Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The tax-man ate my paycheck.

I should be more excited right now. I mean, I am happy… super happy, but WTF! Is it really necessary to take that much money out in taxes??

I need to elaborate.

I just found out that we are finally getting our bonuses at work for 2008. Woooooo hooooo!! I haven’t mentioned it at all because I didn’t want to jinx it. There had been talk around the office for the last few weeks, so right after our last pay period ended, I went into our payroll system and changed my exemptions from 1 to 5, thinking this should help soften the blow from the tax-man. Our finance chick sent me a text message last night saying that my bonus was 17% of my annual salary! I suck at math, but my calculator says it should be about $8200 give or take! Awesome! I’ll be able to pay off at least 2 of my credit-cards!

Wrong.

When I got into work this morning, the finance chick printed out my prelim pay-stub for this week, my gross pay is listed as $10,110.38 (SCORE!)… I scan the printout trying to find what will actually be deposited into my account…

I almost fainted; $6886.44.

Okay, I don’t want to sound ungrateful but this amount not only includes my regular bi-weekly pay, it also includes my expense return from my Dallas trip. This means, that out of my $8200 bonus, I get $4602.91. COME ON! That is ridiculous! That’s effin’ 45% paid in taxes!!!

Don’t get me wrong, I am still very excited, because it is money that I didn’t have. But just the thought, if I would have changed my withholdings to exempt instead of freaking 5 I could have paid off TWO credit cards plus some!! (Okay, I might have been pissed come tax-return time next year... but I still would have made out better!)

No point in dwelling on what ifs.

Now that I have gotten that off my chest, I can focus on the positive.

I do have $4600 to work with, so I will pay off Credit Card #1 ($418.15 from my expense return, so I’ll have to take $735.39 from my bonus.) That leaves me with $3865, so I will put that towards Credit Card #2 bringing my balance down to $3822. Not too shabby! I’ll have to plug in the numbers, but this also means that I will have my credit card debt paid off earlier than I anticipated!! This is really good news!

Okay, I’m happy again! =-)

48 comments:

  1. that's awesome! i work for government... so no bonuses for us!

    can i ask a question? how come you're not paying off your highest interest card sooner? I could see wanting to get the smaller balance one out of the way first (#1) but wouldn't it make more financial sense to pay the one with higher interest off first? just wondering!

    Congrats!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, it does make sense to pay the higher interest card off first (and I have been thinking about switching it around). I guess I have let Dave Ramsey get in my head (yes, I admit, I do listen to him on the way home from work!). He has this thing of working a “debt snowball”… basically paying debts off smallest to largest regardless of the interest rates.

    I think part of it too is the instant gratification I get from seeing a $0 balance. You are right though…. I need to get rid of the 19% credit card. Thanks for making me think about that!

    And thanks for reading!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats on your bonus!

    It is depressing to see how much money is taken out for taxes. I always tell myself that I want the potholes fixed and that is where my tax money is going. If only IL was not one of the most corrupt states...

    I totally understand your need for insta gratificatiom...I think that it is a trait of our generation. I make list for everything, and crossing something off of my list makes me so happy. I would see why you would want to pay off the small ones first. Just to make u feel like your making progress and getting somewhere. Plus then it is one less payment to make.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree… I think that is a trait of our generation. We want to see results NOW! I guess there isn’t anything wrong with having high hopes!

    Thanks for the comment!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cash-strapped state governments are offering amnesty plans to encourage delinquent taxpayers to bring their tax debt up to date. These states are willing to reduce or eliminate some Tucson Tax penalties in order to get more funds into the state treasury.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe that this amazing site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the information! Instagram Captions for Selfies I quite like reading through a post that can make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment! 21 black jack

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have to convey my respect for your kindness for all those that require guidance on this one field.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i¡¦m glad to show that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot indubitably will make certain to don¡¦t forget this web site and give it a look a relentless basis. pandora apk no ads [url=https://androidapkwala.com/pandora-apk/]pandora apk no ads[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  9. Developing an enticing top-notch business plan can be a daunting task. Yet it could be highly rewarding if the right strings blue sky loans pulled. This article is targeted at business lovers who are keenly interested in taking their businesses to the next level.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Business owners contemplating a sale of their business should allocate the proper time and attention into planning this event. Not every business listed for sale is actually sold. There are a number of reasons why and it would convert money calculator advised that small business owners recognize these challenges and take the necessary steps to address them.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Here we discuss the reality of attaining business funding for small businesses. We address the advantages and disadvantages of private funding vs. bank funding. While there https://cad.cheapsoftwaredownload.net/catia.html many differences, these are different products which achieve the same end result for small businesses.

    ReplyDelete
  12. My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks! Spotify apk

    ReplyDelete
  13. The way you write, you are really a professional blogger.:~,-’ Happy New Year Quotes 2020

    ReplyDelete
  14. I see that you are using WordPress on your blog, wordpress is the best.~’-~* Happy New Year Quotes 2020

    ReplyDelete
  15. I’m a blog crazed person and i love to read cool blog like yours…;*: Happy New Year Quotes 2020

    ReplyDelete
  16. I really love the way you discuss this kind of topic..”\"*. Happy New Year Cards 2020

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just love to read new topics from you blog..~`.- Happy New Year Cards 2020

    ReplyDelete
  18. If you want to start a business from scratch and are lacking experience in that specific industry then this article is for you to read. Find out the most comprehensive details about starting a fresh business without any experience at all. how to download coreldraw 2019

    ReplyDelete
  19. I wish I had a dime for every bad article I’ve read lately. I also wish other writers had your talent and style. Thank you. solidworks 2017 download 64 bit

    ReplyDelete
  20. I discovered your blog website on bing and check some of your early posts. Keep the good operate. I just now additional up your Rss to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you at a later time!… cheap software

    ReplyDelete
  21. Information on how Canadian business owners and financial managers can finance a SRED claim. Why SRED financing makes sense for cash flow and competitive reasons. Investment Advice

    ReplyDelete
  22. While i in the beginning commented I clicked on the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and then each time a short review is newly added I get a couple of messages with the exact same thoughts. Maybe there is in any manner you can easily eliminate me from that program? Many thanks! 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hermes Watches Sale Hermes Replica Handbags Replica Hermes Handbags Hermes Bags Outlet Chanel Bags For Sale Cheap Chanel Bags Cheap Chanel Handbags Cheap 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  24. Running any business alone can be self-fulfilling for every entrepreneur but equally as tough and impossible to successfully manage. With this in mind, hiring a business coach is always a smart move because the opinion of an expert enables and facilitates businesses to reach their full potential. The business coaching industry in the US has grown in recent decades to a worth of over $12 billion highlighting its impact and the need to find the best business coach for your business so as to unlock maximum potential. ASSIGNMENT HELP

    ReplyDelete
  25. One of the many goals when crypto currency (CC) was first invented was to establish a secure digital system of transaction. The technology used was Blockchain, and still is. trading

    ReplyDelete
  26. Are you having a financial business website? Are you happy with the return of your investment in developing the website? I mean to say is the site focused to showcase your business? If the case is otherwise, you are in need of one of the best finance website templates. There are many excellent finance web templates available in the template shops. The matter of success hides inside your wise decision. Trading криптовалюта

    ReplyDelete
  27. Are you having a financial business website? Are you happy with the return of your investment in developing the website? I mean to say is the site focused to showcase your business? If the case is otherwise, you are in need of one of the best finance website templates. There are many excellent finance web templates available in the template shops. The matter of success hides inside your wise decision. best bitcoin faucets

    ReplyDelete
  28. เหล็กดัดเชียงใหม่ ( chiangmai Wrought iron ) รับติดตั้ง ประตูเหล็กดัด เหล็กดัดหน้าต่าง เหล็กดัดอิตาลีเชียงใหม่ มุ้งลวดเหล็กดัด มุ้งจีบ งานกระจก อลูมิเนียม กันสาด ทุกรูปแบบ ประตูเหล็กดัดเชียงใหม่

    ReplyDelete
  29. How Your Firm Can Qualify And Access P O Trade finance;Information on how Canadian business owners and financial managers can access purchase order financing. How P O Finance works in the Canadian trade finance arena. Payday Loans Online

    ReplyDelete
  30. Is your business getting caught up with these 4 common misconceptions about social media marketing? Learn how to BEST use social media to market your business. html email builder

    ReplyDelete
  31. Are you having a financial business website? Are you happy with the return of your investment in developing the website? I mean to say is the site focused to showcase your business? If the case is otherwise, you are in need of one of the best finance website templates. There are many excellent finance web templates available in the template shops. The matter of success hides inside your wise decision. 500 online loan from UnitedFinances.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Are you having a financial business website? Are you happy with the return of your investment in developing the website? I mean to say is the site focused to showcase your business? If the case is otherwise, you are in need of one of the best finance website templates. There are many excellent finance web templates available in the template shops. The matter of success hides inside your wise decision. free url shortener

    ReplyDelete
  33. Many businesses, both small and large do not realize that software can be leased or financed. Although software financing is unique in some manner, in general it has many similarities to equipment leasing. It is also proper to ensure that right finance firm is utilized, as many lenders are somewhat risk averse to financing this asset. 5paisa review

    ReplyDelete
  34. Everyone talks about social media nowadays as a part of their company's marketing strategy. But there are so many companies still not doing it in the right way. Some companies think that social media marketing is only for business that are marketing product or services online to their customers through Internet. instagram smm panel

    ReplyDelete
  35. You've supplied us with an interesting article about Smm reseller panel. This is a fantastic resource for expanding your understanding of the subject. Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I generally want quality content and I found that in your post. The information you have shared about social media panel is beneficial and significant for us. Keep sharing these kinds of articles here. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Financing a car is a very important process and today with the availability of numerous car finance brokers it has become an easy option to get secure car loans. Today these car finance brokers are playing a vital role in assisting car buyers as well. In this article, know more about various important factors that you should keep in mind while making a selection of a car finance broker. MotoRefi Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ever wanted to know what a singleplayer game is? Could you face cyber bullying when playing a singleplayer game? Are there benefits to being in singleplayer mode? Teenpreneur explains the world of singleplayer games. binomo indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you for taking the time to post this blog. I am pleased with your work after reading this post. This is very useful for us. Keep sharing such blogs. Smm panel India

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. smm panel instagram followers

    ReplyDelete
  41. This Article is Awesome. Its help me a lot. Please keep up your good work. We always with you and Waiting for your new interesting articles. Smm Provider

    ReplyDelete
  42. Mining rigs for sale with worldwide delivery. We are a team of professionals with experience in Blockchain Management, Offline Sales, and Cryptocurrency Mining. Innosilicon g32 grin miner and best miner for lyra2rev2. As Asic mining rigs for sale in Asic mining rigs for sale, we are specialists in reselling Antminer hardware since 2017! We exclusively sell products of the manufacturer and brand Bitmain so we can offer you great service and the best online pricing. ibelink, ibelink Asic, ibelink bm-k1, bitmain antminer s13 pro, bitcoin miners.

    ReplyDelete
  43. All Entrepreneurs and individuals who have been running small business know that it is a consuming affair. Sometimes they are so engrossed with the bigger picture that they fail to check their mistakes that they have committed in the course of time. Especially, when it comes to their financial options, most of the entrepreneurs fail to break their financial options. So here are some points that you should check to avoid financing mistake that can occur in the course of business. Crypto news

    ReplyDelete
  44. When it comes to trading cryptocurrencies, you have to speculate whether the market you have chosen will go up or down in value. And the interesting thing is that you never own the digital asset. Actually, the trading is done with derivative products like CFDs. Abra referral code

    ReplyDelete
  45. When it comes to trading cryptocurrencies, you have to speculate whether the market you have chosen will go up or down in value. And the interesting thing is that you never own the digital asset. Actually, the trading is done with derivative products like CFDs. Wazirx referral code

    ReplyDelete
  46. When it comes to trading cryptocurrencies, you have to speculate whether the market you have chosen will go up or down in value. And the interesting thing is that you never own the digital asset. Actually, the trading is done with derivative products like CFDs. bybit referral code

    ReplyDelete
  47. Imagine you receive an email in the middle of the night while you are asleep. The mail shows that you just made $40 after one of your customers used their debit card to purchase an item from your online store. This online store is available 24/7 and displays over 80 web based solution for business owners. If one would ask: what is the best internet business?" I would say any business that allows 24 hours online access, quality customer service support staff and marketing tools to help your business stand out in your niche. You are about to discover why so many online marketers become successful running their own internet business. Let's look at the features and benefits of running an internet business in today's economy. You will learn, among other things; who are Web Host Resellers, what is involved in the Domain Name industry, the pros and cons of running a Domain Name Reseller Business, and the costs involved in setting up this venture prize bond result

    ReplyDelete
  48. Great insights! Your blog highlights the importance of building a strong Twitter presence, and I couldn’t agree more. For those looking to enhance their engagement and grow their audience quickly, I’d recommend checking out Twitter Followers Buy From India. It's a reliable option to boost your profile authentically. Keep up the amazing work, and thanks for sharing these valuable tips!

    ReplyDelete

Weight loss tracker...