Evan Vitale

Evan Vitale – Getting Out Of Debt (Part II)

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By Evan Vitale

Let’s continue our series on how to get out of debt by focusing on a major stress point for many people and that is tax debt.

Depending on your situation, you might be past due on paying your federal taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); state taxes or county and local taxes. In all cases, ignoring tax reminders and past due notices, won’t make the matter go away. The longer you wait to solve the problem, the worse it will be, especially with mounting interest and penalties.

The best thing to do is to pay off – as soon as possible – any past due taxes you owe. Of course, that is easier said than done, especially if you are in a financial crunch. If that’s the case, you should contact the IRS (and any other agency you owe); explain your financial situation and offer to make payments. In most cases, all agencies will be willing to accept a payment plan. However, you should be aware that part of the payment terms is that you must remain current on payments and file and pay all future tax liabilities on time. If you are self-employed, you should be making quarterly payments on time.

In the case of federal taxes, the IRS has information on payment plans and installment agreements. You can read about them here:

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/payment-plans-installment-agreements

According to the IRS, “if you’re financially unable to pay your tax debt immediately, you can make monthly payments through an installment agreement. As long as you pay your tax debt in full, you can reduce or eliminate your payment of penalties or interest, and avoid the fee associated with setting up the agreement.”

Remember, always file your tax returns on time – even if you can’t pay the balance due in full. All tax returns must be filed in order to apply for any payment agreement.

In our next blog, we’ll review how to pay off credit card debt.

Evan Vitale – Saving On AC Costs

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By Evan Vitale

Summer is here. Can you feel the heat? And the humidity?

For many, summer can be miserable and at times it seems like the only escape is to stay indoors and crank up the air conditioner. Yes, AC feels good, that is until you get your electrical bill and realize the cost associated with trying to stay cool and comfortable – and affordable – at the same time.

So, here a few things you can do during the summer months that will help off-set your air conditioning expenses, while saving money in other areas:

* Fire up the grill (charcoal or propane) when preparing meals instead of using the stove or oven. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t have to work harder in order to keep the house cool.

* Did you know that your clothes dryer is the second largest energy-consuming appliance in your home? Therefore, in order to save on energy and fees, start hanging your clothes outside in the fresh air. Let Mother Nature do the drying for free.

* If possible, check your appliances (dryer, washer, water heater, etc.) for electrical efficiency. Try to take advance of summer sales by purchasing a more efficient appliance. Most major retailers will offer credit for major purchases and you’ll be saving more money at home at the same time.

* Swap out your incandescent bulbs for high-efficient CFLs or LEDs. Some electrical companies offer CFLs or LEDs for free to their customers.

* Summer is also a great time to check your home’s insulation and cracks for leaks. Yes, even insulation and sealing up leaks in your home can save money in the summer time because it helps keep cool air from escaping. Note: Summer is also a good time to buy insulation as many retailers will have sales!

* Make sure you schedule regular air conditioning maintenance and cleaning and always check and change (or clean) your furnace filter. If you have a window AC unit, check and clean your filter on a regular basis.

These tips will not only help you save money, but you’ll stay more comfortable and cooler when the summer heat pours it on!

Evan Vitale – Getting Out Of Debt (Part I)

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By Evan Vitale

We all have some level of debt – a mortgage, a car payment, etc., but big-time debt could include past-due tax liabilities and a mound of credit card debt.

However, even if you feel like you are “drowning,” there are plenty of options and steps you can take to manage it better and get out of debt before you even consider bankruptcy.

First, let’s discuss past due tax debt. If you owe the Internal Revenue Service (or any state or local authority), this is something you should take care of right away. The IRS is more than willing to work with you on allowing for monthly payment arrangements (more on that in a future blog post).

The worst thing you can do (or not do) when it comes to ignoring your tax debt is to ignore it. Believe me, it’s not going away. Ignoring “past due” statements only increases your debt with additional interest and fees, but the correspondence will become more severe until you eventually face possible garnishment.

Do not ignore your tax debt.

When it comes to credit cards, the best thing you can do in order to handle this amount of debt is to stop using your credit cards. Just stop.

If you have multiple card cards, read your statements and figure out which card is charging you the most amount of interest and then focus on paying off the balance.

Another theory to handling credit card debt is to pay off the smallest debt first and move on to the next lowest card, etc. Some choose to pay each card each month and this is good, but you’ll need to may an effort in making sure your payment is larger than just the minimum due.

If you only pay the minimum amount due, it will take you a long time to pay off that credit card because of the interest charged.

Again, take a look at the interest each credit card is charging you and make proper payments accordingly.

In our next blog post, we’ll take a more in-depth look at how you can pay off your tax debt.

Evan Vitale – More Thoughts On Retirement

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By Evan Vitale

We all look forward to retirement (some day), but retirement planning isn’t always about how much you’ve saved in your retirement account. Instead, a decision on when to retire can also be determined by your state of mind and your abilities.

Here are some things to consider when you begin to think about setting a retirement date:

How do you feel about your job? In other words, do you reluctantly go to work every day? Do you still enjoy your job? Are you able to contribute to your employer and continue to build your retirement savings?

Do you know what you want to do when you retire? Have you made retirement plans? Where will you live? Will you be moving? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then you should spend some time to consider all the possibilities before you retire.

On the financial side, will your retirement lifestyle and interests require additional income? Have you saved up enough money so you can afford the planned extras? If not, then you’ll probably need to work a little longer and save some more money so you can afford the retirement lifestyle you desire.

With retirement, do you plan to work in a part-time position at your current job or seek something less demanding? Does part-time employment and its salary play a role in your retirement lifestyle?

Will you be starting a new business when you retire? If so, do you have the needed capital investment in order to start?

How about your children? Are they self-sufficient? Have they graduated from school and in the workforce?

How will you be spending your retirement time?

Will your spouse continue to work during your retirement?

Is your mortgage paid off? Will you be moving into a smaller house or condo during retirement?

Are you over the age of 62 and qualify for social security benefits?

Are you over 59 ½ with a sizeable IRA or 401(k) account?

Have you saved enough money?

Tough questions, but you need to honestly answer each one of them before you jump the ship and head to retirement land. Be ready!

 

Evan Vitale – Working While Retired

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By Evan Vitale

Retirement, for some, may not be exactly what they had planned. Unfortunate things happen; poor planning, etc. Anything can ruin one’s retirement plans and force a person to delay retirement or seek a part-time job during retirement in order to make ends meet.

It’s not unusual to see older individuals working at retail stores and restaurants. Some want to continue to work for socialization. Others must continue to work in order to meet monthly expenses. It’s the reality of retirement for some.

Now it may seem that working during retirement defeats the purpose of retiring but there are some advantages in working during retirement years. Typically, “retirees” works jobs that are not long-term and most don’t require long days and overtime.

If you can afford to retire and you’re working merely for the social aspect, consider being a volunteer at a local non-profit organization; church or school. Some feel happier by contributing to society than adding a few dollars to their pocketbook by greeting people at a super store’s front door or refilling soft drinks at the burger joint.

If you must go back to work for financial reasons, try to find a job that is less stressful and more fun for you. Many employers welcome retirees as employees because they have experience and they understand the meaning of arriving to work on time and being a good worker.

Here are some considerations when looking for a part-time job during your retirement years:

  • Try to find something close to where you live. If possible, you should have to travel far to find part-time employment. Consider gas expenses, parking fees (if parking is not free) and wear and tear on your automobile.
  • If a part-time job is more than 10 miles from your residence, check out public transportation. It might save you some money and be more convenient for you.
  • Will you have to stand several hours at your new job? Or lift heavy boxes? Consider these factors on your health and stamina.
  • How many hours are you willing to work per week? What will your budget require?
  • Even with a part-time job are there any benefits such as employee discounts on purchases, free meals, etc.? Sometimes these might be helpful.

Working during retirement doesn’t have to be a bad thing, especially if it fills a need for you and the employer.

Evan Vitale – Retirement Expenses

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By Evan Vitale

The biggest worry for those who are thinking about (or who are ready) to retire is having the means to live comfortably and handle expenses.

Retirement planning is extremely important so that you can properly plan for the type of retirement and enjoyment that you want to have. Some considerations in planning your retirement is to calculate how you want to live during your retirement years. For example, consider:

  • How well do you want to live during retirement?
  • Where do you want to live? If your mortgage is paid in full, you could remain at your current location or sell and buy a smaller house, condo, etc., in a more desirable area.
  • Do you want to travel? A cruise every year? Trips to see family members during the holidays? Or just casual getaways to the beach every now and then?
  • How much will your hobbies cost? Consider your expenses for sewing, materials, sports activities such as golf course green fees or entry costs for chess tournaments, etc.
  • Do you have loan or credit card debts? Will these be paid off before you retire? Can you afford to carry a credit card debt during retirement and have the financial ability to pay off your debt?
  • Are you currently renting? Paying for an automobile? Are there any other monthly expenses that you haven’t considered?
  • Health insurance expenses? Which ones aren’t covered by your current plan (dental, optical, etc.)?
  • Don’t forget any unexpected expenses such as emergency medical care, car repairs, etc.

Once you are able to adequately answer these questions, then you will have a better handle on what you’ll expect during your retirement years.

Even if you are planning to retire in the next 5-10 years, you should start saving as much money has you can right now. It’s never too late to begin to save for your retirement years.

Evan Vitale – Retirement Costs

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By Evan Vitale

In continuing with our blog discussion on planning for your retirement, the biggest question is always “where do you begin to plan for your retirement” especially when it comes to estimating your retirement income needs.

Ask yourself: Do you wish to retire and live off only your retirement savings or do you plan to work in retirement to supplement your retirement savings?

As you read this – and you’re not retired – do you need to continue saving in order to better meet your retirement goals?

These questions (and your answers) will help you generate estimates, savings goals and other considerations that are important when it comes to formulating your retirement plan. Your financial planner can help you with your estimates and make sure that you’re in a good financial position so that you can retire when you want and the way you want.

One of the most simple – and difficult – questions to ask yourself in order to get started planning for your retirement needs is this: How much income do you think you’ll need in order to retire comfortable on an annual basis in your retirement years. Consider what you would like your retirement lifestyle to be. For instance, do you want to travel? What about healthcare expenses? Are there other expenses that you think you might have during retirement that you don’t currently incur?

A good place to start is by using your current income as a benchmark. Depending on your financial retirement goals, your desired retirement income can be a percentage of your current income – 60-90% for example. Why is this not 100%? Well, by the time you retire, you may not face certain expenses in retirement that you are facing today, like paying your mortgage or payroll taxes. Remember, this is an estimate. You need to plan.

In our next blog, we’ll cover retirement expenses.

Evan Vitale – Planning For Retirement

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By Evan Vitale

No matter your age, you should never put off thinking about – and planning for – your retirement. For many, the idea can become too overwhelming that many people put it off until a later time.

However, instead of a delay, now is definitely the time to make some decisions that will help ensure that you have a nice nest egg so you’ll be able to live comfortably down the road.

When you retire will have an impact on how long you’ll need to plan on living on your savings. In addition, how much you’ll spend has a greater impact on how much money you will need to save. For example, will you have your mortgage paid off by the time you retire? If you don’t have to worry about a mortgage payment, that will be a huge financial weight off your shoulders. If you won’t have your mortgage paid off, then you may have to consider selling your house for more income.

Of course, many people decide to sell their home because they want to move to a warmer environment (i.e. Florida) or live closer to children and grandchildren. If that’s the case, you’ll need to consider the cost of living at your new location.

In addition, some people like to travel when they retire. If that’s the case, you’ll need to factor in vacations; hotels and meals away from home.

Other considerations include gifts for the grandchildren, eating out, club memberships – all of these are things we would probably enjoy when we reach retirement age, but can we afford them? Are we currently good at setting up a budget and sticking to it?

In order to reach your retirement goals, you’ll definitely need a strong financial plan. Talk to your banker and meet with a financial planner to begin investigating what needs to happen in order for you to plan for your retirement and reach your retirement financial goals.

Evan Vitale – Give Coupons A Chance

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By Evan Vitale

You’ve probably have seen or heard of the “extreme” couponing reality television shows in which a mother (or family, dad, etc.), buys a ton of groceries and pays next to nothing because they used a million coupons in order to make their purchase.

While you might not be ready to go crazy with coupons, you can definitely learn more on how to effectively use coupons in order to save money.

Just to get started, here’s where you can find manufacturers’ and local coupons and start saving a few dollars on your weekly grocery bill:

  • The Sunday newspaper. Always a good place to start finding coupons as the Sunday paper usually contains many coupons.
  • Magazines, such as Women’s Day and food magazines.
  • Local newspapers, weekly newspapers and grocery store flyers.
  • In-aisle coupons. Sometimes you can find these next to the product.
  • Grocery store bulletin boards sometimes carry coupons or rebate forms.
  • On the Internet. Some grocery stores are doing this now, so see if your favorite grocer is publishing online coupons.

When using coupons, make sure you read the detailed information. Are there any coupon restrictions? Do you have to buy five items in order to use the coupon? Pay attention to the coupon expiration date.

Be aware of the grocery store’s policy when it comes to coupons. Most have changed their guidelines because of extreme coupon users. Check to see if your grocer has a double-coupon day? Do they have a Senior Day that might give you an extra 5-10% off your grocery bill? Does your grocery store match competitors’ coupons?

Please note there may be restrictions on Internet coupons, coupons without a barcode, some coupons may not be automatically doubled (like meat or dairy products).

You don’t need to go crazy and buy a coupon organizer if your main goal is to save a little bit of money on the products you regularly purchase at the grocery store. However, just a little bit of coupon-clipping can go a long way in spending less money and saving more.

Evan Vitale – Save Money With Thrift Stores

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By Evan Vitale

One of the biggest ways you can save money, have nice things and save money – all at the same time – is to consider going shopping at thrift stores.

Now, I realize that some people are turned off by thrift store shopping. However, the vision you have in your mind is entirely wrong with the way most thrift stores operate today. When you find a good one, you’ll know it: the store is clean, organized and sells nice clothing and merchandise.

Most people hit the thrift stores for clothes and there are some great deals and great finds to be had. Look for the brands that you like and currently wear. When you find something, check for tears, stains, missing buttons, etc. Most thrift stores have dressing rooms, so you can try it before you buy it.

Thrift stores also carry household goods, gifts, electronics, picture frames, shoes, hats, books, toys and more. Sometimes, you can find something that’s new, unopened and still wrapped in the original box!

The trick to finding the best deals is to visit a thrift store first thing in the morning when employees and volunteers are stocking the shelves. Thrifting experts say Monday and Tuesday mornings are the best days to go, but this might vary from store to store. In addition, some thrift stores have coupons or sales specials, such as “Senior Citizens Day” etc.

Before you make your final purchases, do a final check with everything in your cart and make sure you feel good about your purchasing decisions. Double-check tags, sizes and condition of the items you are going to buy.

Once you take your items home, clean everything and immediately wash any clothes you’ve purchased as there is virtually no pest or bacteria that will survive after its been through a good wash and thoroughly dried.

If you’ve been avoiding the thrift stores because you one heard a “horror” story, it’s time to give them a chance. Update your wardrobe, find some inexpensive gives, stay within your budget and continue to save some money!