It's Time For Your 7-Step Mid-Year Money Checkup

We are saw the It's Time For Your 7-Step Mid-Year Money Checkup

You change the oil in your car when the red light reminder comes on and get diligent about flossing when the dentist sends a postcard about your six-month checkup. So consider this your cue to get ready for the essential mid-year money review.

With six months of earning, saving, and spending under your belt, you've got plenty of data to project how 2010 is going to play out. So let's lift the hood on your finances and give everything a good once-over.

Your 7-step tune-up agenda
The goal of this six-month checkup is to identify potential trouble spots before they become big money gushers. Use this checklist to methodically review each area of your financial empire. Beneath each step note any lingering "to-dos" (e.g., "set aside $50 each week to cover future car repairs,” “open a Roth IRA"). If you cannot complete those items during your financial physical, set a deadline for completion. For added incentive, come up with a reward to enjoy at completion.

Step 1 - Update your personal balance sheet (what you own and what you owe): This will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Simply record the balances of the following items: checking/savings accounts; brokerage accounts; retirement accounts; home equity; short-term debt (credit cards, student/auto loans); and long-term debt (mortgage). Note what direction your money's going (up, down, haywire). If this is your first review, you now have a baseline for your next checkup.


Step 2 - Give your W-4 the once-over: If you earn a steady paycheck (meaning one not dependent on bonuses or fluctuating earnings month-to-month), this is your chance to stop overpaying Uncle Sam -- any more than you already are, that is. If you got a tax refund last year of more than $1,000 and have made no adjustments to your W-4, and if you don't anticipate any major life changes, adjust the number of withholding allowances.






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Time for a T4 On The Beach gallery? Yeah, why not?

We saw the Time for a T4 On The Beach gallery? Yeah, why not?

From birds' nest hair to bust legs to balls on the BBQ to Alexandra Burke's puppy licking her on the mouth, T4 On The Beach was, as ever, a brilliant party. Everyone from JLS to The Saturdays to N-Dubz to Chipmunk to Basshunter to Diana Vickers took to the stage in the sunshine at Weston-super-Mare and entertained the thousands who'd wedged themselves onto a train just to watch their idols. Alexandra Burke boogied in some eye-wateringly tight high-waisted American Apparel shorts with statement shoulder top, while Diana Vickers worked '60s chic in a monochrome graphic dress topped with a mahoossive beehive. Gabriella Cilmi strutted across the soggy sand in a pair of very fancy toe-mould Vivienne Westwood heels and Pixie Lott showed off yet another Lipsy creation with one of heat's flower garlands strung around her neck. Ellie Goulding sizzled in a Topshop lace panelled bodysuit and Tulisa from N-Dubz put the rest of her band to shame in a mint green shift. JLS closed the show with an energetic performance just as the heavens opened, but we don't think the crowd (or us, for that reason) minded when their tops got all wet and clingy... Take a look through the gallery below and tell us whose look you like the best.

Coppied by 2010 Bauer London Lifestyle.

New on DVD: Percy, the Beav and 'Hot Tub Time Machine'

new celebrity this enjoy New on DVD: Percy, the Beav and 'Hot Tub Time Machine'

Percy Jackson the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
2010, Fox, PG, $30; Blu-ray, $40

High schooler Percy (Logan Lerman) is the human son of Poseidon, the god of the sea (Kevin McKidd), and a mortal mother, Sally Jackson (Catherine Keener). Despite his immortal upbringing, he's a teen with very human hormones. But this is no high-school spat: He's caught in the middle of a feud between Zeus (Sean Bean) and Hades (Steve Coogan). When he is accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, Percy must clear his name. Based on the popular book series by Rick Riordan.

USA TODAY's Claudia Puig says: * *½ out of four. "Mythology is de-mythologized. The wholesome and lighthearted fun could inspire young audiences to explore classic Greek myths."

Leave It to Beaver: The Complete Series
1957-63, Shout! Factory, $200

Gee, Wally! This is a big deal, on account of all 234 episodes of the TV series are on 37 discs. Follow the misadventures of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver (Jerry Mathers), brother Wally (Tony Dow) and parents Ward and June (Hugh Beaumont and Barbara Billingsley). Extras include original pilot and look-backs with Mathers, Dow, Billingsley and Ken Osmond (Eddie Haskell).

Hot Tub Time Machine
2010, MGM, R, $30; Blu-ray, $40

Like Snakes on a Plane, the title tells you all you need to know. Pals Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson) and Lou (Rob Corddry) visit a ski resort, along with Adam's nephew (Clark Duke). Before you know it, the hot tub transports them back to 1986. Think The Hangover meets Back to the Future. Blu-ray includes unrated version. Extras: 10 minutes of additional footage; deleted scenes. (Puig: * *)



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