HOLIDAYS ARE OVER (GROAN)

NOW THE REAL FUN BEGINS and it won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination. Just as most new years begin, we are starting over and that includes all the bills we had paid up to this time. They come due again and lets face it, nothing has really changed as far as income or winning a lottery. Oh yes, and taxes are now due as of April 15, 2008, so we need to prepare by watching for all the pertinent papers we will start getting from our employers, banks and other sources of income we need to claim. If you itemize, keep all paid out receipts for your taxes and even if you aren't sure, keep them anyway. Interests on large items for sales taxes are even important.

CREDIT CARD CHARGES will probably be due for the first month of the year and they may appear pretty large at first. But pay whatever you can afford, remembering interests charges on the amount still owing will also be high. At this point, all spending should stop and sticking to your budget take front role in your daily activities. (Maybe even a second job or lots of overtime?). Stay calm and focused to keep your head above water and everything should go pretty smoothly. And once you know if you owe any taxes or are getting money back, you can decide which safe direction to go when it comes to your bills. Be careful about getting tax money early by paying a fee. In the long run, save your self some cost and the time will go by fast enough. If it seems to save you money by paying a credit card off early, then that is the judgement only you will be able to see as long as it shows in black and white. If you have been fortunate enough to actually not have gone over board, then you need to pat yourself on the back and realize you are sitting pretty. Just don't rely on something being there before you get it and really use what you actually have in your hand. Remember to save and start your new Christmas Club saving for ahead of time. Actually, I've never been able to do this, but that doesn't mean anyone out there can't do this.

RETIREMENT WILL COME SOON ENOUGH even if you think it's taking a long time. Unless you actually plan for retirement, you will be greatly disappointed. Not having more than what you need to live on a daily bases will limit what you can do pertaining to entertainment as well as Holiday buying and just simple trips to visit the family. Cost of living plays such an important part of effect on a retiree's income and being unprepared hurts. No one can actually predict exactly what is needed, but saving as much as possible certainly won't hurt. Keeping your health good is also important since today's way of life has extended seniors life's span. And if you're unhealthy, your savings will expire before you do just from medical costs and the lack of insurance regulations. So be happy and keep as much of your income in a good interest bearing account and curb spending and wanting to have everything Joe Blow has. This is the beginning of the new!