A taxing situation

This paycheck wasn’t my first, but it was the first time I saw how much was taken out for taxes. It was no big deal when I got a check for $92 and deposited that in the bank. What got me was when I saw I had really made $154, and I was only getting $90-something. I was downright annoyed by that.

I understand we need to be taxed, so we have roads, schools, libraries and public buildings. I appreciate being able to get to places we need to go on the nice smooth roads. My dad works on the roads, and it is the taxpayer money that goes to pay for those. I love the library, and I think it is definitely a good use of the money taken from my checks. I know we need to pay public employees and help people in need.

What upsets me most is the idea of people not being responsible with my contributions. When you are spending someone else’s money, you don’t put as much thought into how you are spending it, as you would if you were spending your own. I have so much more fun when I am shopping and my mom is paying for the items. It feels like you don’t have to think about the prices and choices as much. It feels easy. When I am shopping with my own money ... well, let’s just say I have only bought two items since I started working. That is one concern I have about taxes. People are spending money that was earned by someone else. It might be easier to be irresponsible with that money because it is like going shopping with your mom’s wallet.

I know there are people out there spending taxpayer money on fancy meals, decorating rooms, special vacations and awesome clothes. That makes me mad. I don’t think it is fair that I am paying for someone else’s luxuries when I am trying to save and live conservatively.