Tax Day

I heard some people I admire talk about their tax woes today.  I have been fortunate for the last several years, and have had to pay small amounts, or received a tax return.  My father told me, when I was in high school, that I did not want to get a large return, because the government had my money for free all that time.  The best thing to do, was to get close to the amount owed, and pay a small amount, or get a small refund.

Another thing my parents taught me was not to use a tax refund as a savings account.  Many people do this, and use their tax refund for something special that they could not otherwise afford.  I have always had the attitude that I need to save up for those special things, but not let the government do my savings for me.  And, fortunately, I have had the self discipline to be able to save when there was something I needed to save for, no matter how tight my budget was. I learned how to live on a tight budget a long time ago.  I could do it again, if I had to.  I am blessed right now that I do not have to.

I will admit that this year, my refund will help to pay for a trip I am going to make, but would have found another way to pay for, anyway.

One of the things I thought about as I heard my acquaintances discuss their tax woes was that we do not know what the trials and tribulations of the lives of others include. People who travel often, dress fancy, or go out a lot may spend a lot of money that they do not have. They may have to borrow to pay their taxes, take out loans to have work done on their homes, or live with their credit cards at their maximum limits.  They may or may not have savings.

I have chosen my life style which is very conservative in terms of finances. I do not live beyond my means. I try to know how I am going to afford and pay for my expenditures. And I can live on a very sparse budget, if need be. 

So, if tax day rolls around and I owe the government some money, I pay it.  Not happily, but acknowledging what I receive in return for my taxes.