When tax time arrives we are sometimes sad because we owe more or happy with our windfall. However, keep in mind a refund means the government had your money all year. Tax time is the one time a year we are forced to review how we used money all year. Tax time is also an opportunity to plan for the future and budget wisely for the next year.
When I was much younger I pondered budgeting. It was a mystery to me. I felt I would never have enough money for a budget. What about emergencies? Those were excuses and that was wrong thinking. By evaluating was was spent in a prior year and planning spending for the next year, cash flow improves. A budget is a plan, a guide. Putting monthly savings in the plan will create a fund for emergencies. Putting giving in the plan creates blessing. Even planning for vacation in the budget can create blessing, as the trip won't be going on a card to be paid later with interest. What about a plan for your children for college or other future needs?
During the yearly tax review be sure to see how much money went to card fees. Wouldn't it be great to have that in savings instead?
If I learned to live on a budget earlier I would have more cash now. Thankful, I finally learned. If you need to learn how to do that I can help as a free service.
Money is a tool for living. Used wisely it can be a blessing to you and to others.
Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” (NKJV)