Will Work For Food, Starting My Diet Soon

Part 1

I sold my tax business 3 seasons ago, the year I turned 70, or as I often refer to it, the 30^th anniversary of my 40^th birthday. Besides the volunteer tax prep I do with AARP, I still prepare a dozen or so returns for friends and family. I don’t want to take money for my efforts, I will work for food. So far this season I have been compensated with burgers, steaks, chicken, pizza, salad, shish kabob, tacos, beer, wine, and margaritas.

There’s the friend I played with before I could even walk. The guy I used to work for back in the 70s. The girl who’s cut my hair for the past 50 years. My x-wife’s sister and husband; I didn’t divorce the family okay. There’s Chrissy’s siblings, though her brother slipped $160 in the envelope with his tax documents; I got him back by picking up the tab at dinner the other night.

I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture. More important than the money is the time spent with people I love. But after 4/15…. I’m back on my diet.

Part 2

Some grateful in-laws bought me and Chris lunch at the Longhorn Steak House for doing their taxes. I could have had nice salad, but what the heck, I can go back on my diet tomorrow. Today I had a juicy burger with cheddar cheese and fries, washed down with a couple cold beers.

What else might I do tomorrow?

1. Design and build those new steps for the back door. (The ones the builder left us suck)
2. Center the wall mounted TV in the guest room.
3. Sort out and dispose of accumulated hardware from past projects
4. Give the car’s interior a good spring cleaning
5. Organize the junk stored in the attic.

What important things might someone else consider doing tomorrow?

1. Enroll in the 401K
2. Buy life and/or disability insurance
3. Create a retirement strategy
4. Designate beneficiaries
5. Estate planning
6. Make a will

Many ask our advice, and we are always happy to help. Sadly, few hear our answers.