posted on Jan, 1 2011 @ 03:18 AM
Earlier in 2010 after I mailed in my taxes, apparently the IRS thought I did not make enough money. They mailed me a check. I made a mistake while
doing my taxes. Apparently because I did my taxes manually because I was saving up money to buy a pc that worked with all the new required operating
systems, I did not see the small print about the making work pay tax credit. I'm used to living frugally most of the time. Apparently some of my
habits are becoming habits for others. Some people just can't manage their money though and don't know how to live frugal. My other brother makes
almost twice as much money as me but his wife and kids exhaust his paycheck before he even gets it.
I still don't own a cell phone because I thought they were too expensive on the monthly plans while land lines are much cheaper. I'm not the only one
that doesn't use a cell phone because of the cost. My one job I'm working requires me to put in as much time as my bosses think I need to get the job
done whether or not that requires putting in a lot of extra personal time. In fact my current job prohibits me from working any other job that would
interfere with the extra time required to work my current job. They got me good. However I'm not complaining. I have satellite tv service, a land
line, and a car in decent shape and enough money to splurge on something every once in a while. It's all those routine expenses that eat up some
people's income. Examples: they bought a house that was more than they could afford (high monthly mortgage payments), car payments, cell phone
payments, eating out everyday, etc. etc. For those who live underneath their means with smaller house payments, no cell phone, they cook and eat at
home, and bring bag lunches to work, it is possible to save some money. I saved up money for years before I bought my car and had it paid off in less
than 3 years without paying too much interest. I limit my purchases as well. Some people have serious problems with overspending and self
control.
Still the other day my brother asked me what I was doing with all the money I must be saving.
Why was he asking me? He makes almost twice as
much as me and isn't saving anything outside his 401K. My savings keep disappearing for purchases I need to make. a new pc because my old one is 10
years old, a car, etc. etc. It takes years to save up for those purchases without the government increasing our costs for energy, gas, electricity,
health care, etc. etc. My main savings comes from not paying the interest on debt so many others pay because I save up for purchases before I buy
them. I've been doing that for years for the most part if possible. I can easily see how higher gas, health care, and other rising costs are driving
some people into deeper debt.
Even our currency and our national economy is facing serious problems because of this spend, spend like crazy approach to solve all of our problems.
Recessions are supposed to make one cut costs and live more frugal so that prosperity can grow back afterwards in a recovery. Our national government
skipped that phase this time. That spells potential devastating trouble ahead in my opinion. It's also the reason companies are holding back in
hiring. Our national government is increasing our costs with new regulations and government programs just about every time you turn your
back.
edit on 1-1-2011 by orionthehunter because: (no reason given)