Yesterday, April 15th, was Tax Day here in the U.S., which means lots of lucky people will get refunds of over-paid taxes. Whether you’re one of them or not, what would you spend an unexpected windfall on? Say … $50? How about $500?(And, this is a reading meme, so by rights the answer should be book-related, but hey, feel free to go wild and splurge on anything you like.)
I was one of the lucky people to have received a refund and idealy I would be able to treat myself to something I wished for. My bookish answer is that I would buy whatever newly released book(s) I really wanted, or maybe some classics to add to my home library. Or maybe even a new bookshelf to get the stack of books off my floor!
Unfortunately, I will not be able to do that this year. My job is seriously in jeopardy due to the state of our economy and every week I go to work, I'm thankful I still have a job. The hard truth is that in all honesty, I don't expect it will hold out through the end of this month. New construction is at a standstill in Florida and when my company is fortunate enough to get a client, the banks requirements are such that no one can qualify. A fellow builder in our area lost 12 customers due to the homeowner's inability to get the construction loan. That builder, like so many others, filed bankruptcy last month after 30 years in the business. Hundreds of small businesses have had to close and whole family's are moving out of state to find work. I'm afraid that after 16 years, my boss stands to lose everyting he's worked for. I know I've gone off on a tangent here, but I felt I couldn't answer this week's question without mentioning it. And it kind of made me feel better to vent! Sorry!
Taxes were hard on everyone this year.
ReplyDeleteWindfall
I know how you feel...this economy is hard on all of us. My husband has been a self-employed small business contractor for the last 6 years and this last year has hit us hard. He actually ended up having to take a real job, which was a major cut in pay compared to previous years, because he just hasn't been getting enough work. I'll be hoping that your employer can make it through this time.
ReplyDeleteDon't apologize for venting!! Times like these we feel like we have no control over anything and everyone is really hurting. In Michigan we have 12.6% unemployment rate, numbers were just released today. It is hard to imagine that a company that has been in business for over 30 years is forced to close their doors. I will be praying for your boss and for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteVent away, I am sorry to hear about all that.
ReplyDelete