Tax Time

Yeah, it's that time again. There are always two camps of people during this time of the year.

Camp 1:
These people KNOW they are getting money back, and alot of it. They usually have their taxes done by the end of the first week of February and usually have it spent within days of getting their check back. You can easily spot these people. They are going out to eat ALOT and buying large ticket items. It's a beautiful time of year for them.

Camp 2:
These people KNOW they are going to owe money. They wait until the very last minute to file and when taxes are mentioned they sigh and groan. Their life doesn't really change much, other than to be inconvenienced by the task of getting their taxes filed.

I really, really wish I was in the first group. I wish that I looked forward to the beginning of each year as a countdown to getting a lump sum of "free" money.

Unfortunately I'm not in that group. DH and I decided a a few years ago after listening to RICH DAD, POOR DAD that we were foolish to give away our money to the government thru the year. That our cash flow would better to take the most exemptions we could and have better cash flow throughout the year.

Don't get me wrong. The rest of the year we are pleased with our decision. We are very seldom tight. We can spend money any way we want. We go out to eat whenever we want. In a few short weeks we usually can save up for big ticket items we want or need. But we don't get "spending sprees".

I read an article in the paper this week that said that by getting large refunds families are missing their budgets by $300 a month - sometimes going into the hole, accumulating late fees etc, while they are overpaying their taxes by $400 a month. That by putting aside money for a big refund they are giving the government their hard earned money and allowing the government to use it as they see fit.

I agree. It's more important to me to be comfortable 12 months out of the year, not just "quick rich" for one month. So why am I so bummed that I don't get a big spending spree during 1 month of the year?

Tithing in 2010

I'm not even sure I spelled that right. But it's an issue that's been on my mind. According to legend (ehem) and to some according to God via the bible we are supposed to tithe 10%.

Now - no one is really sure if that means 10% of money - or 10% of time + money or what the exact combination is.

So I decided to try to figure out if we could afford 10% of straight money.

It's a good possibility that with some going without luxeries...we could.

Is that what God intended? Then what about the time I donate to the church - is that just bonus?

Then I felt guilty about giving less than 10%...

I just don't know where to stand on this one....

Saving money is a big fat pain

DH and I made a decision to pay off all of our bills except our mortgage and our jeep payment. This would free us up enough to purchase a home and rent out our tube on 5 acres.

Well, shortly after we made that decision DH purchased the hated CAR. Taking up enough money to pay off 2 credit cards.

Just wanted everyone to remember that and feel bad for me and my sacrifices. That fact really has nothing to do with my story.

Ok, anyhow we have really cut back on our spending in order to save more money. I am bucking against that for one occasion. We are going to Howl at the Moon on November 8th with 100 of our closest friends. I plan on getting blasted. I haven’t been blasted in over 1 year. I’m due.

Anyhow here is how we’ve been saving money.

We only eat out once a week, and only if I ABSOLUTELY refuse to cook. And there aren’t any eggs or hot dogs that DH can cook.

We are making the kids Halloween costumes this year. Or borrowing them. Or something other than buying.

I am making my breakfast at night and making tea before I leave so that I don’t stop at the evil Circle K and spend $3.00 a day on coffee and muffins.

I am making my own lunch to take to work so that I don’t spend $6-7 dollars per day.

I can’t remember what else…but it’s a good start at least. Oh yeah and DH is working his dump truck and bringing in a few hundred dollars each week or so….


That’s about it. Not sure how much that will save us, but we will see.

I just keep running face first into the same wall.....

I just can't seem to get ahead. At all. In anything.

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm feeling down. In the dumps.

I WANNA HOUSE!! A REAL HOUSE. Not a tube. Not a double tube. A real honest to Pete house.

I want it now!! Right now. Just call me Veruca.

I'm checking into that. Looking to see if it's even remotely possible for us. If our credit is good enough. If our debt to income ratio is low enough (it's not). If the blood of our first born satisfies the Bank Vampires etc....

I just want to forget about wanting a house and focus on something else, but I can't.

It's times like this I wish I had ADD.

Money Talks

We all have money problems. That's no secret. What is considered hard times for me, may be easy street for you, or vice versa.

My DH and I do a pretty good job of providing for our family.

It's can be very non-rewarding, with the bulk of our friends/acquaintences buying new homes, new vehicles, new TV's, etc. My DH feels a pressure to "keep up with the Jones".

I, for one, am happy with less. Don't get me wrong, I want a home, but it doesn't have to be grandiose. I just want a lot of room so that I can hide from my kids.

I don't have to have the newest car, I just want something that I don't have to worry about it breaking down. I have that right now. Ok, Ok...I'll admit, I would like something bigger, like a mini-van. We can't bring anyone with us when we go somewhere, as there is no room between the carseats.

Regarding a new TV, well, honestly I can do without. Don't get me wrong, I would miss it, but man would I get a lot done around the house if I was bored all the time. I get sucked into to watching at least 2-3 shows a night, and I don't do ANYTHING during these shows. Except sit on my fat ass, and get my kids snacks and drinks. That's it. I'm surprised my brain isn't as mushy as my ass.

All I ask, Lord, is that I have enough money to pay my bills, feed my kids, get a new outfit every once in while, and have a date night once a month.

So please, let my DH pick up that new account he's working on. Help me to be more understanding when he's working late, or working on something around the house, and I only get to see him for about 1 hour a night.

I'm sure I'll be posting a bitching blog about how I want to be the one bringing in the extra money, but I CAN'T because I'd have to pay a babysitter to watch the kids, which would decrease the amount of money I bring in, because my DH can't guarantee to be home every night....

Ok...enough.....

I am blessed, and I hope that you are blessed as well.