Beware, the Ides of March!

If you are like me, you remember this line from reading Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in high school.  Fortunately for me, my friends are not the murderous type like Brutus.  And you will be happy to know, I don’t have warnings in mind today, just friendly reminders!

1. Tax Day is one month away:  Did you know that until 1995, the Ides of March was the tax deadline?  So, if you have not yet started, federal tax returns and most state returns are due April 15, one month from today.  You need to have either electronically filed, postmarked a mail-in return, or filed for an extension by that date.  NOTE:  an extension gives you extra time to file, but not extra time to pay. After you file an extension, if you owe taxes when you file your return, you might also have to pay penalties and interest on the tax due.  If you need motivation to get going, here is a past blog about all the new tax cuts that may apply to you.
2. College Decisions are arriving…with the financial aid offer:  If you have a high school senior, you may be getting those final decision announcements.  Admission to a college should also bring a financial aid offer letter.  If your wonderful young student has choices, be sure to compare apples and apples when looking at the financial aid offered by each school.  If they are wildly different, don’t hesitate to call the schools and ask questions.  Tell them you are looking at different offers.  Give them the details of what you are looking at.  This is a completely acceptable thing to do.  I know one family who was able to snag an extra $20,000 over four years from the school of choice because they were able to match what was being offered elsewhere.  Not a bad return for a couple phone calls.
3. Tax Refunds are also arriving:  If this is you, make a written plan for it, especially if you have any kind of debt other than a home mortgage or low-interest auto loan.  If you are getting a large refund, re-read this.

And as always, if you need a professional to talk over any of the personal financial situations in your life, you can always book a free call with me here or drop me a line here.