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Jen A. Miller Consulting

Category: On a Budget

  • Single Girl Tax Tips

    Single Girl Tax Tips

    10 Essential Tips for Completing Your Taxes

    tax tips

    Tax season is officially upon us and, while it may not be the most joyous event of the year, it is one that can’t be avoided. If you’re like me, you attempt to ignore it all together by deferring your tax work to someone else. In my case, I defer to my dad. Others I know rely on a family accountant. While it’s great to get the help, let’s face it, as Single Girls we should have basic knowledge of what it takes to get our taxes done. It’s one of those life lessons like learning to change a tire or clean out a clogged drain that we really ought to know.

    We have over one month left before the final filing date descends upon us. So, if you haven’t yet gotten started, don’t fear. There is still plenty of time to learn the process. In fact, we’re here to help you do just that. Read on for 10 tax tips that will help you take ownership of your taxes and hopefully help you get a better refund in the process!

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  • Single Girl Stays | ACE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles

    Single Girl Stays | ACE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles

    Catherine reports on her experience at the ACE DTLA and shares tips on planning a “staycation”

     

    ace hotel
    PHOTO: Catherine Abalos.

     

    I love everything about staying in hotels… fresh sheets, fresh towels, a mountain of fluffy pillows, the option to order food straight to your room, the free Bible. A couple years ago I made my first trip to Palm Springs and was introduced to the ACE Hotel. I was an immediate convert to the laidback, urban cool vibe of the compound and have considered visiting new cities in order to stay at the ACE. The ACE is purposely a little undone and can feel like glamping. I was fortunate to take refuge in my sister and brother-in-law’s room at the ACE when all of us were stranded in Manhattan after Sandy hit. When I heard that they were opening up in Downtown L.A., I vowed to book a night for some personal R&R. A staycation is a mini vacation from your life, without the inconvenience of leaving your town. A solo version should be purposeful and a way for you to invest in yourself.

    A solo staycation has been on my to-do list for a long time. To have an immaculate suite to myself for one night (or more) to relax on thousand-count sheets is more luxurious to me than a day at the spa. However, when I mentioned my weekend plans to people, four times out of five their first response was to ask whom I was going with. For some, the idea of staying in a hotel by yourself for pleasure is comparable to eating alone at a restaurant or going to a movie theater alone. It sounds scary, you would feel judged, you may judge people who are doing it. When you find the courage to face your fear of being alone in any situation, you have the potential to liberate yourself from the constrictions of popular opinion and discover something new about yourself. One night away from my living space filled with material possessions and the figurative weight of the current ups and downs in my life gave me refreshing perspective.
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  • So You Think You Deserve a Raise?

    Questions to Ask Yourself in Preparation of Asking for a Raise

    getting a raise

    In the changing landscape of the professional world, many companies do not have systems in place for regular performance reviews, opportunities for a raise, and discussions for growth within the company. If you are in this situation, you may need to take the initiative and ask for the meeting yourself. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and to prepare to let your worth shine through.
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  • Social Butterfly on a Budget

    Social Butterfly on a Budget

    Frugal Ways to Still Have Fun

    Let’s face it: the last month or so you’ve been a girl about town. Celebrating, feasting, traveling and, of course, shopping. The holidays are one of the most joyous times of the year but also one of the hardest on your wallet. Now that the giving season is behind us, your free-for-all spending has likely left your pockets a little emptier than you’d care for.

    And really, the spending spree hasn’t quite reached the finished line. After all, we still have New Year’s Eve ahead of us. There are parties to attend, sparkly dresses to obsess over, and maybe for a few of you, even another round of travel.

    So what’s a social butterfly like yourself left to do when she’s stuck between an empty wallet and FOMO (fear of missing out)? Though January weather can be harsh, it’s no excuse to lock yourself away for the winter months. No, instead you need a guide to help you strategically plan your social life on a shoestring.

    Of course I, above all people, understand your pain. Leaving my job earlier this year has left me happier but doesn’t exactly have me rolling in cash-money. Lucky for you, this means I’m one step ahead on the social strategizing. If someone wants to see a Hobbit they’ll have to head to theaters because TSD is bringing you 10 ways to keep your social life afloat without breaking the bank.

    Read on for 10 ideas for socializing on a budget.

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  • Single Girl’s Guide to Avoiding the Holiday 10

    Sarah Di Grazia offers ten ways to stay healthy during the holidays and shares a must-try salad recipe.

    photo (4)

    The holidays are in full swing, which means food and parties are everywhere. While this is a period of fun and quality time with loved ones, it can also be quite stressful running from one event to another or even just one store to another! Additionally, you may find yourself without enough hours in the day for self-care, exercise, or even just sleep. All of this can lead to unwanted weight gain (an additional obstacle to your New Year’s resolution to get in shape). Here are ten ways to avoid gaining the dreaded “holiday 10.”
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