Rule of Thumb:
Midnight Comes Quick
Finances, like plants, need time to grow – but midnight comes quick each night. Learn the secrets behind one of our top Rules of Thumb, and find practical tools to help you tend that money garden.
You have to make your own magic
Forget about wishing on stars – this is all about trusting your gut. Everyone encounters offers that seem too good to be true, as well as hidden gems that need to be acted on quickly. Do your research and stay on top of the trends so you can make informed choices with time to spare.
Tax deadlines come quicker
It isn’t just April 15th that you have to worry about – important financial deadlines are always looming. Be mindful of the approaching midnight hour to ensure that your files are properly submitted on time. It could mean the difference between success and a big fat pumpkin of a penalty fine. E-filing and at-home software makes this easier than (pumpkin) pie.
Remember… Cinderella
She forgot about her midnight deadline, and her night ended with swift transformation. She went from princess back to pauper. It all worked out in the end, but she cut it awfully close.
Tool of the Trade: pdf2qfx Convert. Convert your historical statements into Quicken for easy tax filing – even at the last minute.
Time is money
Maximize your hours by streamlining your accounts into one money management program. Choices like Quicken and QuickBooks do the calculations and categorization for you, so accounting is quick and easy. Income tax filing is finished in a flash, leaving you with more time for fun, family, and moneymaking. How’s that for a happy ending to your financial fairy tale?
Remember…. Puss in Boots
This clever cat was the master of working smarter, not harder. He was also a big believer in joie de vivre and savior-faire – both of which are helpful for anyone trying to live a happier life.
Tool of the Trade: 2qbo Convert Pro. One purchase gives you everything you need to get all of your files into QuickBooks. You can get more done in less time!
Then it’s back to everyday life
Treat yourself well when you’ve had success, but always remember to stay grounded in reality. It’s one thing to lose a glass slipper – quite another to lose your house or retirement savings. Don’t burn through money recklessly, because you might end up with nothing but ashes. Balance big risk opportunities against practical safeguards to keep your finances on an even keel.
Remember… The Three Little Pigs
Invest in a solid foundation so you don’t lose it all in one blow. Straw houses don’t hold up, but brick houses will stand steady against the financial highs and lows.
Tool of the Trade: pdfF2csv Convert. Those seeking simple, secure, and affordable home finance options can try Excel or Google docs. Converting PDF statements and other files into CSV allows you to upload everything into one master spreadsheet, on or offline.
Midnight comes quick… and fairy godmothers don’t come cheap these days
Choose wisely when considering financial advisors, investors, and opportunities. A third party could help you transform your situation, but you get what you pay for. If a potential magic maker seems too good to be true, remember that midnight comes quick. Things tend to become clear in the light of the day.
