Quote Originally Posted by Cataholic View Post
For anyone reading this thread, and feeling the pinch in their own household (and, really, who isn't), please note that working a second job(or more hours at your first job) IS the only way to bring more money into your household.

Getting more or less money back from the government is not a 'working 2 jobs' problem, it is not taking enough (or too many) deductions on the form (W-4)you fill out. I have heard that it is recommended that for for your second job, you claim 0 exemptions/dependents so that the highest amount of tax is taken out. That will cover you at the end of the year, and you will still get a refund. (Getting a refund, or a large refund, is a whole 'nother financial discussion).

Melissa- I am not encouraging YOU to get a second job...just don't want anyone that reads this to think there isn't any benefit to getting a second job to help you get out from under.
I never meant to imply to anyone that there was no benefit to working a second job, but you need to be careful how you go about it. The income can throw you into a higher tax bracket, and in some instances, employers won't have state tax deducted unless you work a specific number of hours, and therefore you end up paying what is owed at tax time. Been there - done that - it's not something I'm making up for the sake of conversation!