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Home > February net worth update, tax income and braces.

February net worth update, tax income and braces.

February 16th, 2015 at 04:53 pm

I know it's mid month. Actually a bit past mid month, but I just figured my February net worth - it's $229,440, a $2,366 increase over last month.

We filed our taxes this weekend, and I can't remember our refund amounts, but it's around $3,000 federal, and $1,000 state. We still have that federal adoption credit working in our favor, but I'll plan on adjusting withholdings.

DW is still working on that freelance project. She hopes to have it finished by the end of the month. Once she's finished, she can bill for another $5,600.

It looks as if DD1 needs braces. That would be a $5,000 bill. If she gets them, we would probably time it so that she got them right after DW has received her freelance income.

Our dentist has fairly strongly recommended that she get braces. It's his opinion that teeth will touch each other, and cause future cavities. We took her to see an orthodontists, and oddly, he wasn't as strong in his recommendation for braces. He seems to think it would be more for cosmetic reasons. So, I'm not sure what we'll do.

We can easily wait for the freelance income, but there are lots of places for that money to go. We can get on a no interest 18 month payment plan. If we pay up front, we'll receive about a $200 discount.

DW had braces as a child, I did not, but my sister did. My teeth are a little crooked, and I could have had some cosmetic benefit from braces (I think). And it's clear to even me that DD2 will need braces after more of her permanent teeth have come in.

So, again, I'm not sure what we'll do, but we probably won't make any decisions until April or May.

Does anyone have kids who were on the borderline of needing braces? What did you decide?

Posted in Budgeting, Personal Finance, Saving Money | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “February net worth update, tax income and braces. ”

  1. MonkeyMama Says:
    February 16th, 2015 at 05:20 pm 1424107247
    1424107247

    On the braces, it sounds like there is no rush. You could always decide in a year or two? Doesn't sound like any pressing reason to do it now?

  2. creditcardfree Says:
    February 16th, 2015 at 06:29 pm 1424111385
    1424111385

    My oldest definitely needed them and we did get her braces. She is also going to need wisdom teeth removed. The youngest, 14 now, is border line. We have not had a dentist tell us she needs them, one told us early one she would not. She also has not been evaluated by an ortho yet, but I would like her to be. I believe her only need would be cosmetic, as top front teeth don't line up horizontally, kind of a small stagger. Not sure if that is clear.

    I think I would tend to believe an orthodontist over a dentist. As ours said, they are the experts. I would also suggest a second ortho opinion for your own peace of mind before making a decision. Based on what you said, I probably would wait on the braces for your oldest knowing the need is much greater for your younger daughter.

  3. LuckyRobin Says:
    February 16th, 2015 at 07:36 pm 1424115387
    1424115387

    My oldest needed them. My youngest is borderline, but just on his top teeth. But he is such a baby about anything poking his mouth it is hard enough to get him to the dentist twice a year. I'm not sure I could handle 2 to 3 years of complaining for what amounts to cosmetic work. We've thought about Invisalign for him, but I just don't know.

  4. rob62521 Says:
    February 16th, 2015 at 08:00 pm 1424116800
    1424116800

    I needed braces when I was a kid, but there was no extra money for them. I got them at in my late 40s after spending so much of my life trying not to smile showing my teeth. After having teeth pulled and the braces (old fashioned, not Invisalign) I have $6000 invested in my mouth. I wear my retainers faithfully every night. Not knowing your child, I would recommend that you consider whether your child will wear the retainers afterwards or your expense will be for naught.

  5. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    February 26th, 2015 at 02:45 pm 1424961950
    1424961950

    Would it be awful to say wait and see? I don't like intervention usually for braces. Really how do dentists know how kids grow? I've been told by two different pediatric dentists and my own that my 5 year old will need braces. I could have guessed based on her bite and our family history both sides. But my DH and I are praying maybe she'll grow into her jaws. Not just financial but the pain and suffering of all that dental work. UGH. FWIW, my DH wore braces and retainers faithfully for years. His teeth shifted back and he may have to do it again. We aren't thrilled and are considering not doing it. But we both have TMJ and turns out our 5 year old has a clicking in the jaw at this last visit. PIA. What to do? Oh and we both wear night guards and have for years and spent a fortune on them. I've broken 4 from my grinding.

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