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Back in the Scholarly Saddle again

  • Posted on January 25, 2010 at 10:41 am

Remember when I talked about How I Afford Health Insurance? Well, as of 12/31/2009 I no longer have access to major medical coverage through my employer. They are not offering it to part-time employees.

And they’re cutting hours.

I’m taking that one-two punch as a bitchslap from The Universe to get moving on my degree(s) again. I haven’t decided if I’m going to double major, or do a traditional major/minor, but I’ve registered for classes and gotten my financial aid package moving. Textbooks have been ordered, I’m reviewing my notes, and doing a whole lot of deep breathing.

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Featured!

  • Posted on July 19, 2009 at 11:28 am

I’m pleased and honored that my post on How I afford Health Insurance (as a part-time employee) was featured in the Carnival of Pecuniary Delights hosted by the Wise Bread personal finance blog.

Thank you so much, not just for featuring me, but for providing a forum where we can share personal finance tips.

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How I afford Health Insurance (as a part-time employee)

  • Posted on July 6, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Lifehacker.com recently posted an article titled How to Buy Your Own Health Insurance, which further links to their post asking How do you stay healthy without insurance?

I’m not self-employed anymore, but I am underemployed in the retail sector, and classified as part-time to boot. However, I do have health insurance. I have health insurance yet do not lose money every month paying insurance premiums and so can you (providing you qualify for the EITC).

Why does qualifying for the EITC matter? Because our lovely wonderful government allows you to get some of your EITC in your paycheck. It’s an easy way to increase your income without affecting your tax withholding.

What you need to do is:

  1. Read the IRS Q&A on the Advance EIC or if you’re in a hurry go straight to the Form W-5 EIC Advance Payment Certificate (PDF link)
  2. Fill out the form and turn it into your payroll department. The amount of money you get in your check is based on your wages, whether or not you’re married, and IF you are married whether your spouse also has a Form W-5 in effect.
  3. Sign up for health insurance through your employer. Just make sure your monthly premium does not exceed your AEITC.

For the record, I turned in my W-5 first and waited to see how much I actually got in my paycheck before opting-in to my employer’s health insurance plan. I was able to afford health insurance on myself AND to contribute to an HSA.

The Form W-5 does have to be renewed every year. I have the AEITC website bookmarked and when I fill out my preliminary tax forms using my last paystub of the year, I go ahead and fill out the new form.

One last thing: following these directions will reduce the amount of your April 15th refund, since you’re getting it in your paycheck. Personally, I think the peace of mind that comes with health insurance is worth it.

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An attitude of gratitude

  • Posted on November 28, 2008 at 2:27 am

I’m thankful for the kids’ health insurance and the wonderful staff at Forsyth Medical Center’s ER department. Joe stepped on a nail today, and we were seen, x-rayed, treated and streeted inside of two hours. He’s happily ensconced on the sofa with now-orange foot elevated, playing video games.

I’m thankful for the Wii that I nearly bankrupted myself for last Christmas. It has quite admirably kept Daniel (stomach virus) and Joe (see above) confined to their respective spots and engaged enough to keep them from torturing each other.

I’m grateful for my job. If I had a job that actually required me to think, I’m quite sure I would’ve been fired by now. Plus there’s the whole economy in the toilet thing – any job is better than none when you need one.

I’m grateful for Ree. Yes, I occasionally seethe with jealousy when I read her posts. Who wouldn’t? She’s a talented photographer and writer, has a kitchen that I WANT!!!!, and cooks. And gardens. And posts pictures of her hubby’s heiny. Then I read that she gets up at 430am on a regular basis (complete with fresh manure and calf nuts) and said “aw HAIL naw” to myself. Then I went to Starbucks and had a pumpkin spice latte. You know, to comfort myself.

Of course there is much more to be grateful for. But that’s all I’ve got right now.

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