Skip to main content

Timing is Everything

I was told that a good time to buy a car is January or February. Why? I would guess it’s because many people are financially destitute right after Christmas (because they have not yet been introduced to my blog!) so car sales are down. I do think there is another reason. I think that most people have yet to file their taxes and receive their tax returns (a.k.a. overpayment that they loaned interest-free to the government) with which they plan to make a down payment.

Now it’s March, and many people have already filed their taxes and received said overpayment that we common-folk refer to as a return, and it’s burning a hole in their pockets. This can be good news for you if you have things you want to sell. Now is the time to capitalize on the extra influx of cash.

What do you have around your house that you no longer use that you can sell? Speaking as someone who has done this very thing, I must warn you. Selling stuff you don’t need anymore and collecting the cash can be addicting. I suggest that you take that cash and pay down some of your debt. Paying off debt can be addicting, too. Hey, it’s better than spending money you don’t have or eating an entire Razzleberry pie in one sitting. I may or may not be familiar with one of those obsessive behaviors, but I wouldn’t recommend either one.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sunny and 75

While the Intermountain West has had slightly cooler climate than is typical for this time of year, I just know gorgeous weather is right around the corner. Today I wore flip flops in the rain just to make my point. And wearing open-toed shoes without socks is just one of the wonderful things you can do when it’s nice outside! I don’t know about you, but thinking about warm-weather activities makes me want to play hooky from work and play instead. But because I am an accountable adult (most days, anyway), I will NOT forsake my grown-up responsibilities (as bad as I might want to) in favor of longer days and spring and summer fun. I can work before I play. And so can you. Here is a short list of things you should check NOW before the weather gets too hot: THE CHIMNEY – climb on your roof (if it’s safe) or use binoculars to check the exterior, hire a professional for the interior cleaning GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS – make sure they’re clean and make repairs as needed THE ROOF – it’s mu
Post a Comment
Read more

Who’s the Boss?

If you know me at all, then you know I love Dave Ramsey. In fact, I not only attended a Dave Ramsey affair when it once came to an event center near me, but when I went through Tennessee on a road trip, I hunted him down and visited his studio. I have a picture to prove it (well, it’s somewhere). I always listened to Dave when his show was featured from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on my local talk radio station. One of the things he said frequently (something that he actually borrowed from somebody else–John C. Maxwell) was, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” If you are getting a tax “refund” this year, I will first invite you to review last week's blog post and the three links to previous blog posts. I would then encourage you to plan for that “refund” money, and I don’t mean blow it as most Americans will do. Be smart. Use it to pay off some debt if you, as most Americans do, have some. If not, save it appropriately.  We've discussed deb
Post a Comment
Read more

Greener Pastures

Those of you who have been following me for some time now know I am a warm-weather person. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. I COME ALIVE when Daylight Saving Time starts. As far as I’m concerned, LIGHT IS LIFE. And that proclamation is a perfect segue into today’s topic. As the days get longer and warmer, most venture outside a little more and hibernate less. So it’s the perfect time to adjust our schedules and homes that can help save the planet and some of our hard-earned money. How? Well, there are lots of little things you can do that, added up, can make a huge difference. Switch out your regular light bulbs for LEDs. If you plan to buy a new appliance, purchase one with the ENERGY STAR seal and recycle your old one. Insulate your doors and windows. Save rainwater to water your landscape in the drier days ahead. Use the sun to dry your laundry by hanging it on a clothesline. Want more ideas? Google is LOADED with suggestions! Get the whole family involved and m
Post a Comment
Read more