Any parents ever want to kick themselves for doing something stupid, or not knowing to do something?

Question

So, I'm from Canada. Here, we get a GST credit, where the government gives you a quarterly cheque based on your previous year's income. Mine was $44.10 last year. Well, I got a letter in the mail saying my GST has been reviewed, and apparently they give you #31.75 PER CHILD!!!

So, I read the back of the the letter and it stated to inform them if you have a change in the number of children you care for. I thought they knew this already since I was getting my child tax benefit and child care benefit (more free money). Turns out, they didn't.

I'm kicking myself now for not calling and telling them I had a baby. I didn't think having a child really mattered. So, this pretty much means that since my daughter was born, I've missed out on $158.75.

Needless to say, I won't make that mistake again come December.

Anyone else ever do something stupid, or kick themselves after the fact for not knowing or realizing something that was potentially beneficial?

Answer 1

Ha, well, I've had the opposite! I got some free money from quitting my job after a years maternity but I didn't declare it and spent it nice and quick....but then the benefit people started wanting info to review our case and I was stressed out and scared witless for weeks thinking I was going to be in big trouble AND owe loads of money back! Luckily I went back to work so I didn't need the benefit anymore and they stopped asking for info. But our tax credits were also all wrong and very confusing so we owed them money, but they are taking it out a little over two years so its ok.

SO basically....don't kick yourself for missing out. Sure its a shame but you managed ok and AT LEAST you don't owe THEM money cos that would really suck!

(also, I don't know your countries rules but you should check that it might still be owed to you as backdated pay)

Answer 2

Funny this is in the parenting section but it's actually about money.  I feel as if I've been tricked...

Answer 3

It happens all the time and you do not realize it most of the time.  It is like your auto insurance person is supose to work for you (you would think).  Try and get you the best deal no?  Wrong they work for the insurance company and try and beat the other companies for your business but try to get as much as they can from you.  It is this way in lots of things.  Like the human resource office in big companies.  Are they supose to help you get what you are intitled to or do they work more for the company that pays thier and your check?

At least you finally caught it.

rd

Answer 4

sorry, I'm so confused.  But in the end you can't dwell on the past or live in regret.  Are you sure there is nothing you can do about it?  And to tell you the truth I do stupid stuff all the time, but that's life and we learn from our mistakes, I tend to get angry with myself and beat myself up but I am trying to be more positive.