Quick note: Moolanomy has a really nice post on How To Deal With a Job Loss. I thought I would mention it since I know a number of people are dealing with this currently, or like the author, think they might be dealing with it soon. If you have a second, go check it out.
In other news, the large print giveth and the small print taketh away*
I wrote earlier this week that my natural gas bill went down. Of course I barely get over being giddy about that then I get my water bill statement - which went up. For some reason my water bill keeps climbing and I don't know why. I don't have any leaks or anything else that would cause the problem. Perhaps my tenant has been taking a lot of hot baths?? I've decided to see if I can start bringing it back down with the old "brick in the tank" trick. Although, rather than using a brick I have heard good things about filling a 20 oz bottle with water and using that. This will decrease the amount of water needed per flush. Simple Dollar has a nice article on conserving water, if you want to read more.I did get some good news though in my mailbox...
I mentioned awhile ago that it looked like my property taxes were going up. The good news is that I just got the notice that property taxes are actually going down on my little cabin in the woods. Hooray! Of course, the difference isn't even close, but what can you do? The assessed value of my home went up by approximately $22,000 - my cabin went down by about $1,500. Somehow I don't think those will even out, do you?
Today I am meeting with the tax accountant at 2:00. I am actually looking forward to this meeting. I am hoping he can give me some advice for this year and help me make sure I have everything set up properly. I did all my own taxes before I was married, but my taxes were far easier then. I guess I am always excited to learn something new... even if it is about taxes! I am hoping he might be able to tell me how the stimulus package might effect me and anything else that I need to be doing as a homeowner/landlord. Naturally, anything I learn I will be happy to pass on.
Photo by: lumiereff
* Quote from Tom Waits "Step Right Up" a song for the times if there ever was one.
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2 comments:
You know, I just realized I haven't done my taxes yet! Yikes! I'm such a procrastinator on this. Most people I know finish this in a big hurry, but not me. I'm always like the day before. I promised myself this would be the year that I break that cycle. I need to get on it then!
Speaking of water bills, mine has been at $26+ for the last two months and I don't know why. I'm thinking it might be the toilet in this place, but I'm not sure. I might need to try the bottle in the tank trick myself!
Kristy, normally I am a last minute filer as well! Its kind of funny because I almost always get a refund, so theoretically I should be submitting as soon as possible. This year since I am using an accountant it is a little different - he wanted all appointments set before middle of March, so that got me going.
Yeah... what is up with water bills? Ugh. I take quick showers and since there is still snow on the ground, I am obviously not watering the lawn.
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