Uncle Sam must've done well at the slots last weekend, because apparently he's granting us a tax refund this year. A rather sizeable one, thanks in part to credits given because we have a child. Having such a windfall makes me excited about what to do with the "extra" cabbage coming our way ...
• We're going to repave our driveway in gold.
• The pickup truck will be traded for a new Lexus.
• We'll buy the houses on both sides of us and make the neighbors move, then demolish the buildings and build a tall electric fence around the entire property.
• The entire backyard will become an in-ground pool, complete with staff to clean it and serve us drinks. We'll also hire a band of '80s-rock-has-beens to entertain the pool staff.
• Texas seems like the ideal place to own a 50-foot yacht.
• I'll get a gold tooth, because there's nothing quite like one to say "classy" and "rich."
• The Cutlet will be able to go to any college of his choice. Starting next week, if he wants.
OK, so the refund isn't that big. It was enough to make me evaluate my paycheck deductions, 'cause we could be using that money as I get paid rather than giving an interest-free loan to the federal government.
The entire sum will be going toward credit-card debt. Not that romantic an idea, but when we're debt-free we'll be that much closer to a new Lexus. *sure*
We didn't fare as well. But what we have to pay is less than $500, so I guess that's good.
So I guess we're still a bit away from that gold paved driveway.
Cas
My conversation with the tax-dude at H&R Block...
Me: So you're sure we don't qualify for the EITC? I mean, we really didn't make very much money last year.
Tax guy: I'm sure. But if you had a baby you would have! See? If you two decide to have a baby you will definitely be living in poverty by this time next year.
Husband: (Aside) Honey, you're still doing that whole birth control pill thing, right?
*anxiously awaits her own tax refund*
Plans to spend it the following ways:
1. Sexy summer sandals.
2. One fabulous night on the town.
3. Property taxes on the casa.
T, savor the feeling while it lasts. We got enough back this year to actually partially pave the driveway in gold but my better half brought be back to reality and some much needed items were taken care of instead. Man, I really wanted a new guitar, too. :-)
Ahhh....Tax returns...gotta love 'em! Of course around here, they are always used to catch something up, or pay something off...that or something ALWAYS manages to fall apart just about the same time we get it back!
It will be nice when there comes a time that we can actually use it for something FUN!
Paying off credit cards: great idea!
Changing paycheck withholding: also great idea.
My definition of perfect tax year is: we don't owe IRS and IRS doesn't owe us. Some years it even comes out that way :)
Getting rid of debt is the best thing anyone can do with a tax refund. I cringe everytime I read about folks, who are struggling to pay bills, afford groceries or school supplies for the kids, wind up taking that refund to pay for a new car, or a vacation. It's best to bite the bullet early on so you can enjoy things later.