Please look at my budget.

[ModestMama]

If you are covered by earned income, child tax credit, etc at tax time then you need to do what is necessary now to make the money work each month. There is no need to make yourself suffer more month to month just to get something back at tax time. State is usually not as forgiving on this, so paying into state might be something you want to keep doing. However, federal is probably covered for you guys at your income with a child. Given your situation, I think creating/uncovering any extra monthly income is top priority to give yourself some breathing room to even work on the EF or debt.

I would like to get no tax return and owe nothing either. He makes estimate of Gross $47k. So with 2 kids. what should he write on his w4? How how would we it to where we wouldn't owe state as well.

[ModestMama]

When I hear "biweekly", I take that to mean every 2 weeks. That is not the same as twice a month. That's where some of my confusion with the original post comes in.

Yes, he gets paid every other thursday.

[GoodSteward]

I would like to get no tax return and owe nothing either. He makes estimate of Gross $47k. So with 2 kids. what should he write on his w4? How how would we it to where we wouldn't owe state as well.

What is your gross as well?

Are you grossing more or less than last year, did you get anything back last year on state or federal, and if so how were you paying taxes last year?

State standard deduction is usually much less than federal, and state usually has little to no credits (depending on your state). Due to this I would probably claim Married 0 or married 1 since you are married 4 on taxes for both to avoid paying in. If you are not going to get earned income, I would pay at least a little. I assumed you were doing fine without paying in before, so I thought going back to that wouldn't be problem. I am not a tax professional so take this with a grain of salt. I checked and earned income stops at $50,198 AGI. As for child tax credit (up to 1k$ per child) the IRS says "For married taxpayers filing a joint return, the phase-out begins at $110,000" Meaning it decreases starting at that point, so no worry here. I'll wait to comment anymore until you have provided a few more details.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Your DH makes $1800/biweekly? And you make $220/biweekly? $52,500 gross? If you make $47k and according to a quick online tax calculator you should owe nothing on $47k.

$12.6k standard deduction, $16k exemptions, and $2k child tax credit means you owe no federal taxes. So if you are paying anything you are likely getting a big refund. Plus I'm not sure what state you are in.

So only taxes you are paying is SS and medicare and possibly state. I think you need to redo the W-4 to withholding minimal amounts and then also iron our a real budget by tracking all expenses.

[Petunia 100]

Our health insurance is through his job and we have researched it's the cheapest so far. As far as Car insurance, its with the lowest we had found at that time and I will call and see if there's a better offer.

Also, I know (so I've heard) it's strange to budget biweekly instead of monthly but I really don't know any other way. Do you know of a budgeting program that allows bi-weekly budgeting?

I don't use a budgeting program. What I have recently started doing is taking cash out every payday (for me it is twice per month) to cover groceries, gas, and personal spending until the next payday. What is left in checking is for paying bills and saving. It is a simple system, and it is working very nicely for me. I know what I can spend at all times.

[Petunia 100]

I would like to get no tax return and owe nothing either. He makes estimate of Gross $47k. So with 2 kids. what should he write on his w4? How how would we it to where we wouldn't owe state as well.

If your only income were his 47k, you would owe no federal income taxes at all (assuming both children are under age 17). Not a cent.

Those extra jobs he does and your part-time job are going to result in a tax bill. You're in the 15% bracket.

Perhaps what you ought to do is claim Married-10 on his W-4 so that no income taxes are withheld from his paycheck, but on yours claim Single-0. If less than 15% gets withheld, ask for additional withholding. Any side jobs he does, set aside 15% for federal income tax and 15% for self-employment tax.

I don't know about your state. What state are you in? Perhaps someone here is familiar with income tax in your state.

[james.hendrickson]

Hello, very nice to meet you. I'll jump in here..

You cannot tithe, it is impossible. I am sorry but you are throwing $180 away. The bible tells us to store up our stuff/money for a rainy day. Proverbs 6:6-8 so that $180 (or most of it) can now be re-directed which is what you want.

You are not an Israelite or Levite nor do we, as Christians, live per the Old Testament. The whole theme of scripture is to live in the New Testament, aka the New Covenant. Governed by the greatest commandment of all, Love. All other laws/commandments hinge upon it. The old testament, aka the old covenant, has passed away. Jesus fulfilled the law with his sacrifice. Read the book of Hebrews detailing how the OT fails, and never could saved anyone even when adhered to. You've been duped somehow, I am very sorry. At least now have an extra $180 month!!

You are trying to refer to the Old Testament law set up for FARMERS to give a percentage of their crop.

With that, you can cheerfully give adhering to 2 Cor 9:7 to anyone in your (New I assume ) church who appears needy. Maybe even give maybe $5 or $10 a month for example to help keep the lights on if they have a church building

I'd consider asking for any money back your church as stolen from you via that lie. If that is the situation. Add it all up. They need to close their doors, that's just awful but such is life eh. Btw, Pastors do not get paid. Per scripture, the church is ran per Apostle Paul's teaching and with a plurality of Elders (men)The entire church is volunteer. Missionaries such as Apostle Paul can be paid but even then, it is so highly discouraged. Paul discourages it and it wasn't even payment but a reimbursement of sorts. it only covered basic needs while on the mission field. He was commanded at times to accept free housing (hospitality) as he'd not be able to establish a good tent making business off the bat in a new area. Paul supported himself the majority of time and even supported the men alongside him. ALL MEN work for a living in the bible unless possessed by demons or some dehabilitating mental or physical handicap prevents it.

"Get your living" by the Gospel means just that, it is not a reference to money. It only means your sole purpose for living is the Gospel if you are a man who chose to adhere to his calling as one of the Elders running a church. Special Honor should be bestowed upon those men gifted to teach and preach. Honor is not money or otherwise you'd be paying all of the Elders in the church and also the Widows. Because they are also listed in that scripture verse as deserving honor. Remember, no one is called to freeload. In fact it is the EXACT Opposite per 1Timothy 5:8 in which they have a strong word for those lazy bums. Now imagine a thief lazy bum swindler. Can't get much worse.
You're on the right path, good luck to you

I think that giving to the Church has a positive psychological benefit. Also there isn't anything wrong with supporting your religious community. Churches have bill just like any other organization.

[james.hendrickson]

To the OP

- Your budget seems pretty modest to me. One thing that you might consider is possibly looking higher paying work. A salary of 11 dollars an hour is good, but I am guessing with some creativity and elbow grease you might be able to get at least 50% more money for your time.