| When year-end is fast approaching, taking a few | | | | or other items you don't use any more to your |
| minutes to give your finances an once-over will help | | | | favorite charity. It is a great tax deduction! Make |
| ease the post-holiday money hangover. By | | | | sure you keep your receipts. You can also attend a |
| completing just a few tasks, you will save money on | | | | charitable benefit (another reason to celebrate with |
| your taxes, make your tax preparation much less | | | | friends and support a good cause). If you itemize |
| stressful and give you a bit more peace of mind | | | | your deductions, it should help save money on your |
| during this hectic holiday season. | | | | taxes. Consider setting up an automatic savings plan. |
| At Work | | | | Why not get a head start on your New Year's |
| Use up your flex spending dollars at work. If you | | | | Resolutions? Start small, $50 a month, and then raise |
| don't, you will lose it! This is for those extra medical | | | | it in 6 months. You will be saving so much money |
| expenses (eyeglasses, prescriptions). Don't miss out | | | | without even thinking about it. If you already have |
| on saving those hard earned dollars. Schedule those | | | | one, raise the monthly contributions by $100. |
| doctors' appointments or get those new glasses you | | | | Your Investments |
| need. Plus, there are some over-the-counter drugs | | | | If you are expecting a tax refund, get your |
| that some flex-plans cover, such as Claritin and | | | | paperwork together now (i.e. charitable donations, |
| Zantac. Check with your HR department about new | | | | work-related expenses, brokerage account |
| items that are now covered. If your company offers | | | | statements, medical receipts)! You will have a head |
| a flex spending account and you don't take | | | | start on collecting your refund - and putting it straight |
| advantage of it, you could be missing out on saving | | | | into the bank - which will save you time and get you |
| hard earned dollars. If you are self-employed, you can | | | | your money sooner. Even if you are not expecting a |
| check out a medical savings account to get similar | | | | refund, this is a good time to start collecting |
| benefits. If you haven't already, maximize your | | | | information for your taxes. You should also put off |
| retirement contributions for your 401(k) or | | | | buying any mutual funds for your taxable accounts |
| self-employed retirement plan. Also, if you have | | | | until January 1st. Many mutual funds declare capital |
| moved recently, let your employer (or previous) | | | | gains in December and you could be hit with a tax bill |
| know therefore you can get all your W-2 forms | | | | right away. |
| together. This will save you so much time when you | | | | Now, when January 1 rolls around, you can start |
| are doing your taxes. | | | | thinking about your New Year's Financial Resolutions |
| At Home | | | | with a head start. |
| It's time to clean out your closet. Donate any clothing | | | | |