Bourke Accounting professionals are practical and they are ethical. If you forget to include some extra income, your Bourke Accounting tax preparer will quietly fix the problem; they won’t report you to the IRS for attempted tax fraud. While I consider myself a pretty ethical person, I wonder if maybe I’m just a touch too practical compared to my Bourke co-workers.
For example, earlier in May, rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine earned about $2 million in less than a week from his newly released single, “Gooba” (Billboard.com). So, 6ix9ine decided to donate 10% of that to No Kid Hungry, a charity fighting childhood hunger (Billboard.com). That’s right, this weird little facially tattooed guy was willing to give $200,000 to make sure that, even during the pandemic, kids would be able to eat. Let’s say the average cost of a Kraft Lunchables is about $1.48 (not the best food choice, I know). That means that $200,000 would provide about 135,135 kids with at least one meal.
However, Laura Washburn (No Kid Hungry’s director of strategic communications), said “thanks, but no thanks.” While she announced that the charity was grateful for the offer, she said that it is the policy of No Kid Hungry to “decline funding from donors whose activities do not align with our mission and values” (Billboard.com). Tekashi 6ix9ine is not a good, law-abiding citizen. He has been trouble in the law for a vast host of reasons – assault, weapons charges, racketeering and even something to do with a 13-year-old girl when he was 18. He is no one’s role model, he is a criminal.
I wonder though, does a hungry child care if the hands that are providing clean food are dirty?
Another example of denied charity happened in Pennsylvania last July. Hundreds of parents received letters from the Wyoming Valley West School district regarding unpaid school lunch debts that amounted to $22,000 (CNN.com). The letters threatened parents that the district might be forced to report them to Child Protective Services and, most likely, the children would end up in foster care” (CNN.com). Todd Carmichael, co-founder and CEO of locally based La Colombe Coffee, offered to pay the entire debt (CNN.com). However, the school board president, Joseph Mazur, said no, citing that “the parents who owe the money can afford to pay it” (MSN.com). Mazur simply stated that it wasn’t Carmichael’s responsibility. Thankfully, the backlash from this refusal made the papers and the board finally relented and allowed Carmichael to carry on with his good deed.
Some people complain that, if parents can’t afford children, they shouldn’t have children. That’s a fair argument, Captain Hindsight, but, what is your suggestion for the kids who are already here? Children won’t understand that, because their parents aren’t good at budgeting, they don’t get to eat today. Honestly, these kids are going to be our doctors and attorneys – have you ever tried concentrating when you’re really hungry? As Americans, yeah, sorry, it’s our responsibility to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are practical and ethical. Bourke Accounting won’t engage in fraud with you, but they will definitely protect you to the best of their abilities if you find yourself in a sticky situation. And really, since our Bourke Accounting experts are so talented, they can offer you – legal – advice to help you throughout all of your financial journeys.
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.
Within the next few weeks, it looks like America is going to be opening for business as usual. I know your Bourke Accounting experts are looking forward to sitting down with you again. While it’s been a blast for them to have entire conversations traded through Post-It notes, crackling cellphones and weird Jetsons-type video calls, they like the good ol’ fashioned face-to-face encounters best of all.
However, just because we say it’s going to be business as usual, that’s not really the case; we are going to be feeling the effects of the last few months of quarantine for a long time. Between probable tax hikes, bankruptcies and a general reluctance to stand close to strangers, we are going to have to relearn what it means to be social and working animals again.
Because of this, I was thinking of certain aspects of American life that might take a bit longer to rebuild:
1) Familial relationships. While we love our families, the extended lock-down could prove fatal to marriages. Divorce attorneys are predicting that, once courts are completely open, the surge in break-ups might be astounding (ABCnews.go.com); familiarity breeds contempt and all. Sadly, the causes of Corona divorce are more existential than simply noticing how often your spouse has a finger up her/his nose. Marcy Katz, attorney, suggests that higher divorce rates may be caused by people “coming to terms with their mortality and want[ing] to make positive changes in their lives” (ABCnews.go.com). Basically, it’s a “It’s not you, it’s me and I don’t want to waste the rest of my life with you” scenario.
2) Our bellies. A lot of people eat out of stress and fear. Because of the 24-hour news cycles, scary internet conspiracy theories and too much free time, many people are turning to food for comfort. In addition, without the structure of a normal workday, people may be eating out of boredom or simply because they can. Also, when the only chance to leave the house is to visit the grocery store, people stock up on items that aren’t really needed and make more frequent trips. And, finally, in uncertain times, there is solace to be found in over-flowing pantries and fridges.
3) Our feet. So, you’ve been padding around the house in your socks for the past few months and now your feet, back, knees, everything hurts. Miguel Cunha, MD says that “walking barefoot on hard surfaces for long periods of time alters the distribution of pressure and weight across your feet” (Menshealth.com). While it feels great to kick off those confining work shoes for the weekend, going without support for too long can cause problems throughout the entire body. To help your feet and to avoid tracking alien bacteria and viruses all through your place, Dr. Cunha suggests buying supportive house shoes that never touch the outside (Menshealth.com).
We know it’s going to be a long road back to normalcy; none of us have ever before experienced the events of these last months. With patience, hard work and diligence, we will eventually and really return to business as usual.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers can’t wait to see you. While Bourke Accounting has continued to offer the most knowledgeable and accurate service available, they, too are anxious for the good ol’ days. Bourke Accounting experts enjoy holding your hand through the tough times and being a shoulder to cry on through the even tougher times. While they may be bean counters, they are very social bean counters.
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, we have a few transplants from the North: I’m from NYC, Bill is from NYC, Phil is from Jersey. I thought we were the upmost in hardcore. And then, this weekend, I watched the television show Outsiders on the WGN channel. It must be said – New Yawk ain’t got nuthin’ on Kentucky in terms of toughness. If you don’t know, this is a 2016 show about a clan of outlaws living in the mountain wilds of Kentucky (even though it’s filmed in Pennsylvania), distilling moonshine and, basically living on the fringes of the world by a well-established code of their own.
It is violent, it is interesting, it is rather sexy and I am hooked. The pal who hipped me to this program mentioned that it’s based on real events and that I shouldn’t walk around the Daniel Boone Forest. Huh? I’ve been to this national preserve and it is beautiful. Whaddya mean I shouldn’t walk around there?
Booby traps and psycho mountain folk, my friend informed me. Wait, what? Yeah, well, you know I had to look it up.
In November of 2009, Bill Sparkman, a census taker was “found bound and gagged and hanging from a tree… “Fed” scrawled across his chest” (ABCnews.go.com). My God! That’s horrible! You can’t trust these weirdo mountain Kentuckians! They’re wild, they’re terrible and, and, and…annnd, it was all BS. The deceased was in debt, he was depressed, he was ill, he disrobed himself, he wrote on himself and the only DNA found on the accoutrements of his demise was his own. He even told a friend the rudiments of his plan (who didn’t take him seriously) (Kentucky.com). So, Clay County, KY witnessed as a bunch of cops and agents descended upon their land, looking for some Deliverance-type extras.
However, the fact that Mr. Sparkman thought that this was a believable plan, with ready-made suspects standing by, makes one wonder about the reputation of the area. As it turns out, yes, there very well might be some hard customers in the forests of good ol’ KY.
Take, for example, the Cornbread Mafia. This is a group of folks who grew marijuana in some pretty rural places of Kentucky, after they discovered that weed generated a lot more revenue than ‘shine. It turns out, to protect their crops, they did in fact use booby traps: “including fishhooks hung at eye level, trip wires tied to dynamite and live rattlesnakes tied to poles” (Courier-Journal.com). However, Johnny Boone (the “leader” of the group) was sort of a homegrown hero, as he donated money to the desperately poor people in the community. Deputy marshals, trying to find Boone and his cohorts, were met with resistance from the townsfolks. Often the agents of order were told that they wouldn’t be told where anyone was, even if the townsfolk knew, which, of course, they did not. (Courier-Journal.com).
I am in no way trying to defend the lawless. However, it seems to me that we must look into the reasons why some go outside the law in order to feed their families and communities. Lawlessness is a mark of desperation and, while no one should get off scot-free, mitigating circumstances should be introduced and examined.
Most Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers won’t set up booby traps around your house. However, if you have an issue with a government agency, I urge you to contact your Bourke Accounting expert before doing anything rash. Your Bourke Accounting pro can defend you and protect you better than rattlesnakes ever could (and you won’t have angry, bitten agents breaking down your door).
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.
Bourke Accounting likes women. Not in a creepy, hidden cameras in the bathroom kind of way. At Bourke Accounting, there are more female employees than male, but everyone is treated identically. If one of us messes up – no matter what gender – Boss Bill will call us to the carpet in the exact same fashion.
Bill doesn’t come down harder on us because we are women and he sure isn’t easier on us because we’re the gentler sex. Nope. He holds everyone to his same, exacting standard.
I like this. As a kid, I hated playing games with boys who “went easy” on me because I happened to be a girl. I also hated the boys who told me I couldn’t be on the team because, as a girl, I would only drag their side down. Since playing “Kill the Man” was a lot more fun than making squishy, light-bulb heated brownies with the Easy Bake Oven, I was often disappointed.
Long gone are the times when women couldn’t own property, vote or even serve on juries. While women might not enjoy 100% equality, we’re getting there. What I really think is interesting is that, throughout history, the simplest things lead to the biggest consequences.
Take, for example, Susanna M. Salter.
Susanna Salter was a very vocal member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in Kansas. When women were granted the right to vote and run in local elections in 1887, the WCTU decided to endorse male candidates who shared their hatred of alcohol. As a leader of the WCTU, Susanna Salter, “presided at [the] caucus” (Timeline.com) in which candidates were selected, including the position of mayor. Some of the men present were “offended by female presumption to endorse candidates” (Timeline.com) and thought they had come up with the perfect plan to humiliate these uppity, loud women.
Without her being aware of it, this group of men substituted Salter’s name on the ballot as their candidate for mayor. These guys “assumed that no man would vote for a woman mayor” (Timeline.com) and Salter’s loss would put her and her group back in their proper place. These sad little men hadn’t really thought this through, however – women had just won the right to vote and run in local elections, remember?
While doing laundry, Salter was made aware that her name was on the ballot and asked if she would serve if elected. A little confused, she said, “sure.” The members of the WCTU turned out to vote for their girl, while some men found the whole thing funny and voted for her, too (Timeline.com). So, because of a mean-spirited joke, Susanna M. Salter became the first female mayor in America.
While Salter chose not to run for a second term, her point was made. In addition, her contribution inspired other women. For example, in 1888, Mary Lowman ran in Oskaloosa, KS and “served with the nation’s first all-woman city council” (Timeline.com).
Equality for everyone is important. It might be slow going at times, but I think we’re becoming more enlightened every day.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are good with businesses. Bourke Accounting experts are good with tax returns. However, Bourke Accounting specialists aren’t good with discrimination. Your Bourke Accounting rep will provide the same wonderful guidance and service no matter what your gender might be. It’s too exhausting to be any other way.
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.
Oh, come on! Political unrest, protesting in the streets, The Plague, unemployment, Depression-like economics and now, now, we have killer bees? Okay, I’m done, thanks, but no thanks, I QUIT and I’m going back to 2019. You guys call me when you have 2020 sorted out.
I first became aware of Asian giant hornets (AKA Vespa mandarinia, AKA Murder Hornets, AKA What in the Actual [censored] is Going On Here) through a friend’s text. This is the same friend who tried to convince me that 5G is responsible for Covid and all government officials have been replaced by lizard people from outer space. Soooo, I took his story with more than one grain of salt.
I am terribly unhappy to say that not every conspiracy theory is just a theory. In 2019, the Washington State Department of Agriculture “verified two sightings of Asian giant hornets” (Livescience.com). Okay, big deal – so someone saw two hornets…and? And I think Mother Nature is mad at us.
These aren’t just any hornets, oh, no. These hornets are like if someone decided to combine Murder, Inc., The Crips and The Hell’s Angels all together just to see what would happen. First off, they’re big. The Queens can “grow to be 2 inches…while female workers and males [are] about 1 to 1.5 inches” (Livescience.com). Also, the ladies sting. One person equated the sting to getting a hot nail driven through his leg (Livescience.com). And just to keep it interesting, hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting and sting until they get bored.
With most bees, wasps and hornets, if a human doesn’t provoke them, a human will be all right. That might just be the case with Vespa mandarinia. However, in 2013, after swarms of hornets attacked in China, they had a body count: 42 people dead and 1,600 injured” (Business.insider.com). I’m not really getting a gentle giant vibe from these guys.
Besides the damage that these psychos can do to humans, the Vespa man is even worse to bees. Bees are important to our world; they are pollinators, they make honey, they are integral to our ecosystem. A killer hornet stalks a single bee and follows it to the beehive. The hornet marks the hive with pheromones and calls in the crew. What happens next is pure carnage: “within a few hours, a…honey bee colony of 30,000 to 50,000 is slaughtered by a group of 15 to 30 hornets” (Livescience.com).” Decapitation, dismemberment, Texas Chainsaw Massacre levels of brutality. The hornets even chew up the baby bee larvae into a paste to feed to their own kids (Livescience.com).
Our European honey bees have brought a paper airplane to an atomic bomb fight. However, Japanese honey bees have evolved to the point where they have some defense. When one of the Japanese bees clocks a Murder Hornet, she calls her crew and it gets weird: these bees swarm the hornet and create a ball around it. Then, they vibrate “their flight muscles to generate heat [until] temperatures build to 116 degrees Fahrenheit” (Livescience.com), killing the hornet. The bees are A-OK.
Washington State is encouraging residents to take photos if they believe they’re looking at a Vespa man (Businessinsider.com), but at this point, we don’t know how many we have or how to stop them. How did they get here? One idea is that they came over with cargo. The other theory is that someone deliberately released them. As destructive as people can be, I’m sort of leaning towards the latter.
The groundskeepers at the Bourke Accounting office run a tight ship – we have no hives of any kind. Just like a Bourke Accounting expert, our maintenance people hold your protection as the priority. And even if we are swarmed by aggressive Murder hornets, at least you can rest assured that your financial interests are as well protected by a Bourke Accounting specialist as a Japanese honey bee protecting her hive.
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 Bourke Accounting co-workers can attest to how easy-going Receptionist Phil and I are. We are breaths of fresh air; we are cheerful, helpful and all-around joys to interact with. Yes, Phil and I are amazing.
But now, I can no longer hold my tongue. I cannot avoid speaking about the travesty that has been visited upon our hard-working and loyal heads. On April 22 of this very year Phil and I were not once – not once, mind! – wished a Happy Administrative Professionals Day. There. I know how shocking this is, but it had to be addressed. I don’t want to tarnish your opinion of Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers, but I really thought you ought to know.
No matter what you want to call us – admin, secretary, receptionist – we are the backbone of every corporation. We are on the frontline, both in person and telephonically. Admins are the guardians against chaos; we are the barrier between savagery and civilization. We are the Champions of All Things File Folder Related.
Our people have a rich and vibrant history. For example, the word “secretary” comes from the Medieval Latin “secretarius,” loosely meaning “person entrusted with secrets” (Etymonline.com). Even our title is indicative of our dedication to our craft. Do you think Phil and I would ever share what we’ve learned about clients? Absolutely not! To do so would bring dishonor!
How long have secretaries existed? No one really knows. We are constant and ageless, like the moon. It is only known that we “existed prior to the establishment of the Roman Empire” (Blog. Advancedresources.com). Take that computer code writers. In addition, in the 15th and 16th centuries, secretaries were considered of “an elevated status and held prominent positions” (Blog.advancedresources.com). Remember that the next time you want to refer to the professional at your doctor’s office as “that girl behind the counter.”
And secretaries don’t just simply answer phones and inform you that “Mr. Wilson is here to see you.” At this stage in the game, we are creating PowerPoint presentations (I’m not, but that’s irrelevant), performing human resources duties, making sure that supplies are procured and that bills are paid. If not for secretaries, entire offices complexes would sink into despair and disrepair and then some more despair. If you weren’t greeted by an administrative professional at your next appointment, you would be floating in a sea of confusion with no idea where to go or how to contact the person you were planning on seeing. We are sophistication and progress made human.
I suppose, with everything going on, I can’t really fault my Bourke Accounting colleagues for neglecting to wish Phil and I a Happy Administrative Professionals Day; secretaries are patient and forgiving, after all. But next time you see an admin, make sure that you thank her/him for protecting society from uncertainty.
While your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are wonderful, your Bourke Accounting receptionists are just as hardworking and dedicated. Bourke Accounting is a well-oiled machine with the single-minded goal of providing you with the best and most courteous service you could ever expect. And to my fellow unsung admin heroes out there: Happy Belated Administrative Professionals Day!
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.
Diversity is good. At Bourke Accounting, we welcome pretty much everyone (unless you kick animals for fun. I swear, you will feel Bill’s highly shined Italian leather loafer if you do that). Our America culture has been greatly improved by the practices and beliefs of other countries. Although a lot of introduced food has been Americanized, could you image this country without pizza, shumai, vodka or tacos? No, ladies and gentlemen, no, you cannot.
Since tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, I thought I’d think on it a little.
I am embarrassed to admit that I, like many Americans, believed Cinco de Mayo to be a celebration of Mexican independence, comparable to our Fourth of July. I am equally embarrassed to admit that I really had no idea who Mexico gained independence from and it didn’t occur to me to check it out. Is this some sort of gentle, Americophile ignorance? I will have the decency to cringe as you respond in the affirmative.
So, why is Cinco de Mayo important? At the very essence, this holiday originated like a lot of others: the big dog pulled into town to wreak havoc and destruction and the little dog slapped his nose but good. In 1861, the Mexican government defaulted on loan payments to France. France then decided that all bets were off, figured they would now own Mexico through a bit of force and planned to set up a monarchy (Insider.com).
France had a lot more toys and trained soldiers than Mexico and thought the entire situation would be a nonissue when they invaded. However, on “their way to Mexico City, the French troops were stopped by Mexican forces in the town of Puebla” (Insider.com). The battle lasted less than a day and, by the time the French retreated, they had “lost nearly 500 soldiers [and] fewer than 100 Mexicans had been killed in the clash” (History.com).
While this battle did not end the French aggression towards Mexico, it gave the people hope. It increased the determination of the Mexican people to resist tyranny and was a “great symbolic victory” (History.com). Like America’s war with England, the people banded together to free their country and, eventually (after about five years), did just that.
Oddly enough, outside of the town of Puebla, this is not a big holiday in Mexico; banks and stores are open everywhere except in Puebla (Insider.com). However, this is a holiday celebrating perseverance, dedication and love for home and country. How, then, did America turn it into something a little shady?
A lot of people who head out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in this and other countries, use it as an excuse to get seriously drunk and wear sombreros and fake mustaches. In fact, in 2017, a United States governor posted that he would celebrate the holiday by engaging in stereotypical and racist endeavors, not including a link to that, sorry – I might be ignorant, but not insensitive.
On this Cinco de Mayo, I think we should spare a thought to all of the brave and dedicated people of the world who fight and win against seemingly impossible forces.
When you drop off paperwork to your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer, you will notice a deficit in fake mustaches. Bourke Accounting pros understand that America is made up of a lot of moving parts and all parts are worthy of respect. Your Bourke Accounting expert embraces the differences and the talents we all bring to the table and wouldn’t have it any other way.
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 Fellow Geminis: Now is the time to stand up for our rights and for our dignity. For too long we have been marginalized, insulted and abused. We are the black sheep of the astrological world and it is only because the rest of the Zodiac is jealous of us. We are beautiful, intelligent, adaptable – WE ARE THE ONLY SIGN THAT MATTERS!
I first became aware that some miscreants don’t like Geminis about 20 years ago while on a date. We shared good conversation, compatibility in interests and like mindedness in tipping (always tip too much, never too little). Walking through Washington Square Park, he asked my sign. I told him. He said, “Oooh, nooo,” shook my hand and walked away. I never heard from him again.
Recently, this wound was reopened by Bill, my fearless leader and employer at Bourke Accounting. After mentioning that I am a Gemini, Bill snorted, rolled his eyes and remarked: Well, that explains a lot. Mr. Lentini, unless you mean that explains why I am so awesome, I’m afraid that I don’t follow.
Geminis are naturally inquisitive. We want to know the full story, so don’t bother trying to placate us with subtlety or outright lies when we ask a question. We are not interested in the Safe for Grandma explanation regarding your arrest – we need to know everything. Do we, at times, ask indelicate questions? Yes, yes, we do. However, we are so charming that we will sooth any hurt feelings by the time we part.
In addition, just like we Geminis expect the truth from you lower Zodiac denizens, we will tell you the truth, too. We are capable of putting a positive spin on it (we are really good with phrasing), but you always know where you stand with a Twin. Since we are also a very passionate air sign, if you make us angry enough, we come up with very cutting, imaginative and effective insults. But don’t worry, we’ll forget that we cast dispersions upon your lineage within a half hour.
In an article designed to mistreat our people, Vice.com suggests that Geminis are “liars, cheats and thieves.” Vice.com accuses us of being flighty and two-faced with a love for “pulling a fast one” (Vice.com). Vice delights to inform us that Kanye West and that person who put his signature on our stimulus checks are both Geminis. However, dear Vice, you neglected to mention that Anne Frank, Bob Dylan, the Marquis de Sade, Prince, Marilyn Monroe and Walt Whitman are also of the wonderful world of The Gemini.
Twins, our time has come! We are as gentle as a spring breeze and as powerful as a hurricane. Let us unite and take over the universe in the name of all things Gemini! No more shall we accept the slings and arrows of our less evolved Zodiacal brethren!
Sadly, your humble narrator is the only Gemini in residence at Bourke Accounting, but please don’t hold that against your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer. It is not their fault that they were born under a weaker sign. No matter the astrological shortcomings our Bourke Accounting specialists are victim to, they are still the most knowledgeable and service-oriented financial geniuses in the world. The stars don’t need to align for you to receive the upmost in advice, just drop off your paperwork and allow the magic to happen.
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 received my stimulus payment. Yes, I got that “big fat beautiful check” with someone’s name on it (actually, it was direct deposited). Even though I feel guilty about receiving money when so many are out of work, I’m not as altruistic as I’d like. Instead of donating it, I am saving it for rainier days. I think I misunderstood the point of my stimulus check.
Since I had already received the payment, imagine my surprise when I also received a letter from the commander in chief himself! Strange, though, the envelope proclaimed that it was from the Internal Revenue Service…oh! The IRS was probably just doing the president a favor, right? But, wait, that’s kind of bizarre as the IRS is supposed to be nonpartisan. Wouldn’t a letter from a president, with an IRS envelope sort of be at odds with that stance?
Now here’s just one more weird thing: the notice on the envelope says that both postage and fees were paid for by the IRS (Click2houston.com). This is just getting a little too tangled for my poor little taxpayer mind to unravel. All right, but let’s do the math here:
.55 (First Class Postage) + .09 (Per #10 Envelope) X A Whole Lotta People = Nearly $42 Million (NBCnews.com)
So. The IRS spent about $42 million dollars (of our money) for a “Buck up, Lil’ Camper/I’m Just Gonna Pat Myself on the Back Here!” note provided by another party. I see. Wait, I’m not being completely fair here. Part of the CARES Act legislation does require that a notice be sent to each eligible taxpayer regarding the amount that they can expect (this letter came about four days after most of us had received payment) and a handy number to call if the taxpayer needs more information (like if the payment was incorrect).
I called the number. After three different menu options – each one encouraging me to visit IRS.gov to see Frequently Asked Questions – I completed the Circle of Life and ended up right back in the main menu. Sadly, I was given no option to speak with a carbon-based lifeform.
There have been economic stimulus programs before, of course. In 2008, George W. Bush “gave” individuals about $600 each. I don’t seem to remember seeing his name in the memo line of my check or getting an IRS notice with his signature on it. Oh, right, because neither of those things happened. These Corona checks mark “the first time in history that a president’s name appeared on disbursements from the IRS” (Thehill.com). Well, that’s just freaky deaky, don’t you think?
Before anyone gets the wrong idea, these stimulus payments are going to cost us. Whether it’s next year or the year after, ain’t nuthin’s for free. Batten down the hatches, fam, we’re in for a wild ride.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers know that we are embarking on trying times. When everything else is in a state of confusion, it’s nice to know that your Bourke Accounting specialist is still standing and willing to give you the best and most up-to date advice. In an uncertain world, you can count on your Bourke Accounting pro to not let you to fall out of the Tilt A Whirl.
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 co-workers at Bourke Accounting like plants. Bookkeepers Christina and Mary have brightly colored flowering things on their desks (I have no idea what they are). It’s weird, but most Bourke Accounting professionals tend to some sort of garden or window box at their homes. We’re not talking about New York Botanical Garden set-ups, but my colleagues like to grow things.
It seemed like an odd coincidence that the majority of Bourke Accounting workers enjoy playing in the dirt. So, I started wondering if there was a correlation between my co-workers’ occupations and their love for gardening. Is this their meticulous nature made tangible? Is this just a matter of gratification upon watching Invasion of The Body Snatchers sorts of plants flower from tiny seeds?
Or is there something more at play here?
Turns out, there is something definitely more at play here.
Researchers have isolated a bacterium in dirt, Mycobacterium Vaccae, that might “enable a ‘stress vaccine’ to exist” (Sciencealert.com) someday. The bacterium, which is thought to “regulate our immune system and suppress inappropriate inflammation” (Sciencealert.com) is believed to have been common in our ancestors. However, since humans have gradually moved away from agricultural activities in favor of office work, we seem to be missing this certain something (Sciencealert.com).
Scientists have found evidence that “breathing in, playing in and digging in dirt” (QZ.com) is good for us. For example, a study on Bavarian kids who helped farm and take care of animals were shown to have better immune systems and “lower rates of asthma and allergies” (QZ.com) than their non-farmish counterparts. In addition, when testing on rats with M. Vaccae, scientists have discovered that the treated rats performed better in maze tests and were in better moods (no, I don’t know how one would judge a rat’s mood) (QZ.com).
During my rebellious years, my grandfather visited for two weeks every summer. He would wake me up at 6 AM to pick blueberries, plant flowers and weed. No matter how sullen or tired I was, by the end of these marathon gardening sessions, I always felt great. Yes, it was cool to spend time with my grandfather, but there was also something special about getting dirt underneath my fingernails and clocking the progress of the flowers we were growing. I always thought I felt good because I got off my lazy butt and helped to create something beautiful and alive; now I wonder how much M. Vaccae had to do with my good feelings.
In an increasingly plastic world filled with plastic things, I believe we should spend some time playing in the dirt. While taking care of fragile and lovely things, breathing in fresh air and communing with nature, we might be taking care of ourselves, too. Oh, nooooo, my hippie is showing again.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper and tax preparer can give you gardening tips. And, just like our Bourke Accounting experts can help your garden grow, they can also help your financial future blossom (cheesy, but it had to be done). A Bourke Accounting pro has the knowledge, strength and sensitivity to walk with you through every step and help you through the rough patches.
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.