More Than Just ‘You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!’
Lessons Families Can Learn From ‘A Christmas Story’
Kids won’t believe in magic forever. Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season. Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world. Sometimes ‘disasters’ lead to new adventures. the IRS. If you don’t file, not only will you still owe those taxes, but you’ll also owe late fees and the penalty for failing to file on top of it all! Keep in mind that if you file for bankruptcy, your debts won’t be discharged until you file your tax returns. If you’re already struggling with debts, putting off filing will only make it harder to find relief. A creditor is threatening to garnish my tax returns! Should I put off filing to protect my money? Recently, a woman came into our office who hadn’t filed her tax returns in several years, despite the fact that she could have claimed a big tax return every year. Because she had a judgment against her and the creditor was threatening to garnish her refunds, she decided not to file in hopes of protecting her money. As a result, she lost out on thousands of dollars.
In 1983, one movie introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet-clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Your kids are listening to you (oh, fudge!). They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on.
Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!
Debt and Taxes Is It Ever Okay Not to File Taxes?
You only have three years to claim your tax refund. This woman hadn’t filed for five years, which meant her refunds from two of those years were gone forever. However, she would still have to pay the penalty for not filing in those years, as well as the penalty for not filing her taxes during the other three years. She had to get the whole mess cleared up before she could file for bankruptcy and deal with the judgment against her. As a rule of thumb, you should always file your tax returns, no matter what situation you find yourself in. Even if you owe money, in the long run, filing on time is always better for you financially. Plus, the IRS will be more willing to work with you on your taxes if you file than if you don’t. Struggling with tax debt? Got a big bankruptcy question? We can help! Call The Moak Law Firm at 480-755-8000 and learn the best strategies for dealing with your debt and taxes.
Next month marks the start of tax season as employers begin sending out W-2s. If you’re anticipating a big tax refund, this can be a wonderful time of the year. However, if you’re already struggling with debt and you know you’re going to owe the IRS, the arrival of your W-2 can be one more burden on your shoulders. I can’t afford to pay my taxes! Should I put off filing this year? If you know you won’t be able to pay your taxes, not filing seems like the only option. No one wants to take on more debt they won’t be able to afford. The problem is this act will only increase the amount you owe
Do you know anyone overwhelmed with debt o
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