Tax refunds

“The 15th is next week,” she threw out casually over dinner. Translation: Remember, you tend to focus hard on a few priorities and are oblivious to the rest.

“My taxes are done,” I muttered in a tone intended to discourage further conversation. Good luck on that.

“And, you weren’t happy with that?”

“I don’t worry about what I cannot control.”

“So?”

“Refund.”

“How much?”

I hesitated. “Four figures.”

“Ooooo. Found money. Do I sense an upcoming expedition or new kayak?”

“Not found money. My money.”

I don’t delight in tax refunds. What that means is the government was sitting on my assets and I wasn’t getting any return on them from them or anyone else. I accept responsibility because when I anticipated this situation for 2009, I didn’t adjust the withholding enough. The salt in the wound is that when the situation is reversed, the government will exact its pound of flesh in penalty and interest. It’s a one-way street.

For some, it may be a good substitute for a savings discipline. But, I allocate savings and investment before I get down to disposable income. I don’t need or want the government managing my budget.

“And it’s still your money. I’ll help you celebrate that. How about a nice getaway weekend?”

"That would be nice." Or, I could look at some kayak catalogs.