Keeping your personal finances on track just got easier with TSCPA’s helpful Outlook calendar reminders. Pick which important personal finance dates you want to remember or choose them all!
[Download Important Dates for 2009 PDF file]
February
Feb. 2 – Compile your tax forms
The 2008 W-2 and 1099 tax forms are sent to you by this date. Start a file to compile them along with all other records and receipts for your state and federal tax returns.
Feb. 3 – Compare January expenses to budget
Compare actual January expenses to your personal budget and make adjustments. Pay yourself first when writing monthly bills and commit that money to savings!
Feb. 22 – America Saves Week
February 22 to March 1, is the perfect time to think about saving for retirement, reducing debt and investing. Visit www.americasaves.org for resources. Add to your Outlook Calendar
March
March 1 – National Pig Day
National Pig Day is the perfect time to think about feeding your piggy bank and develop small steps to save for retirement. Visit www.feedthepig.org for tips and tools. Add to your Outlook Calendar
March 2 – Obtain FAFSA applications
Obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2009 from your high school guidance counselor, or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. Deadline to submit is June 30, 2009. Add to your Outlook Calendar
March 6 – Review your bank services
Review your bank services and fees. Avoid the hidden fee increases and charges for services by shopping around. Evaluate your own banking habits and what you need from your bank. Add to your Outlook Calendar
April
April 1 – Financial Literacy Month begins
Financial Literacy Month begins nationwide. To celebrate, the Texas Society of CPAs offers free programs and resources. Add to your Outlook Calendar
April 8 – Last minute tax tips
Don’t forget to visit the Tax Talk section for resources for the public, business and nonprofits. Add to your Outlook Calendar
April 15 – Federal income taxes due; IRA contributions due
Your federal income tax return is due to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit www.irs.gov for forms and online filing information. Also, it’s the last day to establish or contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in 2008, and to file partnership returns. Add to your Outlook Calendar
May
May 6 – Start holiday savings
If you start saving $2.50 a day and continue through Thanksgiving, you’ll have about $500 to spend during the holidays. Add to your Outlook Calendar
May 25 – Prepare financially for a disaster
Are you financially prepared for disaster? While it’s unsettling to think a natural disaster could drain your financial resources, emergencies can and do occur. You can be prepared by organizing your financial records, being adequately insured and building an emergency fund. Add to your Outlook Calendar
June
June 1 – Determine your financial compatibility
June is wedding season and a great time to talk about your finances with your current or soon-to-be-spouse. Visit www.ValueYourMoney.org to take a short quiz to test your financial compatibility as a couple. Add to your Outlook Calendar
June 10 – Improve your fuel efficiency
Look for ways to improve your fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are a number of ways drivers can improve fuel efficiency and save up to a dollar every gallon: slow down, check for regular maintenance repairs, carpool, cut back on AC or use mass transit.. Add to your Outlook Calendar
June 30 – FAFSA due for 2009
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is due for 2009. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for a free online application. Add to your Outlook Calendar
July
July 4 – Independence Day
Plan for your financial independence by setting a goal to reduce debt and spending and increase income. Review your personal budget and make adjustments to meet your goal. Add to your Outlook Calendar
July 7 – Review your investments
Review your investment categories to their respective benchmarks and adjust your investment portfolio accordingly. You’ll be on your way to financial freedom. Add to your Outlook Calendar
July 23 – Start rainy day savings
Put aside 5-% of your new raise toward your rainy day savings fund. Add to your Outlook Calendar
August
Aug. 11 – Get a copy of your credit report
Order a copy of your credit report and look closely to make sure it contains accurate information. If errors are found, you are entitled to have them corrected. Federal law required that consumers can access their free credit report once a year. The nationwide consumer credit reporting companies provide this service as www.annualcreditreport.com. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Aug. 19 – Avoid college credit card traps
College classes are starting and so are the offers from credit card companies. Remember, one card is enough and it’s not “free” money. College years are an important time to build good credit history. Add to your Outlook Calendar
September
Sept. 2 – Consider a college savings plan
Consider a college savings plan, like an education individual retirement account (IRA), 529 plans or another mechanism for funding your child’s or grandchild’s higher education. Visit www.americanfunds.com for details. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Sept. 7 – Labor Day
Labor Day was established to honor American workers. Pat yourself on the back for all your hard work and know that you’re planning for retirement. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn Social Security benefits. Your benefit amount is based on your earnings averaged over most of your working career. Add to your Outlook Calendar
October
Oct. 1 – Insurance check-up
Take this day to check up on your insurance coverage, health, life, property, auto and others. Visit one or two agents and ask them to explain different insurance plans and provide quotes. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Oct. 5 – Jump$tart Coalition has personal finance resources
Jump$tart Coalitions for Personal Financial Literacy is a nonprofit that aims to improve financial education of students and young adults. Visit www.jumpstart.org for educational resources. Add to your Outlook Calendar
November
Nov. 5 – Check your holiday savings
Check the balance of your holiday savings account and start making your holiday shopping list. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Nov. 10 – Review your flexible spending accounts
Review your pre-tax flexible spending accounts against your actual expenses and increase or decrease withholdings in 2009. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Day
The Thanksgiving Day holiday was established so Americans could give thanks for all their blessings. Why not distribute good will and give to your favorite charities? The contribution will put a smile on your face and put money in your wallet at tax time. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Nov. 30 – Review your investments’ capital gains and losses
Review your investments for capital gains and losses. Offset gains with losses in your portfolio, if necessary. Add to your Outlook Calendar
December
Dec. 1 – Review charitable contributions
Get in the holiday spirit! Consider increasing your charitable contributions or other tax-deductible items for the 2010 tax year. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Dec. 18 – Review IRA and pension accounts
If you are over 701/2, make sure you have taken any minimum distributions from your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and pension plans. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Dec. 31 – Charitable deductions due
Ring in the New Year by knowing you’ve achieved financial fitness all year long! Make sure your charitable contribution check is in the mail and postmarked by December 31 to claim a deduction on your taxes for 2009. Add to your Outlook Calendar
Important Dates for 2009
