Your Real Net Worth

  

For accountants, your personal net worth is one of the simplest calculations they might be asked to perform. Add up your assets in column A, add your debt in column B, then subtract B from A to find your net worth. It's a number you should know, or at least be able to estimate, and it's good to check it every year.  Since it's the beginning of a new year, the sweet spot between New Year's resolutions and tax time, there might not be a better time to figure out your net worth than right now.  When you do, don't forget all of the value that might not translate into worth.  We've got a short breakdown for you, along with a way to maximize the value in your life while minimizing how much it costs you:

Your education increases your net worth, even though it may not look like it.  Very few investments offer the rate of return that continuing education does.  Those who finish their college degree earn, on average, about twice as much as those with a high school diploma over the course of their lifetimes, and the gap has been widening for at least 35 years.  Still, your future earning potential doesn't show up on your net worth, even though your student debt does.  If you're trying to decide whether to go back to school, take a few extra classes or get a new certification, the cost may seem intimidating since there's no immediate benefit.  Don't let that fool you.

An education can also increase the value you get out of your life, helping you find a job that makes you happier or getting that promotion you've been wanting at your current employer.  Outside of work, going back to school can help you learn a new language or skill you've always wanted to learn, get you up-to-date on current technology and trends in your field, and model good life choices for your children.  Just wait until they see you doing homework on a Friday night!

It also doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, and you don't have to try for federal financial aid.  We have a variety of products designed to put some money in your pocket now, whether it's a home equity loan, a personal loan, or any of our other financial plans.  If you're thinking to yourself, "But I'll be 40 (or 50, or 60) by the time I finish," remember, you'll be 40 (or 50, or 60) anyway.  

Find out information about our loans that could make it happen here: penair.org/Loans

Your kids are a drain on your net worth, but a blessing in your life.  Let's face it, kids are expensive. The Department of Agriculture estimates that raising a child born this year to the age of 18 will cost about $250,000.  While a quarter of a million dollars is a lot of money, that only gets them to age 18, but with tuition prices skyrocketing and kids staying at home longer than they have historically, the actual figure of raising children today gets much higher much faster.  Financial analysts predict the average four-year tuition for a public university in 2030 will be $250,000, or about the same as it cost to raise that child from birth to dropping them off at the dorm.  If you have two children, you could easily spend one million dollars on them before they leave college.  In your net worth, this is only reflected as a constant drain on your savings, a net negative.

The value of children is probably pretty obvious to you, but there has to be a way to lower the cost of raising them, right?  First, let's cut down those college costs, because that's half the battle.  We've got a variety of college savings programs that offer great returns while also being tax-deductible.  Getting to $250,000 might seem like a pipe dream, but saving even a little every month can add up quickly, thanks to compound interest.  

Next, let's find a way to save money on school while helping your child now. There are a lot of ways to encourage a gifted child, from tennis camp to musical instruments.  If your child wants to stare at the Internet all day, maybe you should talk to them about a new laptop and some software engineering classes for kids.  If they like the outdoors (or you'd like them to go outside occasionally), try a digital camera.  All of these ideas cost money now, but could result in scholarships down the road, all while giving them a head start on a career or passion they can follow their whole life.  If you're wondering how you can pay for all of that, check out our money market accounts and share savings certificates.  You can contribute a little money every month, and you'll have enough for those classes or that camera before you know it.  

Your home is your biggest investment.  When was the last time you checked up on it?  When you bought your house, it might have been the best available house in the neighborhood for the price.  After all, if it weren't, you would have bought some other house, right?  Is it still the best in the neighborhood for the price?  Is the neighborhood still regarded the same way by home buyers?  How do you know?  This weekend, it's time for window shopping.  Take the value of your home from your last appraisal and check the Internet for houses in your area in the same price range.  How does your house stack up?  Make a list so you can compare between houses.  Next, check your decor.  When you moved in, did the house feel a little dated?  Did you do anything about it?  How many of the houses you saw online seemed newer or more fashionable?

After you finish your house hunting, you've got three options:  If you saw a house that you like as much as the one you're in now, but it's going for less money, you could think about moving there.  After all, mortgage rates are incredibly low for the time being, and if you could be just as happy in a less expensive house, then that's money you could use on something else.  If your house is as good or better as the others in the neighborhood, but could use a facelift, you might want to think about remodeling.  Remodeling your home can increase its value and make it easier to find a buyer, so part of what you spend now may come back to you when you sell,  with the added benefit of living in a nicer house in the meantime.  Finally, if your house is still the best around, think about refinancing while rates are low.  You're probably not going to find fixed rates this low for a long time (if ever), so locking in that lower rate now can save you tons of money going forward, while cashing out some equity can help knock down any pesky credit card debt you need to take care of, so you only need to write one check every month, while paying far less in interest.

If you're looking for a first mortgage or if you want to remodel, check out our home equity lines of credit (HELOC) here: penair.org/Mortgage

If you want to see what a refinance can do for you, we've got a simple form here: Mortgage Check-Up

Sources:

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/08/05/how-higher-education-affects-lifetime-salary

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/business/economy/a-simple-equation-more-education-more-income.html

What Do I Do With My Refund?

We don't normally like to tell you how to spend your money.  Our members tend to be very good at that, often finding creative ways to turn the hours they've spent at the office into new ways to enjoy their lives.  More often, we tell you how to not spend your money by letting you know about our fantastic savings options that can produce dividends in varying amounts of time, or we'll often tell you about ways to use your good credit for getting a loan that can make your life better or save you money in the long run.  

At tax time, however, we thought we'd take a different direction.  If you've got a windfall coming from the IRS and don't want to watch it disappear as you spend an extra $50 or $100 here or there, we've got some plans that can turn your refund into lifelong memories, earn you money in the long run or both, all while spending time doing what you want to do.  

We're working with a hypothetical assumption that you have around $1,000 coming, because it can be an awkward amount of money.  It's not enough to pay off a big chunk of debt or fund the purchase of a life-changing item like a house or new car, but it's too much to ignore.  $1,000 is a lot of money to spend, but not a lot to have.

Tackle one home improvement project

We've all got a list of things we'd like to do around the house.  Maybe you'd like a deck for grilling once the winter lets up, or you'd like a more welcoming front entryway to your home, or you'd like to drag the kitchen into the twenty-first century.  Talk to your spouse, your kids or whoever might enjoy what you're planning to build.  See what they have to say and what their interest levels might be in helping you out.  Once you come up with a plan, watch some YouTube videos to make sure it's something you can handle, and then mark your calendar.  Set times to work, and make it a family project.  By the time you've finished, you'll have improved the value of your home, spent time building something tangible with your family, and you won't have to suffer through a summer without your deck.  

If you can't think of a fun project your kids might enjoy, what about building a wood-fired outdoor pizza oven?  They're simple enough to assemble, the kids will definitely enjoy it, and most home kitchens are ill-suited to making really good pizza.  

Once that project is done, you can always go back for more.  If everyone had a great time, take a look at what's next on your list and tackle that.  Once your ambition to improve your home outpaces your refund, come see us about a home equity loan or line of credit and we'll help you turn your house into the home of your dreams.

Take a parents' weekend

Getting an evening away from the kids can be difficult, and a weekend might seem impossible, but it doesn't have to be that way.  You're holding a refund check from the IRS and it might be enough to ship the kids off to grandma and grandpa's house, or pay for a couple of nights at a hotel in a nearby city.  If you haven't tried it yet, AirBNB has made it easier than ever to find a great rate on a place to stay, even at the last minute.  Guys: you get bonus points if you take her somewhere for Valentine's Day; dinner and a show might be lame at home, but in another city it can be romantic.  When was the last time she got to wear her favorite dress or jewelry?

A parents' weekend is a great way to invest in your future, even if it doesn't seem like it at first.  Study after study says that Americans don't vacation as much as the rest of the world, and that those who do tend to be more productive.  Watch how much more smoothly everything goes at work when you get back.  

If you're looking for an inexpensive getaway, try New Orleans.  It's got haunted tours, antiquing and brass bands during the day, while still offering you world-class restaurants (Commander's Palace is a must for upscale restaurants, Mother's Po Boys for downscale, and try the char-grilled oysters at Acme for a taste you can't get at home that is priced right in the middle) and Bourbon Street at night.  Mardi Gras is just around the corner, but you can save a bundle by heading down afterward.  Maybe while the kids are on spring break?

Encourage a gifted child

Many families find that they'd rather splurge on the kids than on themselves.  If that's the case, why not use your tax refund to invest in your child's future?  Purchase an instrument, a trainer or a tutor for a child who's shown an interest in a special activity.  The college admissions process has gotten incredibly competitive since you went through it, and the leadership and talent demonstrated through extracurriculars could mean the difference between getting into that prestigious East Coast school or having to stay home at football state university.  Beyond admissions, talents your child can demonstrate will also help him or her get scholarships, making the investment you put in today a sound one financially, as well as spiritually.

If your child hasn't displayed any gifts or specific interests, this might be a chance to spark something.  You could try paying for a school trip, which seems to happen every other month, or even take a family trip to Europe.  If you still can't figure out what they'd like, you could always put the money into their college fund.  We offer several tax-exempt programs, which would let this year's refund come off of next year's taxes while it earns interest toward their inevitably enormous tuition bill, which many experts think will be around $250,000 by 2030.

Weekend Getaways On A Limited Budget

Question: We'd love to get away for a fun weekend, but don't want to dip into savings. Can you give me some ideas for a low-cost, weekend getaway?

There are many ways to escape for the weekend without breaking the bank. You don't have to take an expensive ski trip or visit a tropical island paradise to receive the intended benefits-namely getting away for some rest and relaxation so you can return revitalized and ready to face winter again. Here are some tips and creative ideas for planning an inexpensive trip that won't leave you in the red:

Stay close to home

Sometimes all you need is a slight change of scenery or break from the routine to feel refreshed and revitalized. Is there a cute bed and breakfast the next town over that you've been meaning to try? A nearby local attraction? If you'll be driving instead of flying, you'll have more money in your budget for lodging and dinner. If you can, reserve a room with a fireplace or spa, since there's little that beats staring into a crackling fire with a glass of wine or relaxing in a bubbling hot tub. Find a bed and breakfast offering specials near you at bnbfinder.com.

Avoid popular destinations

Save yourself some time: Don't even bother thinking about Maui or Cancun. Winter is also peak season for ski destinations such as Aspen, Park City and Jackson Hole. If you want to hit the slopes or bask on sun-drenched beaches at the most popular resorts this time of year, you'll be paying top dollar. If your goal is a ski getaway, why not try out a resort that's close to home? Or if your heart is set on a tropical beach, try out one of the up-and-coming areas where prices are still low. Chances are, you'll have just as much fun. In addition to saving money, you'll escape the crowds.

Visit a national park

National parks are one of America's most treasured resources. Together, the U.S.'s 400 national parks draw 275 million visitors per year. Summer is peak season in most of them. A visit during winter would let you enjoy nature without crowds of tourists. If you've already been to the national parks in your area, try taking a road trip to one in the next state over. There's a reason these areas have been preserved-they contain some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the country. Many parks don't charge admission, and those that do will usually offer three-day passes. You can often find interesting accommodations within the park boundaries, but better deals can usually be found at motels in surrounding towns.  

Do your Internet research

The Internet is definitely your best friend for finding the best travel deals. Make it a point to bookmark budget travel pages and sign up for their email alerts. Receiving alerts on great deals can fill up your in-box, but you can always set up a special folder for travel planning. Alerts can save you hours of online research, and if you're lucky, one will pop into your inbox at exactly the right time. Many travel websites, including Budget Travel, the Travel Channel and Kiplinger, have put together lists of the best sites for finding good travel deals. There are new websites popping up all the time to help find the best deals on airfare,car rentals,hotels,bus and train travel and even all-inclusive packages. It's just a matter of deciding which ones are your favorites.

Use your air miles

If you've been saving up frequent-flier miles through an airline rewards program, now might be the time to use them. Often, these programs have expiration dates, so if you don't use them, you may lose them. And with airfare for your getaway taken care of, that only leaves food and lodging to worry about.

Take advantage of coupons

Tons of amazing travel deals can be found through online coupon sites such as Groupon, LivingSocial and Travelzoo. And besides saving you money, they can take you on an adventure. Many merchants who are offering deals through these sites are just getting established or are up-and-coming. They may not have a premier location or a big advertising budget, but since they're seeking new business, they'll most certainly appreciate it when you show up. Signing up for multiple online-coupon sites can easily overwhelm your email inbox. Luckily, there are now several aggregators, including DailyDibs, that can compile deals from online coupon sites and send you a daily report.

Use Airbnb

Although the hotel industry is not a fan of Airbnb, travelers certainly are. Not only can you save substantially on lodging, but you can stay in a place with all the comforts of home, including kitchens where you can save even more by cooking your own meals. The site offers 1.5 million listings in 34,000 cities and 190 countries, so it's likely there are available accommodations in the vacation destination you've chosen. Reviews of hosts provide a measure of security. Choose wisely however: Airbnb properties range from rooms in someone's home to short-term luxurious vacation rentals. The plus: most are in desirable neighborhoods and contain all the comforts of home.

Take couch surfing to a new level

You can't get much cheaper than free! Operating on the same principles as Airbnb, couchsurfing.com lets you send out queries to people who might be interested in hosting you in their home for free. Popular among Millennials looking to travel and meet new friends, couchsurfing lets you experience a locale on a local level. Often your hosts will not only put you up for the night and feed you in the morning, but also take you sightseeing and introduce you to their friends. The idea is that if you're part of this network, you'll reciprocate by hosting travelers in your home sometime, too.

Try house-swapping

Know some friends in another city who may want to escape for a little while, too? Arrange for a house swap. With accommodations taken care of, all you'll need to worry about is the cost of travel. If you're flying, you should be able to find a good deal by using one of the plentiful cheap airfare finders. If you don't have friends interested in switching abodes, you can look for places on sites such as HomeExchange.com and LoveHomeSwap.  

Whatever you do, make it a fun vacation. Set a budget and reward yourself for sticking to it by planning your next getaway when you get back!

Your Tax Refund - Why Is It So Small?

This time of year, W-2 forms are coming in, shoe-boxes are coming out and kitchen tables are disappearing under a pile of documents.  It's tax time, and the most common set of questions we hear revolve around the same issue: Why is my refund so small? How can I make it bigger? While we are not tax professionals, here are some observations we've had while serving our members over the years. You may want to discuss them in further detail with your tax advisor.

Question:  Why is my refund so small?

Answer: There's no secret to withholding.  You tell the IRS factors about your life, your employer holds money back to "guess" at how much you'll pay in income taxes, and then whatever has been withheld is paid to the IRS for covering your annual income tax burden.  If, in fact, you've withheld more during the year than you need to pay, the IRS will pay you back any extra income you've withheld.  

If your tax refund is smaller than you expect, then you didn't withhold enough money to cover your tax bill.  If the amount is surprising because it doesn't look like last year's refund, then you probably had something different happen this year.  Did you pick up extra income?  Did a child move out?  Did you stop paying the interest on your mortgage or student loans?  Knowing this, if you're looking for a reason why your refund was smaller, start with the changes in your life.

If you still can't figure it out, look at how much you made this year as well as your total withholding.  If you made significantly more than last year while withholding the same amount, that could be the reason.  If you want better, more specific answers, take your information to a tax preparation professional.

Question:  So, should I withhold more?

Answer:  We hear this one a lot. Many of our members were raised on "the IRS savings plan," particularly if they came from poorer or lower middle-class backgrounds.  Families that had trouble getting ahead would plan on tax refunds for a once-a-year spending spree.  Now, as the children of those families have grown up, they want to have that type of spree as well.  

It's not a good idea to withhold more money so you can have a bigger refund.  In fact, it's about the worst investment you can make, because you get paid no interest on it.  Your money will even lose value due to inflation while the government holds it, so it's like you paid someone for the privilege of not accessing your money while it earned zero interest.  Imagine a free checking and savings account, except the exact opposite in every way: It's not free, you can't access it like a checking account, and you don't earn interest on it like a savings account.  Its a free checking and savings account you set up for someone else.

Question:  How can I get more money back?

Answer:  The obvious way to get more money back is to find more deductions or withhold more during the year. However, there are other ways to make tax time more profitable.  

Imagine that, instead of withholding an extra $100 every month, you invested it in a savings certificate, money market, or Christmas club account.  Over the course of the year, you'd accumulate $1,200 in principle, just like you'd have an extra $1,200 coming from the IRS. In other words, this method is just as good as the IRS savings plan: If something crazy happens on your tax return or you have some money to avoid a big tax bill, you can have a big annual spending spree.  

But it's better than withholding for a variety of reasons.  First, you can access it if you're putting that money into a money market or other savings program. Second, your money will be protected from inflation, and then it will grow. Earnings on different programs vary based upon what you choose to invest in, along with other factors. But even earning a couple of percentage points above inflation could lead to another $100 in your pocket on top of the principle, and save you $100 that you would have lost to inflation.  $200 isn't chump change, particularly on a modest investment, and it could even be more depending upon how much you invest and the program you choose.  Even if you don't earn much, though, it's still better than giving that money away.

Even better, you can use that money to double dip.  If you withhold that extra $100 every month, then deposit it into one of our tax-exempt college or retirement savings funds, you can have a big payday while building deductions for next year, so you'll get even more back.  Obviously, your specific situation will vary and there are limits to how much you can put into each of your tax-exempt accounts, but if you're interested in starting the snowball effect of compound interest, tax deductions and long-term savings, give us a call at 850.505.3200 and we'll get you set up in no time.