Tax Season

Some things in life just don’t make sense. Spending your entire tax refund on new shoes is one of those things.
Tax season is a time when the poor get rich and the rich get poor. Those who’ve never been able to save money are given a check for thousands of dollars and have no idea what to do with it. The logical thing would be to pay off some debt, put some in savings and then put a little in the pocket for thrills. However, the most common reaction is “cash it”.
Then what happens? In three days the money is gone and all you have to show for it is some newly polished nails and a fuller closet. The cycle starts all over again with scraping pennies and paying bills. How do we break it?
A wise person once told me that people who struggle will most always struggle because they refuse to change. An overused definition of the word “idiocracy” is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting results. It’s not the amount of money you have that makes the difference. It’s how you let it affect you.
I'm no financial advisor but common sense can offer you great advice. First, tithe on what you recieve. If your 10% offering wasn't deducted out of your net pay, you owe God some money. Second, look over all of your debt. If you're behind on something, bring it current. If you're paying anything ahead, work on the one with the highest interest rate, not the lowest principle. Third, catch up on any maintenence you've been putting off. (Fix the railing on the front porch, new tires on the car, etc.) Fourth, go buy yourself something nice, something practical. Maybe a new outfit or a new pair of shoes. Treat yourself for all the hard work you've done this year. Take your spouse out to a nice dinner. Lastly, divide up whats left. Put the majority in savings and a little in checking. But don't put the checking deposit in your registry. Keep it as a cushion and leave it there. It will help you out with any over drafts in the long haul.
Follow these simple steps and you'll be on your way to an easier year. It may not seem as enjoyable as splurging it all on a new car that you can't afford but you'll thank me in June when your neighboor's lexus is getting repossessed.