Ask a CPA_ 3 Can’t Miss Tax Savings for New Parents
Congratulations on becoming a new parent! Not only is this a major life-changing event, it also has some seriously positive tax implications. There are several tax benefits available to new parents, as well as considerations to take into account as you plan your new child’s future.
First off, keep in mind that in order to claim your child as a dependent, s/he would need a Social Security card first. Make sure to take care of this as soon as your child is born, in order to claim them as a dependent as soon as possible. Remember that even if your child is born on December 31, you can still claim him/her for the entire year. Additionally, you may want to submit a new W-4 at work in order to adjust your tax withholding status.
Here are some tax savings to keep in mind as your family starts growing:
Check if your employer offers a dependent care Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA).
Take advantage of any dependent care Flexible Spending Arrangement offered by your employer as a tax benefit. FSAs allow you to contribute on a pre-tax basis $5,000 towards childcare. This is $2,000 over the normal contribution limit of $3,000, and you should definitely take advantage of it.
Invest in a 529 Plan.
Even if you can’t fund it right away, consider opening a 529 plan for your new addition. Even minimal monthly contributions can add up over time. Additionally, consulting a financial planner on a yearly basis to discuss your current financial standing as well as your college savings goals can prove rewarding as you plan your child’s future. Also keep in mind that grandparents are allowed to fund a 529 plan, so encourage them to help as well.
Use a tax pro!
Don’t let the variety of tax deductions and credits available to you as a new parent overwhelm you. Instead, consider hiring the services of a tax professional to avoid mistakes as you do your taxes yourself.
Becoming a new parent is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll ever reach. Congratulations on this new part of your journey, and don’t hesitate to consult a tax professional to answer any questions you may have!
The holidays rhyme with parties and social gatherings, which also require the wardrobe to go with. For many of us, this means having to think of what to wear to this party, that event and that other social gathering. Which may or may not end up in yet another trip to the mall, spending non-budgeted money on non-planned expenses for fashion we may only use once, or twice, at best.
I know the feeling…As a career woman, and one who has a slight addiction to fashion (don’t judge me), I’ve found myself in this predicament one too many times. Here I was, roaming the get-together and oh, that New Year’s Eve bash too. Result: Christmas gifts budget expanded before said Christmas gifts bought. Which also translates in serious financial discussion with the hubby, and elaborate accounting schemes to cover the dire facts.
A few years ago though, on a fateful holiday season during which the family funds were being monitored more closely than usual (husbands do get smarter with time), I resigned myself to re-purposing my workwear into affordable, yet stylish holiday wear. Not only did I save some serious bucks (which I later re-purposed in after-holiday vintage shoe sales), but I also found some of the most elegant picks for holiday fashion.
Here are a few ways you can shop your own closet and re-purpose your workwear for the holidays:
That LBD that feels like a second skin and looks like a fitting, elegant yet appropriate glove on you? It’s the perfect alternative when you have nothing to wear for the holiday party. All you have to do is merchandise with some serious bling, upgrade your make-up to fabulous levels, and add a show-stopping pair of heels, and voila! You now have a classy and chic party dress for any holiday occasion.
For instance, I like this Maggy London lace detail crepe sheath from Nordstrom, perfect for the office to the party.
Don’t despise those work blazers aimlessly hanging in your closet! They’re the perfect companion to a fabulous party dress or skirt, and will add a classy touch to any party pants. Add a sparkly brooch and dazzling chandelier earrings for a perfect holiday look!
This rose-print jacquard blazer from White House Black Market is a powerful addition to any holiday outfit.
Add some sexy to your black suit
That black suit you’ve worn to your best interviews? Dust it off and take it out on the town for the holidays. Pair it with a sexy yet chic silk camisole, some show-stopping jewelry, and a sleek pair of pointy heels, and you’ll be in holiday business in no time!
I love this simple yet chic tropical wool suit from Ann Taylor, that can be re-purposed over and over from work to party.
Pull out that black pencil skirt
ASOS high-waisted pencil skirt – Photo credit: asos.com
Your classic black pencil skirt is begging to be recycled and paraded around town, so please oblige! Pair it with a silky blouse or delicate cashmere top for instant sophistication. Don’t forget to throw in some original tights, an original purse, and can we say fabulous!
I like this ASOS high-waisted thigh list pencil for its elegance mixed with a hint of sassiness.
Put your black slacks to work
Nothing to wear? Think again…Those black slacks that are so comfortable can be comfortable and holiday-ready too. How about adding in a delicate lace top, some striking pumps and make it the supporting act of a fantastic holiday style?
These Alfani tummy-control slim leg pants from Macy’s are a great fashion choice for the holidays!
Black pumps are the little secret of perfect holiday outfits. You can pair them with just about anything, from your favorite party dress to that holiday jumpsuit. No need to go shopping for expensive shoes you’ll only wear once (and will most likely murder your toes), when you can pull out those classic, chic work black pumps.
For instance, these Kristin Cavallari Gisele suede pumps from Zappos are both work and holiday-appropriate!
Re-use your understated work jewelry
If you plan on increasing the bling factor in your holiday wardrobe, consider recycling your work jewelry. Nothing like elegant pearls or understated studs to offset a sparkly dress or top.
How else can you repurpose your workwear for the holidays?
As soon as Thanksgiving starts looming near, the first thought on many people’s minds can be summarized in two words: Black Friday! Also known as the ultimate shopping day for many a deal-addict out there!
However, while there are many opportunities to save “beaucoup” money on Black Friday, there are even more opportunities to make it even more strategic by preparing adequately. I remember the days of waking up extra early on Black Friday to hit the stores, sacrificing precious sleep and turkey leftovers to score a few good deals. Fast-forward a few years later, I’m learning to indulge my beauty sleep and enjoy those mac-and-cheese-and-stuffing leftovers by doing some advance prep work!
Here are 7 steps to actually be ready for Black Friday, minus the stress, sleepless night before and missing out on the best leftovers because your cousins are too broke to go shopping but hungry enough to terminate any food in sight:
Make a list
Black Friday mistake numero uno: jump into the abysmal sales pit without a list! This simply opens you up to buying any and everything that has a discounted price tag in sight. Instead, smarten up and make a list the day before!
List all the gifts you need to buy for Christmas first, and any extras you’d like to indulge in! This way, you will focus on getting what you need first and save precious money, time and energy in the process!
Create a budget!
A woman (or man) without a set budget on Black Friday is setting herself/himself up for financial doom! Also read: you will come home broke (and hungry, but that’s another issue for another day!).
Again, do not jump into the Black Friday sea of sales without a budget, aka your holiday life jacket! Do some homework the week before and figure out how much each of the items on your list is going to cost you. Use sales circulars and ads to plan ahead of time how much money you will need. And do NOT, I repeat DO NOT, go over it!
Stay home!
Did I mention my sleepless nights from a few years ago, when I used to forego Holy Sleep for Tempting Sales. After a couple of kids and some pretty heavy Thanskgiving dinners over the year, I’ve become wiser (and more cognizant of my own physical limitations).
Did you know that according to dealnews.com, you can find the same, if not almost the same, deals in stores than in the comfort of your cozy home in front on your laptop, nibbling on some leftover fried turkey. Chile!
Before you sign up to venture out in the cold at the wee hours of morning, at the risk of getting stepped over for a deal on the new ipHoneX, consider doing the same at home! And saving just as much, plus beauty sleep, extra food and your life and sanity too…
Protect your credit
Keep in mind that your credit cards to shop online or offline can increase your chances for credit theft! As you score amazing deals and get all your African aunts the latest Fenty makeup products, remember to monitor your credit score too!
Use sites like Credit Sesame or Credit Karma to monitor changes in your credit score during this period.
Save some items for Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is also a great shopping day! Think of it as the cute auntie to Black Friday who likes to chill comfortably at home! Instead of running from store to store with your barely digested Thanskgiving turkey still navigating your sleep-deprived body, you can just shop online on Monday (instead of doing your work)!
Reserve some items for Cyber Monday by placing them in your cart and saving them there! You’ll find them there on Cyber Monday, plus the discount you can now happily take advantage of!
Ship items directly to people
Take advantage of the many free shipping offers on Black Friday by shipping gifts and items directly to people! Instead of shipping them to your house, and then having to re-ship them out, you can kill two birds with one stone and score some serious shipping savings!
Plus that also means less to think about as Christmas approaches and you start losing whatever you have left of edges…
Google coupon codes for websites
Do some prep work and research the coupon codes for the websites you’re interested in! This will save you even more money, time and energy instead of scrambling at the last minute. Make a list of all the coupon codes you will need and save them in a safe, accessible place. Now that’s what you call organized shopping!
What other tips do you have to prepare for Black Friday?
Ever thought of making some side hustle money on your own schedule? Now you can do this with UberEATS, the food delivery service affiliated with ride-sharing service and app Uber. UberEATS now delivers food from your favorite food spots in over 79 cities and growing across the US. This means that by tapping into the UberEATS network, you can have access to a large roster of restaurants in your local area.
How does UberEats work?
UberEATS has hundreds of restaurants to choose from in over 79 cities and growing across the US. It uses an app which lets you scroll through the feed and search for certain restaurants or cuisine. Once you find something you’re into, you can simply tap and add it to your cart.
Uber Eats Boston – Photo credit: ubereats.com
Once you get ready to check out, the UberEATS app will display your address, the price of the order as well as the delivery time. You can then place your order, and the app will use the card on file (so no need for cash). You can then track your order on the app, and see exactly who the UberEATS driver who will pick it up is. You can see their photo and name, and will be able to track them on the map as well.
You can also schedule an order ahead of time, and set your delivery for a later time.
Got some time in the morning, the evening or even on the week-ends? You can use however much time you have available to devote to being an UberEATS delivery partner. Basically, you’re your own boss and decide on your preferred schedule.
You choose your transportation
With UberEATS, you’re not just restricted to your good ol’ car. Depending on the rules in the city you’re in, you can use a car, bike or even scooter to get the job done.
You earn extra money while helping people
Think about all the people you can help by delivering their favorite door to them, while still making good money? This is about providing others with a great service.
What do I need to become an UberEATS Delivery Partner?
Here are the requirements if you want to be an UberEATS driver:
You must be at least 19 years old
You must have a valid vehicle insurance and driver’s license
You must have a 2 or 4-door car made after 1997
If you’re a cyclist, here are the requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old (age requirements may vary by state)
Disclosure: I have partnered with The Real Real to discuss making smart fashion choices through the power of consignment shopping.
Fall is one of my favorite times to “refresh” my wardrobe. By this, I mean (graciously) letting go of the clothes and shoes I keep hoping to “magically” fit in one day when my stomach gets flat again. In the age of consignment, when you can pocket some serious cash for cleaning your closet and home of unused goods, eliminating personal clutter has actually become the ethical thing to do. Think about it, instead of throwing away all the money you spent on those then-highly-fashionable mini-skirts from college, you can now let go of yesterday’s fashion with poise, elegance and a fatter wallet.
Consigning, or the modern art of reselling your unused goods, is also a great way to make sustainable, smart fashion choices while pocketing extra cash.
I first got into the world of consigning as a college student with a thin wallet and unabashed passion for eclectic, original yet moderately priced fashion wares. It was a fellow fashion addict with a similarly limited budget, who introduced me to the concept and led me to my first vintage Chanel bag.We’d travel hours to some of the best consignment shops in the most affluent areas around town, chasing those unique vintage picks. It was about more than just getting more stuff, it was the thrill of the chase, the history behind those vintage pocket books, the sense that life has passed through these stores. And also that we were contributing to saving fashion from utter waste (we all need a higher purpose, don’t we?).
In honor of the first-ever National Consignment Day, here are seven benefits of never throwing away and consigning instead:
High fashion doesn’t have to mean high costs!
I’m the proverbial “frugal fashionista”. Which also means I don’t believe that you necessarily need to dish out high costs to enjoy high fashion. You can now get designer items in good condition on resale, while giving sellers the opportunity to sell more with less costs and labor.
Keep in mind that one of the pre-requisites of consignment selling is that sellers ascertain that the items sold are up to a certain standard. This also means you may be able to purchase great, even rare items, at a fraction of their price.
Consigning is environmentally-friendly!
Instead of throwing away unused goods and adding to the planet’s waste, you can actually contribute to saving the planet through the use of consignment shops. Now, unused items can become part of someone’s wardrobe, while the seller can benefit from making extra cash. For both buyers and sellers, it’s an absolute win-win.
By not throwing away, you’re helping a good cause!
Many consignment shops also serve as non-profit organizations. As such, they partner with local and national charities to dedicate some of their benefits to helping certain causes. As you participate in the consigning process, you may also be helping a charitable cause.
Consigning is a great business!
If you have an eye for rare fashion and other finds, you may be able to turn the consigning process into an exciting business. There are many online marketplaces that specialize in high-value and/or original consigned goods. I know I love unique vintage items and rare art pieces that sometimes can only be found through the consigning process.
Every now and then, you hear about a lucky shopper who stumbled across a treasure at a consignment shop. That could be you!
Consigning is budget-friendly!
Whether you’re in a budget pinch or just want to save a few bucks, consigning can be a great way to make or save extra money. You can cash in on all those unused dresses (yes, those with the tags on that don’t get past your left thigh) in your closet, and you may also be able to score original, unique finds at very reasonable prices.
It’s like a fun treasure hunt!
One of the main reasons why I love consignment shops is the sense of adventure they bring. You never know what you’ll find there. I’ve dug out unique vintage fashion items, funny and original pieces from antique times, and rare décor in stores all across the country.
I always wonder about the story behind those items, and get inspired by the memories they may carry. Plus that sense of extra price when you beat the other shoppers and get the coveted vintage Chanel bag…
You get variety and originality!
Last but not least, if you tend to get bored in traditional stores, consider the variety and originality you may find in consignment shops. From various designer labels to older, vintage picks, the options may be endless, and quite fun!
What has been your experience with consignment shopping?
This article was written by a college student contributor to TCS.
The concept of going off to college and living in complete freedom is the most exciting step of adulthood. However, with newfound freedom comes expenses—a lot of expenses. I’ve always been very frugal with my money. Every expense should be justified and only completely necessary.
I wasn’t necessarily raised this way, but I became extremely cautious with my money once I started working and had to pay for most of my expenses. Now, I spend my money on rent, gas, and food Although I could ask my parents when I need to, I make every effort not to.
As a frugal college student, here are some ways I recommend to try and cut unnecessary expenses and save money in college:
Always use coupons!
Whether it is going to a movie or eating out, I always try to find online coupons that can reduce the cost of my purchases. Some of these sites include Groupon, StudentRate.com, or MySavings.com.
Eat for free on campus!
On campus, there are so many opportunities for free food, and most of the time, I don’t hesitate to take advantage of them. Doing so reduces my need to go out and buy food since I have no meal plan. I also learned how to cook, and I’m not living on Ramen noodles every day. I actually make decent omelets in the mornings (if I wake up early enough). Apps like Epicurious can also help you plan your meals better.
Use discount sites!
I also live in a house off campus which requires furniture, so I go on Craigslist or various garage sales nearby to buy used but in good quality furniture. Other discount sites for college students include TUN, UConnection, Also, I’m aware of a lot of places which offer student discounts, especially around my area. Most of the restaurants, fast food, and clothing boutiques give student discounts. A great site to consult for locations around your campus which might offer student discounts is AroundCampus.com. Keep in mind to ask around and always check if any student discounts are available before making any purchase.
Do things on your own!
The best way to save money is doing things on your own. I used to get my nails done often, but I learned to just do them on my own. I end up saving $30 a month this way. I also wash my own car instead of taking it to a car wash.
Find cheaper textbooks!
Purchasing college textbooks is the worst. The best way to go about is going to the online websites finding cheaper versions of the textbooks or finding the free pdf file. This way you are getting the information and still spending as less as possible. Also, ask about and use college Facebook groups to inquire about cheaper options or students who may be selling theirs at lower costs. Sites like CampusBooks.com or Chegg can help you shop for cheaper books,
All in all, college can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience—but you don’t have to spend so much money. Being cautious of your money and spending it in the right places can relieve you from a lot of stress, and it’ll be the best four years of your life.
Please note this post may contain affiliate links and I may be compensated if you click on the included links.
Gumdrop by Goodshop
I love to shop, that’s no secret (you can ask the hubby!). Yet, I’m also quite on the frugal side when it comes to stretching my dollar. While at the #BlogHer17 conference last week, I learnt of a wonderful way to make my dollar stretch even further, and for a good cause too! I’m excited to be able to share with you an amazing way to shop while saving and giving back right from your computer or smartphone!
Most of us love to give back to causes that are close to our hearts. Yet, life gets so much in the way sometimes that we’re not often reminded to do so. What if we integrated our everyday activities likes shopping for instance, with the higher purpose to contribute to a charitable cause of our choice? That’s what Gumdrop allows you to do, though a simple extension that takes about 30 seconds, if that, to install.
SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE IS EASY WITH GUMDROP BY GOODSHOP
What if you could automatically find the best coupons and deals every time you shop online? That’s exactly what Gumdrop allows you to do. This browser extension sifts through over 500,000 deals and coupons to help you save the most money. I know despite all my best efforts, I rarely have the time or energy to gather the coupons I need.
With Gumdrop, as soon as you’re shopping online, the best deals and coupons are displayed on the retailer’s page. In addition, if you buy anything using one of the deals or coupons from Gumdrop, Goodshop automatically makes a donation to your favorite cause. No headache, no need to navigate to a different page, and no need to pay anything! You can donate to the cause of your choice, and you can actually even create the cause you choose to donate to!
Here’s an example of two of the places I shop online and use Gumdrop on:
Shopping online with Gumdrop by Goodshop
Shopping online wit Gumdrop by Goodshop
For example, my charities of choice are UNICEF and the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer.
