Let's Talk with Nancy J. Cohen
Let’s Talk with Nancy J Cohen
January 30, 2020
The Numbers Game
by Nancy J. Cohen
January is my month for financial planning. I have to complete my spreadsheets to send to the accountant for taxes. One of these pertains to household expenses, and the other to my writing career. It’s the perfect time to evaluate what worked and what didn’t, and what we must do next. Did the money we planned out for xyz produce the desired results? Do we need to reallocate our resources? Should we reset our goals in view of what we learned or accomplished in the previous year? Do we have to carry over some of these goals into this year?
My husband and I may have some big changes ahead. With a new grandson in the family, we’ll need to revisit our estate planning and determine how best we can invest for his future. We’re considering a move to be closer to our children, and that means determining how to swap housing locations and what we can afford. And then there is tax preparation. It’s also the month for cleaning out old records, sort of like spring cleaning but for financial statements and receipts.
None of this is on my list of favorite topics. In fact, thinking about it gives me a headache. I’d much rather be working on another story idea.
What does January mean for you?
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Posted in Let's Talk, with Nancy J. Cohen • Tags: BLB Discussion, Let's Talk, Nancy J Cohen, The Numbers Game | 14 Comments
You’re so organized, Nancy. I start working on taxes in March, LOL! January is my “catch my breath” month in anticipation of the new year. 🙂
Posted my reply above, Diane.
Nancy, I’m with you. There are so many other things I’d rather be doing than organizing tax stuff. That definitely falls into the category of “Necessary Evils”. 😉
Yes it does, Lois, along with cleaning out old files online and filing the papers in our house.
I admire you for staying on top of things. Like Diane, I’m still trying to catch my breath from 2019 and tax prep is merely a glimmer on the horizon. So far this year is shaping up much better. I know you won’t make any hasty decisions, and that whatever you decide will be right for you and your family.
Thanks, Maggie. Today is my day to finish off the taxes and send the packet to our accountant. My backlist updates are progressing, so that’s good. Still have a few book events and Sleuthfest coming up to prepare the talks. There’s always something, isn’t there? At least your MWA presidential stint is over!
My hat is off to you, Nancy! I also think I need lessons on how you do it all and keep smiling.
David, I always feel I’m not doing enough. I admire how you continually post on FB groups. That requires dedication each day.
My focus for January is very similar to yours, Nancy. I gather all the data for my taxes, review the expenses, and set financial targets for conferences, festivals, and tours for the upcoming year. As often repeated, it seems the years are flying by faster. It seems like only a few weeks ago that I was working on these very same budgets.
For sure time is flying by, Cheryl. It’s 2020, and I still have candlesticks and champagne glasses from 2000. We do what we can day-by-day and eventually things get done.
I’m fortunate that my hubs has a good head for accounting so he does the tax thing for us. We get it all together & pray. Hard. If we pay off Christmas and still have a little left over, we do a happy dance & try to save some. January, for me, means re-evaluating old strategies & developing new plans: I really want to get my novel The Indigo Hour edited & submitted; but, the publisher asked for a sequel or two to Abra-Cadaver, YA Paranormal, so I’m going that way & doing Indigo as I can. All unfolds as it should and I’m truly enjoying the journey. Cheers~!!
You have a lot to do right now, Lois. It’s great that you are getting publisher interest in your sequels. Those definitely have priority, and hopefully you’ll fit in Indigo Hour as soon as you find time.
Diane, I like to get the taxes done and out of the way so I can move on. Now I can think about all the upcoming book events and talks I have to prepare. It’s amazing we manage to fit in writing and/or marketing somewhere along the way, isn’t it?
This January is full of hope because we have spent the last ..hmmm seems like almost 2year’s at least in hospitals. Husband has had 4surgeries. Biggest was cancer removal of entire prostate and all lymph nodes. He is in his 50is do young for it. Needs another after. 3,months radiation 5days a week – 50 plus miles away to get the best new targeted beam radiation. Important because his is so advanced if will go to bones if this misses. We are done ✔. And home. Then my routine colonoscopy found trouble – with bad family history. I was sent to surgery next day. Several things removed appendix and good part parte of colon. Complications help me in hospital over 2weeks just before The thru New year’s. Home 2day’s back in hospital another week. Aauughh.
Husband and I never left each other’s side, hand in hand shoulder to shoulder. Married 40 plus years. Darling kids and grand girls💕 BUT home now with furchild 🐶🐾🐾. Perhaps a tad of dust
Got left ..but The Good LORD never spoke about it in the bible so I think we’re ok😁
January and February… Good months.. Home with family. 📚BOOKS to READ.
Blessings to YOU each.