn is full of changes that don’t have to break your budget.

It’s fantasy football season again, which means sports fans all over the country (80% of which are men) are gathering to draft their teams, fill their rosters, configure their stats, and…well, whatever else they do. For the rest of us (non-sports fans, and mostly women), what else is there? After all, the idea behind fantasy football isn’t that bad. It involves strategy,  number-crunching, social activity, snacks, and even cash winnings.  Most people, whether sports fans or not, enjoy all of those things.

In light of the need to fill this gap, a few couples came up with an alternative to fantasy sports designed to appeal specifically to women. It’s title? Battle Shop.  This online game combines a love of shopping, social media, games, (and Pinning) with a fun competitive twist.

The concept behind Battle Shop is that every week, a clothing theme is chosen. Each player must virtually ‘purchase’ and fill their ‘closets’ with a wardrobe that fits the theme and falls within the specified spending limit. Wardrobes are then presented for voting, which is done by the users themselves. The top three most appealing wardrobes are awarded $100, $50, and $25 American Express gift cards. It’s as simple as that.

While most women would begrudgingly agree they could stand to spend less on shopping, this competitive game allows them to  enjoy the activity of shopping without spending money.  If you really think about it, shopping can be satisfying even without buying anything. Currently the game is free to set up and doesn’t require regular participation. Just jump in whatever week you want to create a wardrobe and have a chance to win. While the site, only in its second year, may charge a fee for membership later on as it grows (like most fantasy football sites), the prizes garnered by sponsors and advertisers will likely be more than worth it for the die-hard player.

If you’re worried that this game might suck up too much of your time, the owners report that most visitors get on a few times a week for about 20-30 minutes. This is less of a time commitment than fantasy sports, which can take up several hours a week during the peak season. Who knows — the game may eventually be available as a smartphone application, so you can play while on the go.  As far as frugality goes with pastimes, this one is financially sound. By playing Battle Shop, you will:

  • Boost your creativity
  • Hone your bargain-finding skills
  • Learn how to budget
  • Satisfy your ‘shopping bug’ without the temptation to spend
  • Potentially win cash prizes (to spend on shopping!)

So, if you enjoy shopping and find yourself bored while your spouse or friends are spending time on fantasy football this season, check out Battle Shop. I definitely will!