Because we really, truly LOVE loaning Uncle Sam money

Okay, not really. But we got the tax return back from the CPA and found we're getting a pretty hefty federal refund--$4237. (We owe the state almost $800.)

I really have no idea how it happened. I had more charitable contributions this year, but I didn't think it was that much more. I had also adjusted my withholding amount after we got a refund of $1500 last year. Furthermore, I thought we'd get hit by the Alternative Minimum Tax this year (and maybe we did?). Obviously I know nothing about taxes and need to learn, though right now it's pretty far down on my list of "financial education" priorities.

Like Jane, I'm not going to beat myself up over the interest-free loan to the government. If the worst thing my ignorance results in is a refund, well...there are much worse things in the world. And, given our current goals, the money couldn't have come at a better time.