Nowhere can the aging process become more apparent than when you compare the stark differences between the financial you of today and yesteryear.

The list to follow outlines five financial signs that you’ve attained — I’ll put this delicately — maturity.

1. Tis better to give than receive

You know you’ve ripened when it seems like all you do is buy people presents.

In the end, this is probably a good thing because it means that you can both afford to buy gifts and that you have more meaningful relationships in your life.

I have found myself buying a whole lot more gifts than I receive in recent years. Don’t get me wrong — I like bestowing loved ones with presents, but no one can tell me that keeping up with all the birthdays, holidays and anniversaries doesn’t get mentally and financially exhausting.

I guess this is growing up?

2. Constant maintenance

When I was in my early twenties, I’m not ashamed to say that I lived with my parents. It was great for me (although maybe not my parents) because my financial obligations were minimal.

I can’t say the same thing today, because I now own a house, along with two cars that have to be maintained.

Speaking of maintenance, that seems to have become a major facet of my life. I maintain my home, vehicles, yard and health. My wife and I also have two cats, which believe me, can be expensive when they get into kitty trouble. It all costs money.

So you can probably surmise that I know where most of my money is going before payday even arrives. It’s increasingly harder to spend money frivolously.

3. Endless projects

Another sign indicating that you’re no spring chicken is the size of your ‘personal projects’ list.

For example, right now, I’m saving to renovate part of my house. The renovation has a pretty hefty price tag, and it’s an ongoing, ever-evolving thing. And I don’t see it subsiding any time soon.

Your projects might be different, like saving for a car or financing a business, but two things are pretty certain – I bet you have at least one of these endeavors on your plate at any given time. And furthermore, that you can remember a time in young adulthood where even thinking about this stuff would have made you cringe.

But hey, my house is going to look kick ass when I’m done with this renovation. You win some, you lose some.

4. Unlimited offers

Credit card awards program!

No interest for a year on a new car!

No money down on a new furniture set!

I’m inundated with credit offers. I can’t get away. But I can remember a time – before creditors noticed my ability to pay up – when no one wanted to extend any of these offers to me.

For the record, it’s not a good idea to ever accept any offer of credit that either ends in an exclamation point or has a goofy, eye-catching font. Just sayin’.

5. Complicated taxes

When your tax return becomes more than the single page 1040EZ, you know that you’re getting a little long in the tooth.

Significant retirement savings, business elections, and certain deductions and credits, which all complicate taxes beyond the EZ form, accompany milestones in life that generally come with a certain amount of age.

But that’s not always a bad thing – in fact, more complicated tax issues probably mean that you’re making more money.

Mo money, mo problems?

If you are feeling overwhelmed, Dino Tax Co can help alleviate that feeling by preparing your more complicated, age-indicating taxes for you.

Retain our tax preparation services early by calling ahead. Reserve your spot with us before it’s too late.