Where have the last 365 days gone? It seems that I judge my years passing by my annual appointments to have my taxes done, and, I tell ya, they’re coming faster and faster. It feels like we just celebrated America Saves Week 2022, and, yet, America Saves Week 2023 is upon us! This year’s theme for America Saves Week is “A Financially Confident You.” I don’t know about you, but I feel more confident about myself when I have less stress in my life. We all know that money issues can cause individual stress, and it’s no different for the family unit. Well-managed household finances are a huge building block in a solid, healthy foundation on which strong families can grow flourish. “Basic money management is about meeting your family's everyday expenses, handling unexpected bills and saving for the future. It can put you in control of your money, which helps you avoid stress and feel more secure” ( raisingchildren.net.au ). Together with your significant other, take this week to eva...

I have a friend. We will say my friend’s name is Bob. (Is that a gender-neutral name? For the sake of this discussion, let’s say it is.) Bob neglected to file Bob’s 2021 taxes before the deadline of Monday, April 18, 2022. Not a very good idea, Bob. Bob then started practicing avoidance coping (denying, minimizing, or otherwise avoiding dealing directly with stressful demands) tactics and didn’t get Bob’s taxes filed until January 2023. Bob was worried about penalties and late fees. But,as it turns out, Bob needn’t have worried; his income for 2021 was so awful that he didn’t owe the IRS anything. In fact, they owed BOB money. A LOT of money! But Bob’s low AGI (adjusted gross income) isn’t the focus of my blog post today; the unnecessary worry that accompanied Bob’s neglect of his duty as a working citizen of this great country is. Today I made an appointment with my tax professional to file for 2022. If you need to file, use a paid service or provider, and haven’t already scheduled ...

I went five years without a house payment. While my situation is different now, I must admit, those five years were absolutely blissful. When I paid off my house, I called my sister. She was shocked to say the least, but my announcement got her motivated to get her financial affairs in order. She and her husband started discussing the best way for them to budget. She asked me how I budgeted. I told her I used a notebook. Her response? “Where do I find that app?” I literally used (and continue to use) a notebook and a pencil. If you are interested in how I did it, you can find the step-by-step instructions I followed in this book on Amazon. The companion workbook can be found here . There are lots of tools to help you track your spending. My sister ended up with “Every Dollar.” A friend of mine uses “Mint.” The possibilities are endless. Me? I still prefer to write things down. There’s something about putting a pen or pencil to paper that speaks to me. Talk to your significant ot...

If you are the lady of the house, you are more than likely aware of a certain special affair that will be here in 11 days. If you are the “other” half of the relationship, allow me to give you a head’s up. February 14 is Valentine’s Day. You’re welcome. This annual “celebration” is a good excuse to reconnect with your special someone. And, you can do that in multiple ways. I advise you to take advantage of this day set aside for lovers to do just that. Sit down together without any distractions–yes, get a sitter if you have to–and just talk about everything.   Including finances. “What?” you ask. I am not sure I want to talk about finances and potentially start an argument with my spouse on our Valentine’s Day date. Point taken. Maybe you shouldn’t do it DURING your romantic dinner. But do plan to get together regularly to discuss your budget. Map out your spending and savings , get on the same page, and create your financial success story. After all, there’s nothing mo...

The other day outside a local grocery store, I saw a man walking down the sidewalk who had just finished shopping. I could tell this was the case by the many filled plastic bags he had lining his arms. They were weighing down his hands and really pulling at his shoulders. I surmised he must live nearby and had done the earth-friendly thing by walking. I was a little impressed but I also cringed–his shoulders looked painfully hyperextended. This is a great time of year to get some exercise while saving money on gas, which is outrageously expensive right now. Side note, if you DO need to walk or bike somewhere, I advise you not to do it in the heat. Pick a time of day where it’s not only safe (not dark) but the temperature is moderate.   If you are not able to walk to the store, you can combine trips in your car. Every little thing counts. Do what you can.

Utah celebrates a holiday that other states do not–Pioneer Day, July 24. We commemorate the day the Mormon Pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. If you are fortunate enough to work for a state government agency or Utah-based company, you get the day off. If you work for a federal institution, well, it’s business as usual. Sorry, guys. When I worked for the school district, I had summers off. Man, they always went lots faster than one might think they would. I once had a boss tell me, “Once Pioneer Day gets here, summer is OVER!” What’s my point? Yeah, I’m getting there. We’re more than halfway through the summer, and it’s time to start looking down the barrel at the school year which comes with its own list of expenses. Now is the time to tweak that budget for back-to-school stuff and extra-curricular events, if necessary. Get on it.

I would like almost nothing more right now than to be in the Bahamas, sitting in a beach chair next to the water, reading a good book. That, to me, is the best mix of true relaxation and wholesome entertainment or enlightenment. But because I’m not there, I will settle for listening to an audiobook (or educational podcast) while I work. Hey, reading (and getting educated in general) can change your life! How do I know? Because it’s happened to me. Back in the day, every weekday afternoon I would listen to a radio talk show whose host was a therapist that shall remain nameless. She gave advice to callers who were brave (or senseless, depending on how you looked at it) enough to ask her for some. She was blunt; she never sugar coated anything. I would never call her.  Anyway, eventually that program was replaced with another, and that is where I “met” the man who would give me the knowledge to change my financial life for the better–Dave Ramsey. Listening to his program (and su...