"Why are taxes so hard for the Average Person"

This morning that is what a co-worker asked me. I personally do not think they are hard, I like them. I like trying to figure out how to bring my AGI down so that I can pay less taxes! It's a bit of a cat and mouse game. I would never ever lie on my taxes and I dont think you should either, but there are ways that are COMPLETELY LEGAL, that bring your AGI down therefore lowering your tax due for the year. Here are some of them:

Deductions, Deductions, Deductions! Find them, use them, make them! You can deduct a portion of medical expenses, home interest paid, personal property taxes paid, sales state tax paid, financial donations...the list really does go on and on.

Skip the standard deduction and go for the Itemized Deduction- its well worth the effort- if you are crafty enough it could reduce your AGI(Ajusted Gross Income) by a lot of money. For example, if you can find $20,000 in deductions, you lower your taxable income by that amount and can save $1000- $2000 on your taxes. (Depending on your tax bracket!)

Why do I work?

I have had people ask me, "If you were a stay at home mom, and your family learned to live on one income, then why would you ever want to go back to work?"

I work because it is good for my daughters to see their mom working. It is good to see that a woman can do what I do. They will see me using my intelligence to support our family, they will see someone that is proud of working hard and a job well done. They see that a woman can take care of herself, I have the most wonderful husband, but I could live my life if I didnt have him. I need for my daughters to know that deep down they are Self Reliant, Self Sustaining, Intelligent women.

That is why I work.

So, here it is, my first official post. Well, most of you know me and who I am but if you didn't know me, I am an Accountant. That is what I like to call it, I also currently carry the title of Human Resource Manager.

Ok, ok, I know what you are thinking...is this going to be all about Financial Statements/W2's and Fiscal year jargon? No, don't worry, I am an accountant and I love it (more on that later) and I currently work for the Coolest Place!! No, seriously! When you come to my office, you would think you are walking onto the set of Friends. In fact, When I interviewed for the job, I went home and thought "I am totally not cool enough to work there!" They are the funkiest set of folks I have worked with! Have I wet your whistle? Want to know where I work??



I am surrounded by Artsy people. How I ever got in the door I will never know. I will just keep on coming to work and maybe they wont notice they hired a GEEK like me who likes to reconcile checking accounts, and balancing debits to credits. If you like to look at seriously cool pictures then you can click right on over to the Image Studios link right now. Don't worry sweetie- I will be here for you when you return!