Domestic Partner Benefits

Many people in the U.S. might be living with their significant other but unaware of additional benefits that they may be able to take advantage of.

So what are domestic partner benefits? They are similar to benefits that married couples might have. For example, health insurance, dental coverage, etc.

When your company offers domestic partner benefits, they allow your significant other to partake in those benefits that normally only a spouse or child would be eligible.

Most companies that offer domestic partner benefits merely require the employee to sign an affidavit attesting to the fact that they are in fact in a relationship.

Please also note that domestic partner benefits are not limited to same sex couples, they could also include male and female couples.

Insurance is so necessary in this world, you just never know what can happen. I would encourage everyone who has the option to get insurance, to do it. Insurance plans too difficult to understand? Email me betterbudgets@gmail.com. We can try to make some sense of it.

Taxes

Since our country's birthday just passed, I thought it would be interesting to look at taxes.

Taxes are painful and no one likes to have to pay them. Historically speaking, our taxes have dramatically increased. There is tax on just about everything you can think of.

So right now for the majority of people there are; income tax, property tax, sales tax, payroll taxes, social security taxes, etc. The list goes on and on.

So since we are all dying a slow death by taxes, let's talk about how we can be more proactive.

First thing is first, think about how much money you get for a tax refund every year. Are you getting several thousand dollars back? Stop here, getting a huge refund from the government for your overpayment of taxes is a big mistake.

Some people might say, "but I love getting a huge refund every year!" Of course you do, who wouldn't want to have a big chunk of money? The problem with this is, this money was yours to begin with.

When you overpay your taxes every year, you are giving a free loan to the government. Ideally, you want to have a refund of $0.

Why do you want a $0 refund? When you have no refund it means that you are getting your money throughout the year. If you have your money, you have the ability to make your money work for you.

Why not invest that overpayment in something that will net you interest every year, instead of waiting an entire year to get your money for the government.

Before you dramatically change how you do your taxes, always consult with your accountant or tax attorney.