This makes me so aggravated I could spit…
I just got off the phone after spending an hour on hold and finally talking to opm (small letters to fool the search engines). I received my withholding statement yesterday from the federal government. My withholding taxes increased $49 per month. This is because of the new tax schedule effective January 1. I know the government needs the money but boy are they hitting the senior group hard. I am fortunate in that I can manage without the $49. Many people cannot. This could mean the difference for many seniors in staying warm or putting gas in their car, etc. Or even worse, having enough to eat. This has been my Wednesday rant on a Friday. The thought does cross my mind that some of the money we spend on foreign aid and fighting other country’s wars could better be spent on taking care of the people in need in our own country. Just sayin’!
In addition to lovingly holding the phone and waiting for a human voice this morning I managed to trot back and forth to the laundry room where I got my laundry caught up.
Yesterday my daughter and I had lunch at what used to be Grumpy Petes and is now called 8th Street something or the other. I guess because they are located on 8th Street. Anyway, the food there is still delicious. Yesterday the buffet was mostly Mexican food with the old standbys of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The green beans with bacon and onion were delicious. I am not much on Mexican food but the enchiladas were wonderful. The salad bar is always good.
I have so many things I need to do today but the telephone call wore me out. 
So today is a lazy day. I have declared this the 2nd day of spring as the temp is to reach 34 degrees. YAY!! That is the first above freezing temp for quite awhile.
I hope you all have a peaceful happy day. Stay safe!
Beth
I don't think they have a clue how that is going to hurt the seniors. It may get in the 30's here today. I hope some sunshine comes with that. Lazy day sounds good.
ReplyDeleteOn the other end of the dial, Frankie's W-2 arrived yesterday and her federal withholdings for the year were so low that it looks like we may end up owing taxes for the first time since my accident. She called HR and was told this is the result of the stimulus package. It's a good thing my SSDI is tax exempt or we'd be in big trouble!
ReplyDeleteI just bet none of the Congress is hurting in anyway. I still believe they should be under the same health, retirement and pay restrictions as the rest of the populace.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your lazy day Beth, despite the aggravating waiting on the phone...and so glad it's Spring for you...still feels as if it's freezing, or around that point here, and they keep warning we may get snow again...I do hope not. I'll try ind over matter...It's spring...so there!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week-end my friend...xx
umm Oh Dear, that was supposed to read....
ReplyDelete'mind over matter' but it doesn't matter now ... :-) xx
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteIt is getting very cold here again. Know just how you feel about those phone calls and taxes etc - grrrr - Have a happy weekend, Hugs - Nita.
Man. I may well end up owing taxes this year. But I didn't know the immediate effect until I read your blog. That's rough!!! And not right. I will spare you my thoughts and feelings. No one wants to hear mine as they are not the way a lot of folks think.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this is two times (night before last) that we tried to got to Cheddars but the place is so wildly popular, that there is at least an hour wait. No place is worth that to me. So we went to Applebees.
I'll just say 'DITTO'. We're supposed to have Spring-like weather for a few days and the best part is no bad storms predicted. I've been working on and off today, so much to do, closets, etc.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your Awards, well deserved.
I'm with Terry about health, retirement, etc. It's all out of control and even worse spending what we don't even have. When are they ever going to learn to "live within means"...the govt I'm speaking of there. Pitiful. I could hit a rant on this like nobody's business.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, we're expecting snow again on either Sunday or Monday. Enough already.
XOXOXO
We were almost at the same temperature today. I am of course refering to the outside temperature. I assume body temps are the same. Wait. I'm going to have to put you on hold (imagine some syrupy music)......................................................................................................Your blog is important to us. Please hold for the next available commentor................................................................etc.
ReplyDeleteSIS.. so glad you have a portable phone.. staying on the line that long.. I think I would have gave them heck for making me waiting. Totally hear you about the money situation.. it is terrible here making ends meet. Snow coming here over night.. Hope I don't have enough to shovel.. : )
ReplyDeleteI know these are terrible times in many ways for this country and I'm with you on the hit seniors are taking. I'm very sorry about it all. Sounds like a good place to eat that you've got there. I've cut way back on my caloric intake...at least I'm trying to so I've been pretty conservative with my diet lately. Anyway, I hope the temperatures stay more reasonable...we are under a winter weather advisory through the weekend...sigh.
ReplyDeleteWe have same problem in here retirement people are unhappy about uncertain future.
ReplyDeletepay more tax After the flood who will pay for the disaster?
The estimate is high as $28 billion.Victoria flood alone could cost up to six $6 billion.
Flood levy on all taxpayers is just another hoc idea from the federal government.
we don't need a one off flood tax?
Take care.
I usually put the phone on 'speaker' when I am on hold and do other things. I haven't checked the withholding, but I know in 18 months my supplemental insurance has gone from $25 to $64. And my property tax? don't ask. By the way, I think search engines translate all letters into caps or small letters, so using miniscules doesn't avoid them.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind a raise in my withholding, because to make the country solvent everyone must take a hit, IF I were convinced that other people were also having to tighten their belts, but I don't believe that is true at all. You may be sure that the current Congress has no intention of putting the bite on the upper levels of society.
Hi Beth
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are taking such a hit on your taxes.When you count on a certain amount a month it sort of takes us by suprise.Glad to hear it's a bit warmer where you are.Take care my friend,God bless!
Hugs Margaret
It seems those who can least afford it are the ones hit the hardest when it comes to taxes. The gov't learning to 'live within their means' would be something...but I won't hold my breath while waiting. Sure hope you enjoyed your 'lazy' day.
ReplyDelete