February Net Worth: Marching Right Along

I’m continuing to make great gains in my net worth — after gains in December and January, I’m continuing on the right path. My net worth increased another 2.95 percent in the last month.

On to the numbers …

Epiphany Revisited

Hard to believe, but it’s been a year already since I had what I thought was my lowest financial point and subsequent epiphany moment. To sum it up, I just found out that I was going to have at least one furlough (unpaid) day per month, my rent was going up, and because I had this very tight view of money — I was going to stop all of my plans.

Newly (Re)Hired? Financial Battle Plan.

Earlier this week I read a fantastic article in the Wall Street Journal about planning finances for those who were just rehired. While the article was geared toward people who had been unemployed for some time and just found another job, I feel that the lessons in the article can extend to those who are just getting their first “real-world” jobs as well.

Father Forgive Me, For I Have Sinned …

I read a great post earlier this week on Kiplinger.com about a columnist’s missteps when it came to money management in the last year, and it got me to thinking about some of the places I could have done a better job.

I already talked about my financial resolutions for 2010, but didn’t look back that closely at places I thought I could really improve in this coming year.

Ready, Set, Compile

Almost nothing strikes more fear into people than April 15 — the date when all tax forms must be filed for the year prior.

Whether you do it yourself, with an accountant, or rely on Tax Turbo and other online tools to help you file your taxes, there is one common theme: You must have organized records in order to fill out all of the sheets and forms necessary to ensure the IRS doesn’t come knocking at your door.

January Net Worth

I’m starting the New Year strong — after posting approximately a 5 percent increase in my net worth last month, I continued to make gains in January.

On to the numbers …

Financial Resolutions for 2010

Happy New Year’s Eve! I don’t know about you, but 2009 has been a pretty crazy year for me. Lots of ups, downs, and plenty of in-between. My goal for each year is to be a little bit better — a better worker, son, friend, person, etc.

I know that everyone has their own opinion with regard to the importance — or legitimacy — of New Year’s Resolutions. Personally, I have a few for myself every year that I write down in my daily planner. I keep them to myself, and I track each month to see if I am working toward each of those resolutions (I like to call them goals).

While I keep my overall resolutions to myself, my personal finance ones are a different story.

Money Lessons? Start ‘em Young.

There was an interesting article I read on New York Times’ Web site this morning about teenagers, their spending habits, and the recession.

Basically, the main point of the article was teenagers are cutting back on their spending accordingly to what they see with their parents. Stores that are grossly expensive like Abercrombie & Fitch are feeling the pinch, while other less-expensive stores — including Marshalls and Aeropostale — are thriving.

Cobra Bite

A couple of weeks after giving my notice to my former employer, I got a package in the mail from Infinisource, the company that processes COBRA for outgoing employees.

COBRA is an acronym for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, which gives people the option to continue receiving the same health coverage they had when they were employed, albeit at their own expense. You don’t have to do it — but the option is given, particularly if you have other dependents.

I’m healthy, single, and have no need to continue my health or dental at this time. Additionally, my new employer allows me to apply for insurance after only 30 days. But, the amount of money per month I’d have to pay for COBRA floored me.

Weekly Roundup

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas, got everything they wanted, enjoyed time with family, and stuffed themselves with tons of delicious food. I know I did. My stomach hates me, but it’s well worth it.

Anyway, even though it was a short week, there were a couple of stories that hit home and can help you as you begin to make your resolutions for 2010.