First of all, my January recap:

Gifts/Charity: $1200 (college funds for grandchildren)

Housing: $808

Insurance: $727 (Auto; semi-annual)

Utilities: $199

Medical/Health:  $185 (mostly for glasses)

Groceries: $64

Personal: $43

Household Supplies: $35

Phone: $31

Eating Out/Takeout: $23

Vet/Pet Supplies: $20

Entertainment: $16

Clothing/Accessories: $12

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $8

Car Repair/Maintenance: $3

Grand Total: $3390

Variables: 51%

A very low-spend month in many ways, but high total due to the college fund gifts and insurance.

I started the ball rolling on refinancing my mortgage. I want to get a fixed rate before the rates go up. I also want to move my mortgage away from the credit union that has given me so much grief over the years over whether my condo building is insured or not. (It is -- it always is -- but my property managment company has a terrible front office, so proving it is always a struggle, and the credit union is NOT understanding). I am hoping that a refinance with a bigger lender will get rid of that requirement. I don't know anyone else who has to do this.

Anyway, I am halfway through the process, just waiting for a callback from the mortgage specialist to finish up.

I did my taxes yesterday, and I am getting $2072 in refunds. I began the process with TaxAct and went all the way through it until it was clear I was going to have to pay for both federal and state. For quite a few years I've used TaxAct and federal was free. This year you have to be younger than 56 for some reason. I stopped right there, sought out a truly free site (FreeTaxUSA) and did it all over again (though it was easier, having done it once already). Taxes filed and no cost.

Hoping my refinance goes through without a hitch. I am not expecting a lower monthly payment, since I'll be switching to fixed from adjustable, but if I come out even I'll be happy. Just don't want my mortgage payment to shoot up. I may also open a line of credit because eventually I will have to remodel my bathroom (many things wrong).