Tax Time Coming

I can’t wait for tax time. You know why? ‘Cause I usually have a large return coming. I’d like it not to be so large [I don’t really enjoy giving the federal government a tax-free loan], but I’ll take it this year. I usually have so many deductions that it’s hard to put enough exemptions into my payroll deduction. However, selling the house has put a large dent in my itemized deduction capabilities and from now on, I will be making itemized deductions based solely on my charitable contributions… Good thing I’ve started tithing to my church! [For those of you who don’t know, “tithing” is the practice of donating 10% of one’s income.] It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but have been too overwhelmed by my personal consumer debt to attempt to give. However, the time is fast approaching when that debt will be gone forever and the credit cards, which are only used as balance transfer agents these days, will be canceled and cut into tiny, tiny bits.

Laura and I also make a practice of donating our least-used clothing items and often times [especially in our recent “downsizing” of our residence] furniture to charitable organizations. This gives us a good feeling of not being wasteful with what we have as well as giving us a nice tax deduction for our non-cash contributions – you should try it! It’s kinda fun, too!