December 29, 2009
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Tips For A Financially Healthy New Year, Pt.3
Let the new year bring comfort, peace, and success.9. Review your property taxes: In the midst of the credit card crisis, Americans also suffered a housing market collapse. The housing market may not have affected you as a buyer or seller, but as a homeowner, your home most likely has been devalued. Most homeowners aren't aware that they are able to get their taxes lowered if their house has devalued in the wake of the housing crisis. Check with your county tax assessor and submit an Application for Decline In Value Reassessment form.
10. Evaluate your spending habits: You would be surprised at how you can cut expenses. Review your expenses and check out how you're spending. Most online credit card sites offer detailed categorized lists that help you determine where you might save. How about cable TV? Do you really need those premium channels? And telephone service; are you paying for a landline that's never in use? Do you dine out several days a week? Think about eating out less and brown bagging it for lunch. Clip more coupons and shop more sales. Sign up with online shopping discounts and coupons; many credit card companies also offer discount shopping sites for their customers.
11. Plan your retirement: Do you know what percentage you're paying your 401K or retirement plan administrator to monitor your fund? Fees run from 1.5 percent to .5 percent. If you're fee is on the high end, shop around for a better deal. Every dollar saved is a dollar more in your retirement fund.
12. Plan for the future: Include a set amount for savings in the family budget. Take a small amount out of your paycheck for savings immediately before you have an opportunity to spend it. As credit card debt and other expenses decrease, increase the savings amount.
Reducing credit card spending, saving a bit, monitoring expenses, and dining in more are just a few ways to help you reach your goals. Making a New Year's resolution to work toward a healthier financial situation will give you greater comfort and peace of mind in the current time as well as the future. Keeping your resolutions will bring you success.