When I interviewed for my position at Bourke Accounting, Bill noticed that I had earned a degree in Literature. He asked, “What have you been doing with your degree?” I replied, “Well, this, I guess.” Yes, a degree in Literature is rather pointless if one does not wish to teach (and this one doesn’t), but I stand behind Literature as an important feature of human society.
I know that some of you are at home right now. At this point, you’ve probably done your Spring Cleaning, maybe you’ve fixed a lot of things that you’ve been putting off. Perhaps you have now discovered a previously unknown love for Sudoku. But have you every thought about reading poetry?
While poetry is often thought of as a dead art, I must humbly disagree. It should be noted that the following is, most likely, self-indulgent, but here are three poems that I honestly believe might take your mind off of the current trials and tribulations that we’re facing:
1) Robert Frost – “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” This is a golden oldie that was featured in a lot of grammar school curricula. As I kid, I took this poem at face value: here’s a traveling man and, boy, he’s tired, but he’s gonna keep on keepin’ on. As I got older, I understood that it’s a poem about inevitable death. However, I find it very optimistic that it’s also about perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. Sure, we’re going to die at some point, but let’s use our last bit of time to take care of business first.
2) Sylvia Plath – “Lady Lazarus.” Plath was a confessional poet. As such, she wrote a lot about highly personal and distressing topics. In “Lady Lazarus,” she speaks quite openly about past suicide attempts and familial discord. Plath always accused her father of being a Nazi sympathizer (FBI files released decades later sort of confirm this) and this poem is rife with disturbing imagery and stark emotion. While it is dark, the ending, much like Frost’s, celebrates strength and human resilience.
3) Allen Ginsberg – “Howl.” Ginsberg was another confessional poet, but he was a lot more of a street poet than either Frost or Plath. “Howl” was certainly inspired by the long lines of Walt Whitman (never my favorite, and that’s why they make chocolate, strawberry and vanilla), but that’s where any similarity ends. “Howl” was so controversial during its day that there was an obscenity trial held to have the poem banned. In the end, the judge decided that the poem “was of redeeming social importance” (Wikipedia.org). This poem takes the reader through insanity, drug use, sex and the seedy underbelly of urban living. However, there are sparks of beauty throughout that lead the reader to understand that, for every terrible thing, there are pockets of purity to help us through this weird life.
Poetry isn’t dead, it’s only sleeping. While we struggle through these hard times, we ought to look to art to bring solace and sense of permanence. In poetry, we have proof that humanity is lasting and that the written word is a powerful force.
Bourke Accounting pros fall more along the Ginsberg line. Sure, Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are talented and knowledgeable, but they’re not above a dirty joke to make you laugh (from six feet away). In these troubled times, know that your Bourke Accounting expert is just as permanent as a poem from 97 years ago and always here to lift you up.
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.
Phil is the receptionist over here at Bourke Accounting. But I think that’s too small of a word to encompass all that he does. While Administrative Professional could work, secretary is too banal. Considering the way Phil gets things done, I don’t think Administrative Efficiency Officer is out of the question. Maybe even the short, sweet and archaic title of “Acolyte” would be pretty good.
When Phil needs a day off, I fill in as a sort of Phil, Jr. I don’t know half of his job, so I am responsible for phone answering, smiling in a vague way and generally calling a co-worker to help when my vague smile isn’t enough. As much of a team player as I am, I refuse to order food for weekly staff meetings (I did it once and the result was less than successful).
I am not the only one who is a bit reluctant to take on huge amounts of responsibility (mess up someone’s lunch and you mess up their entire day). Some might say that reticence regarding responsibility is a generational affliction. Some might argue that not wanting responsibility is an indication of immaturity or laziness. I humbly disagree. As in everything else, there are a lot of reasons for not wanting to be top dog.
Some people don’t want a big important role in life or business because they lack confidence or they fear failure. They could be the sort who doesn’t even want to try because, whatever is attempted, will end in disaster. I think this is sad and, for the most part, an unwarranted phobia. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong in recognizing one’s limitations; I wouldn’t attempt an emergency appendectomy, for example. But, give me the time and education to learn the craft of an emergency appendectomy and I’d probably give it a swing.
Another reason people sometimes avoid taking the reigns in a given situation is known as the diffusion of responsibility or the bystander effect. This is a “sociopsychological phenomenon whereby a person is less likely to take responsibility for action or inaction when others are present” (Wikipedia.org). This concept made headlines in 1964 when Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death outside of her apartment building. While many people in the neighborhood heard Ms. Genovese’s cries for help, some figured they were simply hearing a drunk person on the town. Those who thought they were hearing something really bad happening, concluded someone else must have already called the authorities and no action was required on their part. They shut their windows and went back to bed.
It must be asked, though, who says responsibility is such a great thing? I can never understand why someone would want to be president; no matter how smart and dedicated you may be, things can go sideways in an instant. Like Evita sang: When you act, the things you do affect us all. No, thank you. Also, I don’t think that much responsibility is good for anyone: have you ever seen before and after pictures of presidents after their terms have been completed?
Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers have no problem shouldering towering mountains of responsibility for you. They don’t fear failure and they have the education and experience to back up their work. Also, our Bourke Accounting pros communicate and work with each other, so you will never fall through the cracks because someone thought someone else was handling an issue.
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 don’t mean to annoyingly repeat myself, but I really do like my Bourke Accounting co-workers. In fact, I would go so far to say that they’re the most civilized crew I’ve ever worked with. For example, Bookkeeper Christina was in the middle of a big project the other day. For some reason, I decided it was the perfect time to share my theory regarding why the ‘90s saw such a popularity in belly shirts. She was very polite about my premise, but her eyes kept sliding back to her monitor. She didn’t tell me to shut my pie hole (Bill might have…), but I understood that I was distracting her and my crackpot theory could wait.
We are all annoyed by something or someone during any given day. With me, it’s people who chew too loud, my brother hates people who litter and I’m sure you have your own, very personal, pet peeves. So, the world annoys us.
But did you ever think how we might annoy the world, too?
Did you ever think that you might be the annoying person in the room? Sometimes, we know we’re doing something irritating. Give a negative dissertation about your significant other’s family during a cocktail party and you’re not really surprised when the response is less than positive. However, there are some things that we do that we don’t even think about.
How many times have you had a really loud phone conversation, on speaker, in a grocery store? How many times have you sniffed snot back into your head instead of getting a tissue? These little, almost automatic things could be making the person next to you want to pull their hair out, but we float on, oblivious.
The first thing, as in many arenas, is to be self-aware. I’m not suggesting that we second guess or dissect our every action, but we should be able to give ourselves a fair assessment. If someone makes you completely mental, you should analyze their behavior and see how many of the same attributes you share with that someone. Chances are, you’ll see a lot of what annoys you in your very own conduct.
Reading articles about annoyance, I was surprised by how many writers mentioned smell as an irritant. Wikihow.com suggested that you should question yourself about your hygiene: how often do you shower, do you change your clothes every day, do you eat stinky foods without brushing? And, let’s not forget, “do your pets have an opportunity to soil your clothes before you wear them” (Wikihow.com)? I can be annoying, but I know for a fact that, if one of my puppies pooped on my pants, I wouldn’t brush off the poop and still consider the pants okay to wear right then.
Naturally, we have encountered people that there is just no pleasing. Someone told me that I talk too much, but as soon as I was quiet, that same person asked me numerous times if was all right. At certain times, you have to realize that, although someone is telling you that you’re annoying them, they could be the problem. Since we have to share this little planet, why don’t we just do our best not to be the eyelash on the contact lens?
You are not always going to love your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer – especially if s/he is sharing a hard truth. However, your Bourke Accounting expert will do their best not to vex you unnecessarily. And if you annoy them? They are civilized and professional. Your Bourke Accounting pro has tough skin and won’t hold it against you if you’ve forgotten to shower – while eating nothing but garlic – for a week straight. I might, but they won’t.
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.
Unpopular Opinion Time: I don’t believe The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act is a good idea. Just in case you aren’t aware, this stimulus package is the “biggest fiscal stimulus in American history” (NewYorker.com) at $2 trillion. This has been introduced as relief for the millions of Americans out of work as a result of the coronavirus. And I don’t think it’s going to do us any favors. However, before you get out the torches and pitchforks, hear me out first.
Bill and I were talking over here at Bourke Accounting the other day. I reiterated that I thought it was a bad idea for the government to include pretty much all taxpayers in the new stimulus package. Bill looked at me as if I had declared that Bambi’s mother had it coming. I’m liberal, but Bill is LIBERAL. Like I said, though, I have a few reasons for this belief.
First and foremost is the fact that those Americans lucky enough to still be working could be eligible, depending on their income, for this payment. While the standard check amount for a single person with no children is about $1,200, this amount could be higher or lower – Kiplinger.com offers a quick calculator here, if you’re curious. Since we have no idea how long our current situation will last, I believe that we ought to conserve resources while we can. To launch a scattershot relief act that benefits the needy, as well as the okay-for-now citizens, equally, seems wasteful. Don’t get me wrong, I would enjoy receiving a check, but when I need it, not when I’m still floating (somewhat) peacefully along.
Of course, it would be extremely difficult for the IRS to be able to differentiate who really needs relief; as we’ve discussed before, the Internal Revenue Service is dangerously understaffed. So right now, not only do we have a virus going around, but, as we were also in the middle of tax season, this skeleton crew agency must figure out who gets checks – both refund and relief? I hear great and thunderous hiccups in the distance.
Another issue is that the IRS will be using 2018 and 2019 tax returns to calculate the taxpayer’s relief amount. This is fine if one has been religiously filing every year, but what about those who haven’t filed. For example, groups like “low-income taxpayers, senior citizens [and] Social Security recipients” (NBCnews.com) generally aren’t obligated to file. So, now those who haven’t filed in years, are scrambling to find a tax preparer amid a very truncated workforce in order to be eligible for their relief check.
Obviously, I love that our country is trying to alleviate some of the suffering with this new legislation – these relief checks could represent the difference between food on the table and empty refrigerators. Not only that, but I believe it will act as a morale booster for a scared and confused populace. While no one is going to be able to survive indefinitely on $1,200, at least an effort is being made to try and stop the financial bloodletting (and fear) to a certain degree.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers have left the light on for you; we’re trying to make this frightening time a little easier to get through. A Bourke Accounting professional, while not being able solve every problem, can offer you the best in service and advice. At the end of the day, we must remember: We will get through this, we will help each other and we will show the world that, as a country, we care.
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 never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, did you?”
― Stephen King, The Body
Friendships are weird because there are just so many different variations when you get right down to it. For example, I like seeing my Bourke Accounting co-workers; I’m curious about what they did over the weekend and they make me laugh. Since I’ve only worked at Bourke Accounting for 6 months, I don’t necessarily consider them my besties (I really hate that word), but the potential is there.
Another weird thing about friendships is the different ways in which they can evaporate. I know, I know – depressing. But think about it: do you remember your best friend in 8th grade? I do. My best friend and I became blood sisters one summer (a practice kids don’t engage in today, I don’t think) and we fought each other’s battles. Right before high school, my aunt, cynically, said that we wouldn’t know each other in two years’ time. I didn’t believe her.
After starting at different schools, we still hung out. Gradually, though, we didn’t call as often and there were no weekend plans anymore. Eventually, we stopped talking altogether. The last time I saw her, we were 25. She was on Kid 2, a stay-at-home mom and living in a house in the ‘burbs. I was in NYC, playing in a rock n’ roll band. To this day, I couldn’t tell you which one of us succeeded.
The sad thing was that there was no big fight; there was no real explanation for our decimated friendship. We just started walking in different directions and forgot to look back, I guess. Honestly, it took me about 6 months to even notice her absence – life has a way of showing us shiny things to distract us.
Personally, I prefer my friendships to end heated and bloody. I’d rather a quick amputation to a sad sort of lingering. I had one friendship that ended like this and I still laugh at her very creative and very interestingly obscene insults.
If you’re losing a friend to circumstances, rather than interestingly obscene insults, it’s hard to figure out why. Of course, one of the biggest reasons is separation. All of a sudden, you can’t complain about the same bully teacher or moon over the same cutie in the 3rd row. Your viewpoint is no longer a shared viewpoint; there are no common experiences anymore.
Another explanation for the loss of friendship is completely different lives. My friend talked about Kid 1’s first steps, I talked about playing a show in a dive bar until 3 AM. It was cordial, but, sitting in her bright kitchen, there were some pretty uncomfortable silences. There were hugs and promises to call soon. That was almost 20 years ago and I don’t have her number.
Friendships take hard work and a lot of time. If you have a single friend who would – after receiving a call from you about an unexpected body – show up with a shovel and a bag of lime, count yourself very lucky. In our technical world, it’s easy to forget that, just sitting with a friend, talking about dumb things on the back porch can do a world of good. We have to remember that, sometimes, we have to fight to preserve a pure connection.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t drift away. And I promise you, you’d notice their absence if they did. Our Bourke Accounting experts understand the importance of good communication and complete availability to their clients. Much like a friend who’ll help you with a rather distasteful task, your Bourke Accounting expert can be counted on to take up the cause for you and be in your corner if there’s a battle to be fought.
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 bookkeepers and tax preparers want to keep their customers happy. They will work overtime to ensure that deadlines are met. They will skip lunch to make sure that payroll is completed. They will come in early to finish a return. All in all, they are dedicated professionals to the core.
However, our Bourke Accounting specialists are not people pleasers. Just try to ask one of them to do something stupid or illegal and you will be met with a blank stare and perhaps an invitation to the door.
People pleasers are a strange breed. These are the folks who spread themselves too thin in order to do way too much for others. They say “yes” to everything, even if it means putting themselves, their health or their financial security on the line. We civilians look at this sort and say, “Wow, she’s so selfless! There’s a place in heaven for her!” But is that really the case?
For example, I used to do volunteer work for an infectious disease outreach program. I was helping the world a little and it felt good. However, the woman who ran the place regularly worked 12-hour days, lent people money out of her own pocket (and never got paid back) and was stolen from all the time (and never phoned the police). At one point, when I asked why she did so much, she responded: Because I’m all they have.
On the surface, this seemed like a very altruistic answer. However, when I started thinking about it, it seemed like she had, inadvertently, put herself in a sort of god-like position. If she wasn’t there to hand out canned goods, Kroger cards and listen to extremely brutal problems, her clients would all just fall apart, right? This lady, while having her heart in the right place, was desperate to feel needed.
As Psychology Today reports, “the intense need to please and care for others is deeply rooted in…a fear of rejection.” So, while the people pleaser might be helping you, they are also protecting their own psyches. These guys fear that, if they don’t bend over backwards, everyone important in their lives will leave.
Besides a fear of prospective abandonment, people pleasers need to be told that they’re worthy. Linda Tillman, Ph.D suggests that “their feeling of security and self-confidence is based on…the approval of others” (Psychcentral.com). Your gratitude is like a shot of adrenaline to them because they can’t find confidence within themselves.
Perhaps the scariest aspect regarding people pleasers is the amount of unscrupulous people willing to take advantage of them. If someone is considered an “easy touch,” you can depend that there are those willing to take them for all that they have. As a people pleaser in recovery, I’ve seen this firsthand. A sob story can make us give our last $10 to someone we barely know. In short, we hurt ourselves to help.
Helping each other out is a very good thing. However, we need to look after ourselves first if we’re going to be of any use to others. If you spend everything to help everyone, at some point, you’ll have to find your very own people pleaser to bail you out.
Your Great and Terrible Bourke Accounting pros don’t know all. But. They know a lot. So, if you try to pressure a Bourke Accounting expert to agree with your Pet Rock farm franchise idea, know that you’re in for a battle. Your Bourke Accounting specialist will gently, yet firmly, guide you in a more feasible direction. Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers don’t have any desire to blow smoke up your parts just to make you happy – they want you safe, 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.
I’m going to stop writing about the coronavirus for a while, but I just had to tell you one last thing. I can honestly say that the adaptability of the human animal is absolutely astounding and never fails to stun me.
Since social distancing was introduced, I asked Bill what was going to happen to the people who make their living by…um…being really physically close to other people. Again, he gave me his “seriously, I don’t even remember hiring you” look and walked away. All right, I decided that I’d find this out for myself.
Problematically, as I have discovered, America’s adult entertainers are generally considered independent contractors, “meaning they don’t have paid sick leave or other benefits” – this includes unemployment benefits – if they suddenly find themselves out of work (Rollingstone.com – I won’t be including links to these specific articles, as some of these pictures are a little risqué). According to the IRS, one is not an independent contractor if the services performed can be controlled by an employer. Basically, an exotic dancer is considered the same as a hairdresser or a tattoo artist (NYPost.com), because, like those professions, an adult entertainer is not working with a scripted work day.
So, Shon Boulden, owner of Oregon’s adult entertainment club, the Lucky Devil Lounge, came up with an idea to help his uncomfortable panty wearing workers: Bo*ber Eats (I’m not sure if I can use that word). The Lucky Devil Lounge, besides showcasing dancing ladies, also serves food. Like Uber Eats, Boulden decided to start a delivery service for his bar food, with a little bit of a twist. Say you want some chicken strips. You call and, for an additional delivery fee of $30, two ladies show up at your house, dance around your lawn for a little bit and everyone’s happy (NYPost). Besides allowing dancers to keep working, Boulden also has his bouncers go along for the ride to make sure no one tries to make themselves too happy.
Of course, I don’t believe for a second that Boulden is a completely altruistic guy who only cares about his financially unprotected workers’ needs. However, the more people who can stay employed at this point is for the best. Naturally, these people aren’t making their normal amount of cash nightly, but I think every bit helps.
What if you own an adult entertainment venue, but aren’t really into food delivery? Ryan Carlson of Las Vegas’ Little Darlings has decided to “offer drive-up window strip shows” (RGJ.com). That’s right, for one hundred dollars, you can sit in your car and watch people do things for ten minutes. This establishment is also going to introduce sanitizer wrestling (I don’t believe the combatants will be dressed). Again, it’s a good thing to keep people working. More importantly, it’s a good thing to try to hold onto a sense of humor during rough times.
As I said, we are very adaptable creatures. I’m not saying that the lemons we’ve been handed are apt to make the best lemonade, but with innovative ideas, at least we have a chance at being sustained.
Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers won’t wrestle each other in hand sanitizer, clothed or otherwise. However, we’re still open and, from a distance, we’re still providing the best in financial guidance. Hopefully soon, we’ll be able to get back to normal and you’ll be able to actually shake hands with your Bourke Accounting specialist again. For some reason, though, I think dancing ladies delivering food might be a thing from now on.
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.
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold. – W.B. Yeats, “The Second Coming”
I used to cough to hide a fart. Now I fart to hide a cough. – Internet Meme, 2020
Last night was one of the first times that my neighbors didn’t throw a party that ended with shattered glass and people fighting in the street at 3 AM. The guy asking for change outside my local gas station is wearing latex gloves and a mask. The kids, who roam my neighborhood as soon as the weather is nice, are peeking apprehensively through tattered blinds. Most of my server friends are unemployed and scared.
It only took me ten minutes to get to work this morning because there was barely anyone on the streets.
Everything is different. Everything is in flux and we’re all sort of wandering in the dark right now.
The one thing I thought we could always count on was a concrete tax return filing deadline. After all, there are only two certainties in life, and one of them is taxes. But now our deadline isn’t until July 15th. I think the extended tax deadline is wrong for two reasons:
1) We need money. Last year, “the IRS collected nearly $3.5 trillion” (IRS.gov) as a result of tax season. During good years, this money goes towards all manner of social services, roadwork, police, we all know the drill. However, during a really bad time like our current situation, this money could be used to help the newly laid off, small businesses and hungry school kids. It seems that, since the factions of our government can’t come to an agreement regarding a stimulus bill, all that tax return money would really come in handy. And, while I have a liberal arts degree, I still believe that 3.5 trillion is more than the 1 trillion the stimulus package had asked for (NBCnews.com).
2) We need to hold on to some semblance of normalcy. For example, Bill over here at Bourke Accounting gave his employees the option, with no fear of job loss, to go home if any of us were fearful. We all sort of looked at each other and shrugged. No, we’re not cowboys or feeling invincible; we’re simply used to working. In uncertain times, maybe we’re also stacking up cash while we can. The beauty of working for accountants is that it’s a low-impact sort of job: clients can send tax material in and we can send completed tax returns out. Obviously, this industry isn’t the same as nail salons (or my newly closed tanning bed). I think we all just decided to keep as normal as possible.
What is more normal than an April 15th tax deadline? Besides the money being delayed, I also think this sends a bad message of impermanence that we really can’t afford right now. Perhaps I’m being melodramatic, but if taxes aren’t an important aspect of American life, what can we depend on and what else might be changed or lost?
Well, your friendly Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers are still working and (fairly normal). Like I mentioned, if you don’t want to meet in an enclosed space with your Bourke Accounting expert, you are more than welcome to mail your information to us. And if you do want to have a good, old fashioned face to face encounter, we practice social distancing, hand washing and practical hygiene. Your Bourke Accounting pro considers your comfort of the upmost importance. Stay safe out there, guys. Remember: this too shall pass!
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 is now 7:59 AM (this will be kind of important later). It has occurred to me that I have made writing blogs harder than it should be. You don’t want to know about the second guessing and the endless editing (I’m surprised that there are any words left when I’m done!). So. I have entered into a $5 wager with Bill here at Bourke Accounting. I am pushing myself to get this done in two hours. Barring an unforeseen catastrophe, I think I have this.
Because of my newfound revelation, I got to thinking about how we push ourselves and the different ways in which we go about it. I believe that there are three major ways that we push ourselves: the good, the mildly questionable and the flat-out bad.
For example, let’s say you want to quit smoking (I am seriously thinking about thinking about quitting) and 3 o’clock rolls around. You haven’t had a smoke for an hour, but instead of smoking at 3 o’clock, you decide to push it until 3:30. Well, once you get to 3:30, you decide to just wait until 3:45. Eventually – I’ve never tried this operation, but I’m told it works – a smoker becomes a non-smoker. Small, baby steps can create an entire new way of living and thinking that benefits the protagonist. There is no cold turkey (and shattered friendships), there is no outlandish disruption of the person’s life; there is just a very gradual and very real change for the better. I consider this a gentle way in which people push themselves.
The perfect example of the mildly questionable can be illustrated by our Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers. When I left the office yesterday, there were three people working overtime (two out of the three indulged in fast food, so I’m guessing some of that overtime was, most likely, spent in the bathroom). Because these guys are old hands at the tax season game, they’re used to this. However, with our current and uncertain situation, I believe that our Bourke Accounting experts are trying harder than ever to accommodate you. To me, there is nothing more civilized than a completed tax return; even if we all end up on lock-down, at least you know that one stressor is off your table. I call this mildly questionable because, even though they’re used to this, our bookkeepers and tax preparers are still sacrificing time with family and friends to meet deadlines.
And finally, we have the flat-out bad ways in which we push ourselves. Changing your life for the better is good, working long hours for a temporary period is all right, but then, then there are the people who hurt themselves by pushing to the extreme. These are the people who start out by wanting to get into shape but take it too far. Once they’ve lost ten pounds and have been working out an hour a day, they push for more. All of a sudden, they’re working out three hours a day and eating limited quantities. This also applies to working; instead of a 40-hour week, these guys are working 80 hours. They miss milestones in their children’s lives (a’ la Cats in the Cradle), anniversaries and basically life itself. Being dedicated is all well and good, but there must be a balance. More importantly, there’s got to be a little fun or else, really, none of it’s worth it anyway.
Pushing for self-betterment is a great thing. We all know how wonderful it feels to overcome an obstacle and prepare ourselves for the next. However, the most important thing to remember is that moderation is pretty great, too.
Like I said, your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are pushing themselves to meet your needs. Bourke Accounting experts are also trying to take care of themselves and not push themselves over the precipice out of dedication to duty. Come drop off your paperwork to your favorite Bourke Accounting specialist today and show them some love (from six feet away, of course).
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!
P.S. It is now 9:27 AM. Yeah, I got this.
Written by Sue H.
I’ve told you that my medical expertise is limited to poking the afflicted with a stick. So, imagine my surprise when my brother (casually) informed me that, when/if my parents can no longer care for themselves, I’m being tagged in for the job. And my parents think this is a great idea! My parents made sure I didn’t put anything too metallic into sockets, they wiped my tears and my butt – I’m okay with the concept, but the execution of the concept leaves me a bit flummoxed.
How can a family member provide care while also holding an outside job? Seniorlink.com reports that “31.3% of caregivers…have financial difficulties” when caring for a loved one. In addition, there is a greater likelihood that the caregiver “will experience poverty or rely on public assistance” (Seniorlink.com). Is caring for a family member even feasible for a working, would-be caregiver?
There are a few reasons why caring for loved ones at home could work. First, care at home is a lot less expensive than care in a nursing home (Payingforseniorcare.com). For example, instead of using hard-saved cash for a $15 Tylenol, Mom will be able to buy soup cozies on Etsy. Also, and obviously, most people prefer to stay home rather than to be placed in an institutional setting. Nothing against nursing homes, but home is where the bourbon is.
Even lost income can be addressed with help provided by state organizations. For example, here in Kentucky, there’s the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA). This agency offers two waiver programs through Medicaid to help people stay at home. The Participant Directed Services program lets individuals “hire providers of their choosing” (KIPDA.org), including friends and family. This program also offers support groups, help with modifying the home and training (which I will need. A lot). The other program, The National Family Caregiver Program, “provides vouchers for medical supplies and equipment” (KIPDA.org) so that caregivers are not out of pocket when procuring must have items. This agency is certainly trying to make the transition from family member to caregiver as seamless as possible.
Now, no one is going to get filthy rich taking care of Aunt Edna (the hardest workers get paid the least, after all). Depending on the state, these Medicaid waivers generally pay between “$9.00-$19.25 per hour” (Payingforseniorcare.com). Also, there’s a good chance that the caregiver is looking at more than a 40-hour week. However, at least caregivers can afford to keep themselves and the home afloat for as long as necessary.
Another benefit regarding at home care is that the person who needs help “may not owe employment taxes” (IRS.gov) when paying their relative. Also, since the afflicted person has to provide a W2 to the caregiver, the caregiver doesn’t have to worry about self-employment tax that would come up if it were a 1099 gig. Much like KIPDA, it seems that the IRS is trying to make it simpler for the disabled to stay in their homes.
I like my parents. I wish them many more years of wandering around casinos, wearing their matching fanny packs (seriously, they have them), but if the time comes, I’m going to take care of them.
Bourke Accounting professionals know how quickly life can change. That’s why a Bourke Accounting specialist is here to support and help you through every new development you encounter. Whether it’s elder care, tax preparation or bookkeeping, your Bourke Accounting expert is available for you. Oh, and if you see two people meandering about with windmill covered fanny packs, say “hi” to my parents. Windmills, yeah. I don’t know why either.
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.