SPIRIT WOW: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE MY INCOME TAXES

Or maybe will some day.

Me on Tax Day

Actually more like my Tax Guy on Tax Day!

From time to time I’ve been posting little updates on my new experiences out here in the world. And I’ve been thinking about doing one about money for a while now. It’s certainly not a flashy part of my life, but it has been pretty eye-opening for me.

The fact I just paid income taxes for the first time in my life definitely has made it top of mind, too. So, here we go!

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FEAR AND TREMBLING ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE

Last summer I was hanging out with friends who have an amazing house/backyard/pool in New Jersey. And despite being in this pretty much perfect environment, I was kind of constantly talking about all the math running through my head—How much money do I have? How long will it last? What do I do?

And one of my friends said, Right now, are you okay?

Yes, I said. Very much so.

You’re only talking about the money you have in the bank. You’re going to keep earning money, aren’t you?

Yes. Maybe not enough to make ends meet over the long haul, but…

Yes, over the haul. So you have things to work out. But for the time being?

Oh yes, for sure.

So why are you worried?