Press Room

Five costs you should not cut

Money Management

Monthly financial advice
from the MACPA

For release: November 2009

Are you looking for ways to trim expenses? There are a lot of different reasons to be worried about money and spending these days. Cutting back on unnecessary outlays is always a good idea, but make sure you don’t chop out important budget items in the process.

The Maryland Association of CPAs explains which costs should not be cut.

Hold on to health insurance

Health care costs for individuals and families are skyrocketing, with workers spending $1,600 more on average for premiums on family coverage than they did 10 years ago. Whether you work for a company that offers employee health care coverage or you pay for your own insurance, you have likely seen your out-of-pocket costs rising steadily in recent years.

If you and your family are in good health now, you may be tempted to cut back on this expense, but don’t do it. It’s impossible to know when a medical emergency may strike, and having insurance ensures that you or a family member will receive proper care that does not bust your budget.

Don’t skip prescription drugs

The cost of prescription medications can take a big bite out of your monthly budget, so many people are skipping some medicines or scaling back on others. This can not only endanger your health but also cost you more later, if a treatable medical problems gets worse.

Instead of skipping doses, try other cost-cutting approaches, including asking your doctor or pharmacist about cheaper generic alternatives. In addition, many drug companies offer assistance programs for those who can’t afford their medications. You can find out more information about them at www.rxassist.org.

Keep up with car repairs

Just as it’s important to maintain your good health, it’s also wise to keep your car working in top form. That’s because the money you spend now could save you much more later. By getting a regular tune up you can prevent more expensive problems from happening. Keeping your tires inflated properly, for example, can cut down on fuel costs and help avoid accidents on slick roads.

The price of any number of preventive steps can actually be a good investment.

Be true to your retirement savings routine

During tough times, should you be setting aside retirement savings that you may not need for many years? The answer is a resounding yes. Even if you are only able to put away a few dollars a week, that nest egg will grow over time, and the more money you save, the more earnings potential you will have if you invest wisely.

Even though it may be a challenge to keep up with your retirement savings now, it’s much easier to build your nest egg over time than to do it in a hurry in the last few years before retirement.

Don’t forget emergency savings

In addition to your retirement savings pool, it’s a good idea to save as much as possible in a separate account for any potential emergency. If you do lose your job during this recession or fail to get a loan for a car or other necessary purchase because credit is tight, even a small amount of back-up savings will come in handy.

Your CPA can help

If you have questions about reining in expenses or getting the most out of your dollar, remember that your CPA can offer sound insights to assist you in your decision making. Turn to him or her for advice on all your financial questions.

Only CPAs are equipped to address your full range of financial needs with integrity and insight. In Maryland, CPAs must pass a rigorous two-day examination, adhere to strict ethical and professional standards, and, beyond college, complete 80 hours of continuing education every two years to be certified by the state — accountants do not.

Your doctor is certified; your lawyer is certified. Make sure your accountant is a certified public accountant.

For CPA referrals in your area, contact the MACPA at (410) 296-6250 or click here.

The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) is a statewide professional association that provides leadership, information and services for its nearly 10,000 CPA members, who are employed in private practice, industry, government and education. CPAs are business and financial professionals who have passed a rigorous two-day examination in order to be licensed by the state. CPAs are committed to protecting the public interest, and must adhere to stringent ethical and professional standards and continuing professional education requirements.

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