How To Pick Up The Pieces After The Recession

Even though the economy is supposedly on the mend, many Americans are not exactly reaping the benefits. In fact, too many Americans are still pinching pennies, living paycheck to paycheck, and accruing even more debt -- instead of getting out of it. These things are not necessarily the direct results of the Recession, however. Ill-advised spending, saving, and financing definitely have something to do with it, too. If you are currently struggling to make ends meet, here are some things you need to consider while managing your money.


Take Some Accountability

Only 25% of Americans ages 30 to 69 use a financial planner to track their spending and savings -- and that number has actually increased by 21% since 1990! One of the simplest accounting tips and tricks -- and yet one of the most important -- is to be conscious of your spending. Keep track of money in a planner or online. Know how much you are bringing in from work (and any other sources of income), and know roughly how much you'll have left after paying monthly bills and going grocery shopping.

Treat Your Savings Account Like Any Other Bill

Whether you are perusing individual or small business accounting tips, there is always a consensus about at least one thing: some savings are absolutely necessary to have. Living from paycheck to paycheck with absolutely zero leniency can easily pose problems, and a savings account (and one that you keep up!) is your defense against that. Treat it like any other bill. Pick an amount -- $30, $50, $100 or more -- and deposit that amount into your savings account every week or every other week, and don't make any exceptions.

Live A Little

Spending money responsibly is like eating healthy. If you always deprive yourself, you're vastly more likely to mess it up. Just like it's perfectly okay to go out to a restaurant, attend a holiday dinner, or eat a cookie from time to time -- these measures can actually help people stick to a healthy diet the other 90% of the time -- the same is true of spending. If you really want a new book, DVD, a new outfit, whatever, treat yourself once every two weeks or once every month. When you know that you can buy a little something extra sometimes, it helps put an end to impulsive shopping and irresponsible spending.

What is financial accounting? How much does it cost to hire an accountant? When managing your money, you don't necessarily need to know the answers to these questions. A professional can help you when managing your money and when consolidating debt. However, as long as you spend wisely, keep track of spending, and treat your savings account like a bill, you should be okay.

You'd Be Surprised What You Can Write Off As A Tax Deduction

Do you have a deadbeat boyfriend or girlfriend? That's great! At least for tax deduction purposes. "Couples who can claim their significant other as a dependent can also use them as a tax break," ABC News reports. The claimant must also pay half, or more, of their partner's expenses.

When it comes down to it, filing your taxes may seem like a stressful and less than pleasant time. With some creativity and luck, you can successfully (and entirely legally!) write off some pretty surprising things. The best tax preparation services share some of the strangest tax deductions.

It's All About That Work-Life Balance 

Want the federal government to pay you to get a babysitter? It is possible, with some caveats. If you take up volunteer work, for example, you may be able to write off the expenses of a babysitter. Any work must be for a non-profit charity, so keep that in mind.

Do You Feed Feral Cats? Apparently, That's Fair Game For a Tax Deduction 

"A couple who owned a junkyard were allowed to write off the cost of cat food they set out to attract wild cats," MSN writes. There is some bad news, though. This particular couple may have gotten pretty lucky, according to top tax services. Apparently, these particular feral cats also hunted the rats and snakes in the junkyard, doing something of a public service for the owners and patrons.

That's One Way To Win Over Customers

One generous businessman attracted new customers to his gas station with a one-of-a-kind promotion. The promotion involved some sales, but mostly just giving away free beer -- and he was able to write it off on his taxes. A small business tax accountant can work wonders. He or she will be able to help you file small business taxes, write off as many expenses as possible, and receive a higher return. The best tax preparation services will also save you considerable time. It takes eight hours for an individual to file their taxes -- imagine how long it might take a business or organization! With an accountant, you don't have to worry about it.

The IRS received 144,103,375 tax returns in 2012 -- and with some surprising deductions. Talk to a small business tax accountant about getting the most out of your business and your quarterly or yearly tax return.