What are your thoughts on the rebate the gov. is going to send out?

[MJN]

I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not.

[Katia]

I'm looking forward to receiving mine. They did this before and it really helped us out. Is there something I'm missing?

[j.griff]

I have no political thoughts, my only thoughts are "yay us! more money!". :-)

[Crissy]

If checks are being sent to people who do not pay federal income tax, I wonder how they can be called 'rebates'. Don't they *really* just amount to welfare?

[Crissy]

"People who pay income taxes will get up to $600.
Couples can receive up to $1,200.
People with children will get an additional $300 per child.
Workers who make at least $3,000, but don't pay taxes will each receive $300 rebates."

From ABC News

[mysticamethyst]

Its not that I am not going to like the money we are going to get, but I like many, many others are not going to use it the way the govt. wants us to spend it. I like many others will be spending on back bills or new ones not frivolous spending like they are hoping. It is that frivolity that will boost the ecomny; so they say. So, with most of paying bills how is that going to boost the econmy? I dont' get it, or am I missing something huge?

Tammy

[Kristafish]

I am glad we will be getting extra money, but we won't be going on a huge shopping spree to Wal-mart or any other store.
We will probably use ours for bills and maybe a few home school supplies :D

[KristineIN]

Ok, I'm clueless and didn't know anyone was getting a rebate, can someone point me to more information?

Thanks,
Kristine

[Jeanne in MN]

I'm not highly educated in government and finances, but I'd not be jumping for joy over this. You don't get something for nothing. Maybe it will help avoid a recession, but it could hurt in the long run too.

Yeah, like anyone, we'd love the extra cash, but in the end it will come back and bite you in the butt. When Jesse Ventura, was our governor, we had a surplus in our state coffers and he gave rebates back to everyone in the state. I thought it ridiculous because you don't give back excess money-you hang on to and eventually you will need it. Sure enough, before long there were funding issues. Right now our current governor is wanting to borrow a billion dollars to fix roads, which will also cost us an enormous amount of money in interest.

Again, I'm not a financial guru and don't know enough about a potential recession and so on to intelligently answer this, but if nothing else, please don't look at it blindly as a wonderful thing. Nothing in life is free. :(

[Sue G in PA]

while I'm thrilled at the rebate (6 children x $300 is a bunch!), we won't be adding much to the economy by spending on luxury items and such. Most will go toward my midwife for prenatal/delivery costs, a few homeschool supplies, credit card bills (eek!). We already did the overspending, KWIM? Anyway, I don't get the mentality, but the rebate will be nice!

[StaceyinLA]

and that's what they are hoping will boost the economy. There are just too many folks out there who want it all. Even if people pay it on their credit cards, that will free up room for them to use the credit cards again. Either way, the spending is done.

I, personally, will probably be putting the money toward a car for my daughter (especially if the amounts are correct because we'll get $2100-$2400 depending on whether they count 18yodd), so I guess I'll be doing exactly what they want...

[Mama Lynx]

Its not that I am not going to like the money we are going to get, but I like many, many others are not going to use it the way the govt. wants us to spend it. I like many others will be spending on back bills or new ones not frivolous spending like they are hoping. It is that frivolity that will boost the ecomny; so they say. So, with most of paying bills how is that going to boost the econmy? I dont' get it, or am I missing something huge?

Tammy

Playing Devil's advocate, here ...

Perhaps, if you use the money to pay your back bills, that will free you up to *spend* money in the near future? Money you'd not be able to spend if you hadn't paid those bills?

I betcha it almost always works out to spending, in one way or another.

And now, I know NOTHING about this rebate, so I'm off to check the news ...

[Jennifer in MI]

I'm like Stacey in LA - I'd be using it to buy something fun! We're currently renovating our fireplace/wall and it's just begging for a new flat screen!!! But, we'd save the rest of it.

So, what are the qualifiers? Every tax payer will receive this?

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Isn't this simply an advance on next year's tax return? Or am I mistaken?

[Jenny in Atl]

Return? :eek: I didn't know there were any out there that still got some of their $$ back. Last year we paid over 8k. That's what you get for owning a small business. I'm sure what we get will go to medical bills or CC'd.

[Cadam]

I'm not going to turn down more money, maybe I will be able to buy the curriculum I need, pay for dd's therapy or just help us get by if dh takes a slight pay cut.

[Jennifer]

Is it phased out at higher incomes? (Not that I have a higher income...:rolleyes:) Just wondering because ABC said couples could get "up to" $1200.00.

Jennifer

[Karenciavo]

I'm sure we won't get any here. :(

Karenciavo, overtaxed middle-class small business owner

[MaryM]

Isn't this simply an advance on next year's tax return? Or am I mistaken?

This is what happened with the last handout, wasn't it? Took many people by surprise last time around.

I wonder if it comes too late to have any serious impact...June; seems markets will have adjusted by them but I guess the psychological affect is worth something!

Mary

[Kristafish]

I like your avatar :D


Ok, I'm clueless and didn't know anyone was getting a rebate, can someone point me to more information?

Thanks,
Kristine

[jail warden]

I'll be happy to see the money, we are trying to dig our way out of debt. But yes I do wonder about the ramifications, but it doesn't seem politicians think much about that.:)

[KristineIN]

I like your avatar :D
Thanks, I was tired of looking at myself every time I posted. I can look in the mirror if I want to see myself!
:D
Kristine

Ps. Yours goes well with your name. I was too excited to register to try and come up with something different!

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

This is what happened with the last handout, wasn't it? Took many people by surprise last time around.

I wonder if it comes too late to have any serious impact...June; seems markets will have adjusted by them but I guess the psychological affect is worth something!

Mary

Yep. "Free money" usually ain't. You know?

[Tutor]

I'm not in favor of forced redistribution of wealth. If someone wants to stop by and give me a few hundred dollars, fine (that actually happened this past Dec.; we were floored), but I am not happy that a government is taking money from taxpayers and giving it to other taxpayers. I benefit from this scheme, and I wish it were not a reality.

[GreenKitty]

ok...this money for some people will NOT help them...

I personally someone who uses the system...unfortunately. So, when the money comes they will spend it all. Then...go back to how they were...waiting on the next time (the THIRD time) they can file bankruptcy.

As for the economy I can't see it will be boosted much.

As for who gets the money and how much...I can't even comment.

[Kendra]

Owning our own business means we never see a return. We always owe. So while $3300 should be coming to us with this rebate, it undoubtedly won't.

Remember that when you think your dentist is taking you to the bank ;) Last year my dentist bil paid 26k in taxes. And then there's the overhead, the staff, and the school bills...

OK, I'm done :)

[Laura Corin]

On the one hand, we pay US taxes and use no US services. Even if we needed to be evacuated from some trouble spot we'd be charged separately for that (it happened to someone I know). On the other hand, I'm unlikely to use any rebate we are given to boost the US economy.

Laura

[cin]

I think it starts getting reduced at incomes over $75k. :rolleyes: With the way inflation is, 75K could still use some help.

[Crissy]

Owning our own business means we never see a return. We always owe. So while $3300 should be coming to us with this rebate, it undoubtedly won't.

Remember that when you think your dentist is taking you to the bank ;) Last year my dentist bil paid 26k in taxes. And then there's the overhead, the staff, and the school bills...

OK, I'm done :)

Yep. We are small business owners and our tax bill last year was over 25K.
I wonder if I would take less issue with this 'rebate' scheme if the government would call it what it is.

[LizzyBee]

Isn't this simply an advance on next year's tax return? Or am I mistaken?

No, this is in addition to what you would normally get back when you file your tax return.

The last rebate was an advance payment of the child credit, which was new that year. Anyone who didn't get the rebate (but should have), was able to claim it on their tax return for that year. I imagine they'll do something similar this year, so in that sense, you could say it's an advance on next year's tax return.

[JudoMom]

This is what happened with the last handout, wasn't it? Took many people by surprise last time around.

I wonder if it comes too late to have any serious impact...June; seems markets will have adjusted by them but I guess the psychological affect is worth something!

Mary

LOL! This is a quote from an email I sent my dh when he told me what we'd be getting: "True government at work: “Something needs to be done quickly. Let’s speed it up, we’re going into a recession….yep, we can start getting those checks out in 5 months.” ". He responded with "Exactly. I guess they are going for the short term psychological effect on the market. I suppose they can’t do much before returns are filed." Heh...just amused me you had the same thought :D.

To be honest, dh handles all the finances and I'm not educated hardly at all about it. My gut says it's a good think, but it could just be the spaghetti dinner talking ;).

[Excelsior! Academy]

If checks are being sent to people who do not pay federal income tax, I wonder how they can be called 'rebates'. Don't they *really* just amount to welfare?

I know when we were in college we were considered low income due to work study, etc. We were able to get a tax refund legally, a small refund, even though we did not have a technical income. Work study, etc. is considered grant money. We were not on welfare. So I assume it is just something similar to this.

I do think it is an advance, though. I could be wrong, but I am planning like it is just in case.

[LizzyBee]

I think it starts getting reduced at incomes over $75k. :rolleyes: With the way inflation is, 75K could still use some help.

It starts getting phased out at $75k for individuals and $150k for couples.

[Krista in LA]

Okay, this was the first I heard about it so I had to go check it out on one of the news websites. We have been trying to decide if we could go to Disney for the first time ever and now we might be able to. Yippee!

[Kate CA]

I'm not in favor of forced redistribution of wealth. If someone wants to stop by and give me a few hundred dollars, fine (that actually happened this past Dec.; we were floored), but I am not happy that a government is taking money from taxpayers and giving it to other taxpayers. I benefit from this scheme, and I wish it were not a reality.

I just love your post! I completely agree.

Go Ron Paul! :)
Kate

[Quiver0f10]

I know I can sure use $4200! It's going to go towards our debt snowbal :D

[Michelle T]

I think it will come in handy.

But in the long term, nothing is a free lunch. That rebate money has to come from somewhere, and robbing Peter to pay Paul isn't the best financial strategy in the long run.
Michelle T

[Amy in NH]

I agree with Pam. I think this will come back to bite us come tax time, just like the last time they gave out "free" money. I know that the last time was related to the increase in the child tax credit, but I think this will reduce the amount of what we will be considered to have paid in. I guess we'll see...

I don't know how to find out for sure either way. If it will affect our tax situation next year I don't know how we can decline. But if we do get anything, I think I'll put it on next year's oil bill, since that's where next year's tax refund will be going anyway.

[Johanna]

All I can say is that "yippee!" I love getting money from the goverment! Don't think it will do anything to boost the economy though. Ours will go towards the credit card.:rolleyes:

[Colleen]

Last year we paid over 8k. That's what you get for owning a small business.

Only 8k? Sounds good!:rolleyes: I hear ya!

[Colleen]

Yep. We are small business owners and our tax bill last year was over 25K.

Try doubling that and you'll feel my pain. Of course, those of us citing how much we owe are clearly making a decent income so we can be grateful for that.

[Colleen]

I'm among the minority (in terms of political and economic circles) who strongly oppose these schemes. It's true that such "rebates" (which name I consider a misnomer) serve as economic stimulants; there's really no question about that. If the primary goal is to stimulate the economy, though, this approach is not the surest, swiftest means to that end. Those surer, swifter methods were left on the cutting room floor. This package, though, is what appeals to the masses; it has the psychological effect of making people think they're getting free money. But as we all know, there ain't no such thing as a free lunch ~ especially from a government that's already deeply in debt.

One may ask, what becomes of the monies people are "rebated"? Much of it goes into goods that aren't domestically produced. So whose economy do we stimulate? Bottom line, it's a band-aid which in my opinion only serves to further erode the sensibilities (or lack thereof) of a consumer nation.

[Kate CA]

I know I can sure use $4200! It's going to go towards our debt snowbal :D

Oh I am sure we could all use it, but where is it really coming *from*? How will we be paying for it in the future? Nothing from the government is free. :)
Kate

[Karenciavo]

Bottom line, it's a band-aid which in my opinion only serves to further erode the sensibilities (or lack thereof) of a consumer nation.

Yes, and although I really haven't looked into it much, I wonder if the Consumer vs. Income Tax would help with this problem.

Karenciavo with 25% tax bracket + 15% self employment tax + 7% sales tax + 2% state tax + some of the highest property taxes in the nation = frustration

[Laura K (NC)]

Yep. Here's (http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/23/milstead-you-recall-the-01-tax-rebate-checks/) an article about that.

[WTMindy]

I've never heard my husband not be overly enthusiastic about a tax break and he doesn't think this one is a great idea. We are happy to get the money, don't get me wrong, but (to quote him) it is not a good long term solution. It just solves a very short term problem and is expensive.

[Daisy]

Well, I guess I see it as getting my own money back. I don't care about the politics of it, just show me the $$$. That is probably really shallow but the idea of receiving $1,800 right as we are going into our paycheck-free summer sounds very nice. I could fly to see my brand new niece.

And yes, it bugs me that the government is so screwed up that it even thinks about solutions like this.

[Sara R]

I think it's a terrible idea. I watched this bit from Glenn Beck a couple of weeks ago about the national debt and social security and all the problems that will go along with that. I urge you to watch it here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-16u9x3tfE). And now they are giving away 1% of the GNP, and not cutting government spending, for what?

And why wouldn't paying off debt help the economy? Most of our current problems are caused by a bunch of people defaulting. Seems like not defaulting would help everyone.

[Kate CA]

One may ask, what becomes of the monies people are "rebated"? Much of it goes into goods that aren't domestically produced. So whose economy do we stimulate? Bottom line, it's a band-aid which in my opinion only serves to further erode the sensibilities (or lack thereof) of a consumer nation.

You absolutely have it right. Such good points, Colleen.

Warmly,
Kate

[Audrey]

Bottom line, it's a band-aid which in my opinion only serves to further erode the sensibilities (or lack thereof) of a consumer nation.

That says it all, I think. It's incredibly irresponsible for a government to be handing out placebo money, when it is many trillions in debt and deficit, and then essentially saying to people, "Ignore the fact that we're in a recession/depression. Go out and spend even more money you don't really have to spend."

[Volty]

All the talking heads are in line behind this- The chairman of the Fed, Ben Beranke, President Bush, Congressional Dems, and Congressional GOP. And, asyou all know, they can never agree on anything.

The thing is with the declining value of the currency, the trade and budget deficit, the collapse of the housing bubble, and the panic on Wall Street and international stock exchanges, the US is -maybe- on the cusp of a major recession. So they're pulling out all the stops to prevent this from happening.

The full mechanics of the rebate haven't been ironed out, the president has submitted a plan, Congress will finagle with it and send it back to him. It really looks like all sides are getting in line to support it. The idea is to pum $150 billion into the economy now. Quickly. Hopefully people use the money to buy stuff, the vendor buys stuff with the money he got from his customer, etcetera, hopefully the $150 billion filters through the economy exchanges hands many times over and prevents the recession everybody is worried about.

Where wil the money come from? Government Debt, it'll be borrowed and paid for by future taxpayers.

The government owes $9.2 trillion dollars right now. After this injection, it'll be $9.35+ trillion plus whatever the deficit is this year. We as taxpayers will continue to pay the interest and compound interest on that money into the future. Divide $9.35 trillion by 300 million Americans and we each owe the interest on $31,000 off the top of taxes each year. Fortunatly the interest rate the government pays is low.

[Virginia Dawn]

Long term, I think it is an awful idea. I haven't read all the posts, so forgive me if I repeat somebody.

That money has to come from somewhere. Do we know where?
Is our government borrowing it from another country or printing it? Are we further indebting ourselves in ways that we will regret later?

If the money is being printed, it will most certainly increase inflation, causing the value of the dollar to drop even further, hurting those who can not afford to be hurt even more.

As many have said, "TANSTAFL."

Wherever the money comes from, it's not real money anyway, just an illusion.
Illusions can not be maintained forever.

JMO ;)

[Myrtle]

Woo-Hoo!!! Now I can get that 52inch plasma hdtv 1080p television. My money is heading to China via Best Buy.

[Liberty]

Its not that I am not going to like the money we are going to get, but I like many, many others are not going to use it the way the govt. wants us to spend it. I like many others will be spending on back bills or new ones not frivolous spending like they are hoping. It is that frivolity that will boost the ecomny; so they say. So, with most of paying bills how is that going to boost the econmy? I dont' get it, or am I missing something huge?

Tammy

My brother runs a plumbing/heating company and if customers had the extra $ to pay their overdue bills my brother might not have to weekly consider laying off workers just to make ends meet. I'm sure his company is not alone.

[Andie]

I posted an article about this yesterday here (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showpost.php?p=14125&postcount=1) that gives a quick look at the proposal.

[LizzyBee]

Yep. Here's (http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/23/milstead-you-recall-the-01-tax-rebate-checks/) an article about that.

Yes, the 2001 rebate was an advance payment, but it was related to the new child tax credit. So while it did reduce the refunds people received in the spring of 2002, it did not reduce them below what they would have gotten had the new tax credit not been passed that year.

If this new rebate is passed, it will be a tax cut. It will not reduce your tax refund below what you currently expect it to be. There's no way in heck the government would give all that money out if it weren't a tax cut, because not everyone even gets a refund. And millions of people pay estimated taxes rather than having income tax withheld from a salary.

I agree that the rebate is not the best way to improve our country's financial health in the long run. I'd much rather the federal government cut spending and stop getting involoved in matters beyond its constitutional authority. But OTOH, I won't mind having an extra $2,100 that I wasn't expecting this summer.

[LizzyBee]

My brother runs a plumbing/heating company and if customers had the extra $ to pay their overdue bills my brother might not have to weekly consider laying off workers just to make ends meet. I'm sure his company is not alone.

Exactly! Even if you use the rebate to pay bills rather than buying new stuff, it will help the economy, although perhaps not exactly the way the government intends.

[cin]

It starts getting phased out at $75k for individuals and $150k for couples.


Oh Goodie! We will still get some then :D And coming in June, gee, that's just in time for vacation....or the kitchen project, or maybe I can finally get my blackberry...Or, >sigh< maybe we can just pay off some debt. :( But that's no fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Amy in NY]

and we are one of those who will get a lot back. I would rather see them reduce the tax rate...and entitlements...

If anyone needs a quick lesson in this, take a look at the Irish economy. It is booming now and is being credited to a lower tax rate (not sure if they cut entitlements - that's my own political philosphy.)

Now, let's see if I can find the bOOkshelf post again...

amy

[mysticamethyst]

Thank you for pointing out that paying our bills will still boost the ecomny, I now understand. But, I still have to agree with the masses, this isn't a good thing over all.

[Sandra in NC]

Oh Goodie! We will still get some then :D And coming in June, gee, that's just in time for vacation....or the kitchen project, or maybe I can finally get my blackberry...Or, >sigh< maybe we can just pay off some debt. :( But that's no fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think we'll get it before June. The paper today says checks would be mailed 60 days from approval. We'll probably get it just in time to pay our taxes!

[KristineIN]

We won't get anything, we are also self employed, but either we just don't makes as much as the rest of you or are in a different business, because we don't pay nearly as much. Dh is a self employed painter, but we make enough to get by and that's about all.

Kristine

[SFP]

We won't get a dime back. My husband's severance package (his position was outsourced to India near the end of '06) coupled with his full employment in '07 means we made too much for a rebate.

[cricket1178]

Yes, the 2001 rebate was an advance payment, but it was related to the new child tax credit. So while it did reduce the refunds people received in the spring of 2002, it did not reduce them below what they would have gotten had the new tax credit not been passed that year.

If this new rebate is passed, it will be a tax cut. It will not reduce your tax refund below what you currently expect it to be. There's no way in heck the government would give all that money out if it weren't a tax cut, because not everyone even gets a refund. And millions of people pay estimated taxes rather than having income tax withheld from a salary.

I agree that the rebate is not the best way to improve our country's financial health in the long run. I'd much rather the federal government cut spending and stop getting involoved in matters beyond its constitutional authority. But OTOH, I won't mind having an extra $2,100 that I wasn't expecting this summer.

I agree cutting government spending is the best way to solve the problem instead of a rebate, but I'm glad to be getting money for my washer that is about to go out on us!

[Amy in NH]

I heard a piece on NPR last night about where the money goes. The guy being interviewed said the last rebate (2001?) was spent mainly in three areas:

1. clothing
2. medical care/related items
3. food

Interesting!

[Tammyla]

Well like those sending it, I'm not planning to over think it. Thank you, please deposit this into my account.

[Txmom]

We will all be paying for it in the end, after all it is our money,. Taxes will more than likely go up with the next President.
Yes, nothing is free, there will eventually be a catch somewhere down the line I am sure.:eek:

[Txmom]

really pricey with the money, and it goes back into the economy. Most people will save it or pay bllls , medical. We will not be buying stuff with it. It goes in the savings account for emergencies.:D

[T Baer]

Either it's they give it only to take it back or is it they took it and are giving it back to us...sort of and then will be taking it back again.
We will probably save some and spend some.

[Robin in Tx]

I think that as long as you file a tax return and report at least $3000 in earnings, you will get the rebate. You don't have to make much money to qualify for it.

Robin

[AprilTN]

Why am I getting the same rebate as someone who makes half of what I make? We paid in a higher percentage of our income, why are they giving out checks that are across the board the same?

It is mind boggling that people don't see this as unfair. When it's time to pay taxes, then I would LOVE to pay the same amount (OR EVEN THE SAME PERCENTAGE!!) as someone who makes "at least $3000 last year".

Our income tax system is a joke.

[Amy loves Bud]

Agreeing with Crissy here. It's not a rebate. If it were a rebate, people who do not pay taxes would not get any money, and people who pay a lot of taxes (like Bud and me) would get some of that money back. Instead, we're getting nothing.

If I'm going to give my money to someone who needs the help, I'd rather do it myself, rather than have it used in some economic mindgame that, in the end, won't work.

[LizzyBee]

Yes, the 2001 rebate was an advance payment, but it was related to the new child tax credit. So while it did reduce the refunds people received in the spring of 2002, it did not reduce them below what they would have gotten had the new tax credit not been passed that year.

If this new rebate is passed, it will be a tax cut. It will not reduce your tax refund below what you currently expect it to be. There's no way in heck the government would give all that money out if it weren't a tax cut, because not everyone even gets a refund. And millions of people pay estimated taxes rather than having income tax withheld from a salary.

I agree that the rebate is not the best way to improve our country's financial health in the long run. I'd much rather the federal government cut spending and stop getting involoved in matters beyond its constitutional authority. But OTOH, I won't mind having an extra $2,100 that I wasn't expecting this summer.

The terminology I used in my earlier post is bothering me. Just as others have pointed out that this rebate isn't exactly a rebate, it isn't exactly a tax cut either. But my point was that you won't be penalized on your 2008 tax return, and that point still stands.

[SandraDumas]

out of personal debt and car debt and credit card debt...are doing without my car this year which I sold to get us out of financial disaster. We can't afford luxories like cheese every day and clothes when our children grow out of their old ones. INstead we have to wait for hand-me-downs and sales.

My dh makes almost that 75 that they say they will reduce taxes. I'm glad he ddoesn't. I would be so angry if we were in that position.

I am going without, making sacrifices (of course I do get to stay home with my babies...which I have not had to sacrifice.)...but we do not qualify for anything....and yet I am at Walmart constantly seeing people using WIC and Welfare, buying sugary cereals, tons of clothes, jewelry, soda, pre-made foods, and they are spending MY money doing it.

I personally am glad for the 1800.00 we will get, and we are putting every cent of it to debt....but I also worry about wealth redistribution. I'd rather keep my money in the first place.

[lynn]

nt

[umarider]

One may ask, what becomes of the monies people are "rebated"? Much of it goes into goods that aren't domestically produced. So whose economy do we stimulate? Bottom line, it's a band-aid which in my opinion only serves to further erode the sensibilities (or lack thereof) of a consumer nation.


Hear! Hear! I couldn't have said it better!:)

[Robin in Tx]

I'm not sure about the specifics, but I think this is a rebate is being considered a rebate on taxes paid on the first certain amount of taxable income... it's like personal exemptions... we all have the same benefit regardless of our income. Basically, they're raising the floor.

Not arguing for or against it... just trying to explain it as I understand it (which may not even be correct! LOL)

[Robin in Tx]

Try doubling that and you'll feel my pain. Of course, those of us citing how much we owe are clearly making a decent income so we can be grateful for that.


Oh my goodness! If you were at the 25% bracket, that would put you at $200,000 taxable income. Kudos to you and the successful farm!! Whoever said organic farming wasn't profitable needs to look you up for advice!

[Colleen]

It isn't quite as straight-forward as "We owe $50k so we must have earned 200k". The farm is set up as a corporation, and then we're "employed" by the farm. We have been blessed in our efforts, though, that's true. There are actually many more financially successful farmers out there than the media (and the farmers themselves) would have you believe.;)

[Robin in Tx]

That is great news... I'm glad to hear all the doom and gloom from the media isn't exactly true, and that the small farm is still a viable way to earn a comfortable living.