Bookkeepers and tax preparers (like you’ll find at Bourke Accounting) fill a lot of different roles. Besides being financial experts, they are confessors, psychologists and peacemakers. Above everything else, they must be sensitive to their clients. However, tax pros can’t be too sensitive or else they’ll end up taking things personally – a customer with a large tax liability is capable of saying some hateful things.
As we’ve seen recently, the sensitivity line can be a little blurry. While we can agree that unarmed, incapacitated people shouldn’t be shot, that seems to be the only thing that gets the majority vote. Right now, America is divided between those who are willfully blind to injustice and those who believe that injustice is lurking in every aspect of everything. There must be a middle ground.
For example, a statement made by comic book creator Stan Lee has been making the rounds on social media again. In 2015, Sony rules regarding Peter Parker, AKA Spider-Man, were leaked. The guidelines stated that Spidey should remain a Caucasian, straight male (also included were rules prohibiting Spider-Man from using bad language, alcohol and needless violence) (TheGuardian.com). When asked about it, Spider-Man author Lee agreed with the rules saying, “I don’t see any reason to change the sexual proclivities of a character once they’ve already been established” (TheGuardian.com). What followed was a storm of accusations of racism and homophobia.
Yes, Stan Lee was a racist. Stan Lee was so racist that, in 1966, after reading an article about the Lowndes County Freedom Organization (also known as Black Panther Party) with some of his pals, Lee created the first Black superhero (Library.wustl.edu). Before the Black Panther film (with Chadwick Boseman as lead) was released, Lee was questioned about creating the character. Lee simply stated, “a good many of our people…are not white. You’ve got to recognize that you’ve got to include them in whatever you do” (Library.wustle.edu). Clearly, Stan Lee was ready for his white hood fitting.
As if creating the first Black superhero wasn’t bad enough, in 1966, Lee was also responsible for introducing the world to the strong, wise, wheelchair bound superhero, Professor Charles Xavier. Professor X is the leader of a band of “mutant” heroes who, while being discriminated against, still save the populace on a daily basis. Among Prof. X’s X-Men are Beast, a genius who looks like a yeti and Jean Grey (AKA Phoenix, et al.), a fellow professor and, quite possibly, the most powerful of all the X-Men. So, while Stan Lee was a racist, he was also sexist and dismissive of the physically disabled. Yup, the evidence is evident.
When Stan Lee said Spidey should stay light skinned and straight, he wasn’t being homophobic or racist; he just didn’t understand why a familiar character should be re-written into something he isn’t. Lee further elaborated, stating, “The Black Panther should certainly not be Swiss…I say create new characters the way you want to. Hell, I’ll do it myself” (TheGuardian.com).
There are a lot of bad things going on that warrant protestation. Stan Lee and his inclusive superheroes are not among them. It would be disingenuous to revamp Spider-Man; if we can accept that Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, can’t we accept that he’s heterosexual, too?
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are sensitive. Bourke Accounting pros are also thick-skinned enough to handle your tantrums. When you’re ready to stop raging against the IRS, you’ll find that your forgiving Bourke Accounting specialist is supremely qualified, too.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Lee
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Just as art imitates life, the financial world mirrors the population’s habits. In addition, this logical trajectory includes the Internal Revenue Service – no matter what Americans get up to, the IRS will create a procedure to govern and legitimize it. It’s interesting to note that these bastions of financial civility engage in practices that, when performed by an individual, seem a little distasteful and maybe even desperate. It just goes to show that presentation is truly everything.
Take, for example, a gentleman who has a love for the ponies. When he gets a hot tip, he marches to the pawn shop, sells one of his few valuable possessions, goes to the track and lays his money down. If all goes well, he returns the next day and (for a small free) retrieves his property. While pawn shops are legal, the activity itself is predatory and vaguely unwholesome. In addition, selling memories out of desperation is depressing. When one uses the word “pawn shop,” there is an element of the shady clearly implied.
However, when a financial institution uses the term “repurchase agreement,” hardly anyone pictures a dusty, dim market of broken dreams. This is odd, as there is no difference between the two concepts. A repurchase agreement is a way to raise short-term cash by selling government securities to another party and buying them back, usually the next day, at a higher price (Investopedia.com). Sound familiar? While pawn shops see brisk business, their more affluent sibling, the repo market, enjoys $2 trillion to $4 trillion worth of trades each day (Brookings.edu) – pawn is popular, no matter what color the collar is.
Also similar to pawn shops, the buyer is protected if the seller can’t come up with the money to actually get the stuff back; the securities act as both the product being sold and the collateral for the loan (Investopedia.com). The buyer agrees to sell back according to the contract payment schedule, but before that, she/he is the legal owner. If the seller ends up going bankrupt, the buyer isn’t required to wait for the courts to make decisions before reselling the securities (Investopedia.com).
Pawning things out of necessity is bad, but not listening to your mom is worse. We were taught that, if you lend money to a relative, you may as well consider it a gift when you hand it over. If that lesson didn’t stick, the IRS is here to reiterate it. Say you lent your sister a boatload of money. She promised to pay you, you spit on your palms and shook. But. She didn’t pay you and now you wonder if you can deduct that amount on your return. No, no you can’t. Because you had a sneaking suspicion that you’d never see that money again, the IRS says that you have to consider it a gift and you’re not allowed to deduct it as a bad debt (IRS.gov). However, if you do things the right way, you might be able to deduct a “maximum of $3,000 per year in bad loans against ordinary income” (Creditcards.com). While a family member might be wounded when you pull out the promissory note, payment schedule, collateral description and interest rate (Marketwatch.com), these will allow you to deduct. Basically, the IRS needs proof that you never intended your loan to be a gift. Bury them in paper and deduct away!
Presentation is what it’s all about; with enough big words and legal-sized paper, the most questionable undertakings can attain an aura of legitimacy. If Fortune 500 companies can make “pawn” sound good, just think what you can do!
No matter how much you pretty it up, Bourke Accounting doesn’t want you to pawn your stuff. If you make another loan to your sister, your Bourke Accounting rep will be happy to notarize the terms for you. Bourke Accounting’s priority is helping you to keep as much as you can. You can’t take it with you, but Bourke wants to make sure you enjoy while you’re here.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
The Bourke Accounting website declares that we think “tax and accounting work is fun” and you are invited to come play with us. If you’ve ever sat down with a Bourke tax preparer or bookkeeper, you know that this is true; our staff likes to laugh. From the music that constantly plays to the sleepy dogs in the corners, we offer a casual and welcoming atmosphere – the Commes des Garcons suit jackets and tasteful art seem to be the only indications that you haven’t stumbled upon a hippie commune.
While Bourke is relaxed (and relaxing), don’t let appearances fool you. When it comes to their calling, our specialists are deadly serious. At the end of your consultation, your associate will have already figured out at least two options to maximize your benefits and keep you on the up and up. Oh, and don’t let those nice personalities be mistaken for weakness: if the IRS wants to play, Bourke welcomes them, too.
Since restrictions have eased, many of you might be considering traveling now. Before you cuddle up to unfamiliar animals, keep in mind that – much like Bourke associates – there are a lot of things in this world that aren’t exactly what they seem:
1) Platypuses. What possible danger could this mishmash of fuzzy, duck-billed, web-footed, egg-laying mammal pose? As it turns out, venomous platypus feet are a thing. When the platypus boys get in the mood, the spurs by their cute lil toes fill up with venom. Much like drunken guys at last call, male platypuses will fight for love. Platypus venom isn’t lethal to humans, but the neurotoxin in it drops the victim’s blood pressure, causes cold sweats, nausea and excruciating, long-lasting pain (Slate.com); the pain is so bad that our painkillers can’t even touch it. If stabbed by a platypus, your doc will inject you with local anesthesia and you’ll get to wait it out (Slate.com). The upshot is that sometimes a wave is better than a cuddle.
2) Flannel Moth Caterpillars. In Kentucky, we know the snakes that should be avoided, but we don’t generally think chubby, lumbering caterpillars can make us hurt. This is exactly the problem when considering the tribble-reminiscent flannel moth caterpillar. While they’re not hunting humans on purpose, their bodies are covered with “hollow, venom-filled quills” (Lawnstarter.com). Brush up against one of these loveable creatures and the contact can lead to severe pain, swelling and intestinal problems (Lawnstarter.com). Problematically, every person reacts differently: while one individual can experience discomfort, another can end up in the hospital with organ shutdown (Insider.com). It pays to remember that not every caterpillar is Alice’s harmless and stoned philosopher.
3) Slow Loris. Imagine the cutest, big-eyed Disney creature in the universe. Then imagine the creature with poisoned elbows (pictured above). This Asian native is the only known venomous primate that can cause your death (Popsci.com). When slow lorises are threatened, they raise their arms over their heads, dance around like a cobra, lick the crooks of their arms (to activate their venom) and bite. The venom contains around 200 volatile components and, just for fun, “the structure of the venom is not yet known” (Bioweb.uwlax.edu). In addition, it smells really bad. Without medical intervention, Gizmo could end you.
Before canoodling with a strange, adorable creature, it pays to do research. Likewise, before diving into a relationship with an unknown professional, you should examine credentials – not every pro is a Bourke pro.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t have time for IRS investigations. Because of this, Bourke Accounting experts keep it simple by following the rules. While you can share a laugh with your Bourke Accounting envoy, rest assured that the advice you receive will never come with poison elbows or venomous feet spurs.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Whether you force art or a fart, the result is the same: you end up with s**t – Someone Smart
A tax return prepared by Bourke Accounting follows a linear script: W2 wages, interest income, child credit, etc. If you end up owing $17,000, your Bourke pro will feel bad, but those capital gains will still shine proudly on your Schedule D. Likewise, you probably won’t attempt to claim your healthy – but unemployed and TikTok addicted – 30-year-old son as a dependent because it wouldn’t make sense to the storyline. Even though we might want it to go a different way, sometimes the story is just the story.
For example, Old Yeller has a terribly sad ending. The book would be pointless if, instead of a shotgun blast, Yeller got a rabies shot and everyone had a picnic. PETA might complain about the trajectory of events, but Old Yeller would mean nothing without the poignancy of reluctant responsibility and loss.
Art and breathing have a lot in common: forcing or restricting either results in catastrophic events. With this in mind, it’s plain that the recent rules implemented by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are just, well…bad. Recently, the Academy has released a list of requirements that movies will have to adhere to if they want to even be considered for an Oscar during the 2024 season. However, these rules have nothing to do with masterful dialogue, interesting plots or innovative cinematography. Sadly, these rules have nothing to do with art at all.
Dumping artistic integrity like a murder victim on the side of the highway, the Academy has introduced an alternative concept of censorship. Starting with the 96th Oscars, movies with dreams of winning best picture will have to “meet inclusion standards both on camera and behind the scenes” (NYTimes.com). At first glance, this sounds good: everyone’s invited to the party! Sadly, it’s not like that. Let’s say you’ve written a heartbreaking, well-written screenplay about four Irish boys growing up hard in South Boston. Well, unless one of those boys is a girl or an Alaskan Native, don’t even bother trying for the gold because you haven’t a chance.
Don’t despair! You still have a chance with your four Irish boys if your storyline is “centered on an underrepresented group” (Etonline.com). So, if you make one boy “deaf or hard of hearing” (Oscars.org), you meet the A3 Academy Standard for Main Storyline! You only have to meet two of the four requirements, so if the deaf kid is also gay (A2 General Ensemble Cast requirement), you have a contender right there! You can argue that your story has nothing to do with a gay, deaf Irish boy, but if you want that naked gold guy, it does now.
Inclusion is a beautiful thing; holding visual artistry and autonomy hostage is the exact opposite. When external forces dictate guidelines for acceptable art, the organic nature of the thing is destroyed. Art should not have politics or agendas and, sometimes, you just can’t shoehorn a blind Amish transsexual into a coming of age buddy film.
Boycott the Oscars. Boycott the attempted murder of art.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t tell nonsensical stories. Bourke Accounting professional stick to the truth and don’t care who has a problem with it. If you want returns and payrolls that mirror reality, come to Bourke Accounting. If you want forced documents that were created under duress, the Academy’s number is in the book.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
No, no, no. Bourke Accounting will not bombard you endlessly with holiday talk for the next three months. You’ll be getting enough of that soon and Bourke doesn’t want to be part of the problem. And yet, and yet there is one more little thing to think about regarding the upcoming festivities…
A lot of Americans have been experiencing less than lucrative states lately. When funds are tight, it’s never more obvious or stress-inducing than when the gift-giving season rolls around. Even during normal years, most of us don’t seriously muse, “Hmmm…I got Chad the Jag last year…I guess I’ll just have to go with the Tesla this year.” Because disposable income has become an endangered species, we have to make our present choices really count. Meaningful and inexpensive gifts take imagination, but it is not an impossible effort. To make it a little easier, Bourke Accounting would like you to contemplate the gifts that you should absolutely, under no circumstance, never, never, ever consider:
1) Adult, intimate, fun-time bedroom accessories (when you are not one of the invited guests). No matter how desperately you’d like a grandchild, there is no good possible outcome with this choice. At best, you’ll get a surprised/embarrassed giggle, followed by, “Oh, you are so bad,” further followed by awkward silence. At worst, the recipients might actually use your contribution out of misplaced obligation. And they will, no doubt, however briefly, think of you. If that’s your goal, you have more issues than a simple accounting blog can assist with. A gift of this sort does not make you quirky and unpredictable – it makes you creepy. Don’t be the creepy, would-be grandparent.
2) Household appliances. Unless the beneficiary has expressed an undying need for a touchscreen toaster, don’t do it. The problem with buying appliances for someone (this is especially true for significant others) is the unspoken expectation that the recipient will eventually use it to benefit you in some capacity. By mid-January, that misplaced obligation will kick in again and you will receive a cake or your overgrown hedges will be magnanimously trimmed. However, there might also be a little bit of resentment thrown in with your lemon raspberry sugar cookies. Appliances simply scream responsibility and effort; don’t give gifts that, by their very nature, require work.
3) Clothes. Unless you really know the taste and size of your intended receiver, avoid something as subjective as clothing. If you buy too big, you run the risk of offending; if you buy too small, you could potentially humiliate the person. In a worst-case scenario, the person could then strive to fit into this inappropriate garment – again, avoid gifts that carry responsibility. Even if you know the size, are you sure about the style? Are you sure you’re buying something the recipient would like or are you unconsciously buying what you think would look good? Most people are too polite to say they hate a gift. In addition, these same people will wear an article when they know the giver will be in attendance. Don’t do this to your loved ones. They never asked for hot pink/fluorescent green argyle.
We all know that it’s the thought that counts; anyone you so generously give to should accept the offering with grace. However, wouldn’t it be nice to give a gift that will really be appreciated? Know your audience and don’t get freaky.
Bourke Accounting doesn’t know what to get you this year. Since we don’t know your size, Bourke Accounting will just have to settle with giving you the best bookkeeping and tax preparation services in Louisville. Although financial security is great all year ‘round, Bourke Accounting knows that it’s most appreciated during the holidays – stop in today and see what Bourke can do for you.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Even for the uninitiated, raising a kid looks like hard work. In earlier years, parents had to make sure their kids didn’t stick anything too metallic into anything that held too much electrical conductivity. Now, parents have to keep kids safe from predators, real and virtual, protect them from unseen viruses and try to explain just what is going on in the world (without scaring them into agoraphobia). No doubt about it, parents have a lot on their plate.
But all is not lost! Because the IRS puts people first, it has created child credits, tax breaks and guidance for parents out there claiming kids. In fact, there must be a group of IRS agents sitting in a room right now deciding how to address every contingency known to humankind. Here are just a few examples of how the IRS is working for parents at this very minute:
1) Kidnapped children. Since no one wants to think about kidnapped kids, the IRS has done it for us. Naturally, the first thing a taxpayer will consider, after receiving a ransom note, is the tax implications of their child’s dependent status. However, if two requirements are met, tax breaks are available with ease. The first condition is that the child must be kidnapped by a non-family member; local law enforcement can help with this. Note that little Billy following the Grateful Dead with your brother, Uncle Freedom Stone, won’t count. The second requirement is that, before the date of the abduction, the child would have had to live with the parent for more than half of the year (EITC.IRS.gov). If both conditions are met, the parent is eligible for the regular child exemptions. So, uh, yeah. There’s that.
2) The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). We know the importance of educating our future professionals and this credit helps to ensure that kids are in the know. The program allows a credit of 100% of the first $2,000 of education expenses paid for each eligible student and 25% of the next $2,000 (IRS.gov). While this is helpful, there are, of course, stipulations in place. For example, the student must be working towards a degree or some other credential, the student must be enrolled at least part time, ATOC can’t be claimed for more than four years and the student must not have a felony drug conviction at the end of the year (IRS.gov). So, if little Billy (he gets around) engaged in some sexy bank robbery, he’s good to go. However, if Billy sold a couple of funny cigarettes to a narc, well, no school for you, Billy. While no one believes in rewarding bad behavior, it’s rather interesting that assault, stalking, etc., are not considered deal breakers, but dust in a baggie is. It would seem that non-violent offenses don’t warrant second chances. The IRS perhaps made a mistake here – as education is one of the only deterrents against criminality, maybe they’d like to revisit this issue.
3) Kids in contention. So, you have one kid and two parents who think each is deserving of the neat tax prizes. The kid stayed an equal amount of time with each parent. Both parents paid an equal amount for the child’s upkeep. The parents hate each other and won’t agree to an alternating year compromise. Who gets the kid? The parent with the most money. If everything is equal, the parent with the highest adjusted gross income is the tiebreaker winner (IRS.gov). One would think that the less affluent parent would be victorious, but no. If you hate your ex, this should be incentive enough to ask for that raise…
As hard as parenting is, aren’t you glad there’s a Nanny McPhee-type helper in the IRS office? For every scenario, there is a tax regulation and your IRS representative is eagerly awaiting your query!
If you’d like to avoid the three-hour hold time, your Bourke Accounting expert has the answers, too. Bourke Accounting tax preparers are well-versed in child exemptions and the rules to utilize them. Not only that, but your Bourke Accounting representative offers hospitality, cookies and Red Bull, things suspiciously absent when dealing with the Internal Revenue Service.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Keeping up, non-obsessively, with current events is a good thing. Considering that both the IRS and government seem to get their kicks from shaking things up daily, this is especially true for Bourke Accounting pros. However, Bourke Accounting experts aren’t solely watching the dry world of finance – they keep an eye on everything. Hence, Bourke staff meetings are lively affairs.
Recently, the story of (former) Judge Dawn Gentry’s removal from the bench was the topic of conversation. If you don’t know, Gentry was a family court judge who was stripped of her office after being found guilty of ten misconduct charges (Local12.com). Some of Gentry’s interests included sexual harassment, booze in chambers, favoritism and actively being a terrible person.
Not matter how skeptical we have become, Americans would like to believe that people in such positions of power are impartial and immune to the baseness of civilian humanity. Since we hold judges to a higher standard, the Gentry story has been dissected endlessly over popular media. However, is this notoriety based on a judge’s disgrace or does the real interest lie in the fact that Gentry is a woman? While America has witnessed numerous instances of male perpetrators, a woman in such a predatory role is still novel enough to give pause.
Take, for example, “girl” super group, The Go-Go’s. It’s hard to think of the ‘80s without humming a few bars of “Our Lips are Sealed.” Oh, yes, The Go-Go’s were such a happy, sweet girl group! Considering the lack of raunchiness in their music, one would think these people were either nuns or built as anatomically correct as Barbie. From mischievous, tom-boy-pixie guitarist, Jane Wiedlin to the cherubic, Campbell’s Soup kid innocence of Belinda Carlisle, this band was totally and completely harmless!
Except they weren’t. First, The Go-Go’s started life in 1978 as a punk band (Billboard.com). Keep in mind that ‘70s punk was not similar to the defanged, mall-punk of today; punk used to be a “take a bottle to the face, take you home for a brief love affair, create great art after” scenario. So, our safe Go-Go’s had a hardcore pedigree – like they say, you can douse the woman in pop, but you can’t scrape away the punk.
Contrary to their songs, The Go-Go’s were musicians. When they hit No. 1 on the charts, they were the first all-woman band to write their own stuff and play their own instruments (SanDiegoUnionTribune.com). Guitarist Charlotte Caffey was also one of the only ones to be thrown out of Ozzy Osbourne’s dressing room for being too “rowdy” (Twitter.com). In addition, stories related by groupies after a night with “the girls” are told with pride mixed with slight PTSD. The Go-Go’s weren’t any different from their male counterparts. And yet, there are numerous documentaries, articles and books that explore the “scandalous” behavior of these women. Of course, this could be because their Day-Glo music belied their nature, but it stands to reason that it’s really because of that double X.
Women, men, non-binary, we’re all the same. There is no “gentler” sex, there is no “logical” sex. We are all apes running around creating havoc. It’s unfair to hold one sex to a standard that is largely ignored by another. At the end of the day, let’s just treat each other with respect and consideration and call it good.
You won’t find wild parties at Bourke Accounting. And, sadly, if you’re an accounting groupie, you will be disappointed in your Bourke Accounting representative. However, if you require efficient and accurate financial services, Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are the people to call – female, male or non-binary.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
It’s September! And you all know what that means, right?! It’s time to deck the halls, light the menorah and plan your Karamu menu! It’s time for stores and car companies to fast forward through time and space (past the less lucrative holidays) to get to those sweet, sweet December festivals! While Bourke Accounting isn’t the type of establishment to stock scary Halloween masks next to brightly lit Christmas trees, there is something you should know about the upcoming months.
In the not too distant future, you are going to start receiving pleas from established charities and benevolent organizations – and, whether you’re religious or not, giving to those less fortunate is always in season (especially during the cold months). However, since the virus has touched down, there’s more people who could benefit from charities rather than finance them. Is there a way to help everyone all at once this holiday season? Maybe a little.
At this point, you know that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act raised the standard deduction to the point where it doesn’t make sense for most Americans to itemize their deductions; in fact, less than 15% of citizens receive any sort of benefit from itemization now (TheConversation.com). For those who aren’t going to exceed $24,800 (married filing jointly) or $12,400 (single filer) in deductions this year, there is now an added incentive to give a little this season.
After the introduction of the TCJA, there was a noticeable decline in charitable donations from taxpayers (Kiplinger.com). Although this makes one question the concept of genuine altruism, it seems that some lawmakers have realized that just asking for charitable help isn’t going to cut it during the age of Corona. So, in March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act changed the rules a bit. Now, even non-itemizers are allowed to write off $300 ($600 for jointly filed returns) for charity donations.
Before anyone gets any fancy ideas, this write-off is meant for cash gifts only (Philanthropy.com) – so don’t try to donate a broken $15 scooter and expect the full deduction. Also, even though the IRS has been busy recently, don’t think that our bean-counting pals aren’t still watching. Like always, donations must be given to qualified charitable organizations; this means that giving your adult brother pizza and beer money won’t count. Also, and, just for kicks, make sure that you save your documentation reflecting the gift amount. The chances that auditors will bother to investigate a $300 deduction are slim, but you can never predict when there will be a slow day in the IRS office.
Although this new rule is an enticement to give, it’s not going to alter anyone’s tax return very much. Marc Goldwein, senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, points out that, for those in the 10% tax bracket, the difference would be about $30 (CNBC.com). We all know that it’s better to give than to receive, but, sadly, there aren’t that many Americans who will be able to make use of this incentive this year.
If you can donate this year, that’s great – you’ll help a lot of people. Keep in mind, however, that a lot people can also be helped with time and talent, too. It’s not always about money…
Bourke Accounting believes in charity and helping their fellow people. Bourke Accounting also believes in knowing all of the new regulations that can alleviate some tax burdens. During good times and bad, your Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers are the professionals with the big hearts. Happy (Premature) Holidays!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
From top celebrities to grade schoolers, a lot of people are feeling…not quite right; some of you aren’t sleeping well, some of you have lost interest in the things you loved and a lot of you are finding it difficult to control your emotions. Magically and overnight, some have been transformed (to varying degrees) into Jack Torrance, keeping company with vengeful entities at the Overlook Hotel.
And, obviously, some of you are not making it easier on yourselves. Alcohol sales are up, narcotic rates are as high as the people partaking and there’s an increase in people beating each other up in public. Clearly, stress is not being handled in positive ways. Since no one can’t make everything better just by wishing, here are a few more simple tricks to alleviate the malaise and maybe bring a certain kind of peace:
1) Stay off social media/news feeds. You’ve heard it before, but it might be falling on deaf ears. Just because technology has made bad news accessible at the moment it occurs, doesn’t mean anyone should willingly absorb it all. There is a vast difference between being informed and wallowing in heartbreaking details. Give yourself five minutes to skim headlines and then move along. It might sound stupid, but set an alarm and shut your device off when the time is up – no excuses. Also, now is not the time to find that you and your loved ones have differing leanings. Everyone is feeling passionate about a lot of situations and people might say things that aren’t really meant. If you spend too much time on social media, you will discover someone close to you doesn’t agree with your take on things. Don’t end a relationship over a meme. Remember that no one is at their very special best.
2) Get out. Instead of stewing over the state of things, pump up the music, slap a leash on the dog (cat/neighbor’s kid) and get to walking. Acknowledge that the world is still here. Trees and bumble bees still exist, squirrels are still dancing in their questionable fashion. We, as a species, are still here. After unleashing the neighbor’s kid, clean the gutters, sweep the driveway, sing along to Olivia Newton-John. Do anything, as long as it’s mindless and exhausting. Sit outside at night and appreciate the tune of cicadas, relish the slight change in temperature, howl at the moon. Get out.
3) Force yourself to do the things you’ve forgotten you love. Stop giving yourself permission to be miserable. You are not an entitled toddler and it’s time to stop treating yourself as such. The holidays are on the horizon – have you even started Aunt Clarice’s sweater? No, you have not. When was the last time you picked up a book? You love reading, you haven’t been reading and now you’re surprised that you feel weird? It doesn’t matter if you’re tired. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like it. When you’re hyper-focused on the negative, it’s as if you’re constantly staring through a microscope – it’s no wonder the edges have gone dark. Embrace the things that give your life meaning; those things have been patiently waiting for you.
Nobody told you there’d be days like these, but no one ever promised you a rose garden, either. Reach out if you need support, reach out if you see someone suffering. You are not alone. We can either make things better or we can make things worse. It’s up to us to decide.
Bourke Accounting experts want to make things better. Your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer are good for a laugh and even better with a trial balance. At Bourke Accounting, curling into a ball is not an option. No matter how you’re feeling, your Bourke Accounting specialist are going to continue doing what they love. And they’re patiently waiting for you, too.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Paris, you ain’t a f*&%ing punk, yah tourist! – NYC Punk Rocker, upon seeing Paris Hilton wearing a Ramones shirt, 2001
If you think about it, tax preparers – like you’ll find at Bourke Accounting – are akin to musicians: they have to keep time with the song they’re playing, they must have a working knowledge of the rules and structure and, most importantly, they have to know how to be innovative without descending into a world of chaos (and penalties). Think of it like this: there is a huge difference between Tekashi6X9 and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. One is irritating noise that is technically music, one is life-changing art.
In 1974, popular music was pretty much nowhere. We had the soulless arena rock of Queen (yeah, I said it), there was the wanna-be sensitivity of The Eagles and the sanitized, over-produced offerings of Steely Dan (not to mention the one-step-away from feminine hygiene jingles of Barbra Streisand). In 1974, popular music had no meaning, no emotion and all of the charm of damp toilet paper stuck to the collective finger of America.
And then, when it seemed that there would be no stereophonic salvation, four funny-looking guys with an obsession for bubblegum pop convinced an NYC bar owner to let them play. The Ramones had arrived at CBGB’s to save the day (and our souls).
What was interesting about The Ramones was that they didn’t sing about “bands on the run” or how “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” No, no, no, The Ramones gave us autobiographical ditties that, at first listen, were cute and energetic. However, there was nothing cute about the confessional song, “53rd and 3rd.” This song depicted bass-player Dee Dee Ramone’s experiences as a professional lover on a well-known Manhattan corner. As it turns out, Dee Dee had a love for pharmaceuticals and no desire to get a proper job. Also, the upbeat song “Beat on the Brat” was Joey Ramone’s observations based on his neighborhood, illustrating children running wild and parents with a penchant for corporal punishment.
The hippie protest songs of the 1960s advocated rebellion against unfair higher powers with an inclusive, “we love everyone” vibe. Punk rock wasn’t quite as optimistic. Punks knew that just saying you love everyone didn’t make it true. Punks were cynical, learning at a young age that “heroes” who espoused “all you need is love” were often the same men who mercilessly abused their nearest and dearest. Punkers were honest in their nihilism and belief that the world really was as bad as a hippie with a peace sign and a clenched fist. Punk rock and The Ramones didn’t sugar-coat to make anyone feel better.
While there is a depressing, truthful element to punk and The Ramones, there is also an idealism that suggests that we will get through this, too. The thundering bass, the simplistic, war-like drums, the staccato singing and the screaming guitars all prove that where there is life, there is hope.
Critics have accused punk of being sloppy, undisciplined noise. They’re wrong. Punk is visceral and primal, sure, but it’s also real. Punk and The Ramones are the auditory personification of the Id; there are some of us who will always prefer authenticity to commercial studio representations of humanity.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are the punk rockers of accounting. Bourke Accounting pros know what they’re doing, but they won’t pretty up their findings for anyone. If you want an expert to tell you the truth and give you real options to save your back account, come see a Bourke Accounting representative today. Gabba gabba hey.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.