It's about that time of year again that many hard-working individuals look forward to — tax season.
It a time where we're refunded back the money the government has been picking from our pockets the past 12 months.
And, for many of us, its the only time of the year where we get to do a little extra spending. Whether it's purchasing that expensive perfume at the makeup counter you usually pass up, buying a pair of concert tickets, or even dropping cash for the dream vacation trip you've always wanted to go on — tax season gives us the liberty to have more options with our paycheck.
Even if it's splurging responsibly — because some of us have bills to try to get ahead or caught up on. Tax season is great for all of these.
However, in the midst of finally being able to treat yourself, this season also tends to expose individuals who've ever had anything. You can always tell because the amount of flexing and stunting that goes on social media during this time of year is second to none.
I am sure you have seen the posts and memes. You can always tell who's a 'tax refund baller' by their posts and social media check-ins. I've even witnessed some use their tax refunds to buy Jordan's and eat at Benihanas instead of buy stocks and bonds.
I will admit that some of the jokes are funny lately, the trend has me questioning why so many of us are concerned on how others spend their money?
I mean, I've seen people so bent out of shape about the distribution of other people's finds, that they go as far as to write entire thesis statements on others pages, calling out their financial irresponsibility as if they are financial advisors themselves.
All the while I keep thinking was why do any of you care?
Is it jealously? Is it because they are getting back an amount you wanted? If someone wanted to go to the mall every day and spend every single penny in their bank, so what? Who cares if another individual spends all their money by June with nothing to show? Why does it affect you? It's their money.
There are some cases where pocket watching is permissible. I understand the frustration this season can bring when someone who owes you money — especially when they receive a significant amount back and flossing about it online — is delaying payment. Your concern about what they do with their money is justified in that case, otherwise, we should just keep it moving.
I just want people to worry less about others and concentrate on their own money.
When we're caught up in the finances of other, regardless of how obnoxious they are with it, you take focus off of what you're supposed to be doing, the money you're supposed to be making and saving for that matter.
So as the return deadline nears and you start seeing your peers stunt, sip your tea and count your stacks.