Mountain Musings

By Mary Hasseiwander,
Editor
If January is the longest month of the year,
February is usually a breeze. There are
fewer days in the month and holidays to
help break up the daily grind.
It is, however, a time when many of us think finances,
which is an “F” word most of us would like to avoid with the
economy the way it is. Since last fall, there has been
enough depressing financial news to last for a while; how
ever, the truth is that this can actually be an incentive for
us to take control of our little financial universe and maybe
make some positive changes.
Whether one manages a portfolio on Wall Street or just a
monthly family budget, we do have a certain amount of
control over how our finances play out.
Most of you have received your state and federal income
tax forms and your W-2’s. Since my income is not in the
upper brackets, I have become lazy over the years, just
doing short forms and getting a little back. This year, I am
making an effort to really go through the form and deter
mine if this is in my best interest or if I should be itemizing
deductions. Even if it only makes a slight difference, it is
something.
When I did my monthly budget in February, which is rela
tively small and uncomplicated, I decided to review my re
curring expenses from 2008 for things such as utilities,
gas, car maintenance, credit cards, to see if there were
areas I could make changes to cut expenses. Again, I did
not find a lot of wiggle room, but I did see a few patterns I
am working to change this year.
One thing I plan to really be more aggressive with is
travel. My children and grandchildren are all over the state
of California which usually necessitates air travel. So far
this year, I know I have a first birthday for my new grand
son, a First Communion for the youngest granddaughter, a
birthday concert for my daughter and a visit back East to
see my mother who is ailing.
Usually I take the path of least resistance and, a few
weeks before my trip, go to my usual airline to book flights.
With airlines cuffing fares and offering other incentives to
attract customers, I plan to “plan ahead” and read the no
tices of fare discounts and deals that I usually just delete.
None of the activities above may amount to any large
cost savings, but the planning is helping me to create a
mindset and be more conscious about spending. This
month’s magazine is focusing on finances, so take time to
look at the articles and see if you can gain some insights
to help you with financial
planning.
Don’t get me wrong. I will
never be like the man I saw
on television who recycled
everything, even washing
paper towels, drying them for
reuse, or using a tea bag for
lOcups of tea. I have mylim
its! By the way, for all you ro
mantics, don’t forget
Valentine’s Day is Feb 14—
and don’t recycle last year’s
card. That’s tacky!

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