We increasingly live in an age that is centered on convenience. Streaming services mean that fewer people go out to the movies, car apps like Lyft and Uber mean that fewer people own vehicles. One space that has seen an online surge are food delivery apps. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates all advertise that they can get your favorite restaurant’s food right to your door, without you ever getting out of your pajamas.

We’re in the midst of a construction boom. That’s great news for any trade-based businesses like construction companies, electricians, or plumbers, but here’s the thing -- finding the talent to match the demand during these booms can be a huge challenge for any employer. There are just so many variables to weigh out. How many people can you employ during these booms? Can you keep a consistent level of quality in your work? How will these extra employees affect your bottom line once the boom inevitably dries up?

The current government shutdown is affecting all kinds of nationally funded programs, but nowhere is it more evident than how it has shaped tax season this year. Already different because of the passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the real monkey wrench comes from the fact that 800,000 federal workers in nine different departments aren’t able to work. These departments include Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, State, Transportation, and Treasury .

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Sure, sort of. At the end of the year, charitable donations soar, as individuals scramble to get them in before the end of the tax season. Sure, it feels good to give (really, you should do this. Giving is its own reward.) it doesn’t hurt that in year’s past you’d also get a big fat deduction for doing the right thing.

We know nobody really likes tax season. Here’s the thing, the work you do now could be the difference between saving money or spending money in March and April. We’re willing to bet that you don’t want to pay more in taxes, so why are you acting this way? Yes, it helps to have a good accountant, but if you wait until the last minute a tax accountant can only fill out your tax filings according to what’s already happened.