Lessons from a married woman about finances and government.

#1 It is important to inform revenue canada of your change in marital status. OTherwise those lovely GST rebate surprises turn into ugly "you owe the government money" surprises. ( apparently only one spouse can claim GST...not both. You end up having to pay back what they gave you.....NOT FUN!)

#2 It is important to inform MSP (medical service plan) of Canada of your change in marital status. Apparently during tax time they combine your and your spouses income and you can enter a new tax bracket. THus ensuing, that your combined income puts you overtop of the threshold of the government paying it for you and you now owe them money. (and lots of it!) Of course, it is also important that they have your correct address or you owe more money that is overdue! This can cost you up to $288 every three months. (now imagine not recieveing that for a few months!! Yikes!)

#3 The government hates married people. Stay common-law or single. The government decided that a wedding is not enought debt for 2 people and that within the first year of marriage a couple should also owe the government upwards of $900. And of course, being the lovely people that they are, they choose to send you these bills all within the last 2 month, before your first anniversary. Nicely staggered, so that you just finish dealing with one and the next one comes in the mail. Now, i know why the first anniversary gift is paper. Dang government!!! Take your gift and SHOVE IT!!!!!!! I can't wait to see what comes next year.