Money disappears quickly at the end of the year! It kind of feels like you have holes in your pocket. The happy holidays tug on your wallet, and then of course, there are the end-of-the-year bills. As a small business owner, I know that during November and December, month length often trumps funds available. Accounts payable must be settled, and vendors need to be squared away. Still, you don't have to give up on saving money just because the calendar needs replacing. Try these money saving methods.
Give to a charity. According to Tomorrow's Money, you should give but not haphazardly. Verify that the organization is a certified 501(c)3 and read their financials. That is important, because the gift needs to be "tax-deductible."
Tap into your flexible spending savings. Some employers offer this option to their employees. Each payday, the employer takes a portion of your check and puts it in a childcare or health care account. What you should know is that some plans force you to lose those savings come January.
Take your vacation. Abandoned vacations made number five on the Frugal Dad money-saving list. They ask the question, "What are you waiting for?" I'm wondering the same thing! Don't lose those unused vacation days, no matter how busy it is at work. If you do, you could permanently lose them. Goodbye, money!
Buy your textbooks, college students. Before the year ends, buy those spring textbooks. You can deduct those book costs on your taxes. This is a perfectly legal and money-saving method for college students who want to take advantage of the education tax credit.
Don't give up on your money saving quest! Take a second look at your finances and you might be surprised.
