Archive for 2010

Summary

Made some progress this month towards increasing our cash reserves as well as bringing down the credit cards. Was also helped by an increase in our retirement accounts.

I also closed out my HSBC Savings account which I haven’t used in a few years. I had a free checking account for quite some time with them and they sent me a notice that they were going to start charging a $3 monthly service charge on it – so I promptly closed it.

Monthly Goals

Finish my taxes is priority number one. It has been slow going as I sold a bunch of individual stocks so need to figure out the cost basis for those.

Popularity: 1% [?]

For those of you like me wondering when you can expect to receive your refund direct depot or check once you efile the IRS has a handy publication 2043 with this information.

The table below shows when your federal tax refund should be deposited in your bank account or your check mailed if you efiled and your refund was accepted within the dates listed.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Summary

Not much happened this month. Was able to pay a little towards my credit cards, but the drop in net worth is due to losses in the stock market which took a bite out of our 401k accounts.

My tax documentation also has started rolling in so I can begin that journey shortly.

Monthly Goals

I am slowly trying to build the savings account back up to $18,000. Also hoping to get my credit card debt down as much as possible as well.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Summary

Happy New Year everyone! December was a pretty interesting month financially for us with some large swings.

First off, the refinance on our home was complete and our interest rate is now 4.875% which is pretty exciting. The mortgage total went up because we rolled the closing costs into the loan rather than paying them out of pocket. By my calculations the refi should pay for itself in about 18 months. Also, due to the timing of the close we ended up not having to make our December mortgage payment which is part of the reason for the cash reserve increase.

The market was also up this month which bumped up the retirement portfolio a bit. Was also to pay down a bit on the credit cards so overall I was pretty pleased with the month.

Monthly Goals

Going to have to pay off the holiday bills which is always tough. We kept it somewhat under control this year. Would like to increase my cash reserves up to about $18,000 which is where I like to see it at.

Popularity: 2% [?]