Like everyone else says, the car expenses seem awfully high. I’m assuming those are business miles; in that case, you’re spending an awful lot of your life on your business and it feels like you should be able to write off more in taxes.
We’re taking the opposite approach to my and my wife’s student loans: paying them down as slowly as possible, writing off the interest, and saving what we would have paid. But this strikes me more as a matter of personal taste.
Also, folks, don’t assume that SDHousehunter is giving directly to his synagogue. Jewish charity (tzedakah) has historically emphasized giving to those in need, rather than giving to your religious hierarchy. My wife and I give our extras to Heifer, since their teach-a-man-to-fish approach seems to offer the most sustainable help.
