Taxes – Love’em or Hate’em, You Gotta Pay’em
I bet most of you have already received your tax return before I even filed mine. This year I waited until April 14th to send mine in.
Why did I wait so long?
Simple. I knew we’d be paying in, so I was in no rush. After all if they’re going to give me until April 15th, then by golly I’ll take my time.
Last night when I was putting all the paperwork away I decided to take a trip down memory lane and in doing so I realized that our annual income has been on quite a roller coaster ride.
Since I’ve been writing for the Happy Rock I’ve been showing our monthly expenses, well here now is the last 8 years of our annual income(with some commentary):
- $58,787 – 2001 -“ Let’s get married!”
- $64,674 – 2002 -“Hey we’re making lots of money, let’s buy a house!”
- $50,651 – 2003 –“Oh oh, I just got laid off…”
- $45,442 – 2004- “Let’s move back to SD and have a kid!”
- $37,469 – 2005 –“Maybe we should rethink that idea of you staying home?”
- $39,939 – 2006 –“Yes, You would make a wonderful Wedding Photographer!”
- $51,021 – 2007 –“Hey I got a new job, Let’s have another kid!”
- $64,165 – 2008 –“Since you have a successful business, I’ll go back to school!”
I was a little surprised to see that we were back to our 2002 income levels even though I lost my job this year. But my wife’s business has been stepping up when we really needed it to.
But we’ll be raising our hands and screaming next year because there’ll be a mighty big drop in income for 2009.
Hopefully it won’t be too bad and we can somehow manage just fine. But as I alluded to earlier, the phone has been silent the last couple of months, so we’re starting to worry about future bookings. Perhaps the economy is hitting close to home, or perhaps it’s just a coincidence?
Whatever the case be rest assured that we’ll continue to try to DESTROY as much debt as we can while we learn to live within our means. That way we’ll be in a great spot when I get done with school and enter the workforce again.
So thanks 2008 you were great, but it’s time to shine in 2009! And we’re really going to kick butt in 2010! (sorry…I couldn’t think of a rhyme)
Until next time,
-DD
Is Capitalism Always The Answer?
Need a job? Head to North Dakota
I had my federal return before Valentine’s Day. Thanks for sharing your prior year’s finances with us. That takes come serious courage to open up like that. I really appreciate that.
I hope your wife’s business picks up, we’re about to pay our wedding photog for engagement pictures so at least we’re helping the industry!
Fortunately, I live in Indonesia
you don’t have to worry about your tax
especially if you are freelance or self worker
If it makes you feel any better I didn’t hit the “send” button until 8pm last night and I’m getting a refund. I’ve had them done for two months and just never sent it in thinking I’d come back and review my taxes again. The Procrastinator strikes again!
I also waited until the last minute, but I didn’t think I’d have to pay in, turns out I did. $622 to be exact, which I sent last Monday and they had the check cashed by last Wednesday. I like how that works, by the way. We have to wait at least two weeks for our money, but they get theirs within two days. Oh well.
The income example was pretty interesting. I can only imagine the stress you must have felt to have it fluctuate so much. That’s crazy and would have reduced my to tears. Good for you guys on keeping it together!
I’m sure it’s just coincidence that your wife’s business has slowed a little. Spring is traditionally a busier time of the year for weddings, which also means more expensive because places are in demand. Perhaps people are adjusting their time frames to accommodate some costs. But people here in Texas are still getting married, I’ve been invited to like 10 weddings. It’s been hectic. Regardless, I hope things pick up for your wife and you don’t have to stress about your income this year! Best of luck!
Thanks for the comments. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I guess in addition to taking my time to pay my taxes, I take just as long to talk about them.
@ the weakonomist – Hopefully you love your engagement shots. My wife likes e-sessions because she can get a feel for the couple and how they operate. Plus the pics usually turn out rather well.
@ Rinaldo – Indonesia sounds wonderful!
@ celticbuffy – It must be nice to be so independently wealthy that you can sit on a refund. 🙂
@ Kristy – It’s funny but we haven’t had that much stress due to finances. until this year…which according to the chart was our 2nd best year yet. Go figure!
It’s good to hear that people are still getting married. And thank you for your kind words.