sry i just feel like complaing today

[irmanator]

I work with some really hard headed semi stupid people. First of all I work in electronics assembly so basically about 10 of us on my line sit around a big table putting small things together. So I am pretty much trapped. I have to listen to people who complain (yea sort of like i am- but different lol) about stupid money habits and their different baby daddys not paying or otherwise causeing them trouble. Ugg! ok I say my complaining about money is different because I actually listen (or read in this case) the advice and try to learn and improve. These people I tried to tell them that I would do there taxes for them for 10 bucks cause i took the class in college and got an a and its not like they have investment income or anything like that. Noooooo they want to pay like 300 buck to H and R block so they can go shopping the same night. Ok so what I guess the part that is more infuriating is that I can't turn them off or get away from them when i have had enough.

ok thanks for letting me vent feel free to ignore it if you want cause i know there is not a whole lot i can do about it so once in a while i complain.

[sweeps]

Yeah, my cousin did the $300 H&R Block thing last year (and probably will again this year too). Her taxes could be done on a 1040-EZ in 5 minutes.

[srblanco7]

So basically you work w/ people who just dont "get it". No matter how hard we try, there will always be people that fall into this category. I'd say let it go. There's no getting through to some and you'll just get frustrated (which it appears you are).

[TheTicket]

Some people don't have the communication skills to do anything but complain. I work with the same kind of people, but I'm just happy to still be around and kicking, and that in itself is a good reason not complain about anything. On the subject of taxes, you will probably see even more people going the H&R route this year hoping to get that return back instantly. I used to work for Jackson & Hewitt and the rate of interest on those little instant returns was posted right there on the form they signed to get that instant return-863% percent. They would pay $150.00 to get $600 back in a day or two. Maybe you should have the complainers sign up for this forum and try to educate themselves on money matters.

[SacredFaerie]

Wow. I've heard about the instant refund things but it's shocking to hear more in-depth information about it. I know people are hard up for money but it's sad to think about so many people leaning on those.

[cash330]

As common as financial illiteracy is, I still can't get over it. They should be living as if they will never receive a tax refund and when they do get it, preferably, save it or invest it for something more important.

I feel for you on the complaining part. I've often found myself stuck in a class or group of people who acted as though their life was a living hell the way they went on and on about their "situations". Could you listen to music or something like that while you work so that you don't have to hear it?

[skydivingchic]

Cash330 beat me to it. Can you listen to an MP3 player or something while working? I can't tell you how much I LOVE my player and earphones. They have saved my sanity more than once and have become a travel essential.

[PrincessPerky]

I would be fuming every day...I can't keep my mouth shut, and I highly doubt telling them how stupid paying that kind of interest so they can shop is would be good for the work environment.

You could try making up inside jokes if you are able (my husband seems to be able to do that)

Or you could try a mantra (something soothing you say over and over while working) to keep you calmer.

Or you could try changing the subject..to the newest money saving trick you learned? Or the latest book you read?

[eanderson651]

Holy! H&R Block charges $300 for taxes!?!?!?!

[Investing First Steps]

Originally Posted by eanderson651

Holy! H&R Block charges $300 for taxes!?!?!?!

My thoughts exactly!

Maybe it was hyperbole.

[GREENBACK]

I think H&R charges a percentage of your return or some set fee if no return.

[sweeps]

H&R Block's average fee per client is about $160. If you're the kind that can get duped into all the extra fees, you can easily approach $300.

[ruth333]

That happened to me one tax season. I was really embarrassed.

[waijai]

A lot of people just don't take advice because they're comfortable with who they are and what they have. They aren't willing to realize their ignorance of better options. One of my best friends is like that, and i can't blame him much. I was much the same way before with spending. Now that I've changed my ways, I don't constantly beat him down with how to do things differently. I just enjoy our friendship for what it was based on, and once in a while I'll throw in some advice ninja style.

[boosami]

Originally Posted by SacredFaerie

Wow. I've heard about the instant refund things but it's shocking to hear more in-depth information about it. I know people are hard up for money but it's sad to think about so many people leaning on those.

Those "refund anticipation" checks are really terrible. They're actually thinly disguised short-term loans. It's as bad--if not worse--than payday loans because the term is like 10 days. If you do this, you're borrowing your own money at super-high interest rates. Many consumers aren't even aware what they're using is a credit vehicle.

[SacredFaerie]

Sweet mike that's scary.

[Stuartthomas]

Originally Posted by boosami

Those "refund anticipation" checks are really terrible. They're actually thinly disguised short-term loans. It's as bad--if not worse--than payday loans because the term is like 10 days. If you do this, you're borrowing your own money at super-high interest rates. Many consumers aren't even aware what they're using is a credit vehicle.

how can you say that payday loans are bad...have you actually used one?

[cypher1]

I consider myself pretty judgmental/opinionated most of the time, but I've learned to just keep my mouth shut about certain topics, just not worth the hassle of debate sometimes. You can give someone all the facts from your viewpoint, and if they feel still differently, that's still their opinion, which they're still entitled to. I agree $300 is definitely overkill for a 1040EZ, and I help my friends with their taxes, but you ever stop to think maybe you're co-workers don't feel comfortable sharing their specific financial info? I say point them in the direction of turbotax or taxcut, and get a nice pair of headphones to drown out any other "exciting" conversation at your table.

[bjl584]

Originally Posted by irmanator

I work with some really hard headed semi stupid people. First of all I work in electronics assembly so basically about 10 of us on my line sit around a big table putting small things together. So I am pretty much trapped. I have to listen to people who complain (yea sort of like i am- but different lol) about stupid money habits and their different baby daddys not paying or otherwise causeing them trouble. Ugg! ok I say my complaining about money is different because I actually listen (or read in this case) the advice and try to learn and improve. These people I tried to tell them that I would do there taxes for them for 10 bucks cause i took the class in college and got an a and its not like they have investment income or anything like that. Noooooo they want to pay like 300 buck to H and R block so they can go shopping the same night. Ok so what I guess the part that is more infuriating is that I can't turn them off or get away from them when i have had enough.

ok thanks for letting me vent feel free to ignore it if you want cause i know there is not a whole lot i can do about it so once in a while i complain.

I think that we all work with people like this. Some people just can't (or refuse to) do anything about the situation that they're in. It could be as easy as not going out to eat every day or not buying a new $30,000 car every two years, but for whatever reason they just can't see the forest for the trees. They spend, spend, spend, and then complain that they don't have any money.

If I were you, I would invest in an I-POD, put the earbuds in, and listen to some quality tunes while working so that you don't have to hear your coworkers complain all day.

[cschin4]

Sorry, but I wouldn't be interested in having one of my coworkers do my taxes. First, I don't like to deal and do business with people I am friends or work with. If for some reason, something didn't go right, then it would be uncomfortable, etc. Also, just because you "took a class" doesn't make you an expert or a financial professional. And, i find it distasteful when coworkers are trying to make business clients out of me. I don't want to buy your candles, go to your chef parties or buy any baskets. I also don't want to buy your kids stuff either. And, I don't want to buy your shakes, vitamins, etc.
One question, if you "get it" and doing so well, then why are you still working with people who don't? Why haven't you used your tax skills to join HR Block on a temp basis and do some work on the side to pick up some extra bucks?
Your attitude and disdain toward them is apparent and they probably sense it as well. On the other hand, there are just people whom you don't like or care for and you don't have to. You only need to go to work and do your job and be respectful. And, they don't want your financial advice. Most people don't and it isn't your job to advise them on their finances.