Happy Friday! Today is the day for getting our weekend plans in order and turning off the alarm clock. Some of us are just not in the mindset for serious financial issues so we are going to do a quick weekly recap and then send you on your way to a fun filled weekend.
My heart goes out to the people of Poland and the families of the Prime Minister and other Government Officials who passed away. I know this is not a personal finance issue but it is world news. As I am of Eastern European heritage I feel that this is worth mentioning. If there was ever a time to realize that you never know what tomorrow can bring and live your life to the fullest, during this terrible tragedy would be the time.
Airlines are trying to increase their fees for overweight and extra baggage. However, the senate is fighting strong against the rule change. I don’t know if this extra fee is justified. In my opinion for airplane safety, overweight bags shouldn’t be allowed…not even for a fee.
Secondly, is it just me or are airplanes trying to charge flyers for every little extra thing these days? Do you want a meal? That’s an extra fee. Do you want to bring one extra bag? That’s another extra fee. The travel and tourism industry have taken a big hit over the last few years with SIRS, the Swine Flu, and the economic recession. They are trying to make up their losses by charging consumers. This is such a bad financial strategy it is not even funny. If airline prices get too high then people won’t fly at all as vacations are a luxury not a necessity. I always say that half of your money is better than no money at all.
What could a weekly recap be without mentioning the “return” of Tiger Woods to golf and to the public eye. I’m not sure what he left for, but the bottom line is that he has returned.
Budgets are the key to happy and stable personal finances. It seems that budgets were so faux-pas in the past but now they are sexy ;) Track your expenses and remember… If you don’t have it, don’’t spend it.
Its tax time! A key way to save on your taxes is to prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Sort through your papers and group them together in categories. If you have expenses add them up and give your accountant the total. The less work he has to do; the less he will charge you.
Don’t file your taxes late. This is an unnecessary expense and you will be charged interest if you owe any money. Make time to book an appointment with your accountant. It is worth it.
OK have a great weekend!
~ Kristina
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PS: Here are some other links we found interesting around the pf world. The first half are links from other bloggers in the niche, and the second half are from carnivals that we participated in (roundups of the “best articles” chosen by the hosting blogger that week). Hope some of these get your wheels turning!
- Early Retirement: The Extreme Method @ Monevator
- The Eternal Question: Rent or Buy? @ Free Money Finance
- A Fool and His Money are Soon Parted @ Hope to Prosper
- What Happens to the Money we Don’t Spend? @ Frugal Dad
- Debt Free News from a Debt Free Reader @ Enemy of Debt
- Financial Goals: Can You Have Too Many at Once? @ Budgets Are Sexy
- Carnival of Personal Finance #242 – “Famous People With Tax Troubles” @ The Wisdom Journal
- Carnival of Money Stories #49 – “The Sakura Spring” ed. @ Foreigner’s Finances
- Festival of Frugality #225 – “The Procrastinator’s” ed. @ Go Banking Rates
- Money Hacks Carnival #111 – “Don’t Hassle The Hoff” ed. @ Deliver Away Debt
(Photo by Williac)
Hey – I just want to point out that many fine accountants are also women.
True, true…my accountant is a woman and is a KILLER accountant! Has saved me loads over the years…
Hey Everyone,
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the SIGN OFF TAGLINE contest. Throughout the next week we will use our favorite submissions in various articles to determine how the taglines flow with our writing style. Based on your responses/votes we will announce the winner next Friday in the Weekly Recap. Have a great weekend.