My Budget, lower-middle class, How am I doing?

[cascade11]

I think you would probably be much better served, especially with your saving discipline, to adjust your W2 so that they aren't taking so much out in taxes and you take that extra amount and put into into savings yourself every paycheck, possibly a separate account for that trip to Europe. Thus you will get some interest on the money instead of loaning it to the government free and clear, and you have control over it. If you find a great sale on airfair or whatever before you would have gotten your taxes back you can take advantage of it. It is your money after all, why give it to the government for a year when you are much better at handling money than they are?

My son likes both football and baseball so he keeps his cable year round, but he does tape shows that he gets (and we don't since we don't have cable) and brings them over to watch with us. He doesn't even like watching movies alone so he gets the cheapest package that gives him his sports to watch. It is his only 'frivolous' thing that he spends money on. Oh, he also saved for years to be able to afford an X radio (not sure what it is called) in his car so he can listen to what he likes when driving. This son is also autistic so when he finds something that gives him true pleasure I try to encourage it if he can afford it.

Interest rates on savings accounts right now are pathetic that I don't think it's really worth it. Risk the chance of under-witholding and paying a potential tax penalty when tax time comes around again. It probably keeps me from spending more money on monthly items/expenses if I had the additional income per month. I look forward to the big yearly refunds.