Resolutions (Part 2): Learn one from Santa

In honor of Christmas just ending, we should take one from Santa. Maybe he had the right idea all along.

"Making a list, and checking it twice".

If Santa didn't have a list, he would forget which children were the good ones and which presents everyone wanted. Same thing goes with resolutions.

Lets take an verbal contract. In Business Law in college, we learned that verbal contracts hold just as much weight as written contracts (As long as there is a meeting of the minds, mutual consideration, offer and acceptance, performance or deliver, good faith...) Why then do we have written contracts? Besides the proof, there is also something that makes a written contract and signing your name on a dotted more legit. This year? All my resolutions will be written down. (Yours should be too!)

Oh, the implications of writing down a list of resolutions. Suddenly, it seems more meaningful if the goals are written on a piece of paper or better yet, in a list that can be crossed off. Write down your goals. Post the list somewhere that you have to look everyday. How can you ignore that?

Tax Tuesday: What Santa and Congress have in common

You better not shout (Yes, it is frustrating to do taxes), you better not cry (Okay, so you might not have a refund this year), you better watch out (hope you saved your receipts...), I'm telling you why.... Congress is coming to town (and collecting taxes)

Yes, there is a strange similarity between the IRS and Santa. (I want to point out the common misconception that the IRS does not actually write the tax law, it just administers Congress's work... probably why taxes are so messed up?) The IRS and Santa invade out homes once a year. The reward, whether it is a tax refund/ lower taxes or presents is directly correlated to your actions all year long - if you are a "good" boy or girl or citizen all year (giving to charity or playing well with others). The punishment, whether it is paying higher taxes or coal has the same correlation.

Both Santa and the IRS try all year to "teach" us to be better. Seems like the two of them are more manipulative than some people's crazy Ex's.  We all know what a "good" boy or girl is like in Santa's eyes, but what about the governments?

1. You should grow up and get married- you get to file jointly!
2. You should buy a home- we will let deduct your interest. Still not good enough? Here, have a tax credit!
3. You should have kids- Its hard enough, so you deserve a deduction for dependents.
4. Your kids should have child care- this way you can work, get more money, and pay more taxes. But we will give you a break on child care.
5. You should go to school- cant afford it? we will help you out
6. You should not smoke or drink or tan- hey, we can implement a sin tax to punish you unhealthy people
7. You should take care of your elders- qualified relative deduction.
8. You should give to charity- charitable contribution
9. You should still take care of your kids if you get divorced- thats right. we will make you pay it AND not charge the poor caregiver income tax on the child support.
10. You should save your money- we just might not tax you on it.

What manipulative people those politicians are. But then again? so is Santa. I guess someone has to teach us right from wrong once we reach adulthood.

They see you when youre sleeping, they know when youre awake (and working so you can pay taxes), They know if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake. (Does this not creep anyone else out?)