Important Financial Dates 2015

Important Financial Dates 2015
The beginning of 2015 is the perfect opportunity to get your finances in order. One part of this is to make note of the important financial dates in the coming year. This way you will be prepared in advance.


Tax Deadlines

Taxes are a must-pay. There are several tax deadlines of which to be aware. January 15th is the last estimated tax payment deadline date for 2014 taxes. Anyone who is required to pay estimated tax is familiar with this date. Similar estimated tax dates are April 15th, June 15th, and September 15th.

Financial institutions and employers are required to send out important tax information by February 2nd. These can include W-2s and 1099s. It pays to have a folder or electronic file prepared to store these documents. This saves you from hunting for them as you struggle to pay your taxes by the April 15th deadline.

Some taxpayers who have very simple tax situations may skip the January 15th estimated payment but must file their taxes by January 31st. In 2015, that date moves to February 2nd since January 31st is a Saturday.

Most investors will want to wait to file their taxes their brokerage or mutual fund company may send information after February 2nd. This is because some tax related information may be late arriving to the brokerage so they file an extension. You want to wait for the final tax documents to come to you so that you do not have to file an amended return.

Dividends

Dividends are usually paid out each quarter. The date will vary from one company to another. It pays to keep a record of these dates. One reason is so that you know the ex-dividend date and the record date. You do not want to invest in a stock on the ex-dividend date since you will not receive the dividend. You do want to invest before the record date so that you are on the company’s books and will receive the dividend.

Maturity Dates

It pays to track any maturity dates of bonds and certificate of deposits. This allows you time to put in reinvestment orders for individual bonds such as Treasuries. Plus, you can research CD rates and check your finances. This way you will know if you need the money or where to reinvest it at the best rates.

IRA Contributions

Remember you have until April 15th to make a contribution to your IRA for 2014. This can benefit you immensely in the long run as your money can grow tax deferred. Plus, you can reduce your taxes with your traditional IRA contribution if you meet the IRS requirements.


Everyone has their own personal financial dates to add to this list. Keeping a calendar or app updated with these dates can help you remember them. This can save you money and hassle.


Are you interested in a simple portfolio to save for retirement? Please check out my book on building a simple retirement portfolio that is available at Amazon.com:
Investing $10K in 2014 (Sandra's Investing Basics)



Join the Discussion!
Sandra Investing/HFinance:
The beginning of 2015 is the perfect opportunity to get your finances in order. One part of this is to make note of the important financial dates in the coming year. This way you will be prepared in advance.

Important Financial Dates 2015

Sandra Investing/HFinance:
Do you have your finances in order? Know where to find all your information for taxes?

It is a good idea to keep a main list of any accounts, credit cards, etc. so that you keep track of all your financial information in one place.

Yvonnie-Inspired:
AWesome article Sandra!

Looking at your book, INVESTING $10K IN 2014. Will you be publishing a 2015 version soon or is this book current enough for me to work with?

Sandra Investing/HFinance:
Yvonnie,

I will be publishing a 2015 version (Investing $10K in 2015) in about a week. I will also be publishing another book - The Simple Way to Invest Successfully.

The 2014 book is current enough to work with though. I usually try to recommend investing and investments that work under most economic circumstances. A balanced approach seems to cover most situations.

Yvonnie-Inspired:
Sandra-

Thanks! I'm looking forward to both.

I'm planning to get a Roth and make some educated guesses on stock options for the year. I was thinking, with interest rates so low, Real Estate investments might be smarter right now. What's your opinion?

Sandra Investing/HFinance:
Yvonne,

You make a good point about the low interest rates. They are having a positive effect on real estate. What kind of investments are you considering?

Real estate investments can vary widely. My basic thoughts are to build a balanced stock and bond portfolio before adding real estate into the mix. A real estate investment trust (REIT) can then be a good addition.

But perhaps you are considering investing in actual properties. Let me first say that real estate is not my area of expertise. You can make good money in properties or lose your shirt and be in big debt.

I still think a home can be a good investment if you plan to live there for at least five years and can pay it off before retirement.

Rental properties I am much more cautious of suggesting. To do it well requires gaining a lot of knowledge in dealing with landlording issues or property management firms.

That being said, a low interest rate environment provides one good aspect in your favor.

Yvonnie-Inspired:
Sandra-

Thanks for your response. I am considering purchasing one or two small condos in University areas. I'd love to do a vacation home that could be rented out, but I'll have to put that off because I do not have the time to do a lot of the research on the area laws and property bylaws. Nor do I want to invest in the travel costs at this time.

I do know the landlord laws in Illinois and just having to manage the bylaws is a bit easier.

Can't wait it get my hands on your new books. I'm really excited about our financials this year!!!!!!

Sandra Investing/HFinance:
Excellent. Sounds to me like you have done your research and are well-prepared to invest in real estate.

Sandra Investing/HFinance:
Yvonnie,

The Simple Way to Invest Successfully and Investing $10K in 2015 are now on Amazon. Check out your site email. I sent you copies.

Add Your Viewpoint: Post Your Thoughts

You Should Also Read:
Investments and Tax Season
Financial Moves for the New Year
Organize Your Finances

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