Taxes, gratitude and financial advice

It's good to have income on which to pay taxes.
It's good to have income on which to pay taxes.
It's good to have income on which to pay taxes. - Blue Skunk

Don't tax you, don't tax me. Tax that fellow behind the tree. - Russell B. Long

Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes. - Benjamin Franklin 

Once again it is tax prep weekend here. Thanks to the web, this job just gets easier every year. Last year I thought I would seek out some kind of iGoogle for my finances, but it was just one of those things I never got around to doing despite some good suggestions of sites to try. It's still a paper blizzard with receipts, 1099s, and other sundry proofs that money either came in or went out of the household.

Maybe it is just the wonderful weather this weekend, but I have been thinking of all the things for which I am economically grateful.

• that I have not only a job that pays a living wage, but one that brings me satisfaction.
• that I had the kind of upbringing that taught delayed gratification when I was younger - giving up parties for a college education.
• that I have avocations - writing and speaking - that are both remunerative and allow me to travel. I am especially excited about upcoming trips this spring to Cairo to do workshops for NESA and Bangkok to consult on facility design. (Yes, I am excited about Baltimore and New Hampshire, too.)
• that all our children seem to be financially emancipated. There is actually some money left in the checking account at the end of the month now and then.
• that despite the 403b being in the toilet, I am among this world's lucky ones who actually has savings, a retirement plan, and an affordable mortgage.
• that I can say that I've earned every nickel honestly.
• that I can pretty much afford to buy all the toys I want.

In some ways this is pretty incredible since have had three major financial rules:

1. You can't lose money in investments that you've already spent on other stuff.
2. Buy high. Sell low. Don't give up the day job.
3. Charitable giving is the best investment you can make. Spoiling your children and grandchildren a little is the second best.

There you are - all the financial wisdom I have. I may have missed my calling -  I might have been even better at losing money than those AIG execs. And I would have been happy with just a six rather than seven figure bonus.