It's Halloween. Soon Thanksgiving. And then the holidays. Are your wallet and filing cabinet ready?
Here are four questions to ask yourself as the end of 2009 approaches:
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What gifts do you have to buy, how much will you spend, and is the cash available? Make a list--and if necessary make tough choices now. Remember, frugal is the new black. Friends and family might welcome a tactful discussion about scaling back.
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In January, you'll need to gather your financials to prepare your taxes. Is everything in order? Would an extra 30 minutes per weekend between now and then make it so?
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If you're self-employed, and haven't paid your quarterly estimated taxes, you might owe money to Uncle Sam. Do you have it? If not, April is six months away; Start stashing now.
- Your favorite charities will soon begin asking for end-of-year donations. Who will you give to, and how much? We adore Women for Women International. For $29 a month, you can provide financial support to women survivors of war in countries like the Congo and Afghanistan.
Now, take a deep breath, and pat yourself on the back. It's not quite November, and you're already more in control than you were five minutes ago.
