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My college daughter was home doing laundry recently and announced, "Look what I found, a $10 bill in the wash. Wow! Some extra cash." I reminded her that unless we are taking in laundry for others, some one at our house had that $10 in a pocket.
While it feels good to "find money" or gather up change and buy a pizza, that money was yours from your earnings or allowance. And that is what getting a tax refund is - it was your money, it just got put some place else for awhile.
The tax code is complicated and it is difficult to "break even" at tax time, but don't let Uncle Sam become your banker. A safe variance to either owe or have a refund should be in the $300 range. Make a vow this year to learn more about with withholdings and deductions and that whatever you receive in a refund, share a part of it with a charity (and gain a deduction for next year), pay down a debt, save some in a place that won't be found for Laundry Lotto and yes, give yourself just a little treat.
And a word to my daughter - I am checking my pockets from now on!
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