The Fashionable Accountant

BURGUNDY BELL SLEEVES

January 27, 2017 in FASHION, FINANCE, POSTS

Spring is right around the corner y’all, but here in Florida we are stuck somewhere between Fall and Summer. It’s chilly when we wake up in the morning and melting hot by the afternoon. This makes it so hard to pick an appropriate outfit. One thing I love about this dress is that it has long sleeves, but it’s still not a heavy material, so you can really wear it for all seasons depending on how you pair it. I had bought this dress during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in preparation for Fall, but alas it sat in my closet with the tags still on until now. This was a pretty warm day. It started out in the low 60’s and then moved into the 80’s by the afternoon. I paired it with some open toe booties that way my feet were warm in the morning, but had some breathing room for later. I love, love, love, these booties. They look like they would be so expensive, but I think I paid about $30 for them from Charlotte Russe 2 years ago. I linked some similar pairs. Every girl should have a pair of open toe booties in her closet, especially if you live somewhere like I do where you don’t really experience all the seasons.

Dress (less than $25 right now)/ Booties Sold Out Similar / Purse

Hat / Sunglasses / Necklace / Choker

Watch / Bracelet / Similar Earrings

Lipgloss – Hikari in Merlot

FINANCIAL TIP

Spend, or Splurge!? Great ways to spend, or save your tax return.

So Monday was the first official filing day for your 2016 taxes. For many people this is an exciting time because you are either hoping to get money back, or at least break even. Nobody wants to pay more pesky taxes. Now the term refund is what happens when someone gives you back money. This term does not mean that someone is simply giving you money, but giving you money BACK because you over paid, or returned something. Many people don’t like the word refund with taxes, but the government is simply giving you back what you overpaid throughout the year and what taxes you shouldn’t have had to pay if you have children/dependent care. Many people go crazy and spend their tax return as soon as they get it, which I understand, you now have money to splurge. But, perhaps you can be a bit more financially savvy this year and budget your return, or even save some of it in case of any emergencies that may arise throughout the year. These tips are just things that I have done and may not work for everyone’s budget, especially if you were counting on your tax return for something specific already. Also, if your return is your yearly splurge money then that is awesome too, because we do all need to treat ourselves at times.

  1. Take at least half your tax return and put it aside into your savings account. Then you have the rest to spend and treat yourself without feeling too guilty.
  2. Save the whole thing if you don’t need it now, then perhaps you can take a trip later on in the year when you have built up some more vacation time.
  3. Create a budget for your tax return with items that you know you need to buy and things that you didn’t want to splurge on before because you had limited funds. Then see if you have enough left over after you have fulfilled your needs.
  4. Do you have kids? This could be a good time to get some clothes shopping done for them, or even start their savings account/college fund.
  5. Perhaps you are looking into buying your own home. Save your tax return towards your down payment.
  6. Do you have debt that you need to pay off? Put your tax return towards paying off your debt, or at least a portion of it.
  7. If you really enjoy giving back to your community, or a good cause. Perhaps you could make a charitable donation from your tax return.
  8. Start an investment with your tax return by purchasing some stock, adding to your 401k, or opening up an investment account.
  9. Are you trying to build your credit? Get a prepaid credit card with some of your tax return money, so that you can purchase things and pay it off with the rest of your money.
  10. Go on a shopping spree! That’s right if you don’t need to save, or do any of the above items, or simply don’t want to haha…then why not go right out and splurge a bit. You’ve saved all year and deserve it!

This year I won’t be getting much back, but I will be using mine towards my trip to the Virgin Islands in June. Are you a saver, or a spender? How do you plan on using your tax return if you get one?

Happy Friday! Xoxo

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Comments

  1. Jessi says

    These are some really good financial tips. I am a saver. I like to use some to buy fun things typically, then save the rest because you never know when an emergency will come up! Unfortunately this year we will be using most of the refund on debt, but becoming debt free is one of our long term goals (5 year plan).

  3. Angela Tolsma says

    I love the color of the dress, so pretty.
    Great tips on tax returns. We are putting all of it towards debt. I want to be free from that as soon as possible, so any extra income goes to that. One day it’ll be savings for trips!

  6. Debra says

    That color looks good on you, I also love your boots I was just thinking I needed some cute ankle boots.

  10. Tereza says

    Absolutely gorgeous photos! Love the contrast between your hair and the dress, just stunning! And those earrings are just! xx

  11. Terri Steffes says

    That color is so rich and pretty! As far as taxes are concerned, we always pay, even with our good accountant. That’s ok, we hope that we are helping our country!

  12. Blythe Alpern says

    The plum color looks stunning on you. I’m also a huge fan of the booties. As a girl with short legs, I find open toe booties are perfect for wearing with skirts or dresses. They help to break up the leg and make it look a little longer.

  14. Laura says

    I absolutely adore this dress <3 These are great tips. I especially love the idea of creating a budget for spending your tax return.

  16. Stephanie says

    I love your dress! That color is gorgeous! It’s so tough to find the right outfits for those days with such a temperature change. Those open toed booties look great!

  17. Alyssa Ruane says

    I love the way you styled this! This necklace is super cute. Also, Charlotte Russe has become my new place for cheap but cute booties… I too bought a pair about two years ago ($15!!!), and to this day, I STILL get compliments on them.

  19. Amanda Love says

    I am loving that outfit, the color of the dress is perfect for the season. It looks super comfy as well, perfect for being out all day. I think it’s nice to save your tax return and use it on something that you or your family can benefit from.

  24. Nikki Arnold says

    Thanks Amanda! Yes I thought it would be a great idea to use it for travel this year. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”.

  27. Nikki Arnold says

    Yesss Charlotte Russe has great deals when you shop at the right time for shoes. I always look for the buy one get one $5 deals or something!!

  29. Jalisa says

    I love that color. It’s so cold. I’ve been dying to wear a dress for days now. Then I walk outside and it’s under 40 degrees.