New tax year, similar result.

Great graphic from the folks at Mint.

We wrote a short piece a little while back (Should everyone pay taxes, even kids?) about the value we believe paying taxes has on an individual's view of themselves and their relationship with the community and their country. It sparked a pretty good debate in the comments section...

My question was this: If you get something for free are you more or less likely to appreciate it?

An equally as important question might be: If you get something for free, do you necessarily care as much about exactly what it is? do you care who paid for it?

I think it's all about engagement, where along the line does the switch flick on and the energy begin to flow? Of course struggling families down on their luck need help from time to time, but if a man shows up at your door with a check every month while you do little more than sit and complain about your situation, that place in your mind where motivation and entrepreneurialism lives starts to rot a little.

Engagement affects more than just the individual, it impacts us all.

If everyone paid the bills we might see a louder call for less spending.