I figured out 95% our tax situation (waiting on M to upload a few final interest details so we can wrap this up), & while we owe quite a bit (a little under $15,000), I have the money earmarked from another account. We've also adjusted our with holdings for next year to avoid yet another tax snafu.
I also discovered that I'd miscalculated M's income, and our 2013 budget was based on a lower amount that needed. I'm kind of liking the tightness of our current budget (well, a little more wiggle room would be awesome) & knowing that we can stick to the revised budget is pretty empowering, & the more we can stick to our lowered budget, the more we can apply to our long-term financial goals - mortgage pay down (both houses) & fully funded college accounts for the kids.
As part of the refinance reimbursements, I was able to rebuild our emergency fund back up to $10,000, which feels so very good. I also have nearly $800 in my travel fund, as a result of my snowflakes & just some extra money from 2012 that was lingering in that account. I should be able to buy our plane tickets to Las Vegas in the next few weeks! Yeah!
I'm also starting to think about our gardening plans for the summer. I wish my father-in-law was here this summer! My in-laws stayed with us a couple of years ago, & he planted an elaborate & fabulous garden as his hobby to entertain himself during the day.
Do you get bored when your finances seem to automate themselves a bit? How do you stay motivated? I find that continuing to track my weekly expenses helps somewhat.
Are you thinking about your garden? What are you planning for spring?
I have automated most of my finances at this point. My main goal is my emergency fund. I'm hoping to get it totally completed by December. How awesome would that be!
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely going to have a garden this year. Hopefully, we'll start our lettuce early enough so it doesn't get too bitter.
Completing the emergency fund would definitely be awesome! It always makes me feel so much more relaxed with the finances!
DeleteWhat kind of lettuce do you grow? Do you start it inside?
I'm definitely thinking about my garden. I love growing food. I've already ordered most of my seeds and plants online. We will plant quite a few perennial berry plants this year. So excited! What are your gardening plans? Do your boys help you out?
ReplyDeleteNice! We're planning for: cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, blueberries (already have some bushes going), & maybe greens. Our climate is a little iffy for some plants, so we'll have to see. Oh, & basil!
DeleteThe boys love to "help" in the garden. Especially with the eating part. :)
RIght now i'm working on my EF and my Slush fund... things never get too automated here. lol! I'd love to have our EF up to $10K one day.. i'm hoping to get it up to $5K with income tax, what a treat that'll be!! lol!!
ReplyDeleteThat would be awesome to have your EF beefed up. Because we have two houses, I feel like our potential risk is really high - repairs at any given time for both houses. We're about to spend close to $3500 on the door/roof issue, so I'll be working on building it back up again. it's a never ending process!
DeleteWe are working on our EF as well, but it is super slow going because Murphy always seems to pop up. As for getting bored - we dream. We dream up our retirement, our wishes and if one is viable, we reevaluate priorities. It happens about twice a year. Sometimes it is a big change and other times, not so much.
ReplyDeleteNo garden this year! We decided against it because of the horrible turnout last year. We need to rest the soil and heavily fertilize it - i.e. a good steamy compost!
I like the planning part - that definitely helps me. Especially when I start thinking about upcoming vacations we can afford if we stay on track with our spending. :-)
DeleteWe also really struggled with our garden last year - it was a horrible growing season! The kids love it though, so we'll try our hand again. We never invest too much money (under $50 or so), just in case.
I would love to start a garden this year (first summer in an actual house!) but I'm not quite sure where to start.
ReplyDeleteMy finances are automated, but I have a number of different measures that show how far along I am to reaching my goals.
Elizabeth@roadnotchosen.blogspot.com
What are you thinking about for the garden? What kind of climate are you in? If you're a cucumber fan, I find them to be ridiculously easy to grow. Basil is also awesome, & you can make & freeze pesto for the rest of the year.
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