We just got our federal tax return check this week after weeks of waiting.
Actually it was supposed to be direct deposited, but they claim my bank rejected the transfer.
So I received 3 letters from the IRS on the same day. That will get the heart pounding!
Two of them were identical: one each to my wife and me explaining the rejection and that a paper check would be coming in 3-4 weeks. The third letter was the check.
So they could have just sent one letter, addressed to the both of us, with the check inside. That's government efficiency for you.
Before you chide me about receiving a refund at all, yes I know it's better to not give the government an interest free loan. In fact, I feel like I tweak my withholdings each year, but always get a refund. I now believe in a money fairy.
On Thursday we officially kicked off our first giveaway – Subscribing Pays! $50 cash. Make sure you subscribe by email to be eligible. RSS subscription does not count.
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Best Personal Finance (and Lifestyle) Writing of the Week
- At Dollars and Debt, Bill asks if one should be ashamed about using a food pantry. He says it's not about courage, but about getting done what needs to get done. So true.
- Yes I Am Cheap makes the list again with an interesting post about 9 Tax Deductions Prostitutes Can Claim.
- Wealth Informatics has a highly useful post as part of the Roth IRA Movement that offers various investing strategies for your Roth IRA.
- Average Joe takes on the question of whether older people should be forced to retire earlier, and the value of older workers in the workplace.
- Jeremy at Zero Passive Income lays out a great outline of the types of assets out there, and which ones you should go after.
As usual, I was featured in some carnivals this week.
- Totally Money Blog Carnival at Motivating Mum
- Carnival of Financial Planning at Married With Debt
- Carnival of Financial Camaraderie at My University Money
- Carnival of Money Pros at Thousandaire
- Yakezie Carnival at Money Reasons
- Carnival of Retirement at Finance Product Reviews
- Financial Carnival for Young Adults at 20's Finances
- Personal Finance Whiz Carnival at Personal Finance Whiz