| |
|
Moncton Times & Transcript ~ Tax Help Plus ~ Resolutions? ~ January 2, 2007 - 06 Jan 2007 by TaxHelp
|
resolve n, resolution n, resolute adj., to decide to take an action, phrase it into an actionable statement and then to be single-minded in moving to its successful completion.
You’d think it would be a function of age, but there never seems to be a lack of resolutions made at this time of year.
Arguably the most popular pledges are in the deprivation area. There are probably lots of people who are committed to giving up smoking and drinking. Others are going to be deprived by embracing a new diet. Still more are going to dedicate themselves to improving their physical shape.
Then there are the addition type resolutions. People resolve to find and then put additional monies into their retirement plans or down on their mortgages. Others resolve to undertake even more activity in addition to their already overwhelming schedules.
Another group of people are going to think about all these good resolutions and will then become paralyzed by what appears to be the enormity of their situation. They will lie in bed at night worried that they smoke too much or are not in good enough shape or don’t have enough money to retire in ten years. For the most part, I have found that things have a way of working out, especially for those who plug along.
I was reminded of this over the holidays as I spoke with my brother-in-law Robert. He and his wife were enjoying the pleasure of their children as they played around the house, carrying on as only kids can. We were reminiscing about our youth. It seemed that back in the day many of the problems were insurmountable – the ability to get along with others, how we stacked up to our buddies, wondering if we would ever find someone willing (or foolish) enough to marry us. Rob and I also spoke about the other side of being able to experience the pleasure of youth in the simple things – taking a 2X4 and making two cuts forming a point at one end to have a toy boat for the creek, or walking to an outdoor rink to play hockey with our skates hung on our sticks over our shoulders with the rhythm of our walk being continually reinforced by the hitting of the steel blades on our backs. All-in-all the challenges that we faced, that seemed so great back then, with the passing of time became so much water under the bridge. And while sometimes the problems of today can feel egregious, one needs to reflect on whether there is ever a time that life doesn’t offer up a challenge to see what someone is made of?
You might be wondering why I bring this up today. Simply stated, having resolutions are great. Planning to be a financial genius and at the ready to be a replacement player in the NHL is a marvelous goal if that’s what you want. But in the coming year, no matter how bleak the situation is, take a page out of Rob’s book and enjoy what you have no matter how great or small, and say a small prayer for the people who have it worse. For whatever your situation may be, there are millions looking to trade places with you.
And good luck with your resolutions. I hope you whip them all. But remember, the deadline to realize your accomplishments is at the end of your days. It’s never too late to change, so take some time to look for things that will let you really appreciate this new year. Today is a good day to think beyond whether you’ll ever be able to deduct your mortgage payment. Instead think of Aesop’s “The Hare and the Tortoise” fable.
On a separate note it's that time of year again when we offer a service to various garden clubs, lunch-and-learn employee sessions, business meetings and association functions where we discuss the newest tax changes. These events usually run somewhere around an hour once a question-and-answer is completed and are offered both during the day and evening. Most important, there is no charge for this service. If you or someone you know has responsibility for meeting planning at your work or social club, and would like us to come out and have a chat early in the new year, please contact the office to arrange a time and give us some details so we can tailor it to your specific organization.
Roger Haineault is with Help 4 Taxes. His column "Tax Help Plus ..." appears each Tuesday. For questions, comments or column suggestions he can be reached by calling 855-HELP (4357) or by emailing roger@help4taxes.ca
|
|
|
|
|
Home | About Us
| Ask a Question | Latest
Tax Column | Form T1013 | Links
| Contact Us |
|
|
 |
