April 15, 2011

Today is tax day. It is amazing how this day strikes fear in so many people. They have to pay their taxes or they can get thrown in jail. At least that is what it feels like. Taxes have been around since Biblical times, when Jesus threw the tax collectors out of the temple. And if people don't pay them, they do get thrown in jail.

Now it is one thing if people have the money and refuse to pay. But what if people don't have the money, what are they supposed to do? They can't just manufacture money out of thin air (even though that has been known to happen). In fact these people need the money they have just to survive. What is more important, eating, having a roof over your head, and utilities or not eating, losing what shelter you have and nothing to keep you warm? Is the government that heartless? I've heard people say yes they are that heartless.

I have a feeling that a lot of people who owe taxes aren't able to pay them right now due to the economy. And I am sure that a lot of them are good hard-working honest people. How will the government take care of them?

Does government need to be reformed? Yes. Do I know how to reform the government? No. Do people need to learn how to budget their money? Yes, but when there are to many bills and not enough money what gets paid first? We all know to pay the basics first - Housing, food, utilities (that should not include a $200/month cable - that is not a necessity). Then you pay the loan on the vehicle, plus the insurance, vehicle and house or renter's. Don't forget to put a little aside for the license fee. What about health insurance? If you are employed then your employer pays for you (sometimes), but what about your family, if you want them covered, it is taken out of your paycheck and it is not cheap. But if you are self-employed it is not cheap at all, in fact it is downright expensive and if you have a pre-existing condition, forget it. So if you have no health insurance you are paying every time you and your children go to the doctor. Kids get sick a lot.

So, your monthly payments are: Housing, food, utilities, vehicle loan, license fee, house/renter's and vehicle insurance, health insurance, and doctor's and dental bills, property taxes (if applicable) and maybe a little left over for clothes because you know your kids grow like weeds. So if you are on a tight budget, the taxes get put on hold because you just can't do it.