You've put everything in that stuffed shoebox in order and found all the lost receipts that were hiding in jacket pockets. Now you're ready to point and click your way to a tax refund that you hope will be big.
But while your records are still in order and your computer is still running, why not think about your financial future instead of just that refund?
Planning ahead is easier and more convenient than you might think if you use online tools that you can use on your own.
Peter J. Rossi, director of financial planning for NetBank, says that the point of making a financial plan is to spell out what you want to achieve in terms of money. "You're much more likely to reach your goals if you take the time to write them down."
For NetBank users, all they have to do is click their mouse.
The bank's online interactive planning tools include an Express Planner that gives customers an overview of their current finances, plans for specific goals like retirement, education, and insurance, and a Comprehensive Planner that combines all the others so that customers can set more than one goal.
The bank also has brokerage services and other investment and insurance products available.
There are financial advisors who can help with analysing the plan, answering any questions, and putting the plan into action.
Planning your finances isn't just for people with a lot of money. Financial planners say that everyone should have a plan for how they will handle their money in the future.
The experts at NetBank say that the best way to get a handle on spending is to keep track of it for two to three months. Once you know how much you spend, you can make a plan to spend less and save more.
For example, you could get a home equity credit line or refinance your home to pay off your high-interest debt.
They also say that you should check your investment portfolio's asset allocation to make sure it fits with your goals. And make sure you have enough insurance for your financial situation.
With an online plan, you can finish it whenever you want and change it whenever you want.
