Prepare: Tax Return, Refund Check

So the tax return for last year is complete and according to Uncle Sam's rules, due to my over generosity with forced lending, I am getting some of my money back.

Since this is probably the last year the feds will be sending returns, (expect IOUs next year), I will be putting mine to good and prudent use.

I won't share with you the exact amount of my "refund" (it's not a refund - I earned the money and lent it to the .gov interest free for several months. It's like having a deadbeat brother in law..), but it's a nice little sum I can put to good use for "stuff" around the house.

First and foremost, when the check arrives, half will go into savings. Every dime which comes into our home has a portion put away for the inevitable rainy day.

The rest will go to these projects..

1) Garden and garden supplies.

I have laid out a location for several raised beds in the east side of home which will dramatically increase our garden yields. To do it, I need lumber for the beds and a big pile of new dirt delivered to the house.

I will also need to purchase some more seeds for this year and the next two years. I would like to get some things I have never grown before and have an area set up for experimentation.

2) Hardware and housewares.

I need more hand tools, buckets, kitchen equipment, a meat grinder, some more plywood and some 2x4. Want several large trash cans to use for water catchment system using roof gutter drains. Have a good idea what I want to do. I also want two more deep cycle batteries. I have a new system for recharging them which these two new ones will be part of.

3) Ammunition

Can't get enough, but really want to stock some calibers I don't have delivery systems for. t

4) More school supplies.

Wife is going to full time home school over the summer with home schooling for kids starting in fall.

5) Miscellaneous

Extra diapers. Canned food. More big storage containers. We need more plastic bags, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach and cleaning supplies.

Basically, nearly everything people like us like to have on hand.

Like I said, this is the last year for tax refunds. I suggest you use yours wisely for tangibles like the list above.

Also, keep some in cash on hand for the Last Shopping Day when that day comes to your neck of the woods.

Stay dry!