Apply the power of positive thinking to your payroll tax holiday
From the March 2009 issue of Ceridian Connection.
Bombarded by negative news, it can be easy to fall into depression and feel that the world is out of control. You can also make conscious choices about how you spend the additional money in your paychecks this year. You may need more money in the bank to make you feel more secure. You may need to indulge in small luxuries to "lighten your load." You may want to feel like you're making a difference in the world and preparing for better times ahead.
"Stimulating" ways to spend your extra pay in 2009
Lastly, to restore your faith in people, invite your coworkers to create a list like this in your own workplace. You'll be amazed at the great suggestions and the diverse ways that your colleagues "restore their souls."
As a public service to help employers and the public, Ceridian's LifeWorks Employee Assistance Program is making several resources available to help Americans cope with economic issues in 2009.
Resources for employees
Note: Ceridian does not endorse any of the personal choices or Web sites listed. Please see Terms & Conditions of this Web site for more information.
Bombarded by negative news, it can be easy to fall into depression and feel that the world is out of control. You can also make conscious choices about how you spend the additional money in your paychecks this year. You may need more money in the bank to make you feel more secure. You may need to indulge in small luxuries to "lighten your load." You may want to feel like you're making a difference in the world and preparing for better times ahead.
| The Making Work Pay tax credit will result in additional take home pay of about $400 for single filers, $800 for married couples.
implemented effective April 1, 2009. |
"Stimulating" ways to spend your extra pay in 2009
- Invest in books that expand your horizons and prepare you for a rebounding economy. www.bn.com
- Rock on. www.itunes.com
- Feed starving children in Africa, Haiti and other impoverished places in the world. www.fmsc.org
- Help cure cancer. www.cancer.org
- Save the baristas with a venti Starbucks once a week, or pick up a daily cup of joe from a local coffee shop.
- Increase your support of your religious or spiritual community. It's a long-term investment.
- Upgrade your child care arrangements to ensure a stable, enriching environment.
- Save more for your retirement. Put it in your 401k to take advantage of any available matching funds and the power of compound interest.
- Save for your children's college educations.
- Relive the good old days of the '90s by watching DVDs or online versions of L.A. Law, Melrose Place, Ally McBeal, Seinfeld or Mad About You. www.hulu.com
- Buy one gallon of premium paint per month and perk up your home's decor.
- Subscribe to Netflix and enjoy evenings at home with the family. www.netflix.com
- If you're from the northern climes, combat the late-winter blues with a night's stay at a hotel with a water park.
- Treat the family with one family-sized pizza every week from Papa Murphy's. www.papamurphys.com
- Purchase a smaller, reliable car and apply your extra pay to the payments.
- Splurge on a new pair of shoes from the clearance rack -- maybe even two pairs!
- Buy a large HD TV (maybe to get ready for the digital conversion) on a credit card and make the minimum monthly payments to help stimulate the economy.
- Replace one incandescent light bulb each week with a compact fluorescent light bulb. That's money saving more money.
- Buy used CDs, DVDs or books.
- Start (or increase) an automatic savings deposit from your paycheck. A few dollars add up quickly.
- Buy a birdfeeder and seed and start a new, relaxing hobby enjoying wildlife in your backyard.
- Buy yourself or your spouse flowers every month.
- Take the kids to one new place a month that they've never been to. Maybe a small town museum, an art fair or a zoo.
- Buy tickets to a local children's theater and take the kids or your nieces and nephews.
- Save it in a "gas fund" to offset the inevitable gas price increase this spring and summer.
- Start an aquarium.
- Buy some fishing poles and take the kids fishing.
- Buy a really nice kite -- one with two or more strings and learn to fly it. It's exhilarating.
- Make a homeless person's day.
- Buy everyone in your office/department soda or coffee (if your office charges for these).
Lastly, to restore your faith in people, invite your coworkers to create a list like this in your own workplace. You'll be amazed at the great suggestions and the diverse ways that your colleagues "restore their souls."
As a public service to help employers and the public, Ceridian's LifeWorks Employee Assistance Program is making several resources available to help Americans cope with economic issues in 2009.
Resources for employees
Note: Ceridian does not endorse any of the personal choices or Web sites listed. Please see Terms & Conditions of this Web site for more information.
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