Thursday, February 3, 2005

Poor White Trash

Well, it's time I admit it.  We are poor white trash.  Yeah, we are.  We will run out and buy McDonalds for the family if we get an extra $25 on a paycheck.  We will eat fish sticks and tater tots, while spending a stupid amount of money on cable and internet.  We will pay the electric bill a week late in order to have money for a movie while the kids are at Grandma's.  We know that a check written to Walmart on Wednesday won't clear the bank before a paycheck is direct deposited on Thursday night.  All that, and yeah...we count the days until the income tax refund.

A smart adult, good with finances, will work it out to where the tax refund, or tax liability, is as close as possible to zero.  Why let the goverment keep your money all year, drawing interest, just to give it to you later?  Why not get that money throughout the year?  It's YOUR money, after all!  You may as well ask me why I buy lottery tickets.  Poor.  White.  Trash.

We got the last W-2 tonight, and promptly did our taxes, via TurboTax software.  The federal refund pays the state liability with very little left over.  Talk about a downer.  I have (for my whole working life) called tax season "poor man's revenge."  It's when I get the windfall to pay off past due bills, buy some much-needed clothes, spoil the kids, and eat steak.  I start spending it in my head on January 1.  I want to go out on the town, buy silly things, and get my nails done.  Kevin wants to buy accessories for his truck, buy candy for the kids, and go to dinner and a movie. 

We're OK.  We live in the nicest place we've ever lived in (10 years together.)  Our bills are paid up, with no shut-off notices.  Our kids have food in their tummy's and warm coats to guard against Missouri winter.  We have dependable vehicles, good jobs, and close family who loves us.  We *ARE* rich, indeed.  I'm not whining or complaining.  At least we didn't come out with a tax liability overall, right?

Yeah, we're poor white trash.  You can bet your britches I'll be changing my withholding tomorrow!  Next year, I'm buyin' a hottub!  WoooHoooo!  Just kiddin' about the hot tub, but I *am* changing my withholdings.  Let the gubbmint borrow the money.  I need my February dreams, baby!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

There's nothing "trash" about you or your family.  The situation you described is what a MAJORITY of America endures.  And I personally love fish sticks!  ;)   Russ

Anonymous said...

Poor?  Nope, I've been to Mexico on a missions trip and seen what "poor" really is.  White?  Yes, although with my curly hair and love for watermelon, you may not be 100%, but who cares.  Trash?  God doesn't make trash.  No child of mine is trash.  You are one of my jewels!

Anonymous said...

nope. poor white trash goes to mickie d's but they do not pay their bills or hold jobs. Only $25 for 4 at Mickie d's? wow yall getting off cheap now.

Anonymous said...

hey......I clame 0 on my deductions so I can have money in Feb.   I always have in my mind that one day I might owe them.  So I am ahead of the game, as I see it.  Besides most if not all goes to pay bills, and splurge on a little something for the kids and I.