Gather Little by Little

Well, this was a weird week for me. I really struggled with not publishing articles on my normal daily schedule. Everyday I didn’t publish an article, I had this nagging feeling that I forgot to do something. Just goes to show that if you do something long enough, it becomes habit. Ever since July 2nd 2007, I’ve written an article everyday for Gather Little by Little. As of the time of this article, 621 articles! Wow.

On a positive note, I was able to spend some time getting caught up on my blog consulting and blog coaching client work. I’m very excited about what I’m doing, and a couple of sites I’m building with Thesis is going to really knock some people’s socks off and show just how powerful the Thesis theme really is. If you haven’t seen the demo, head over and check it out.

Speaking of Thesis, if you’ve been considering purchasing it for your blog, you might want to buy now. There is a pretty credible rumor floating around on Twitter that Chris Pearson will be increasing the cost of Thesis very very soon.

A new writer

A new writer will be working with me here on Gather Little by Little. I can’t announce any details just yet, but wanted to make you aware. God definitely had a hand in this one  as the new writer was looking for an opportunity right at the same time I was looking for a writer. The new writer is a Christian and shares many of my same beliefs about personal finance. I’m looking forward to it.

I’ll announce some more details very soon!

NC State tax audits

Also weird this week, was my receipt of a letter from the audit division of the NC Department of Revenue. It would seem anybody having more than 4 dependents is subject to a mandatory audit of their dependents. This means that until I get them the required documentation, I don’t get my refund. I did call, and was assured that I was one of many. I’ll tell you, nothing like receiving a letter from the audit department to get your heart rate up. Documentation they are asking for includes:

• Copy of my federal tax return
• Copies of all my children’s birth certificates
• Copies of their social security cards
• Various letters making statements that they are all my children, live in the same house, etc, etc.

Fortunately, my income tax return is small, so no big deal…just a hassle.

Carnivals this week

I participated in the following carnivals this week:

• Carnival of Personal Finance #197, hosted by Four Pillars Investing and Personal Finance.
• Festival of Frugality #170, hosted by MoneyNing – frugal living.
• Money Hacks Carnival – Spring edition, hosted by Money tld.

Thanks to the hosts for taking the time to host the carnivals and for including my articles!

The Gathering

Here are my favorite personal finance articles this week from the M-Network and other blogs on my blogroll:

• Why These Hard Times Are Good For You @ Debt Free Adventure – Head over and check out the new shiny theme too…nice job!
• You will not end your life wanting more time on the computer. – Not personal finance related, but great advice for all of us that work.
• Don’t Let Unexpected Stress Be An Excuse For Spending – Excellent advice. Far too many people do this. I was reading an article in People magazine that highlighted some ladies that were in more than $50,000 in debt for this very reason.
• Tax Deductions for the Self Employed – Great suggestions, will definitely be using this article for reference this year.
• The “Find a Need and Fill It” Approach to Small Business – Exactly what I’ve been doing. Great advice and a great approach.
• Cotton Candy Christianity – Great read. Do you talk the talk or walk the walk?
• Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned – Great read and I completely agree with the title. Go get’em Paid Twice!!

Photo by: elvis_payne