The Tax Goddess Blog

Reader Story: My Falling Credit Score (and Why It’s Not the End of the World)

2011-09-15T13:35:00-07:00

I used to think a credit score was all about your ability to pay, but it’s clear now it’s more about how profitable you will be to banks

via www.getrichslowly.org

You know what, I agree!

This article does a great job of explaining, in real life events, the rise and fall of the credit score. I personally believe that your credit score isn't worth anything anymore. The banks may think so, but they aren't lending anyway - so who cares.

Awful to say it, but if you have your home, your car, the things in life you already need, maybe your credit isn't worth it's weight anymore.

This is why so many people have finally made the BUSINESS decision to foreclose or short-sale their homes. Why bother paying off the debt, if you score doesn't matter anyway?

How I Saved $723 in Seven Months Without Effort

2011-09-05T06:24:00-07:00

The Mighty Power of the Lowly Coin Jar (or, How I Saved $723 in Seven Months Without Effort)

via www.getrichslowly.org

There are many ways to save money, but this one was always one of my favorites! It's easy, simple, and that "clink in the jar" that the author talks about is definitely satisfying.

I've heard that Bank of America has/had a program that you could join by which it would round up every transaction and transfer the "change" into a savings account for you. Sounds like the same thing to me.

What is your favorite way(s) to save some cash for a rainy day, or that new pair of jeans/shoes/trip/etc?

Do you use Quickbooks or Peachtree?

2011-09-02T11:25:33-07:00

Beancounter Ramblings

Note to all the Quickbooks and Peachtree users out there! The IRS is coming!!

This article really drove it home for me that, as we always knew the in the past, you never want to just hand over your QB file. I am sure we all have a few skeletons in our closets/files that we really don't want to get out!

In order for you to be prepared for this next barrage of IRS audits, our firm offers solutions to remove the burden of bookkeeping from the owner and allow them to concentrate on making money and growing their business. We make sure that your files are "audit ready" and clean so that you don't have to worry in an audit about a skeleton!

It is always best if we can help you with your bookkeeping from the start, so that the records will be accurate from the start and good planning for taxes can occur all throughout the year. We generally can assist owners with this process and show them how they can save more money than it costs to have this service.

Let us show you how it can be a win-win situation for you and if you are the lucky recipient of an IRS audit notice, we can make the process much smoother and less costly than letting the IRS dig aimlessly!

Just the Way You Are Parody - For When I Retire

2011-09-02T11:09:29-07:00

via www.youtube.com

I am really enjoying MrThousandaire's videos! He has a great compilation of funny and smart money music videos. What a great way for a smile first thing in the morning :)

Seth's Blog: Can vs Should

2011-08-18T17:15:34-07:00

Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.The end of the industrial era is opening countless doors. So many doors, in fact, that it's easy to become paralyzed. Without a clear understanding of what you want, it's harder than ever to get it.Most of the time, we treat our careers like a buffet. "Show me what's available and then I'll decide..."With the revolution going on all around us, there's so much on the buffet you're likely to just grab something convenient. Better, I think, to decide what matters first, and go do that.

via sethgodin.typepad.com

This is a part of the reason that I love Seth Godin. I really appreciate the fact that he puts this right out there: do what you love!

Deciding on what matters first applies to all areas of life and work and family and, well, everything. I have always personally been a big fan of determining what is most important to you and sticking to it.

People talk about goals, how they must be in writing. I agree, completely. However, many people just pick goals without really knowing WHY those should be their goals, without knowing the reason behind them. If you know what matters first, then you know what goals you want to achieve and can really go after them in full force.

As for me, one of my goals is to spend time with my two favorite dogs rubbing bellies and taking walks. I think I will go do that now on this great inspiration! Thanks Seth!

Seven Money Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make

2011-08-18T17:14:51-07:00

Seven Money Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make

via www.entrepreneur.com

A great article speaking to the big mistakes that a beginning entrepreneur will make with their business and their money.

Many of these I preach to my new clients, for example: DO NOT mix business and personal expenses! This can lead to rather nasty IRS issues and your financial statements will appear a mad house!

Where Debt Begins: The Disconnect Between Perception and Reality

2011-08-01T13:34:14-07:00

via www.enemyofdebt.com

This is a great article on why people get into debt without even realizing what is happening! The basic premise of the article is that when a person gets their first job they are told they make $500/week.

However, that $500/week is really their GROSS salary and not their take home pay. In that person's mind, they believe they are worth and can spend $500/week. This is where they can run into trouble.

I like the simplicity of the thought. Not sure if anyone recognizes this in themselves, or if it was just me (this is how I used to think when I got my first job at 16!).

Anyone? I would love to hear your stories!

Celebrating Zig Ziglar

2011-08-01T13:31:45-07:00

Zig saved the day. With his relentless generosity, corny stories and down-home wisdom, Zig Ziglar invented modern motivational speaking, and touched the world. He touched my world, that's for sure.

via sethgodin.typepad.com

For all my sales people out there! Think of Zig and all his accomplishments! THANK YOU Zig for everything you've brought to all of us out in the world. Thank you for your inspiration and drive!

Zig's simple approach to sales has remained one of the most consistent and tactical solutions to driving business and increasing revenue.

Quit Your Job, Travel, and Live Remarkably | Afford Anything .org

2011-08-01T13:30:09-07:00

I just returned from 10 days in the Caribbean, where I was a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding. This wedding was particularly poignant because the bride and I were together the day she met her future husband.

via afford-anything.com

I really enjoyed this article. It discusses pursuing in life that which you are truly passionate about. Lately I have been on a personal kick to live the dream and life that I am passionate about (thank goodness for me that I LOVE Taxes and helping people :)!

What are you truly passionate about? What of the mundane can you trade to have your exceptional?

The Simple Dollar » The One Factor That Matters

2011-08-01T13:28:12-07:00

You have to get up and do something.

via www.thesimpledollar.com

A great article and something I've always personally followed. If you want change, DO SOMETHING. You can't expect anything different if you don't do something different - that's the definition of insanity!

Building a job vs. building a business

2011-08-01T13:27:34-07:00

Either can work, both do, but don't confuse them.

via sethgodin.typepad.com

As usual, sweet and simple, Seth Godin reminds business owners that you have a choice as to what you want to do. Now all you have to do is follow through on your desires. What is it you really want? To have a job? Or to own a business?

Tax Goddess Tips: Who Needs a Bankruptcy Attorney?

2011-07-23T09:14:00-07:00

via www.youtube.com

Janet Spears, a Bankruptcy attorney with Rowley Chapman Barney & Buntrock, LTD, talks to us today about who really needs a BK attorney.

You can find Janet at: (480) 833-1113 Ext. 209 or Janet@azlegal.com

Tax Goddess Tips: Debt Consolidation vs. Bankruptcy

2011-07-22T08:56:00-07:00

via www.youtube.com

Janet Spears, a Bankruptcy attorney with Rowley Chapman Barney & Buntrock, LTD, talks to us today about the differences between filing for a BK and working with a debt consolidation company.

You can find Janet at: (480) 833-1113 Ext. 209 or Janet@azlegal.com

Tax Goddess Tips: Reasons to File for Bankruptcy

2011-07-21T08:25:00-07:00

via www.youtube.com

Janet Spears, a Bankruptcy attorney with Rowley Chapman Barney & Buntrock, LTD, talks to us today about why someone would want to file a BK.

You can find Janet at: (480) 833-1113 Ext. 209 or Janet@azlegal.com

Tax Goddess Tips: Look at the Big Picture

2011-07-20T11:35:14-07:00

via www.youtube.com

This is part four of the series with Mindy Jones, CPA, CVA. Today we are talking about looking at your business from the bigger picture. Instead of just as a way to get write offs, a way to make your life better in the future!

Tax Goddess Tips: General Bankruptcy Advice

2011-07-20T11:32:46-07:00

via www.youtube.com

Our first interview with Janet Spears, Bankruptcy attorney with Rowley Chapman Barney & Buntrock, LTD, talks to us today about the 3 general things you need to know about a Bankruptcy and what it means to file for BK.

You can find Janet at: (480) 833-1113 Ext. 209 or Janet@azlegal.com

Just for fun at the Tax Goddess Offices - Susie Timm PR Maven

2011-07-20T11:31:44-07:00

via www.youtube.com

Just for fun!

Say Hi to our Head of PR - Susie Timm :)

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO SUSIE! :)

Tax Goddess Sales & Use Tax Tips Video

2011-07-20T11:30:16-07:00

Name: Tax Goddess Tips

via www.youtube.com

I know, I know, VERY exciting Sales and Use taxes - but everyone needs to know these if they own a business. So check it out! :)

Summer Food Drive: Help Us Feed Those In Need

2011-07-20T11:29:45-07:00

Name: Tax Goddess Tips

via www.youtube.com

Check out our video including the fabulous Julia S. walking us through our 3Q charity event for the United Food Bank.

Bank Statements: Paper Vs Electronic?

2011-07-20T11:29:04-07:00

Name: Tax Goddess Tips

via www.youtube.com

Here is a quick Vlog on the age old question: Should I keep my paper bank statements or go electronic?

The Power of a Personal Network | Make or Break Moments

2011-07-20T11:28:29-07:00

They say life can change in the blink of an eye, but you never really appreciate how true that phrase is until someone blinks.

via www.makeorbreakmoments.com

A very powerful story to remind us not only of what is precious in life but also how your network can help you in many more ways than just business.

Read this powerful little blurb about how a network carefully built over years helped someone's son get through a terrible car accident.

Stories like these always remind me that your friends, family, and everyone you know belong to your network and that it is very important to keep your network strong. Call your friends, never eat lunch alone, and remember to tell people happy birthday! This all helps you maintain your network of strength.

How Getting a New Credit Card Impacts Your Credit Score

2011-07-20T11:27:52-07:00

In a couple of my credit card posts lately, commenters have asked about the impact of getting new cards on your credit score. As we know, having a good credit score can do all sorts of wonderful things for us -- from helping to secure low-interest loans (we shouldn't be borrowing much anyway, really) to saving on car insurance to passing a check as part of a job interview process. So having a good credit score is certainly something to be desired.So what's a good credit score? According to Money Magazine (July issue), a score of 750 or above is "good" and will get you the best rates, discounts, and so on. They note that approximately 1/3 of people are in this range.To determine the impact of getting a new credit card on your credit score, we first need to look at what impacts your credit score. This piece from the Wall Street Journal breaks it down as follows:

via www.freemoneyfinance.com

Clients always ask me how certain items play into their credit score. I am certainly no expert in this arena (and do have a great referral if you need one!) but this article gives some pointed tips as to how your credit may be changed.

One of the main tips that I didn't know is that the ideal utilization rate for your card is around 10% (over 30% and the credit companies begin to see you as a risk!).

As always, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will try and find you the best person or answer possible to help you in your situation :)

Try Something New for 30 Days [Video]

2011-07-20T11:27:00-07:00

Geeks are Sexy Technology Newstech, science, news and social issues for geeksMain menuSkip to contentHome[G.A.S.] TVArticlesStoreGamesAbout usContact us Featured StoriesFun with Cosplay: the Sexy Geeks Edition Fun with Cosplay: The Geeky Guys Edition Fun with Cosplay: the Star-Spangled Edition Fourth of July for Math Nerds [Video] Matt Cutts Says: Try Something New for 30 Days [Video]Is there something you’ve always meant to do, wanted to do, but just … haven’t? In the following video, head of Google’s Webspam team Matt Cutts says: Why don’t you try it for 30 days?[TED]

via www.geeksaresexy.net

I think that trying something new for 30 days could really make it easier for people to get into better habits and to add some fun to their lives.

To that point, I really appreciate his point about November being the national write a novel month. For only 1667 words a day you can have a 50,000 word novel at the end of a month. Wouldn't it be nice to have an additional title as a 'novelist' added to your CV?

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so 30 should solidify it.

What habit are you going to try for 30 days?

I have been thinking about biking to work, but maybe that will have to wait until winter time here in AZ :)

Mindy Jones, Part #3 - What business is easiest to sell?

2011-07-20T11:25:55-07:00

via www.youtube.com

Check out the 3rd installment of the Mindy Jones interview set. In this video we are talking about what the easiest forms of businesses to sell are!

Find Yourself A Tech Geek

2011-07-20T11:25:04-07:00

Go find a geek. Someone who understands gmail, Outlook, Excel and other basic tools.

Pay her to sit next to you for an hour and watch you work.

Then say, "tell me five ways I can save an hour a day."

Whatever you need to pay for this service, it will pay for itself in a week.

via sethgodin.typepad.com

This sounds like a great idea! Not sure why I never thought of it before, but I know I had read in Dan Kennedy's books about finding your 'plan B.'

Anyone know a great geek out there that I can hire for an hour?