Austin IRS Plane Crash: Could You Snap Too?

In Feb. 2010, a small plane was purposely crashed into an IRS building in Austin, Texas. The FBI have tentatively identified the pilot as A. Joseph Stack, III, a 53-yr-old software engineer who had put up with the IRS and the government stealing from him for long enough!

Whoever the perpetrator was, Americans are, indeed, growing increasingly frustrated with their government, their taxes, and apparently a generation-wide lack of financial responsibility. Our money is dealt with a little lazier, we are wound a little tighter, and the rumors about healthcare, the economy and global warming are causing higher stress. So that we don't end up like the Austin pilot, let's examine some ways to prevent this frustration with our government:

Become more financially fit. One of the greatest causes of stress in America today is our finances, and that is mostly caused by our lazy take on handling money. Even though you may be dreading getting out the bills and clearing the air, one the best ways to reduce stress is to be honest with yourself about your spending, and develop a long-term financial plan which you stick to.

Learn the system. Millions of people are frustrated with the IRS, but this can be avoided by learning the system and applying their rules. The IRS is not out to screw you over in particular. They treat ignorant and knowledgeable people all alike. It's just that knowledgeable people know the rules, whereas ignorant people do not...and end up breaking them.

Have an emergency fund. One of the best ways to avoid mistakes messing up your life is to have an emergency fund to tide you over in case something should happen to you or your loved ones. Whether you keep it in cash or in investments, make sure it is out of reach of the IRS. Have an accountant do your taxes so that you're not leveraged over a mistake. Invest time in researching multiple sources of income. Put a certain percentage of all of your income into an emergency fund. Live without worry.

Take stress management courses before piloting a plane. Alright, this one's just for smiles, but remember one thing: The greater power and influence you have, the greater your responsibility is to others and to yourself.

Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100219/ap_on_re_us/us_plane_crash_texas