4 dates to put on your calendar to keep from stressing about money this fall
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To keep from stressing about money this fall, add a few important deadlines to your calendar.Start with the dates for quarterly estimated tax payments and student loan payments.Then, mark the deadline for tax extensions, charitable donations, and 401(k) contributions. Loading Something is loading.
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As we are heading steadily towards fall and the end of the year, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday routine of back to school, work commutes, and the holidays.
Knowing when your monthly bills are due and understanding your spending habits is a very important foundation for financial success, but add these deadlines to your calendar so you can smartly handle your finances all year.
1. September 15: Estimated tax payments deadline
The third-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2023 is September 15 and applies to income from self-employment, small businesses, and gig economy earners. Typically, you will need to make estimated tax payments if you are expecting an annual tax liability of $1,000 or more. So if you have a small business or have been driving for Uber, this tax payment deadline may apply to you.
2. October 1: Student loan repayment resumes
Although it’s been pushed back a few times, student loan payments will resume on October 1 — and that’s a hard deadline. Throughout the month of September, sit down with your budget and review your spending habits so you can comfortably start making those payments again.
If adding student loan payments might break the budget, think about increasing your income now. What does that look like? Will that be a side hustle or a second job?
You may also want to call your student loan servicer and discuss repayment options based on your income or income driven repayment plans. An income driven repayment plan sets your monthly student loan payment at an amount that is intended to be affordable based on your income and family size.
If you’re considering refinancing your student loans for a lower payment, we’ve reviewed the best student loan refinance companies, or get prequalified for student loans without impacting your credit score.3. October 16: Deadline for taxpayers who received an extension
If you were one of the many who applied for a tax extension to file your federal tax return, the deadline of October 16 (because October 15 is on a Sunday this year) is fast approaching. Get those income tax returns in to meet the extension deadline.
4. December 31: Charitable donations and 401(k) contributions are due
Any charitable donations that you would like to be deducted from your income taxes needs to be completed within the same calendar year.
The same applies to 2023 401(k) contributions. Unlike IRAs, you only have until the end of the current year to max out your 401(k) contributions.
Bonus: Make an extra mortgage payment before the end of the year
If you can, make an extra mortgage payment before the end of the year. You may not know this, but when you make your mortgage payment, especially in the beginning, a lot of that money goes toward the interest, not the principal. When you pay an extra mortgage payment, you can tell your mortgage lender that money should go directly to the principal.
If you do this regularly, you will gradually reduce your loan balance. This means you will pay less interest over time and you can pay your mortgage off faster, which all means that you will be saving money over time.
Jennifer Streaks
Senior Personal Finance Reporter and Spokesperson
Jennifer is a Senior Personal Finance Reporter and Spokesperson for the Personal Finance vertical at Business Insider. She started her career covering personal finance at Black Enterprise Magazine, went on to CNBC where she covered personal finance, women and money and tech and then Forbes, where she reported on personal finance, business, tech and money matters related to the economy, investing, credit and entrepreneurship. Jennifer is also the author of Thrive!…Affordably: Your Month to Month Guide to living your Best Life without breaking the bank. The book offers advice, tips and financial management lessons geared towards helping the reader highlight strengths, identify missteps and take control of their finances. In addition, she has extensive experience as an on-air financial commentator and has been a featured expert discussing credit and savings, investing and retirement, mortgages and all things money and personal finance. She has an ability to discuss and simplify complex financial issues and make them easier to understand. Follow her on Twitter @jstreaks.
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