I admit I usually file my taxes much earlier than this, but it was going to be EZ so I didn't feel any particular rush either. I just waited for a day when I wasn't terribly busy and got it done... which was earlier today.

So, maybe this isn't the smartest move on my part either, but I file mine online with TurboTax, and it offered me a bonus if I transferred most of my refund to an Amazon gift card instead. Soo, that basically amounted to an extra $60. After some pondering, I decided to go for it.

I actually do most of my shopping online now (except for groceries). I am also an Amazon Prime member, and I do feel that it is worth the additional monthly cost....

I just hope it doesn't have a ridiculously short expiration date or something. Anybody know if there is one?

I still have some time, so I've decided to make another post.

* To start off with the bad news, my Vday was a bust, but at least I don't have to pay anything for anyone, nor deal with the holiday crowd. In fact, I had to work that day so I guess it turned out well.

* I finally figured out how my Reward Amex's autopay works. Basically, they take out the same amount from last month. It's almost funny (but not really) when the amount keeps fluctuating from month to month.

* My state has decided this year that everybody is only allowed to put down 0 for withholdings. It's pretty outrageous, but I'm not going to worry about it. No point getting upset about this so long as I get my money back, and when I could, I usually take only 1 anyways.

* My mom likes to cook, and because she's in town, I've been saving lots of money just hanging out at her place after work. The savings really do show at the end of the month.

* I am going to need to replace my car soon. My current Corolla is like 17 years old and has over 200k+ miles on it. Unlike other guys I know, I dread this part, because you know, expenses. Luckily, I should be able to buy the next car with cash but that doesn't mean I will enjoy losing said cash either. Oh well, I suppose that is a blessing I should be thankful for.

* My mom is also trying to talk me into buying a new house soonish. I have been dragging my feet on this for years because of my disdain for having a mortgage. However, it is inevitable I think, so hopefully I will be well-prepared by the time this rolls around. The upside is I should be able to cut my work commute considerably, depending on the location.

Recently changed to a new job a few months ago, working at the county jail. So far so good. I like my bosses and coworkers just fine, and while the pay isn't great, the benefits are pretty good. Dealing with some of the inmates can be a challenge, but overall, I've done worse and for less.

Still trying to be frugal at heart, and I think I've been reasonably good so far. I still have a lot of space to cover, so I am hoping to have a good year this year.

I am planning to switch over to all index stock and bond funds this year. Lowest expenses possible, and just let it cruise. I'm basically done with stock picking. Even if I still have the interest, it's been difficult keeping up with the work schedule to do the required homework for it.

Work's retirement program is... "interesting" to put it politely. They don't match contributions, but instead, they will mandatorily take out 5% of your pay and contribute it for you. Though some tout this as a benefit somehow, for me, it is not. Far from me being critical though, it just goes to show how few people here save for retirement that they would resort to such a tactic.

As for me, since they are not matching and already making me contribute, and considering the lowish tax bracket that I am in, I've decided to max contribute my own Roth instead, as well as increase my emergency fund. However, I have also set up a little bit of HSA for annual healthcare expenses.

As for dealing with the inmates, it's very interesting to say the least. Here, you have all kinds of people who have probably made mistakes, though some are trying very hard to find redemption. And then there are the few you have watch out for, and make sure they never get the chance to blind side you.