At Bourke Accounting, my office neighbor is Bookkeeper Mary. She’s a good neighbor – she doesn’t blast Cardi B., she doesn’t talk to herself any more than I do and she’s always willing to answer a question. I have lucked out.
Sadly, my neighbors in real life aren’t quite as wonderful. A man has been living in a tent for over three months in one neighbor’s backyard. I don’t know why, but he loudly threatens to steal all of his ex’s macaroni and cheese bowls. For some reason, I find this to be a vaguely intimidating threat. On the other side, the neighbors like to burn stuff in the middle of the night. I don’t know what they’re burning, but thick, black smoke and a noxious odor continuously hangs in the morning dew.
Although I sometimes feel like I’m reenacting the Tom Hank’s film The ‘Burbs, I don’t call the police. I’m not afraid of my neighbors, but I do understand the concept of picking one’s battles. For example, on July 10, WDRB.com reported that Indiana man, Robert Campbell, went to his neighbor’s house, pushed the neighbor down and then attacked the man’s service dog (what kind of a low-rent beast of a “human” hurts a dog?). The problem between the men started when the neighbor accused Campbell of selling drugs out of his house. Campbell didn’t take kindly to this, as he had previously gone to jail for another offense (the sort of offense that meant he was supposed to have registered himself in a certain database, which he failed to do).
When you think of all of the terrible ways that things can go, do you see why I choose to keep a temperate attitude? Obviously, if I heard gunshots (knock wood, I haven’t so far), someone screaming or witnessed a person being injured, I would contact authorities. However, Robert Frost’s belief that good fences make good neighbors is working well enough for now. Before I get mad, I try to ask myself, “will this situation even matter a year from now?” If I can honestly answer, “no, by next year I won’t remember the participants or the circumstances,” I shrug and go about my day. However, if the answer is an unequivocal YES, then it’s time to use those amazing Gemini communication skills.
When approaching a neighbor about questionable behavior, it’s important not to attack. You should have a rough outline in mind of what you’d like to address, but don’t barrage your neighbor with a machinegun spray of accusations. Also, don’t get personal. No matter what the neighborhood gossip is, don’t bring it up (i.e. “your lawn is a mess and – ha, ha – your husband is cheating with the yoga instructor down the street”). If your neighbor gets crazy, take two steps back and gently tell the person that you’ll be back when they’re feeling better. Of course, this could backfire if you say something like, “sir, sir, you need to calm down.” I shouldn’t have to say that telling someone to calm down will have the absolute opposite effect.
If your good communication skills don’t work, then it might be time to call the police. However, keep in mind that this is REALLY going to get the other person angry. If you take that step, you might want to install some cameras and hope for the best. Also, keep in mind that you have to live right next to this person (depending on what the grievance is) and their rage may lead to bad events whereas you weren’t that invested in justice over your mild annoyance. Remember to ask yourself if this really matters.
We are good neighbors at Bourke Accounting – we even say “good morning” to workers from other companies. Our Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are good neighbors to you, as well. When you sit down with your Bourke Accounting pro, not only will you receive the best financial services, but, if you ask, you’ll get all of the free condiments we can find in our break room. Being a good neighbor means giving out all of the soy sauce available.
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.
At Bourke Accounting, one of Bookkeeper Christina’s hobbies is playing bingo. She goes to a bingo hall, has bingo pals and even attends bingo pals’ birthdays parties. The entire thing is just so wholesome. She has invited me to go, but without cocktail servers, I think it might be a little too wholesome for me. I’ll probably change my mind, though. Right about now, I could use some innocent pastimes. I think we all could.
Please allow me to present three harmless hobbies:
1) Reborn Doll Collectors. A reborn doll is a freakishly realistic looking baby doll (pictured above). These things look so much like real kids that police officers have broken windows in order to save them from hot cars (Sheknows.com). They can run from about a hundred bucks to anywhere in the thousands; the most expensive was sold on eBay, a limited edition named Joelle, for $22,600 (Oddee.com). Those in this specialized subculture change their dolls’ diapers, talk to them, dress them and cuddle them. It could be argued that it’s bizarre for grown (mostly) women to play with dolls, but I still read comic books, so I’m not one to talk. Also, these people don’t actually believe the dolls are real (TheGuardian.com). Of course, there are those who pretend to be pregnant while they wait for their custom-made dolls to arrive, but that’s not the norm (Sheknows.com). Finally, they might be sort of creepy, but they’re so lifelike, they really are works of art. I wouldn’t want one in my house, but I can appreciate the workmanship.
2) Coupon Clipping. If the amount of Youtube.com videos are any indication, there are a lot of people who find coupon clipping very relaxing (seriously, these videos just show people clipping coupons. Sometimes while whispering about the savings). Also, there are a lot of websites dedicated to the frugal. For example, one, called CouponsintheNews.com, offers sneak peaks into the coupons that will be available soon. This site also speculates whether or not drone delivery services will accept coupons. Another site, TheKrazyCouponLady.com, invites readers to share “shopping successes” using pictures of items and the coupons. They also encourage readers to brag regarding how much they saved. I don’t want to be condescending, but this is just too cute!
3) Dungeons & Dragons. If you’ve never played this, it’s really fun. This is a game where all of the players create their own characters and then one person (“The Dungeon Master” – hey, mind out of the gutter) invents a storyline. Then, everyone sort of wanders around in this made up world. Your success on different missions depends on the roll of the funny looking dice. This game is reliant on a lot of imagination, which, obviously, is cool. You can play D&D in Billy’s mom’s rec room or, if you happen to be very adventurous, you can go out into the real world and act things out (also known as LARPing – Live Action Role Playing). I was never good at LARPing, though – keeping a straight face while pretending to be a 4,000-year-old vampire sorcerer elf was too much for me.
The world isn’t all bad. Sometimes, we can find pretty neat things to distract us from the distress of reality. I’m not saying that everyone should play D&D, while cooing to fake babies and clipping coupons, but find what gives you solace and do it.
Bourke Accounting pros have hobbies outside of work and Bourke Accounting experts just so happen to like numbers, too. Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers understand the importance of a good work/life balance. Let a Bourke Accounting specialist share their hobbies while keeping you in a stable financial place. And then we can all go LARPing in the parking lot!
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.
I have never been honestly and truly yelled at while working at Bourke Accounting. Oh, sure, if I make a mistake, I’ll get a wisenheimer comment from one of the bosses, but full-tilt crazy person screaming tantrum? No, not yet. Likewise, I have never been physically assaulted while working at Bourke Accounting. No matter what kind of cruddy day Bookkeeper Christina is having, she has yet to throw anything heavy at my skull.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the rest of the world followed Bourke’s model?
Walking into my local bodega, the guy behind the counter looked unusually harassed. He had just broken up a fight between two patrons. Gentleman A had attempted to rip the mask from the face of Gentleman B; apparently, Gent A was screaming about communists while trying. Gent B took umbrage and punched Gent A in the face. How bizarre is it that a five-inch cloth rectangle can cause two grownups to regress back to the school yard?
Of course, as we witnessed over the Fourth of July weekend, the violence isn’t isolated to two idiots slapping each other over the beef jerky display. Weekends, especially holiday ones, are meant to include fireworks and cheeseburgers – instead, we got 160 murders (TheGuardian.com). By July 6, The New York Times reported that, in 36 cities, murder is up 21.8 percent compared to last year. Jerry Ratcliffe, a professor of criminal justice, weirdly theorized that some of the increase in violence can be attributed to drugs. It is his belief that corona has reduced “the market and opportunities for recreational drug use/dealing, which puts stress on the drug markets and increases violence” (NYTimes.com). I’m not sure, but is Ratcliffe suggesting that we all get high to keep the peace in our neighborhoods? I mean, I guess I’ll take one for the team, Mr. Ratcliffe, as you’re an educated man…
America is in the midst of one of the longest, baddest days of our lives; the trifecta of racial divide, disease and politics has fueled our angst to untenable levels. For example, I watched the St. Louis video of two suburbanites awkwardly brandishing weapons at protestors. These people, the Bonnie and Clyde of Old Navy’s Spring Collection, were actually pointing guns at strangers. I understand the instinct to protect one’s home, but is this the right way to do it?
But wait! The news isn’t all bad! Both Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger & Co. are seeing their stock prices increase. Smith & Wesson’s prices have doubled and Sturm Ruger “has advanced 62%” (Fortune.com). In addition, the FBI reports that firearm background checks have “soared over 3 million in March and May of 2020” (Wave3.com). I support sober and calm citizens exercising their 2nd Amendment rights, but I’m not sure that we are either of these things right now.
And just to make everything perfect, 2020 is slated “to rank in the top five hottest years on record” (Scientificamerican.com). The best thing to do is stay inside. If you can’t, the second-best thing to do is think. A mask isn’t worth hurting someone over, a president isn’t worth going to prison for and you can’t fight the good fight from the grave.
I’ve mentioned that the Bourke Accounting offices are climate controlled. I’ve also mentioned that Bourke Accounting pros are calm. When the world gets to you, come and bask in the Zenlike peace that is your Bourke Accounting tax preparer or bookkeeper. Before doing something stupid, let Bourke Accounting‘s civilized world of taxes bring you back to reality. Remember: the tax deadline is July 15th!
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.
So what we want to do is we want to get our schools open. We want to get them open quickly, beautifully, in the fall. And the — as you know, this is a disease that’s a horrible disease, but young people do extraordinarily well – That Guy, White House Briefing
At Bourke Accounting, we weren’t furloughed. That was pretty lucky. Another lucky thing is that most of the children of Bourke Accounting workers were able to stay by themselves when schools closed. The few younger kids were fortunate enough to have close relatives to watch over them. I realize that not everyone is having the same, relatively easy, coronavirus experience. Because of this, it makes sense that the question of reopening schools is becoming more important.
My little cousin was in the midst of her first year of high school when corona hit. Because she was enjoying it so much (weird little thing), she was devastated when her school closed. When she was unceremoniously informed that she is now a sophomore, she said that she had learned nothing in the last months. Without school and friends, she suffered depression and insomnia. She seems happier now that she can see her pals.
Obviously, I’m not celebrating the joy of depressed ankle biters – or the extension of their pain – but I wonder about the wisdom of opening schools in the near future. Experts have weighed in that these school closures will leave some kids “behind academically for years to come and [lead] to meaningful lost income over the course of their lifetimes” (Vox.com). I don’t believe that. Look at all of the English kids who were evacuated from schools and homes during WW2; they simply continued learning in “pubs, church halls or anywhere else there was…to accommodate them” (Historylearningsite.co.uk). Almost two million kids survived the horrors of bombings, rationing and gas masks (Historylearningsite.co.uk) and reached adulthood. Being stuck in the house does not really compare.
While there’s evidence that kids aren’t as susceptible to the virus, no one really knows how true that is. When asked how the kids would be affected, Sean O’Leary, infectious diseases specialist, said “We are going to find out” (Statnews.com). Is it just me or does that sound really ominous? During quarantine, the kids were safely isolated and, because they “don’t carry the years’ worth of antibodies that adults have amassed” (Statnews.com), we don’t know what will happen when they finally meet Covid on the playground. I’m not sure a “wait and see” attitude should be applied to children.
I understand that parents need to get back to work, which they can’t do without school or childcare. And I understand the argument that, without schools reopening, kids are “exposed to hunger, child abuse [and] homelessness” (Statnews.com). Obviously, we really need to address these problems if a third-grade teacher is the only one protecting a child from violence. While I truly comprehend the necessity of getting back to a normal way of life, I’m not sure that this can be done safely right now. Just look at the states that opened too quickly! Do we really want to try the same experiment, only with kids this time?
As terrible as these last months have been, I have faith that the kids are going to be okay. When they’re graduating from college, they will look back at 2020 and be proud that they were able to make it through to 2021.
Just like you, Bourke Accounting looks forward to returning to normalcy. If your life has undergone tremendous upheaval lately, your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer is prepared to help you set things right again. We won’t babysit your kids, but Bourke Accounting can at least make sure your finances are exactly where you want them to be.
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.
My dad calls me an “undiagnosed Socialist.” My Bourke Accounting co-workers think, I suspect, that I’m liberal to the point of sickening, Pollyanna naivete. However, I have a pragmatic side that tends to surprise those around me. For example, my co-workers and I were solving the world’s problems the other day. Regarding the replacement of funds spent on COVID-19 relief, I suggested that America should look into reworking the welfare system. From the silence, you would have thought I suggested repealing child labor laws and getting the kids back into the coal mines.
Let me explain: I met a person on assistance and she took advantage of the system. Badly. This woman was, along with her three kids, on every program known to exist. She bragged that each kid had their own gaming system (to avoid fights over sharing) and flat screen TVs. In addition, she gave each kid $250 to go to the State Fair and lived with her boyfriend (she giggled when recounting the clever ways in which she hid his presence during home visits). She sold her food stamps to a disreputable bodega for ¢60 on the dollar and drove a brand-new Porsche SUV. She was very proud of herself.
Since I had preconceived ideas, I felt it was a good idea to look into assistance programs. In 2016, for instance, a total of “$77.8 billion in payments were found [to be] fraudulent” (LexingtonLaw.com). See! That’s what I was talking about! Also, every year, the total cost of assistance programs adds up to $1 trillion (LexingtonLaw.com). So, these people just rake in vast amounts of cash, forever and ever? I researched the amount Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the cash distribution part of welfare, gives recipients. The average payment is around $486 a month (CBPP.org). I may have spoken too soon regarding “vast amounts.” All right, but even if it is less than $500, welfare is forever, right? If “forever” can be defined as “no more than five years over a lifetime” (Scholars.org), then sure, forever.
I got it! Assistance recipients must be making all sorts of crazy money from selling their food stamps! Let’s find out: in 2018, the average family received around $256 per month and a single person received $127 (CBPP.org). The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities points out that people were, therefore, allowed $1.40 per meal. I’m starting to think that the woman I knew was doing something on the side, because she sure as anything wasn’t driving a Porsche on welfare benefits.
While it’s clear that welfare doesn’t provide much beyond the bare bones, I believe that reform is still in order. We’ve heard stories of multiple generations of the same families on welfare and it must stop. The learned helplessness of assistance creates people who, feeling like they have no control, “tend to simply give up and accept their fate” (Verywellmind.com). Obviously, education and job training are the only options out of poverty. While education is expensive, it is my belief that America has hidden money to help with this endeavor. For example, the US has 20 B-2 Spirit bombers, costing $2 billion each (CNN.com). Maybe England would like to buy one? At the very least, the US should stop spending billions on war machines (we have enough) and start investing in the people.
Another reform concept is to drug test everyone receiving assistance. I’ve read articles and no one can unequivocally say whether it’s a good or bad idea. I think it’s a good idea. I don’t mind my tax dollars feeding and housing the needy, but it’s not fair to be expected to finance someone’s good time, too (I’m petty, I already know).
Ronald Reagan’s popularization of the term and concept of the “Welfare Queen” did a lot of damage. While it’s true that some take advantage of a system designed to help, I have to believe that most welfare receivers want to succeed to the point where they never have to think of assistance again.
Bourke Accounting pros understand that things are tough. Bourke Accounting pros also understand that, sometimes, all we need is a helping hand once to get over the rough patches. Your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer is here to support you all through these confusing and stressful times.
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.
I am a feminist: women and men are equal. That’s it, end of my concept and moving on. Tim was first made aware of this at a Bourke Accounting staff meeting when he referred to his most exalted and loyal (mainly female) workers as “you girls.” Before we gather the pitchforks, poor Tim had never been apprised that grown women don’t generally care for a term specifically intended for girl children under the age of 15. However, the beauty of open dialogue is the ability to, rationally, introduce a different point of view. Without communication, we are nothing but rocks slamming against each other, creating sparks and causing fires.
Just because we’re all equal doesn’t mean that I ignore the weird trends women have engaged in over the years. So, in no particular order, here is my nod to The Weirdness of Women:
1) High Heels. Back in the 10th century, Persian soldiers wore these things while horseback riding (QZ.com), which, if you’ve ever ridden, makes a lot of sense – a solid heel keeps your feet from sliding out of the stirrups. By the 17th century, heels were a fashion utilized by men, soldiers or not, “so the first women to try them out were actually going for a masculine look” (QZ.com). Eventually, women came to recognize that heels “exaggerate sex specific aspects of female gait” (Huffpost.com) and (frighteningly) soften the blow of a woman in a position of power by drawing attention to femininity (Huffpost.com). Um. Ick. While heels lend height and “sexy” calves, they also cause extreme damage to most of the body. Obviously, the human foot wasn’t meant to be walked on at such an extreme angle. A lifetime in high heels may lead to hip, back, ankle, tendon, foot and toe problems, as well as arthritis (Insider.com). Also, can you run from a bear in 6-inch Manolo Blahniks? No. You cannot.
2) 1950’s Gelatin Mold Cuisine. We’ve all seen old sitcoms where the little lady desperately tries to protect her wobbly Jell-O centerpiece meal from rampaging kids before the big party. One popular dish, called “Liver Sausage Pineapple,” was made of gelatin, liver sausage, mayo and Worcestershire sauce. After mixing the ingredients, the whole thing was shaped like a pineapple (there is no actual pineapple in this thing) and decorated with olives (Getinmahbellah.com). Why did women enjoy suspending random animal parts in gelatinous masses? The main reasons were status (fridges were expensive and gelatin needed to set), efficiency and quick clean-up (TheDailyMeal.com). However, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
3) Baby Showers. I understand the point of baby showers: receive gifts for the baby, honor the mother, celebrate the impending damp and squealing bundle of responsibility. I’ve only been to two baby showers, but I must ask: WHERE ARE THE DRINKS? I was offered virgin Pina Coladas, virgin Daiquiris and, by one wit, a virgin Jack and Coke. Also, I was forced to guess the size of the mother’s belly and bob for pacifiers (okay, I didn’t do the bobbing, it seemed a little unhygienic). How about a bunch of women go to the bar and send gifts to the mother later? Or send gifts before the baby is born and have a raging party after? I’m all for solidarity, but talking about childbirth while sober is simply terrifying.
Women are strong, smart human beings. However, sometimes even the best of us do bizarre things. Don’t worry, though, I’m collecting data for Mystifying Men (coming soon).
Bourke Accounting knows that, no matter what, everyone is weird; your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer would be disappointed if you weren’t off center. Besides respecting the odd, Bourke Accounting respects people as people. Maybe an accounting firm can’t change the world, but who knows? All it takes is enough of us accepting each other’s differences to make the world a gentler place.
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 one has student loan debt at Bourke Accounting. This is especially nice for me, as I’d feel kind of stupid spending 10-21 years paying off the ability to write a paper on Beowulf. Oddly enough, that’s not a talent most 9-5 jobs are really clamoring for (I know! I’m surprised, too!). Even though the current talk regarding the cancellation of student loan debt doesn’t affect us Bourkers outright, I think we’re all curious to see what happens.
Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley is a big fan of cancelling student debt. She feels that this will help to both “address racial inequalities and stimulate the economy” (Forbes.com). If every student debtor could stop chucking monthly payments down a well worth $30,000, of course, that would ease a lot of stress. Considering that student loan debt now exceeds $1.6 trillion (Forbes.com), that erasure would free up many and many dollars to rebuild the economy. All right, I’m with you so far.
College educations are good for Americans. Not only does one learn critical thinking, time management and responsibility, there’s also a lot more money to be made after graduation; the Federal Reserve reports that “college graduates earn 80% more than high school graduates” (Marketwatch.com). Obviously, an educated populace, blessed with financial solvency, would benefit the entire country. So yes, loan cancellation and free college educations would be beautiful things.
You know I hate to be the malcontent in the back of the room, but I see just a few problems with these lofty goals. Perhaps I’m puritanical, but I think debt cancellation really amounts to theft of services. So, you go to a good school, you’re taught by good teachers, you receive a good degree and then say, “Oh, being in debt is hard!” And then, the government says, “There, there, we didn’t mean to hurt your feelings! All is forgiven!” Of course college is expensive! A Tesla is, too, but I don’t hear anyone knocking on my door to hand me one.
Another problem with cancellation is the fact that school tuition is used for many things, not just a professor’s salary. When you consider utilities, security, insurance, maintenance – well, these expenditures add up. Who is going to pay for the cafeteria ice cream machine when it breaks down? And, isn’t it possible that professors would be laid off indefinitely, if that $1.6 trillion in debt just goes “poof”? Now Bernie Sanders (whom I have a mild crush on) suggests what he calls a “speculation tax, a small levy on every stock, bond or derivative sold in the US” (NPR.com) to pay for all of this. I swear I’m not pals with Ayn Rand, but wouldn’t this be penalizing those who have made solid choices? Also, this sort of seems like investors would be taxed twice. Is that fair?
Finally, as I’m petty and jealous, it would annoy me that all these people are entitled to a free education when I wasn’t (yes, yes, my parents helped a lot, but that’s not how I’m remembering it). I think people should pay their own way, within reason. For example, in Australia, student loans aren’t repaid until the borrower reaches a certain income level and there’s no interest involved (Marketwatch.com). It could be argued that some will never reach that level, leaving the debt unpaid anyway, but if Australia is still doing it, it must work.
While education is important, it’s hard. Those who would be educated must be willing to sacrifice. Much like free medical and free housing – I would love to see both – it’s simply not possible yet.
Bourke Accounting knows that education benefits everyone. However, until your student debt is erased, Bourke Accounting also knows how difficult it is to make ends meet. While your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer doesn’t have a magic word to make your life easier, they do have a lot of knowledge and a lot of advice. Why not make your world a better place by sitting down with a Bourke Accounting expert?
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.
After this long weekend, my Bourke Accounting co-workers and I kind of creaked back into the office. We like our work, but for three lovely days, we enjoyed no employment responsibilities. I will be the first to admit that getting back into the work mindset takes a bit of acclimation. Also, while some of us did yard work (my industrious co-workers) and some of us just watched a lot of bad television (my own good self), we are on the mature side of 18 and we are achy.
Shuffling around my coffee maker, and feeling less than amazing, reminded me of America’s elderly population. Right now, there are about 1.4 million people living in nursing homes. However, the CDC suggests that by 2050, those requiring long-term care services will increase to 27 million (Legalzoom.com). Most nursing home workers, from custodians to officers, are wonderful and selfless people. And then, there are some who aren’t.
According to the US Department of Justice, at least 1 out of 10 elders is abused each year (NursingHomeAbuseCenter.com). The scariest thing about this statistic is that “only 1 out of nearly 24 elder abuse cases were actually reported” (NursingHomeAbuseCenter.com). For rational-minded people, the thought of senior abuse is repugnant. After a long life of working, loving, going to war and raising children the dubious reward is mistreatment at the hands of a sadist? Whether it’s emotional or physical abuse, there is a special, special place for people who hurt the defenseless.
Besides the torment of physical abuse, our elders are also susceptible to financial abuse. It’s a chilling fact that seniors lose “at least $2.6 billion a year” (NursingHomeAbuseCenter.com) through theft – and, again, that’s just the cases we know about. When looking at elder theft, we automatically think of shadowy relatives with substance abuse issues and bad intentions. Obviously, these miscreants are lurking, but we rarely consider that the smiling nursing home administrators are the exact same criminals, only with better cars.
We’ve all heard rumors of a future second stimulus check (maybe) on the horizon. If this second wave of money comes through, we’ll have to avoid the problems of the first payment. As soon as they smell money in the wind, the bad guys think of fairly clever plans to divest the rightful owners of their cut. Generally, the baddies prey on the uninformed with threats, promises and official sounding titles. However, almost as soon as the first stimulus checks went out, it was some of the very nursing homes entrusted with our loved ones’ care that were the perpetrators of mass theft.
The Federal Trade Commission had to go so far as to issue a warning to nursing homes to stop this practice. But why would the homes think they were entitled to this money in the first place? Whether through ignorance or malice, these facilities decided that Medicaid recipients owed their checks to them (Consumer.FTC.gov) simply for receiving Medicaid. However, what these administrators failed to realize is that the checks “are, according to the CARES Act, a tax credit [and] tax credits don’t count as ‘resources’ for federal benefits programs” (Consumer.FTC.gov). From the articles I’ve read, it doesn’t appear that those paying for care out of pocket or with insurance had their checks taken, so this lends even dirtier connotations to the whole scandal.
I’ve mentioned before that it’s our duty to protect our most vulnerable citizens. That $1,200 is grandma’s – if she chooses to blow it on the slots or start a college fund for grandkids, let’s make sure this money stays in her pocket.
At Bourke Accounting, we respect seniors – seniors have had to deal with this crazy world longer and that, in itself, is cause for congratulations. If you or someone you know has experienced elder financial abuse, come and speak to a Bourke Accounting expert. A Bourke Accounting pro can guide you in gathering all of the financial material required as a first step towards justice.
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.
On my first day at Bourke Accounting, Bill asked if I’d rather be called “Susan” or “Sue.” I’ve never liked either name, but since only nuns and angry people call me “Susan,” I’m Sue. At the end of the day, it’s just a name and I don’t really care (“Susie” is and always will be provocation for mild violence, however).
Generally, what we call a thing isn’t very important. A name isn’t important, that is, until the people decide it is. Take, for example, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. T or C was originally named Hot Spring in 1916 because, well, there’s a lot of hot springs (WorldAtlas.com). Then, in 1950, Ralph Edwards told the audience listening to his Truth or Consequences radio quiz show that he’d “air this show from a town that would change its name to match the name of the program” (WorldAtlas.com). Applications were sent, Hot Spring was chosen and all of the residents voted to change their town’s name (WorldAtlas.com). I think Ralph Edwards was sort of like the mean kid who dares the friendless kid to eat a bug and then tells everyone how gross he is. But that’s just me.
This sort of commercialized degradation worked out for T or C, though. Edwards came back every year for the next 50 to help the town celebrate “Fiesta.” This is a, still occurring, weekend long festival that features bands, food, karaoke, shows and tours (SierraCountyNewMexico.info). From the pictures, it looks like fun.
As we’ve seen in recent weeks, names are on the minds of a lot of Americans. For instance, people are fighting to rid cities of things named after Christopher Columbus. This makes sense, as history tells us that Columbus was responsible for the mutilation and enslavement of thousands of human beings. I have no problem with changing names that still hurt a battered country. I do, however, wonder if some people are paying attention to the alternate names they are considering.
Look at Columbus, OH. Change.org has a petition with more that 117,000 signatures to rename the city “Flavortown” (ABC6OnYourSide.com) to honor reality cooking show star and Columbus native, Guy Fieri. A few problems with this: Fieri moved from Ohio when he was just a kid, he doesn’t visit often (ABC6OnYourSide.com) and “Flavortown” is the stupidest, most pandering, cheapening advertisement disguised as a wannabe town name ever. Oh, and Guy Fieri has been accused of sexism, racism, homophobia and anti-Semitism (Soyummy.com). So, yeah, there’s that.
If Columbus residents want to change the name of their home, more power to them. I don’t think a reality star who is allegedly against everyone is the best choice, though. Who would be a better Columbus native to name the city after? Hmm…maybe Granville T. Woods, the first African American mechanical and electrical engineer who held over 50 patents (OnlyinyourState.com)? Oh, no, I guess renaming your city after some bleached blond from cable television will really make it pop.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer will call you anything you like. Bourke Accounting believes in respecting the individual while providing the best service possible. And don’t worry, you’ll always be able to find Bourke Accounting under “B” – we will never change our name to “Pepsi-Cola Refreshing Accounting.”
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.
Bill dropped the most recent Kiplinger Tax Letter on my Bourke Accounting desk this morning. I was working on something about staying safe for a fun summer (I’ll have to try again, I was boring myself), so I decided to take a break and see what ol’ Kiplinger had to say. “Well, I’ll be dipped,” I said to myself when I reached the end of the pamphlet. The IRS is back in town.
While a few states have already opened their offices, Kiplinger reports that all IRS offices are slated to open on July 13 (Vol. 95, No. 13). Maybe it’s just me, but the idea of closed and dark IRS offices – stained coffee makers gently rotting amid the dustmotes – was very unwholesome to me. Now I feel better that the IRS is open for business, but I know of one group who won’t.
Back in January, I told you that the IRS doesn’t have enough workers to perform as many audits as they’d like. Well, either a lot of agents were trained over quarantine or priorities have changed; starting July 15 (two days after they reopen), the IRS will “start examinations of several hundred high-net-worth taxpayers” (WealthManagement.com). Why the sudden interest in the Bill Gates of the world? Not being an economist, I have two theories anyway. My first theory is that the IRS had its feelings hurt when the recent Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s report accused the organization of failing “to address high-income non-filers” (WealthManagement.com). This study estimated that 34% of these high-end taxpayers owed “an estimated $45.7 billion in taxes” (WealthManagement.com) for the years 2014 until 2016. When Big Daddy TIGTA slaps your nose, you feel it.
My second theory – again, not based on knowledge – is that this is a plan designed to replace corona-spent cash. Obviously, taxes can’t be raised, no one would support a wealth tax during an election year and, as far as I know, money trees are still a thing of sweet fantasy. Interestingly, these “examinations” of the rich will be hellacious: the IRS is going to look at all businesses (here and abroad), transfers to kids and kin, bank and investment accounts (here, there and everywhere), offshore transactions, family limited partnerships, foundations and estate planning transactions (Kiplinger, Vol. 95, No. 13). Also, the auditors will “employ a matching program to review across different accounts and reporting documents” (Winston.com). Finally, these auditors will be able to “obtain the books and records of any companies in which the taxpayer holds a financial interest” (Winston.com).
If you happen to be one of the lucky high-income audit winners, remember to be kind – all the bigger organizations are picking on your auditor. If you thought the IRS was humorless before, this newly released report probably stole the last giggle from its collective throat. Make sure to cheer your auditor up with a nutritious and tasty snack!
Bourke Accounting tax preparers aren’t hoping that you get audited this year, but they’re more than ready if you do. Besides being conscientious, Bourke Accounting pros have a lot of energy. This will come in handy if the IRS decides to meticulously pick apart the last three years of your financial life. Your Bourke Accounting expert is always available to battle the IRS 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.