Financial Health

Using Your Tax Refund Wisely

If you’ve been patiently waiting near the mailbox for your tax refund you’re probably not alone. Some may have already received their refund check, but there are still people waiting diligently for their check! Sure, it’s great to have that extra money in your pocket, but before you go out and spend it on a shopping spree or expensive vacation, consider using this money for more important things! Here are a few helpful suggestions to get the most out of your tax refund check:

Take household expenses into mind and figure out how far ahead you can be if you use your refund to pay them off.
Consider the benefits of establishing and creating an emergency fund that can cover expenses in the event of an emergency or even a pay freeze. In the wake of paycheck squeezes and lay-offs, saving your tax refund could provide a blanket in the event that your personal finances take a hit.
Pay down credit card or loan debt. With the extra money, you can get a great head start on paying down debt that has been building.
Begin planning your retirement fund. Adding money into a retirement fund is not only a sensible decision, but can have you financially stable when you reach retirement.
Consider taking that class you’ve always wanted! There’s no better way to spend your money wisely than investing in yourself!

There are many sensible ways to spend your tax refund. Sure it’s easy to go out and spend money on things you really want, but in the long run, using your refund wisely can help pave the way to a more financially stable and fulfilling life. If you’re curious as to how to become more financially responsible, don’t hesitate to contact the Honolulu CPA firm, Michael J. Yuda CPA, LLC for any questions you might have.

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Why Should You Use QuickBooks?

If you are a seasoned QuickBooks veteran, you probably already know how useful and beneficial this amazing program can be for your finances. If you’re not entirely sure if QuickBooks is for you, consider the following:

QuickBooks allows you to manage your cash better. Using QuickBooks allows you to manage and maintain your finances, and accurately keeps track of spending and income.
QuickBooks is less expensive than other programs that do the same tasks. Not only does QuickBooks provide an excellent value, but the numerous resources for free support makes learning and using QuickBooks extremely easy.
Once you’ve gotten the hang of using QuickBooks, you’ll no longer need an outside accountant or bookkeeper to do your day-to-day books. QuickBooks will lessen the amount of money being spent on outsourcing your books, which in the long run can add up over time. Who doesn’t want more money in their pocket?
QuickBooks allows you to create reports at anytime, so you always know where you stand.

QuickBooks is a powerful and useful tool that can help achieve financial stability and success for your business or personal finances. However, not everyone is well-equipped to master this program, and some folks just don’t have the time to handle their own QuickBooks bookkeeping. If you’re looking for a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and CPA in Hawaii, contact Michael J. Yuda CPA, LLC!

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Top Three Personal Finance Apps

In today’s technological world, almost everyone is a smart phone user! We know Angry Birds is fun and all, but did you know apps exist that can actually help get your finances in order? If you’re trying to keep track of your finances by saving receipts and using a notepad and paper, it’s time to consider going digital! Below are some of the best personal finance apps you should download onto your smart phone!

Mint: Mint is the powerhouse of personal finance applications. This app, designed by Intuit is 100% free and allows you to enter checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards and investment accounts and provides a useful and comprehensive picture of your financial health. It’s like having a CPA in your pocket, but not quite as good!
Personal Capital: Similar to Mint, this app allows you to manage your bank, credit and investment accounts all in one place. Personal Capital is great for those who just want a snapshot of their finances without a lot of bells and whistles.
Debt Minder: If you’re burdened by large loan repayments, keep track of them with Debt Minder. This app is available on the iPhone for $0.99, and allows you to keep track of balances and accrued interest. Using color coded graphics and charts, Debt Minder provides an excellent snapshot of where your money is going.

With a plethora of personal finance apps available, keeping track of your financial health has never been more convenient. However, if your financial troubles are more extreme and you’re looking for a CPA in Hawaii, contact Michael J. Yuda CPA, LLC!

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Planning for a Financially Stable Future

Chances are that you have heard it time and time again, but it will always be important to save money! Saving money is much easier said than done, but having an abundance of saved money can ensure financial stability in the future. If you’re constantly burdened by the thought of not having any savings and don’t know where to even start saving, consider seeking the help of CPA to help keep your finances in order. Below are a few tips that can help jumpstart your savings:

Get rid of any existing debt! The sooner you pay off any debt, the less interest you’ll accrue and the sooner you will be able to spend money. Once all debts are paid off, you can begin putting more money into your savings. If you want to save while paying your debt, consider consolidating debts to pay less interest.
Start an emergency fund. Setting aside enough money to survive on for 3-6 months is an excellent idea in the event you lose your job, or are faced with a financial catastrophe.
Set attainable goals and strive to meet them. Whether buying a house, or starting a retirement fund, it’s crucial to map out goals that you must meet in order to fulfill your financial wants. It’s also helpful to establish time frames within the goals.
Record all of your expenses. Keep track of all expenses in your daily life with the help of a CPA or yourself. This is a great way to know which adjustments to make on your spending habits.
Make a budget. After balancing your earnings and setting savings goals, it’s important to budget your money in order to successfully save.

There are many tips and tricks that can help you save money, but a CPA can help guide you and keep your finances in order. If you’re afraid you can’t afford a CPA, it’s still important to keep track of your spending to help secure financial stability.

Aloha!

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