Creditcardfree's Personal Finance Blog

Our garage door opener decided to stop working on Thursday. It would hum like the motor was running or stuck, but the door or the chain wouldn't move. My husband thought it needed a tension adjustment. Nope. Our guess is that a part was stripped out and was no longer connecting to the motor.

It really was not the best time to replace this item. Not monetarily, but just time wise. My husband's time at home is becoming more and more limited. I thought this is not something that has to be replaced. It is a convenience item. I'm strong and healthy enough to lift a garage door up and down. No big deal.

My husband thought otherwise. He spent his Thursday evening buying a new garage door opener and installing it. Only took 2.5 hours. We bought the same brand and type and only replaced the main component and the rail. All other wiring remained intact.

Cost: $148

It is nice to have it working, of course. The decision was so quick, I just hope it was the right one. Maybe the stripped part could have been replaced cheaper. But how easily to find the part? How easy to replace? We won't ever know...because we made a quick decision. Lucky for us, the decision isn't going to break the bank.

Does this happen to you? Do you make quick decisions? Do you wonder if they are more costly?

On Tuesday, I listed 36 items on half.com. It was a little tedious getting everything listed, but I did it.

I already made one sale! It was for a children's book that I listed for $0.99. Funny thing too. There was only one book listed of this same title. It was listed for over $300! Crazy. I guess I'm a little more reasonable. This was not more than a $4 book from Scholastic. Ours was in good shape, except for a cut on the cover which I disclosed.

Half.com reimburses for shipping at the media mail rate. I was able to ship this very small paperback book first class for less. I netted $1.56. I bet I would have only received a quarter at a garage sale.

Small sale, but they do all add up. Who else has books listed on half.com? It doesn't cost anything to list. If they don't sell, you are not out anything. I have a book that has been listed for at least 6 months and still hasn't sold!

I had to compete online yesterday with all the other military members to obtain my husband's W2! Once that was obtained, I plugged the numbers into the online tax program. We are using taxactonline.com. I paid $17.95 to print, and efile both income tax returns.

The result is a refund from both the federal and state governments. Unfortunately, the refund is more than expected. Seriously, I can never get us to zero!! I try. I really do.

Federal Refund: $399
State Refund: $728
Total Reunds: $1,127

I was only expecting around $700 total. I'm sure I can find a place to put the extra $400+ !

Currently, I'm holding on to extra cash. With deployment nearing, my husband has expenses that I can't quite anticipate. Last week he bought a new duffel bag and tshirts. We spent about $100!

At some point...that home equity loan will be paid off. Maybe even in one lump sum!

Anyone else have their taxes done?

First of all, I keep thinking about Monkey Mama and her husband. I don't remember the exact surgery date. It could be today. Yesterday? Not sure. My prayers and thoughts are focused on a good outcome. Send your own positive vibe their way if you feel so inclined!

A benefit of participating in a combat zone is tax free income. My husband is going to get a bonus month of tax free income because of a 10 day trip to the 'zone' in the near future. Actually, you only need one day in the 'zone' to qualify! We still pay Medicare and Social Security taxes.

This extra month only helps convince me that we should convert our IRA's to Roth's this year. I just want to know what it will end up costing us. I think we have at least $30K that we could convert. Of course, we don't have to convert it all. If I remember correct, we can split the tax bill between 2010 and 2011. I wonder if it has to be an even split?

Ebay update: I have three items listed and two already have bids!! I also found several books that I think will sell best on ebay, so I will get those up this Sunday.

Kids are home because of ice. We are getting 1/2 inch or so. I think school may be extended until mid June!!

Check out my previous posts you may have missed while the servers were down.

I sold 15 books to Powells.com last night for $17.25. Most of these were children's books. This is the first site I have found to accept these types of books for cash. Yipee!

They didn't accept all of the books I have, so I will be listing quite a few on half.com until the garage sale comes around.

2010 Ebay Challenge Total
Jan: $122.76

New Purge Point Total: 114

Wow! I'm already ahead of my self imposed goal of $100 for the ebay challenge.

I sold 15 cd's for cash earlier this week for $57.56. I am still waiting on the checks, of course.

Last night, I had 5 of 7 listings sell on ebay. The sales were $47.95! Three people have paid. I'm waiting on the other two. I relisted one item and added two new items that will end this Sunday. (For the purge: the 5 listings were equal to 8 items)

2010 Ebay Challenge Total
Jan: $105.51

I'm going to keep working on this challenge hard now, while I'm motivated, since I'm working toward an average of $100 per month for the whole year.

Purge Points
Previous Total 45
New Total 69

I have found nearly all of the tax forms that financial firms we do business with are online. The 1098's from the mortgage companies were both online. I was able to download the 1099-INT from our money market account as well.

Next week I hope to be able to get my husband's W2 online as well. Actually, that is the only form I'm waiting for. I will probably have filed our taxes by this time next week! Cool, huh?

The 1099G from our state came in the mail, so not everything is available online. But it sure doesn't hurt to start entering the information from the tax forms as you can get your hands on them.

Do you have a place to put the tax forms you receive yet? If not, get out a folder now so you have one place to go to when you do your tax return.

I use a basic folder and actually write notes on the inside of the folder. I include a list of tax documents I need and check them off once I have entered them in. I also use it to make some calculations. Although maybe not the best idea, I listed the user name and password for the online program I'm using this year.

Tax filing can be quick and painless if you are organized and stay on top of the things you need. Need a hint about what you need? Look in last year's tax file or a copy of your 2008 return.

Happy tax filing!

We made our donation to the

American Red Cross today. This is an organization that we feel good about donating to because they help all people regardless of race or religion. They provide a critical role to US military families as well.

There are many ways to donate without laying out the cash in your pocket. You can donate airline miles and hotel rewards. You can give blood. You can even send instant messages to your friends and Microsoft will donate funds on your behalf (sign up here).

If you have some spare change you can turn it in at a Coinstar machine and request it be donated to the Red Cross, one of several organizations. Find a location here. I also noticed yesterday when I sold my used cd's that a portion of my proceeds could have been sent to the red cross. It appeared to be a regular offering at preplayeddiscs.com. You could sell a used game, cd or dvd to help out those in need.

After 9/11, we donated on a monthly basis to the Red Cross for at least a year. I had it set up to send automatically through bill pay I believe. I'm not sure why we stopped. I need to get that started again!

I might have mentioned that we went through our movies and music recently. I finally got around to selling 15 CD's to two different companies that buy them. My total is $57.56! I'm getting a good start on my sales challenge.

The best deal was for a copy of Annie, the original motion picture soundtrack. The company is paying me $22.64!! Ebay recently sold one for $46. I thought about selling ours that way, but as time went on they were selling for less and less, so I decided this was the best way to guarantee a decent amount of cash! Seriously. Check and see what your stuff sells for online, you may be surprised.

I sold our discs to secondspin and preplayeddiscs.

Purge Points: 45

I'm off to recycle about 80 other compact discs (at Best Buy) that were back ups for various things. Quite a few were TV shows DH's brother copied for him last time he was overseas. I guess no desire to rewatch!

I just finished building our new computer, a laptop, through Dell.com. I am really pleased with the price. Before shipping and taxes the computer is $494. Last month when I built the same computer it was over $600!

Thanks, Mrs. for the coupon code. It definitely saved me money.

The computer will be my primary computer soon when my husband travels with our current laptop overseas. I'm looking forward to Windows 7. Vista is making me crazy!!

Our home equity loan.
I want to pay it off quick.
It occupies too many of my thoughts.
Today I had a new thought.
Pay it off in a year.
Additional payment per month: $232
Seems easy enough.
I'll think about it.

Was that a poem? If not, just thoughts!

I spent the day sewing a tote bag for my neice that will turn 6 later this month. It turned out great! The fabric was $2 on clearance at Hobby Lobby. I only needed to use thread and interfacing that I already had. It will have to be mailed. Six year olds like gifts in the mail, right?

I also made a fabric pouch that measures about 6 inches x 5 inches. I will give it as a gift as well.

I've been thinking of quite a few things I could make to give as gifts this year. Here's an initial idea list: pajama pants, pillow case, napkins, coasters, placemats, throw size quilt. I even have instructions to make a purse and a stuffed turtle! It is exciting to think about all the possibilities.

My oldest daughter made some coasters yesterday. She is really getting the hang of sewing. She's about to learn how to sew a zipper in her sewing class at school. I just taught myself today!!

I just need to keep the cost of fabric low by watching sales and picking through clearance fabric.

Do you know how to sew? What kinds of things do you make?

I have 7 auctions ready to start this evening on ebay. If all items sell, I will have sent 11 items on their way. Yipee for decluttering!

I've been indecisive about my ebay challenge goal for 2010. Last year, my goal was to average $100/month with sales on ebay, craigslist and garage sales. I fell short with an average near $60 per month. The real question is: can I earn another $40 per month over last year?

I think I will try again. Same goal. It may be a stretch, but stretching is good! If I fall short, so be it. I really will try to meet this goal. I may have to get to a few garage sales looking for items to resell, but I'm okay with that!

Does anyone have a bigger goal for the ebay challenge of 2010?

The bill for gas and electric arrived today to the tune of $234. Yikes!

We will make our regular $105 payment and the remainder is paid from the $300 credit we have. Nice! Unfortunately, our payment is going to go up starting next month to $119. I won't complain, it is still very reasonable.

This large bill covered 36 days where the average temperature was 18. Of course, today it was negative 8 degrees when I woke up. Tomorrow our area will get to 20 degrees above zero. It's going to feel like a heat wave!!

I've always used budget billing for energy costs. Even though I could budget for the year based on prior years, I think the energy company seems to have a better grasp on future energy costs than I would have.

Do you use budget billing? If you don't, why?

As expected, my husband's net check has increased. Specifically, $100.86. He is paid twice a month. Can't complain about an extra $200 a month, right?

Although I can see the deposit amount, I can't yet see how the pay breaks down. A little frustrating since I thought the net increase would be about $105! I have to wait two more weeks for details.

The extra $200 will help fund college contributions for this year. We hope to send in about $2000 for each of them in 2010. I'm going to pay off the home equity loan first!

My husband and coworkers are traveling today in the midwest. Unfortuately, travel is not advised! Ugh. Please say a prayer for their safe journey.

The trip is 3.5 hours long in good weather and is expected to take over 8 hours.

My girls have a snow day from school. They are using their time to open new driving cups on Mario Kart. They just discovered this, so are thrilled.

Our furnace is working over time. I am very thankful it is working well. Tomorrow's high will be negative 3 degrees. The wind chill will make it VERY cold. We have a large credit right now with the power company, so it will be nice to have when the next bill arrives.

Yes, I'm participating in the purge. I have quite a few things so far. I'm not able to apply points, as I expect to sell a fair number of the items. I will get them sold before the end of the month though!

I have one item that if it sells (and I expect it will) will make a great story to tell here. Let's just say things are often worth far more than you think. Check around on ebay, sites that pay cash and craigslist before you toss or donate.

I'm making peanut butter cookies (with chocolate chips) to celebrate my daughter's half birthday. I'm thrilled to have all the ingredients in the house! She will be thrilled that I thought of her.

I wish I could say that makes it a no spend day, but I ventured out in negative temperatures to get my hair cut! I'm crazy.

If it is crazy cold where you are, you might check the air in your tires. My van alerted me yesterday, that mine were low on air. Stay warm!

Long overdue. I organized my computer files.

We bought an external hard drive in July and transferred the files to it. For some reason we didn't delete a majority of the files still on the computer hard drive.

All done now. Nice and pretty!

I still want to back up our pictures to disk as a backup. That will have to wait another day.

I have nearly $1100 set aside that I was trying to decide what to do with. I now know what it is being used for.

I sent my husband to get the oil changed in the car yesterday. Turns out a major repair was needed to the tune of $975! When they lifted the car (2002 Ford Taurus) up the strut on the back left of the vehicle broke stabbing the tire at the same time. Guess what? We HAD to get new struts on the back and a new tire.

We already had a similar thing happen to the front end about a year ago. This is VERY common on these cars. It won't happen again since these are manufactured different than the original. Thank goodness! I'm so thankful we were not driving it at the time.

This car repair will set us back at least another two weeks on the home equity loan. At this point, I might just save up the money I need and then pay it off rather than little bits at a time. With my husband's overseas travel getting closer there are bound to be unplanned expenses. What I mean is my husband hasn't thought ahead to what those are and/or hasn't thought to tell me. Ugh!

My stress level has gone through the roof in the last 24 hours because of this car repair on top of other things going on. Crazy, really. I should be grateful we have the cash right now to pay it off without dipping into the emergency fund. I'm just disappointed with the set back. I will get through this!

I just finished cutting my Christmas cards into small gift tags for next years holiday gifts. I often use sticky gift tags I find on clearance or even blank address labels. Next year I won't need these. I will write on the back of the card tags I just made, punch a hole in the top and tie it to the gift.

My sister actually did this for this past Christmas and they turned out great. The holiday colors of the cards coordinate with the wrapping paper. I realize this isn't an original idea. It's been around. One can just write on the wrapping paper with marker to avoid the gift tag altogether.

It took me all of five minutes to make over 36 gift tags. I recycled the remainder of the cards and scraps. I will toss the tags in with my holiday wrap so I can find them next year.

I really am thrilled with this. I almost bought a package of sticky gift tags for $0.99 just before Christmas. The tags were wrapped in plastic, so I decided not to buy them. The cut up cards will be a great free and plastic free alternative.

You could find a pair of sissors and cut up your cards, too!

Our basic goals for 2010 break down like this:

1) Max out our Roth IRA's
2) Save 7% of basic pay in TSP
3) Pay off home equity loan
4) Save money for college
5) Add money to our emergency fund
6) Pay down/off van loan
7) Save cash for a truck
8) Convert IRA's (if feasible)

I plan to flesh these goals out with exact numbers soon. These goals will take us into 2011 when we expect my husband to return from overseas.

The retirement goals are automated, so these will be easy. The home equity loan is top on my list with an expected payoff at the end of February!

We often have focused goals. One or two big ones at a time. My husband's deployment will bring in extra cash so we are going to tackle several goals at a time.

Our financial picture of 2009 wraps up like this:

Retirement contributions: $14,147.00
Retirement accounts increased: $33,219.29
Retirement accounts exceeded $100K

Total debt decreased: $17,011.21
Nearly $10K paid on HEL!!

Our net worth increased by approximately $50,230.50, which does not include any increase or decrease in our home's value.

We paid cash for a trip to Disney World and our daughter's braces. Yipee!!

I did declutter the other day! I have one small box to drop off at Goodwill early tomorrow morning before it gets too busy!! I meant to do it today.

Payday today. I paid all the bills and went grocery shopping. I bought too much food to celebrate the new year. Oops! I guess we'll have to turn some of those snacks into meals! I will have to shop again for a few things on Sunday before the new school and work week start.

I have a chuck of cash sitting in our account. I'm deciding whether to send it to the home equity loan or buy our new computer in the next two weeks. I'm torn!

I hope to post a wrap up of 2009 tomorrow. Stay tuned!

I went roller skating with the girls today. And I actually fell down once! The palms of my hands hurt. We were able to skate and rent skates for $4.50 per person and skated for nearly three hours.

The rest of the day will consist of organizing. The basement has become a bit of a catchall recently. I'm going to set some clear piles for donation, ebay and garage sales. The donation pile will end up at Goodwill tomorrow! I'm also going to take down a few of the holiday decorations. The tree will stay up until Friday.

Enjoy your last few days of the year!

Among the numerous gifts we received this Christmas, we received cash or cash equivalents.

$30 Cash
$20 Barnes and Noble
$25 JC Penney
$50 Scheels

We feel very blessed.

Yep, the day after Christmas and we are going shopping. We want to hit Old Navy for an exchange. The store also has jeans on sale, which my daughter's both need. Might as well get a good deal on them!

We will spend the rest of our day prepping for travel. The snow has finally stopped. Our area really didn't get too much, but our destination did. We just need to make sure the roads are clear and safe. Our time away will be less than originally planned, too. So be it.

Less than one week of 2009. I want to make a list of things to accomplish before year end. How about you?

My neighbor called today to see if we wanted any gingerbread dough and icing. Um, yes!!

After I made the pumpkin pie, the girls and I rolled out the dough and cut trees and bells out. We made 26 cookies...many more than if I used our large gingerbread man and girl cutters. I think we will ice as we eat them. I have offered half our pumpkin pie to their family, but haven't heard back yet. Because of the weather, many of my neighbors are home for Christmas. It all makes for new experiences.

I would like to offer each of you a gift. A recipe for Beer Bread. It is VERY good!

3 c flour
1/3 c sugar
1 TBS baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
12 oz beer or soda
3 TBS butter

Combine dry ingredients. Add beer, mix well. Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Pour melted butter on top of batter. Bake 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool after baking.

Enjoy! Let me know if you try it and how you liked it.

I returned a gift today that I bought for my daughter. It's just not HER. While I was returning the item to Target, I asked and received a price adjustment on another gift. The result: $22.26 back in our account!!

I've decided after the holidays to return an outfit I bought back in November for a dressy occassion that was cancelled. That return will net us $34.22 to our account! It just doesn't make sense to have it sit in my closet with tags on it. I have no idea when I would wear it.

Right now, all I'm really thinking about finances is: try not to spend anymore money until payday! We will get paid on December 30th because of the holidays.

December is a spendy month. It's not just the gifts, but the food, the gas for traveling and batteries!

Okay. You know me to well. I am looking ahead financially, too! I'm looking forward to making our next big dent in the home equity loan and updating our final numbers for 2009. The stock market seems to want to go up the last couple days and I want to include any gains!!

On a tax note: I think I will total up the value of our thrift store donations today and enter it into the tax program.