To make money or not make money???

I'm frustrated. Last year was my busiest year ever. I made a nice profit. I should be happy. But supplies have gone up in price, shipping has gone up and gas has gone way up. So while it may look like I made lots of money on paper, there isn't much left. And me making more money means we owe more in taxes. And me making more money screws up my daughter's financial aid for college. There is aid now she simply isn't eligible for. I suppose that would be moot if we had kept up with her college account, but we didn't and now it sucks.

So, is it worth it to have a successful business and actually make money? I'm not sure if it is. Maybe I should have skipped the vacation I took in January. That would have saved money, but not my sanity. I thought owing more in taxes hurt, but affecting the financial aid really hurts, because it hurts Katie.

So now I am damned if I do, and damned if I don't. I do have bills to pay, so I really have no choice. I either work here at home for myself, or I go out and work for someone else. I haven't worked for someone else in over 20 years, so I guess I'll stay home painting my piggy banks. I just wish there was an easy answer..... or free money....... wish I could have been 1 one the ladies that one the Powerball Jackpot. Oh wait, they all work together in an office..... me, I work at home alone. Sorry this isn't an upbeat, positive post, but right now I am discouraged and frustrated. Time to start cutting back on the extras in life and really start putting money away.