A Helpful Financial Tool

[EightySix]

I have been going over the books, so to speak, in my household just trying to figure out what to expect and how to manage the bills with the new paycheck.

I found a great web -site PAYCHECKCITY.COM- it requires registration but it is a free site.
There is a section under advanced calculators - hourly which some people may find helpful.
Already visited 401.com and reduced my 401k withholding to zero. I figure I have another 20 years to work somewhere, so why not.
By doing that, and Monday upping the number of exemptions on my paycheck ( I'll just forget about getting a tax return this year) I figure I will end up almost even. I work in res- where OT is almost always available. I am fortunate because I live in a two income household but for the single folks I am not sure if changing 401 deductions and exemptions would be possible but it might be worth looking into just the same.

 

[RumorS]

messing with your 401k is like playing with fire, I don't want to end up 65 living on (if its still there) social security.

 

[Res]

I too have reduced my 401...for a limited time period...it'll help a good bit. Have also cancelled all the extras on our home phone going to use phone cards for lng distance....buying from Costco or Sams Club..seems to be the cheapest. I like you and many others will be pulling the ot whenever available...we'll be living at the office...It's sad but it must be done to keep the mortgage paid.

 

[Light Years]

If you have a choice between Costco and Sam's Club, try and support Costco as they treat thier employees well and compensate them properly. Sam's Club is part of evil Wal-Mart. It's a terrible cycle- cutting your pay always ends up cutting someone else's until we are all poor.

 

[local 12 proud]

If you have a choice between Costco and Sam's Club, try and support Costco as they treat thier employees well and compensate them properly. Sam's Club is part of evil Wal-Mart. It's a terrible cycle- cutting your pay always ends up cutting someone else's until we are all poor.

[post="192079"][/post]​

most insightful light years, but sadly many are being forced to shop at the lcc's of food stores, retail, etc... just so they can pay the light and gas bill. glad its deer season again at least i will have meat in the freezer.

 

[javaboy]

This may or may not help. i have signed up for phone service over the internet
for 24.99 (plus about 2 bucks tax) i get unlimited local AND unlimited long DISTANCE. plus
features like call waiting, call forwarding, caller id, ect....

It requires HIGH speed internet access (cable or DSL).

i personally have begun using it and can vouch for its quality (no difference) no degregation while using internet during phone call.

i will not post here because i do not feel it is right to "hock" something. however in the nature of this thread where it could also be called "money saving ideas" for ones personal life. I think this would fit the bill. just let me know if you want me to send the link.

 

[JS]

If you have a choice between Costco and Sam's Club, try and support Costco as they treat thier employees well and compensate them properly. Sam's Club is part of evil Wal-Mart. It's a terrible cycle- cutting your pay always ends up cutting someone else's until we are all poor.

[post="192079"][/post]​

Many people who shop at warehouse clubs buy too much stuff, because they assume it's cheaper. In the case of food, even if it is cheaper, if you buy more food, you're likely to eat more or have to throw it away.

I agree Wal-Mart and Sam's are evil, although I don't think it makes any sense to intentionally shop at Costco just because they overpay their employees. The problem with warehouse clubs in general is that even if you do manage to save money there, you're talking pennies compared to the dollars you could save elsewhere -- trade in the SUV for a normal size car (your fellow drivers will also appreciate it), walk or bike short distances instead of drive, cut off the cable or satellite, wear a sweater in the winter and sweat a little in the summer, etc.

BTW all of these things I listed are things I have actually done, having been through low-wage times myself.

Dropping 401k contributions and tax withholding doesn't save any money; it just moves it from the future to today.

 

[us0004us]

Dropping 401k contributions and tax withholding doesn't save any money; it just moves it from the future to today.

[post="192526"][/post]​

excellent point.....401k and the roth ira ,together,....our only shot at financial independence

good luck to all