The crew at Bourke Accounting has been working really hard this tax season. Because of this, I am suggesting a team building vacation to Bill: I say we throw our swimsuits, beach blankets and SPF 30 into a duffel and head out to the beaches of Antarctica.
I’ve read that Antarctica is absolutely beautiful and, as The Week reported in their latest issue, “the temperature…reached its highest in recorded history on Feb. 6” (Vol. 20, Issue 963) at 64 degrees. In Antarctica. Obviously, this is a bit out of the norm. Generally, the temperature in February can range between a low of 4 degrees and a high of 27 degrees (Weatherspark.com). There’s something happening here.
Let me just say that I don’t want to get into any sort of political debate. For those of you who don’t believe in climate change, please suspend your disbelief for just a moment and just go with the premise that 64 degrees in Antarctica is kind of strange. Moving on.
That Antarctica is warming up is not surprising to scientists. For example, “the Antarctic lost 40 billon tons of melting ice to the ocean each year from 1979 to 1989” (Sciencealert.com). As scary as that is, starting in 2009, “that figure rose to 252 billion tons” (Sciencealert.com) per year. These findings are leading the folks in the know to deduce that there are problems with our environment. Besides hotter summers, we’re looking at “more frequent droughts…storms and other extreme weather” (Sciencealert.com). And all of these neat changes could, eventually, culminate in the seas rising nearly “three feet globally by 2100 if the world does not sharply decrease its carbon output” (Sciencealert.com).
As individual civilians, what can we do? We’ve all been taught about recycling, the dangers of throwing away plastic straws, old phones and CRT televisions. We’ve been bringing our own reusable bags to the supermarket. We’ve been doing our part, right? Eh, well, yes and no….
It’s time to start walking, guys. According to the EPA, as reported by Lemonade.com, “the #1 sector responsible for greenhouse gas emissions in the US is transportation, and cars account for 82% of this” (electricity is second). Because we do everything bigger over here in the States, no one should be shocked that we’re “responsible for the highest number of emissions…[with the] highest carbon footprint per capita” (Lemonade.com). Why can’t we be known for having the coolest and nicest people in the world?
Another thing we can do is plant trees. Since 3rd grade Science class, we’ve known that trees provide us with oxygen while taking away carbon dioxide. Plan a fun family, couples or friend day and plant trees around your house. After that, why not donate a few bucks to Onetreeplanted.org? This is a Vermont-based non-profit organization that plants a tree for every dollar donated around the world and over here.
I’m pretty sure that Bill won’t agree to us playing Beach Blanket Bingo in Antarctica, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check out the world. Plant a tree and then take a nice walk to meet with your Bourke Accounting tax preparer or bookkeeper. Considering the superb services your Bourke Accounting pro can provide, a trip to Antarctica may be closer than you think.
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.
You know, as a self-proclaimed rebel, I am actually very conservative when it comes to working. I like being at Bourke Accounting because, if I show up every week and do my job, there’s a paycheck in my account come Friday. Same hours, same pay, no surprises. How did I become so boring?
This is also exactly why I couldn’t be a server. Servers often bust their butts for hours, do everything right and still walk away with an 80-cent tip and a snarky smirk when the transaction is completed (reminder: tip your servers well). No, sir, that is not the life for me. This, of course, is also why I couldn’t be a part of the gig economy.
Remember that holiday office party when you had a little too much joy and had to call an Uber? That Uber driver was part of the gig economy. The gig economy is “based on flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs, often involving connecting with clients…through an online platform” (Investopedia.com). Why am I always surprised when a new term is introduced to define something familiar? I guess “gig economy” sounds fancier than freelancer.
Gig economy workers have steadily increased over the past few years. According to Naco.org, the number increased “by over 19 percent from 2005 to 2015.” In addition, it is expected that people involved in the gig economy will grow “from 3.9 million Americans in 2016 to 9.2 million by 2021” (Naco.org). Naco.org explains that these freelancers get involved with this sort of work for the “flexibility, freedom and personal fulfillment” they experience. They are able to set their own hours, set their own workload and avoid being tethered to a timeclock.
If you’re the adventurous, free-spirited type, this seems like a pretty good deal. However, and problematically, the business that hired you isn’t responsible for withholding your taxes. For example, a survey from Taxfoundation.org reported that “34 percent [of gig economy workers] did not know that they may be required to make quarterly estimated payments to the IRS.” Also, while it’s recommended that these workers plan on “paying 25-30 percent of each of their paychecks for taxes in order to not owe the IRS” (WGU.edu) at tax time, a lot of them aren’t doing it. Whether it’s out of ignorance or believing that underreporting will go unnoticed, they’re causing themselves quite a few problems.
Another feature of the gig economy that people don’t think about is the social aspect. First, there’s the isolation. “Some workers may find the remote, removed life of the gig economy a problem” (WGU.edu), as there are no shared weekend stories or banter around the copier. In addition, gig economy is self-employment. If no one is calling for your services, well, you’re not exactly employed. Finally, the hiring companies don’t provide benefits, so, unless you’re a good budgeter, you “may end up consuming more county social services” (Naco.org).
Depending on what sort of person you are, being a freelancer might be a great option for you. For a lot of us, though, there are too many moving and mysterious parts to make for a peaceful work experience. As a personal aside, I also don’t want a stranger losing his lunch in Henrietta (my car) no matter how expensive that lunch might have been.
I’m not trying to talk anyone out of working the gig economy, there are just a few things to consider. The initial step should be speaking with your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer. They can set up a quarterly tax payment schedule for you and keep you from owing thousands at the end of the year. They can also help you sort out a budget to keep you fed through lean times. Finally, a Bourke Accounting pro can recommend a good car detailer if the extremely icky happens to your leather interior.
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.
You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him – Malcolm Forbes
I have worked for Bourke Accounting since September. In that time, I have yet to experience an entitled Bourke Accounting client. Everyone who has walked through the door has treated Bourke bookkeepers, tax preparers and yours truly with respect. At other corporations, I’ve been viewed as a vaguely useful appliance, so it’s very nice that Bourke clients remember that we’re fellow humans, too.
Betterhelp.com describes an entitled person as one who has “an unrealistic, unmerited or inappropriate expectation of favorable living conditions and favorable treatment at the hands of others.” I define an entitled person using somewhat coarser language, but either way, we all know the type. This is someone who angrily asks to speak to the manager because her 4-month expired coupon can’t be honored. He’s the guy who will shove you out of the way to scramble into the cab that you flagged down. In short, these are the people who believe that they deserve free stuff, first position in line and attention right now, no matter how many people have already been waiting.
Psychologytoday.com (shrinks really give the benefit of the doubt) lends a sympathetic view to entitled people. They suggest that “a sense of entitlement can emerge from feelings of being mistreated or not getting what we need.” That’s nice, but just because someone cut you in line last week, is that a reason to abuse a restaurant server this week? Clearly, there is a difference between standing up for yourself and deciding that the entire world exists simply to serve you.
Quickanddirtytips.com isn’t quite as understanding. In fact, I detect a hint of resentment. A definitive aspect of the entitled person is, if s/he perceives someone to be “below them, like service workers or customer support, they’re rude and go out of their way to show they’re dominant and superior.” I’ve seen this! I’ve been treated terribly by people who, upon seeing me behind a desk in the waiting room, decide that I’m only two steps away from working as a Lady of the Night. And probably not that bright, either. I could explain that I graduated college with honors, but what would be the point?
Everyone is a little entitled sometimes. Every once in a while, yes, I will take the nacho with the most cheese. However, I don’t make a habit of it. Honestly, I feel bad for people who can only be happy if they’re “better” than someone else. Quickanddirtytips.com points out that the entitled “care deeply about approval.” Although they tend to shout their greatness to the world, “deep down they feel insecure about measuring up to those grandiose standards.” To vigilantly protect a fragile ego at all times seems an uncomfortable way to live. While the entitled people of the world scream themselves hoarse for faster service, can the rest of us just calmly wait for our turn? Trust me, it’s better for the blood pressure.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are not entitled. They have sacrificed and worked hard to get where they are. They don’t just expect clients to come to them and they don’t have to scream their worth (tell me the last time you’ve seen Bill dancing around with bad CGI on a late night commercial). They prove their merit with their superior knowledge and skills. Even if you happen to be an entitled person, see a Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer and, I promise, you won’t ask to speak with the manager.
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.
One of the best things about working for Bill and at Bourke Accounting is making mistakes. That didn’t come out right. One of the best things about working for Bill is that, when I make a mistake, I’m told: Hey, this is wrong, don’t do it again. And that’s it. He doesn’t mention it again and he doesn’t hold it against me.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone was like that?
We all have people in our lives who seem to love nothing more than bringing up our past bad decisions, blunders and mad dog dumb actions. Many of us believe that these people are part of a petty, passive aggressive group who, to make themselves feel better, constantly mention the foibles of others. As you can tell, I’ve dealt with this sort before and I clearly didn’t like it.
But what if we’re wrong about these people? What if there is a benevolent motivation behind this compulsion to remind us of the past? What if this person “may have a misguided belief that reminding you of your past mistakes is making you a better person” (Goodmenproject.com)? These people are the equivalent of an Employees Must Wash Hands sign in a restaurant bathroom. They don’t seem to be judging as much as just giving a well-intentioned reminder to not give anyone hepatitis today.
I suppose this practice could also be an indication of concern on the part of the other person. Perhaps they bring up past bad activities because they would hate to see a return to former reckless behavior. Let’s say you used to be a real wild one, but you’ve settled down into a calm civilian life. This might be hard for some “to accept that you are changing, so they continue to remind you of your past” (Goodmenproject.com). They don’t know that you’ve stopped doing stupid things, so it’s up to you to quietly show the world that you’re doing all right.
Of course, this is not to say that every person who mentions naughty things past has our best interests at heart. For instance, I went to a party a few years ago and ran into someone I used to know. She wasn’t looking her best, was in the middle of a messy divorce and, generally, didn’t seem very happy. She made a beeline for me and began to tell everyone within earshot about something stupid I did in high school. I believe her motive was to “embarrass or control” me (Goodmenproject.com). Furthermore, I don’t think that she liked that I was healthy and content. Finally, perhaps she wanted to keep me “feeling shame” (Goodmenproject.com) to sort of sabotage the good in my life. I pitied her, but it didn’t keep me from making a snarky comment regarding the futility of living in high school memories.
No matter where a person’s true intention lies, it’s never fun being reminded of mistakes. Most of us have those middle-of-the-night, oh, my God, I can’t believe I did that moments. We’re hard enough on ourselves, we don’t need a contract guilt-er. Best thing to do when someone starts in? Smile, say, yup, that was me then and walk away.
Like I said, Bourke Accounting professionals are very forgiving. A Bourke Accounting expert will point out your mistake, fix it and move on. No matter what financial transgressions you have committed, your Bourke Accounting specialist will mention it one time and one time only. And with the best tax preparers and bookkeepers around, if you listen to your Bourke Accounting pro, your mistakes will be nonexistent.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
The unexamined life is not worth living – Socrates
Wal-Mart…do they, like, make walls there? – Paris Hilton
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are fairly deep. Bill can talk about most art movements of that last 700 years. Tim can hip you to a lot of historical facts that you probably wouldn’t have ever stumbled across. Want to discuss indie “intellectual” films that leave you feeling slightly soiled and haunted after viewing? Stop by my desk.
We are not snobs, elitist, highbrow prigs over at Bourke Accounting, but we are fairly deep. But is that a good thing?
Who remembers when we couldn’t escape Paris Hilton? Whether it was her dubious starring film roles, her reality television shows, small animals in Gucci handbags, she was everywhere. If I never hear the phrase “That’s hot” again I’ll be satisfied. Paris was the epitome of “being famous for being famous.” She didn’t seem to say or do anything of substance, but she sure looked like she was having a good time.
Naturally, that got me thinking. While I don’t know Paris Hilton (I met her once, but that’s another story), she seemed to cultivate shallowness and superficiality into an art. And, as I said, it seemed like a blast. Beyond the money and the VIP parties, is there a happiness to be found in shallowness?
Short answer: yes. According to Learningmind.com, deeper thinkers (this is a subjective term) tend to make themselves a little crazy. However, “the less you understand, the more carefree and…happy you are” (Learningmind.com). In addition, the less you pay attention to global problems, political conflicts or other issues that you can’t possibly solve, the more satisfaction you’ll feel in your life.
Another problem with deeper thinkers is that there is a tendency to “seek something bigger – a pattern, a meaning, a purpose” (Learningmind.com). It’s not enough to have a good job and a happy family, there is a need to justify your continued existence to the universe. While a shallower person will accept a raise without qualms, a deeper thinker will overthink the same occurrence. They will question if the raise is actually deserved, they will wonder if they are up to the task and, inevitably, make themselves miserable.
Overthinking isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, you want an overthinker in your corner. When you make an appointment with a Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer, you know that every detail regarding your personal or business financial issue will be addressed and solved. Bourke Accounting experts will deep think you right out of the clutches of the IRS, and, overthinkers or not, Bourke Accounting pros are really fun at parties.
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.
Did you overdo it this weekend? Did you spend your Sunday rearranging furniture? Maybe, to get ready for your appointment with your Bourke Accounting tax preparer or bookkeeper, you were forced to stand under hot water until the broken glass in your back melted. Maybe you uttered attractive moans and groans while you put your shoes on. Don’t worry, Bourke Accounting professionals will wait while you get your feet under you.
But. Are we getting old?
After feeling the repercussions of doing something stupid, like lifting with your back and not your legs, you can repeat my mantra: I am not 18, I am not Wolverine. This is meant to be a reminder that we won’t bounce back the way we used to, so we should probably stretch before doing something physically difficult. Does that mean I’m old, too? And, wait a second, in these more sensitive times, am I even allowed to use the adjective “old”?
I don’t mind being called “middle-aged” or “old.” After the stuff I did in my ill-spent youth, I wear it as a badge of honor (my chiropractor was very curious as to what the X-Ray of a former punk rock stage diver’s spine looked like. He was not disappointed). However, I seem to be in the minority. According to The Week (Vol. 20, Issue 961), because a lot of our more mature (?) citizens are in good health and bopping along well, they “hate such traditional terms as ‘senior’ and ‘elderly’.” In addition, calling people old is believed to deny them their “right to have ambitions and plans for the stretch of their life that’s still ahead of them” (The Week).
AARP.org reports that “the public associates aging almost exclusively with decline and deterioration.” Well, sure. I can promise that, even though I used to be able to go to work after an hour’s worth of sleep, I would be utterly useless if I tried that now. NPR.org suggests that “older adults” is perhaps the least hateful term in use. However, the moniker “super adult” is another option in descriptive choices. Um. Super Adult. Yeah, no, thank you.
There is also a push to use the term “elder,” which I like. It brings up visions of an experienced and wise person, willing to use their sage-like advice to guide another generation. In addition, I feel that it’s a term of respect. I might not be at the elder stage yet, but I’m holding the name for when I need it.
I don’t think it matters what we call someone over the age of 65. If someone calls you old in a derogatory way, just remind them that, if all goes well, they’ll get there, too. Your body parts might not be where you kept them when you were 18, but, hey, they’re still there.
Your age isn’t an issue to your Bourke Accounting tax preparer or bookkeeper. Of course, throughout your entire financial life, certain ages require different handling. Are you starting a family? Your Bourke Accounting professional can offer advice. Are you about to retire? Your Bourke Accounting expert can lead you down a happy road. Do you prefer to be called a “senior”? No problem. Do you want to be called a Super Adult…no. Just no.
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.
We have to read two sections of the Bourke Accounting Book Club selection, Jen Sincero’s, “You Are a Bada*s” by Wednesday. I haven’t read it yet. The book is sitting on my table. I walk by it every day and promise: I’ll read it when I get home. Annnd then, when I get home, I watch M*A*S*H because it’s an episode that I haven’t seen since I was ten. Maybe I just stare into space for a while. Very important stuff, to be sure.
Why do we procrastinate? Sometimes it’s because we’re required to do something icky, like clean up dog poop around the yard. Sometimes it’s because it seems like a boring and arduous job that isn’t that important, like organizing a seldom-used closet. Or maybe some of us are just lazy (my hand is in the air).
Mindtools.com offers a legitimate out, though. For some of us, procrastination is “more than a bad habit; it’s a sign of a serious underlying health issue.” Anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder – all of these afflictions can play a role in why we wait until the last minute to complete some task. Of course, according to Mindtools, if you wait around to do something, you will only end up increasing your own stress levels. So, even if you didn’t have these disorders before, procrastinate long enough and you will.
You have received your W2s, 1099s, etc. They are neatly organized in a little folder. You’ve had these documents for a few weeks. Um, this is perhaps a personal question, but why haven’t you seen your Bourke Accounting tax preparer yet? When filing your returns, there are a few reasons you should lock your Procrastination Demon in the basement and come see us:
1. The longer you wait to file, the more “you increase your risk of tax identity theft” (CNBC.com). Hey, you know who doesn’t procrastinate? Bad guys. According to CNBC.com, the miscreants who send in fake returns, do it really early. So, by the time you get around to seeing your Bourke Accounting tax preparer, someone might have already been nice enough to file for you.
2. What if you owe money? If you wait until the last minute and – gasp! – find that you owe a substantial chunk of change to the good old IRS, do you have that cash stashed in your mattress? Give yourself enough time to prepare for an unfavorable scenario. Don’t count on a tax refund to get you through hard times and always rely on the fact that things can go sideways.
3. You’ve had all of your documentation for a while. Are you sure? It’s April 14th and, right in the middle of an appointment with your Bourke Accounting tax preparer, you remember that you worked for a few months somewhere before you landed your Forever Job. But where is that W2? Did you leave it in the car you sold last week? Did you even receive it? I guess you’re going to have to file an extension…
Bourke Accounting professionals don’t procrastinate, but you knew that. Our Bourke Accounting experts also won’t rush through your return because the deadline is looming. Whether you come in February 14th or April 14th, you will get incredible, comprehensive service. But for the sake of your mental well-being and your finances, why don’t you make your appointment sooner rather than later?
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.
You already know that Bourke Accounting professionals hate thieves. Whether it’s identity thieves, scammers preying on the uninformed or flat-out take the money and run types, Bourke Accounting has no stomach for the whole evil lot. However, there’s another group out there that might be more insidious than the rest. This group takes advantage of the vulnerable and desperate, all under the guise of legality.
Ladies and Gentlemen: let me introduce you to Payday Loans.
In case you are unaware, a payday loan, as defined by Consumerfinance.gov, is “usually a short-term, high cost loan, generally for $500 or less, that is typically due on your next payday.” I know you’ve driven past places that offer these sorts of loans: little building, lots of glass and, out front, there’s a “wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man” (Wikipedia.org) swaying in the breeze. And we all know that nothing says “legit” like a wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man.
Is it possible that I have a problem with these payday loans? Yes, yes, it is. I’ve seen hardworking people practically crushed under the weight of the fees, interest and penalties because they fell on hard times and even harder strip mall loan sharks. These businesses prey on individuals who have just run clean out of options.
Most of these places charge between $15 and $30 in fees for every $100 borrowed. So, if you get a two-week $500 loan at $15, “that works out to an annual percentage rate of almost 400%” (Creditkarma.com). But the fun doesn’t stop there. On top of the original fee, one can also look forward to nonsufficient funds charges that can occur if you don’t have enough in your bank account when the “lenders” try to cash your check. Then there’s late fees and rollover fees (fees charged “on top of the original loan and initial fee to push back your loan’s due date” – Creditkarma.com). According to Nomoredebts.com, a lot of people avoid defaulting on their loan by renewing it, and in some cases, “the loan gets renewed so many times that borrowers can end up paying almost as much as the loan itself in just fees alone.”
Another sweet part of a payday loan is the fact that, once you’ve signed on the dotted line, “you can’t back out” (Creditcards.com). It doesn’t matter if it has only been two seconds since the ink dried, you are on the hook. Even the Devil is willing to give you an opportunity to win your soul back.
So, no. I don’t like payday loans; taking advantage of scared and hopeless people is about as low as kicking puppies. Thankfully, there are now 13 states where “payday lending is illegal or made not feasible by state laws” (Creditcards.com). Hopefully, this trend will spread.
Bourke Accounting hopes that you never find yourself a victim to one of these disgraceful establishments. However, if you find that that’s just what happened, see a Bourke Accounting expert for advice on how to free yourself from the leeches. Your Bourke Accounting specialist wants nothing more than to make your financial journey painless and parasite-free.
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.
We all know about The Five-Second Rule. You drop a cookie on the floor, look around, pick it up (maybe blow on it) and eat it. If someone else is in the room, you shout: Five-Second Rule! Generally, the other person shrugs and concedes. I mean, come on. Five-Second Rule.
The Five-Second Rule doesn’t apply solely to dropped food, though. For example, after I interviewed at Bourke Accounting, Bill sent me an email offering me a job. It only took five seconds for me to decide: Yes, a job would be very nice right now. In that small timeframe, I started down an unexplored path that is turning out to be very pleasant.
Think about every substantial thing that has occurred in your life. I am willing to bet that the biggest changes happened within five seconds. Let’s say your significant other broke up with you after many years. To be fair, you knew things hadn’t been going well: arguments over money, snide comments, what have you. The break-up conversation lasted for hours, but the important part was that tiny little bit of time when s/he sadly said, “This isn’t working” and your life was drastically altered.
Yes, yes, that was depressing (I’m sorry), but it works the other way, too: you’ve been trying for a long time to have a baby. After almost giving up, your partner presents you with a card that says: Hi, Daddy. In the time it took to read that, everything is different. While you’re hugging and kissing and randomly thinking of names, you think to yourself: I wasn’t doing this five seconds ago…
Since our regular lives are very fragile, it’s important to realize just how much can change within an instant. This is an especially crucial fact to remember while driving. We’ve all seen the commercials advising against texting and driving, yet we still do it. While not intentionally trying to hurt anyone, each time we look down to respond, “See you soon, LOL,” we’re putting others at risk. Everyone who has ever been in an accident can attest to the fact that it was over before they even knew it began. So, please, when you get in the car: seatbelt on, phone off and hands at 10 and 2.
The Five-Second Rule is also in operation when dealing with people outside of cars. If someone is seriously rude to you, more than a few options quickly pop into your head regarding how to proceed. In a heartbeat, and if you choose poorly, your day can go from mildly annoying to devastatingly bad. If your choice is not to walk away, you get to participate in an immature name-calling match. If your choice is even worse than that, you get to spend the night in jail. Always be aware that your peaceful life can become chaotic if you let your baser instincts take control for even a little while.
Besides watching how you drive and deciding not to slap the discourteous clerk, other choices will have a huge impact, as well. When it’s time to seek a tax preparer or bookkeeper, Google will help you find names. And you may even have good luck with them. However, if you want a decision to really change your life for the better, and with no hassle, your only option is a Bourke Accounting professional. Not only will Bourke Accounting specialists listen to your concerns, they will offer solid advice for any situation you could possibly be in. Teaming up with a Bourke Accounting pro will give you the best results of your financial life. And you don’t even have to yell “Five-Second Rule!” if you drop a cookie. Bourke Accounting experts understand you and the Five-Second Rule.
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.
Does the idea of Valentine’s Day fill you with wonder and anticipation? Have you been planning an elaborate spectacle for the last six months to prove your love? Perhaps you’re intending to propose to your intended. If that’s the case, the “Proposal of the Century Package” at the Langham Huntington in California is just the thing. This “plan includes private use of the Rose Bowl Stadium” with the entire Pasadena Symphony Orchestra nearby to set the mood while you bend a knee (CNBC.com)! All for the rock bottom price of $100,000!
Or you could be like me and everyone I know.
We don’t hate Valentine’s Day. We simply don’t want to be strong armed into lacy, pink expressions of affection. And psychologically speaking, this isn’t our fault. Livescience.com mentions that, “in marketing, there’s a notion called ‘resistance theory.’” This concept says that if folks “feel like they’re being asked to comply with a prescribed, prepackaged behavior, they’re unlikely” to go along with the program. Considering the very personal nature of love, it’s not surprising that some of us don’t want to be told by Hallmark how (and when) to express that love.
In addition, the history of Valentine’s Day is a little macabre, when you stop to think of it: an emperor in the third century thought marriage made for dreadful soldiers, so he banned all marriage. Valentine (before we knew him as “Saint”) decided to go ahead and perform marriages anyway. When Big Dog emperor found out, he imprisoned Val and sentenced him to death. Valentine fell in love with the daughter of one of his captors, wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” and shuffled off this mortal coil on February 14th (BBC.co). Wow. That story is about as romantic as “The War of the Roses”.
For those of you who enjoy Valentine’s Day, there’s no shame involved. So, you pull out all the stops, including an expensive dinner and googly eyes throughout. But then. Then, there are the serious Valentine’s Day superstars among you. Case in point: my friend’s grandfather wrote a book that had been out of print for over 50 years. Her partner hounded rare book dealers, followed up on leads, hit dead ends and, at last, found the book for $24 (plus shipping) and presented the book over a Brooklyn pizza. They’ve been married for the last couple of years. I like to think they’re happy.
Whether you love Valentine’s Day, are indifferent to it or hate it, can we all agree on one thing? Let’s band together to get Sweethearts Candy hearts (you know, the ones with the little sayings on them) back to the original recipe. You couldn’t find them last year and now, I’m told, they don’t taste the same when you can find them, as the company has been sold. I miss them. And people say I’m not a romantic.
Our Bourke Accounting experts run the gamut between loving VD Day and hating it. Some of our Bourke Accounting reps decorate their offices with hearts and bows, some give you a snort and a cocked eyebrow if you ask what their “love day” plans are. However, all of our Bourke Accounting specialists are solely dedicated to providing you with the most efficient, accurate and comprehensive service. And you know, I think they all might love you just a little bit…
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.