Received Thursday, July 5, 2007
I am a nanny with four years experience. I have an associates degree in child development. I have a valid drivers licence and a passport so I can and do travel with the family I work for. I spent my summers working as a lifeguard on the Oregon beach. I get paid $16.50 per hour, on the books by the family I work for. I take my charges to the park and set up picnic lunches on the grass and chase them around the playground. Everywhere I am surrounded by nannies who have no discernable qualifications or personality and don't move or even respond appropriately to their charges. Many of these women are from the Caribbean, none of them swim, most of them have been educated no further than the 8th grade and none of them drive. Yet, the bulk of them are making $15 per hour. Cash. No taxes. They are making more than I am! I am not a part of their clique, but I have overheard plenty. I don't understand why it continues to be acceptable for people to pay their nannies under the table. Thanks for letting me rant.
127 comments:
I feel your pain! I too am a nanny paid on the books! In the end, I don't bring home a ton of money, but I know that if I ever get auditted or my employer ever gets auditted, we are in the clear.
Any other job you would have taxes would be taken out. If nannies want to be considered professional and legit than taxes should be withheld - plus the family can beneift too!
Since rant implies getting something off your chest, I am going to ignore what seems like an angry tirade against Caribbean nannies. It is true that they make up a great percentage of the work force and I do not know what you have seen.
I can say that my nanny is from the Caribbean, is legal, wonderful and she does drive. We live in No Bergen County. She has expressed to me this same frustration. She makes less than every nanny she knows because we pay her on the books.
I'm only going to do things the right way. She knew that when she took the job. Ultimately, she will realize that being on the books and paying in to social security benefits her.
I have great disdain for those I know who hire illegals and/or pay off the books.
Rule #1:
Many (not all) Caribbean nannies like to b-s. Not a day goes by that my nanny isn't approached by a Caribbean on the playground and is asked how much she makes. How about "none of your business."
Here they are known as playground bullies who love to stir up trouble. If I were you, I'd pay them no mind. Don't eavesdrop, don't engage in conversation. They are like the nanny mafia and will do anything to make you feel pissed off enough to quit your job.
If I worried about who made more money than me, I'd be in my grave. If I were you, I'd continue working on your qualifications and continue to be a stand-out in your profession. You will be rewarded for it, while the slugs you speak of will never advance.
As far as nannies working off the books, there are MANY well-qualified, stellar, non-slug nannies who do this. I don't have an issue with illegal workers who are striving to become legal and later pay taxes. My issue is more with the government.
11:56
I couldn't agree with you more.
Great advice to not eavesdrop, too. It is unprofessional to get involved in what other people make.
Just be happy that you have a good job. Why concern yourself with other families? Pay attention to your kids, as you say you do. If you are "running around" after them, when do you have time to sit and eavesdrop?
1205-what an ignorant comment. Have you ever heard the booming, baritone voices of these nannies? Since they don't move off their perch all they do is shout across the playground. Hardly eavesdropping. If I take my son to the park on a Saturday, I come away knowing the weekend plans of at least 5 nannies. And not because I care. Their conversations are unavoidable. Unfortunately.
OP,
the answer is simple:
ask for a raise and state your case.
In order for your pay to be equitable to the pay of the sluggish, lazy, clueless nannies, I suggest asking (yes, asking) for $20.00 per hour. ASK.
Lorenza -
While your solution sounds like an easy one, it is actually much harder. An employer who pays their nanny on the books, actually foots more money than the nanny's salary. Really, when you calculate that money in, the employer may not be able to offer such a raise.
My employer will every so often give me some extra cash or a gift card. When I run errands for them they give me extra money and tell me to feel free to stock the fridge with things for me to munch on, etc. They want to keep me happy while also making it reasonable for them to both work. There becomes a point when one parent is better off staying home, from the financial standpoint at least.
Stop being jealous. I am a nanny and I don't work for pay I work for mostly perks. I have been working with my family since I was 16. I was a babysitter. I am now 21. I got pay when I was a babysitter. I got $10 an hour OFF THE BOOKS. I worked after school everyday. I was doing okay for a teenager. When I went to college, they asked me to become their nanny. They were having another kid and since they knew me, they wanted me to stay. They paid for my college education. I go on vacation with them, when I leave next year, they are buying me a condo. If I ever need money they give it to me. Its like I am apart of their family. Right now I live in an apartment that they pay for. Right down the street. I drive a car that they paid for. I rather work for things like that anyday than money and trust me I get people everyday that hate on me because I work for these things. But the OP just seems jealous. If that is what the parents want then they have that right. It is none of your business.
12:09:
Do you really hear them talking about how much they make from across the playground?
1:10:
"Hate on me?" What sort of language is that exactly?
1:36:
its called english you idiot...
1:10 - that is great that you have all those "things". It simply means the family is paying you indirectly. Still, when the IRS comes knocking at your door asking how you can afford all those "things" you will end up in trouble in the end, and so will your employer. You definitely don't present yourself as an education person, and I have a feeling your story is bogus.
1:10 - isn't that sweet, you have a sugar daddy. Just like a stripper does. I just wonder, what else are you doing for daddy???
1:10,
There are no words. Just no words.
"Hate on me" I doubt you are going to school. You don't sound like you made it beyond eight grade yourself.
Back to OP. Yes, this sucks. It especially sucks to see crappy employees make more than you. You can look the other way, certainly.
Or you could supplement your income by turning in these employers and employees to the IRS. When the IRS collects the back taxes, you get 10 percent.
You could make a second career out of it.
I'm not a nanny. I've never had a nanny. I've never been a nanny. I'm busy trying to build fences.
Check out minutement.com
It's simple. If you want to get paid off the books, you find a family willing. If you want to be paid on the books, find a family willing. It's your choice either way and either situation is easy to find so either get a job where you are happy with the pay or suck it up and deal with it. I am a nanny paid off the books and I wouldn't have it any other way. For all I do for the family I work for, the least they can do is not be bothered with taxes. Besides, is anyone here silly enough to think that we are really going to be benefitting from our "paid into" social security anyways? Not if you are in your 20's or 30's... Families just say they are paying into nanny's social security to make them feel better. In the end, Nanny gets screwed. NO thanks!
3:49,
Your response encouraged anarchy. Why should anyone pay taxes then?
3:49
Your reasoning ability leaves alot to be desired. There are several of your comments that make you sound pretty dumb, the first one being "for all I do for the family, the least they can do is not be bothered with taxes." What exactly do you mean by that?
Also, do you see social security as being the only reason for a person to pay taxes? Do you realize all that our tax dollars pay for?
Your mother and father didn't teach you much. What did they teach you? I would dare to say that they have failed and have raised a ditz who is completely socially and politically unaware. You are what is wrong with our country. You and your parents, who didn't teach you a thing.
And 1:10, I agree with Paul: there are just no words for you.
3:49 - How does the nanny get screwed? The family gets screwed by not reporting taxes as they can write off a portion of child care expenses - as long as they pay you taxes. And if they are still writing this off, it can definitely come back to bite you in the ass.
By not having taxes withheld, you have no reportable income - therefore, you legally cannot report your income on loan applications, credit card applications or mortgage applications. And if you do you open your doors to the IRS.
Without paying into social security, you will be completely screwed when you retire! You don't get anything back if you don't pay anything in. As a nanny, 401k's do not exist, social security and IRAs are your only chance at having money for retirement.
You also have no protection against unemployment. Your employer can fire you tomorrow and you will find yourself standing in a bread line somewhere. However, if my employer fires me, I can collect unemployment until I find another job.
This is such a big deal, I believe there was a politician a few years ago who was not allowed to run for election because of not paying their nanny on the books.
As an employer, I can honestly say that our dear government does not make paying the nanny tax very appealing. The "write off a portion of the childcare cost" line is bogus. It's small, and it doesn't make a dent. It's much more cost effective to do things under the table. Don't worry, I'm still funding bombs that kill small Iraqi children. The government still gets 35% of my tax dollars & then some, which I religiously pay without moaning. I do believe in taxes for sure. I just have my limits.
If the nanny insists on working off the books and she understands what she is missing, so be it! Kharma only bites you in the ass if you don't break it down for her.
I have young folks at work who don't get the concept of a 401K and don't want anything taken out of their checks no matter how many times I explain why they should. A 401k is basically free money. Still, they want every penny NOW.
There is only so much you can do to lead a horse to the water.
As I responsible employer, I am amazed at these "employers" who quiver in their draweres when their nanny demands to be paid off the books. And then relent!
It is hurting America more than you know. Especially in the case of Caribbean nannies who have legalized status. All of the nannies I am familiar with who have children get free education for their children, participate in wick programs and get welfare and foodstamps. Why? Because of riduiculous employers like yourselves who allow the nanny to make the rules. Now figure out how a nanny getting section 8 housing, welfare, foodstamps, night classes, etc is really making per year? And all while paying in zero money to a country they don't even wave a fucking flag for on the 4th of July.
And paying your nanny "some" on the books just so she can get welfare or section 8 is just as bad. You should ALL be rounded up and incarcerated.
5:07 and Patriot:
I could not agree more. Finally some people with brains.
I too can't believe how naive some young people are, although I should because I was one of them once. I was very irresponsible with my money as a young person and when I went to buy a house in my 30s, I had a very hard time. It took me several years to build my credit so that I could get a credit score. Living in the now does come back to haunt you! And it's true what the last poster said about welfare, it is shameful if you are an employer of a nanny and you are enabling them to cheat the welfare system by either a)paying them off the books or b)allowing them to be on it some of the time so that they can qualify. My husband and I bust our asses to afford the mortgage on our small house: we both work full time and pay all our taxes and will raise our daughter to know right from wrong and be smart with her money.
How about this, Patriot:
I paid my former nanny well for a 40 hour work week and helped her get section 8 and all the whole package. That was AFTER she got her greencard.
Why? Because she deserved it. She was a freakin' saint of a nanny, she has a college education, spoke 4 languages fluently, was from an excellent family abroad, etc. and is not a waste of space lazy scumbag like most Americans are today.
If she went through the system as we know it, she would only encounter xenophobes who think that just because she is from abroad she should be happy to make far less per hour. Never mind the fact that she was smarter than they could ever be.
I interviewed countless candidates, and she was the only one who stood out as being kosher. You can bet I did all I can for her. Guilt free.
I love America. Well, except for the maternity benefits. Sucky, sucky, sucky....
So you gleefully screwed over the hundreds of thousands of AMERICANS who have been waiting on section 8 so that the American Government can help you appease the guilt you have by underpaying your nanny.
Is that correct?
Yes. That is 100% correct. Except for the underpaying part. I don't believe I underpaid her even remotely.
The hard worker catches the worm. I don't give a f*ck what nationality a person is. Your using caps for "American" is annoying at best. Let me grab my violin and play a sad song...
np- and not liking where this is going
There are plenty of hard working Americans who have been in line a long time. Black Americans. What on earth makes you think it is okay for Joe fucking schmo to come over and cut the line?
6:38 you sound so low class. I feel bad for your kids if you are an example for them.
If I could tell your kids anything, I would tell them that their mother is what is wrong with our country.
Take a look at the posts around you. Most people feel $500 a week salary is peanuts for a nanny. They'd rather a person sit home and collect food stamps and not work. Immigrants would rather work, and they know damn well that $500 is not demeaning. And there, my friend, is your answer. I'd rather help someone willing to get off their tushy and do a good job. But that's just me. Maybe you would rather drag folks kicking and screaming to the finsih line.
Wait, so you have two years of college and are not caribbean, therefore you think you're worth more money? It sounds to me like you're barely qualified to work at the Gap, let alone watch children. Be happy you have a job and don't presume to know what other peoples' qualifications are.
Oh Mica, the old "I feel sorry for your kids line." Wahhhhh.
My kids are fabulous, thank you.
Just exactly who are you refering to? I know plenty of hard working people who bust their ass for 9 dollars an hour and pay taxes on that nine dollars and have been in America for 40 years. There are plenty of hard working Americans. It is a myth that immigrants come here to work hard. They come here with their handouts. And maybe I am overstating my case, but your venom against the American worker is sickening. Go poison some more dogfood or Thomas the trains...
Mica:
YOU are what is wrong with this country. You think Americans are better than anyone else on the planet and the rest deserve to live like animals. Typical, typical, typical.
6:50:
There is a reason why Thomas the Train isn't made in America. Now can you tell me why?
I have to laugh at this post. My good friend just went through about four nannies in as many months. A little ditty about Caribbean nannies. They all claim to have loads of experience. They will tell you they graduated high school. They will tell you they had jobs "over there". Some will say there were nurses. Others say they were preschool teachers. In reality, you have no idea what you are hiring. Statistically, the graduation rate in those countries is less than 4 percent, so isn't it odd that 99 percent of Jamaican nannies claim to be high school graduates? You don't know if they have killed over there! How would you know? What is a US background check going to turn up? N O T H I N G.
I eat American Beef, hire American nannies drive American cars.
Now, let's build that fence.
6:51,
You obviously can add "reading comprehension problem" to your list of faults.
I do not think that Americans are better than anyone else. My grandparents were immigrants. They came here, they learned the language, they payed taxes, they taught their children to pay taxes, and my Dad (their son) taught me to abide by the law, even if I don't like it sometimes. He taught me honesty.
I certainly respect my dad and my grandparents and anybody, american or not who works hard and abides by the law. I respect good citizens, from any country.
Where did you get the crap that you accused me of? Obviously from your twisted mind.
I think by the way that "deserves to live like an animal" is a dumb expression. We are all animals, and if you mean cats and dogs, well we treat ours and any that we know as members of our family.
Mica, I got what you meant the first time around. Trust me.
Patriot:
I am an employer of an off-the-books nanny, as I stated above. I agree with you 100% about Caribbean nannies. Fortunately, there are other places besides the U.S. and the Caribbean. I have not hired from from either, and probably never will.
All of you...who the hell cares! The nanny gets paid off the books and the employer goes to jail when the IRS finds out. Are you going to bail them out? No, just mind your business and move on.
7:06
You are a Nazi. Do your kids wear those little white hoods when you go on the talk shows?
7:06 People like you are the very reason that the unemployment rate in this country is so high. Legal citizens who deserve jobs can't get them because idiots like you hire illegals. I hope it comes back to bite you in your ass!
A nazi because I won't hire a lazy sack of snatch to watch my kid? Call me what you must!
I'm officially bored. Carry on your xenophobic rants without me, eh?
Oh- it's xenophobic mom. How you LOVE that word.
Who the Hell cares? I do, for one. Paying someone off the books is breaking the law and those who do so are creating inequitable situations for those employed legally. This needs to be stopped and those who break the law need to face the consequences of their actions.
to the nazi mom:
you are bored because you don't really understand the conversation or the political or social implications of it since you are not very intelligent.
why do they let people like you have kids, 9:32? It's so sad...
I can't believe that anyone has the audacity to argue for importing illegals in this country and/or to not pay in to America's taxation system. You think taxes are bad in America? Have you been to London? Where is your pride? If you really feel so much discourse for America, perhaps you should leave. Otherwise, it's time we have another Boston Tea Party. This time, instead of cases of tea, we can dump illegal nannies and criminal employers in the Hudson River.
I would like to know if these people who aren't paying taxes offer their nannies insurance. Because we all know who gets to pay for people without health insurance ER visits. The ACTUAL TAX PAYERS. You're screwing the rest of us so you can save a few bucks a year. Do us all a favor, quit your job and stay home with your kids.
I wonder how many of you eat out in restaurants in NYC. Do you ask the management why they pay their kitchen help off the books? You ought to.
How many of you have had your homes occasionally cleaned by someone off the books?
Lawns mowed?
Hypocrites.
I don't have a lawn on the UES. I do have a FT housekeeper (6 years) and a FT nanny (4 years) who are paid and have always been paid on the books. When we hired the nanny, we got insurance for the housekeeper since we offered it to our nanny. It makes no sense to me these people who have nannies without health insurance taking care of their children, especially their young children!
I can't control what businesses choose to do or not to do. It is the responsibility of any employer whether a restauranteer or an nanny employer to pay their employees on the books.
What's next? You excuse the need to ship empty boxes to another state so you don't have to pay sales tax?
It continues to be acceptable because nannies continue to accept it.
11:04,
Your argument is faulty: if someone mows your lawn for two hours and makes 20.00 or if someone babysits for you occasionally, they are considered contract labor and do not need to be payed. A person who works under a specified number of hours is not responsible for claiming what they make, and you are not responsible for putting neighborhood kids who mow your lawn and babysit occasionally on the books. We are speaking of full-time employees.
As far as house-cleaning is concerned, if someone offers to clean your house occasionally, you are their client, not their boss. They can charge you whatever they want and they are not your employee, so no, we who employ such people are not hypocrites.
You are ignorant.
7:57 here, typing too fast, I meant they do not need to be payed "on the books." sorry!
12:44:
A full time housekeeper on the UES? That's pathetic. You need someone full time to clean your 1700 square foot apartment?
Now I've heard everything.
7:57:
So you never eat out in restaurants? If you do, do you complain to the management the way you do here?
You should ask for a kitchen tour and start carding everyone you see. You'll be in for a great shock!
And I was referring to lawn mowing companies who dispatch illegals to mow lawns all day long, not kids doing it for the occasional $20.
"Now I've heard everything"
I sincerely doubt you have heard everyone. Have you heard anything?
To 8:43,
As 12:44 said, we cannot control what companies choose to do or not do. We can only control ourselves. You are only trying to divert attention from the issue at hand, that you are a shitty citizen and don't follow the rules. It is the employer's responsibility to do the right thing.
You are a horrible example for your children. If they are not already, they will grow to be jerks just like you.
Thank you for avoiding the question. You CAN control companies by boycotting them, you just choose not to. I guess your full time cleaner doesn't do any cooking.
I rest my case.
I can only hope that my kids will grow up to be half the "jerk" I am.
You, my friend, are the reason why there is such an increasingly dim view of this country.
10:19,
9:13 here
I do not have a full time cleaner, a nanny or anything like that. I guess you have me confused with someone else who disagrees with you. There are several who do.
There are several who disagree, but even more who employ off-the-books folks and who frequent establishments that employ off the books folks. Like you. You just can't admit that your food is cooked by an illegal immigrant. It sure tastes yummy though, doesn't it?
Hey, you know those tiles on the inside of the Holland Tunnel in NYC? Illegal workers are in charge of making sure they stay fuctional. Isn't that something? A city project. The same city I give 35% of my paycheck to. I know this because my nanny's cousin works on the crew along with my neighbor's nanny's husband.
It's a legitimate firm that is hired on the books, but then they farm the work out.
Gotta love America!
10:39, so do most of the landscaping and roofing companies in this country, but it doesn't make it right
I love all the different opinions--isn't that what this country is all about?
At the end of the day, there is the law. Paying taxes is the law. Anything less is breaking the law. Case closed.
10:39, As I have stated before, it is up to the individual employer to do the right thing. We are only responsible for ourselves and if we championed every cause we wouldn't have time for our families. That doesn't mean we support law-breakers, it means we can't stop them. We need groceries, we need clothes, and yes you are correct in saying many people employ illegals. It is on their conscience not mine, though. I don't knowingly support it. However I am not going to go into the back of every restaurant to see how many illegals work there. That would be foolish and if I did that I would have no time for my family or my job. Also, because you eat in a restaurant does not mean that you "employ" the cook. You need to realize that. I don't employ them, the restaurant does. So no, I don't hire illegals off the books.
You need to be realistic about expectations. My point is that you are wrong to knowingly contribute to illegals working off the books. It is a realistic expectation for people to follow the law and pay taxes. You are not meeting this expectation and are thereby not being a good role model for your children.
1:13:
I will gladly explain to my kid why it is OK to go against the grain on certain issues.
As long as illegals in this country continue to get screwed, I will continue to support them.
His dad was once an illegal fr. Europe before he got lucky in the greencard lottery. Before his untimely death he was a tax-paying, law abiding citizen. Not to mention a very hard worker who spent a great deal of time volunteering his time to make this country a better place. He volunteered 15 - 20 hours per month religiously. More than I can say for many of the natives.... myself included.
Temporary illegal status does not mean a person is a leach from hell. Of course, there are those as well.
I think you have to know what you're getting into. My nanny will not be off the books for long at all.
I recently learned that just because someone is illegal, doesn't mean that they can't pay taxes. Therefore, someone being illegal is no excuse not to cough up the money for Uncle Sam.
This blog is dead.
2:36:
Do tell! I'd be interested in hearing how that works. I will surely pass the info right along.
I was under the impression that one needed a ss# to pay taxes. Is that incorrect?
you will explain to your kid that it's ok to "go against the grain" sometimes?
Is that like teaching them right from wrong, but in some cases wrong is right? I think in some circumstances it's ok to break the rules if someone's safety is in danger, or if you are forced to for certain reasons. But I doubt that is what you are talking about. I think you mean "it's ok to do something wrong if nobody will find out and if I benefit from it."
It doesn't sound like you are teaching your kids anything good.
Well, yeah, you're talking to someone who thinks Dr. Kervourkian is a saint. Odd, I know, but someone has to love him.
Stop beating about the bush people! Hire legal people and pay your taxes. If you are not happy with things that are American, and you are not Native American (as in American Indian), you are free to pack your bags and go back to where you and your ancestors came from. I bet things are so much nicer there. Now shut up and pay your taxes.
I am paying my taxes. Lots of them. My nanny is not. :0)
5:38 What do you do for a living? Are you a SAHM?
3:10
The IRS issues a tax # for people who can't get SS#'s.
Some illegals feel that paying taxes is a way of showing they are on the path to becoming good citzens.
Illegals. Yeah they can pay taxes & there are some worth a dime. But how many did you see waving flags on the 4th of July Parade route? Nahh they all turn out for Mexican and Puerto Rican parades and Caribbean festivals.
We've given too much for too long. The illegals are a drain on society. The borders need to be sealed up on every level. I would be especially concerned about "certain" doctors and Chinese imports.
8:43 AM
Obviously you haven't heard everything. There are some huge apts. on Park and Fifth Avenues, and many one family town houses on the UES. In addition you might be interested to know that housekeepers do much more than clean. They run the household, and that may include a country house in addition to the city residence.
Some of you sure are racist and ignorant! I hope your children don't pick up on this behavior and learn such harsh judgmental ways. We were once all immigrants to this fine Country (USA)...I hope others weren't as incredibly harsh and unbending on your ancestors as you are to the "new children" of America the supposed land for the troubled and weary.
This country welcomed European immigrants. The ancestors of us "new children" were not Caribbean, for Christ sake. Nor were they Mexican or whatever else people here are talking about, dumbass. The point is that we are paying taxes so that these illegal immigrants can live the good life, not paying taxes themselves, taking jobs away from Americans, cheating the welfare system, and the list goes on.
Wake up, you with your bleeding heart liberal crap.
7:34 PM
Our relatives came here LEGALLY. Huge difference with that and the 12 million illegals here now. Come to this country legally. Get a visa like many of the other thousands of hard working non-Americans here and work our way to becoming a US Citizen.
5:55:
SAHM? No, I'm not. I wish I were! No bones about it. I love the sahm concept. I work in corporate America by necessity (versus by choice). That is why I employ a nanny. My husband dropped dead without an insurance policy. He thought there was plenty of time to get one. That is my public service announcement: get life insurance as soon as you're legal (if you are not already) and hold onto it. And don't get it through your company -- get private insurance. NOW. Not tomorrow.
7:42:
Um, they cam ehere legally because they could back then.
Nowadays it's damn near impossible to come here legally sans government connections.
Your ancestors were not holier than thou.
7:43,
Although your life insurance advice is sound, I have to say that the more crap that comes out of your mouth, the more twisted you sound. My God, your kids have to be as twisted as you are.
You should be put to sleep. You really should.
6:38..Puerto Ricans are Americans you dumbass. They are apart of the United States. They pay taxes to the United States. So yes they can wave the American flag you stupid ignorant person...gawd
Here's an idea:
Call the Border Patrol when you see a bunch of illegal immigrant nannies congregated and have them come and request their green cards. When they scatter like the criminals they are, call the CPS to come and collect their charges. Maybe then the parents will want to start hiring those who can legally work here, that is, after they get done paying their huge fines.
Wow. So, I, a nanny, can report people (nannies in the park) who boast about how their employers refuse to pay them on the books (trust me, there are several that are illegal as well) to the IRS and get paid? Makes being an educated, tax-paying, AMERICAN CITIZEN so much better than it already is! I love it!
And, yes, this blog is dead.
#1. PUERTO RICANS ARE AMERICANS
#2. Yes, europeans came to this country. They were not illegal. They were fleeing one of two things war, or death. Also when alot of them came here, Americans were not asked to cater to them. Alot of illegal aliens want us to learn their language, and feel bad for them. Alot of the Europeans that came here busted their ass to learn English and work here as Americans. I have no problem with people coming here wanting the American dream but do it the right way. Last year my house burned down and I was homeless. I went to the state to try to get help. They told me I was not a priority. I would go leave work and drive past a complex with townhouses filled with Mexicans who were unlawfully housing 3 or 4 of them into them. They had assistance for food, clothing, tax free money AND social security and my daughter and I were out on the street sleeping on friends couches. I have been paying taxes since I was 14 years old working at McDonald's afterschool. So yes, tax free money is a big deal because your tax dollars are used to cater to people who don't need or deserve it. Thats my rant!
8:57pm, very well said.
I am not American, but I am a permanent resident who appreciates the U.S.A. and I am also well assimilated. I worked hard to put myself through college and to make sure that I did not end up on any public assistance, and I am always irritated to see lots of freeloaders in my neighhborhood who do nothing but collect checks for their Anchor-Baby children, and then have more children in order to collect more money.
The sad thing is that many of these people who are doing this in my neighborhood are not even American, but somehow they know how to screw the system so hard and make those of us who work hard look stupid. I have travelled to many parts of the U.S. and I have seen dirt poor Americans (White, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian), and these Americans are not poor enough to get as much assistance as the illegal immigrants.
There are illegal immigrants who work hard, but the majority I see on a daily basis just set up lounge chairs in the park and have a BBQ every day of the summer while some of us work hard and pay taxes.
I am shocked there aren't any nanny sightings. we are still on this topic? Wasnt today a hot day in NYC. Nannies should have been everywhere. No one even sees good nannies and reports that. They should.
NJNAN
re: Nanny 8:49
Ya sure can tell the bad ones, can't ya? Their comments tell all.
I love the comment above that said they know how to make those of us who work hard look stupid. You hit it right on the head. I hate the people who come from outside of this country and work the system for every free benefit they can squeeze out. It's disgusting.
My friend worked as a Physician Assistant in a Queens hospital. He saw the worst of this. But the story that hurt me the most was that his BOSS, a cardiac specialist MD, had his family fly in from India or the middle east (I forget where)for free "emergency" care. All they have to do is cry "chest pain" the moment their feet hit the tarmac and America gives out free, top-notch health care to people who aren't even trying to become citizens. Disgusting!!!! I am in the health professions and don't have health insurance. I worked for a doctor for ten years and didn't get health coverage until the last year or so (he had a very small staff). Something is so wrong with this whole situation. If I had no degree and worked at Starbuck's they would give me full medical and dental coverage, even for Part-Time. That's great. Too bad I didn't figure that out before I bothered to educate myself.
Time for National Health Care!!!
I just had to comment on this story regarding nannies being paid off of the books. Certain *groups* of people come over and get jobs. As soon as they have status, they get pregnant. They never marry the child's father- even if they are together so that they can get free assistance. I don't quite understand how it works since I am aware that a number of people are getting help who are not citizens. Of course, that stands to reason since our public school system is being turned to sewage by the immigrants who clog it up with their specialized needs. Yes, in America our education system continues to go downhill ad we attempt to educate every fool who washes on shore.
Back to the nannies. They do have disposable income since they live together in the free housing with the free food. They are often dressed to the nines, even drive really nice cars, send chunks of their money back home.
If we divied up what we gave to immigrants in one day and sprinkled it over New Orleans, we could rebuild that city.
We could take half a day of services away from immigrants, we could revitalize Newark and double the police population so American could walk safely down their own American Streets without fear of being shot. Corey Booker is working his ass off for that city. Ever wonder why it isn't coming together for him? Too much aid leaves the United States to help others and THEN too much aid within the United States is flushed away on greedy, entitled visitors.
Its funny. Americans live in America but have no American rights. We pay taxes to send it all over to Iraq to people who hate our guts and want us dead. Then the rest of the money is used on the illegal aliens that flood this country looking for a free ride. More than likely these nannies that are being paid "off the books" are probably being paid all sorts of money from the State in addition to their salaries. I am all for hard work but come on now. This is sad. In addition to food stamps and other forms of income. I know someone that worked for welfare and the most that an illegal alien can recieve in food stamps is $500 a month in food! $500!! That is alot of food. So yes its wrong but while they are still here it makes it harder on everyone else.
2:44 you are so correct. I 21 and I work and live in California and go to school. I am not being racist or biased but do you know how many Mexicans who are illegal are going to school here for free AND recieving money from the state? I know a girl whose cousin planned to get pregnant AS soon as she got over here! My boyfriend's roomate's girlfriend is Mexican and she recieves housing, money and free school. She came over a year ago and all the money that she uses she puts away to "buy a house someday" she brags about it which is really sad, she also walks around with a $1300 bag and shops at Kitson. AND she works and pays no taxes. I paid for her bag with my hard earned money. Pisses me off everytime I see her. I have heard horror stories about them sneaking over. I heard one story of a 12 year old girl dying because they tied her to the bottom of a truck bed and she sucked in too many exhaust fumes. Another man was killed after he suffocated when they put him in a box. Some after they die, the dump their bodies in the empty fields. How about paying someone $50,000 to get your kids here from Mexico and being ripped off. Meanwhile I have student loans, a car payment, and rent. I am seriously thinking about going to Mexico and sneaking back over...lol.
I so agree with most above posters: it's a sad sad world we live in. I am going through a Teacher Certification program now and am almost done (two more classes) and I can't believe the hoops they are making you jump through so that you can modify lessons for EVERY child's needs. Yes I believe all kids can learn but we are spending all of our funds on kids who should not be here. And it's trickling down to our kids so that teachers really can't teach anymore because they don't have time, they are so busy going through all the red tape to meet every tom dick and jose's IEP. It's horrible.
9:23...anyone who starts a sentence with "I am not being racist or biased" is clearly about to say something racist and/or biased.
8:42-you might have a point if you didn't use terms like "gawd". Quite frankly that just makes you look as uneducated as the person you are trying to school. So while Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US and they are indeed atatutory citizens, they don't have the full rights of citizenship because they have rejected statehood. They can not vote in US elections in Puerto Rico, but can if they move stateside and establish residency, their delegate can not vote on laws in Congress. But in the end, if they don't pay taxes, they don't pay taxes.
I'd also love to see anyone call INS to report illegals. They'll have a great laught at your expense. Something has to give and I don't see it legitimately happening with any of the candidates given to us as choices so far.
4:14 shut up are you seriously. Someone cannot make a good point because they used "gawd" at the end of a sentence? Are you that stupid. Also what does "laught" mean?
Ble....I read nothing racist or biased in his/her comment. I live in California and he/she is correct. I've heard far worse stories.
4:28....maybe next time preview your post....lmao
The core of this issue is that it is not okay to pay your employees off the books. A nanny might like to work off the books, but it should not be her decision. How many of you nanny employers don't know the free services your off the books nannies are leaching from the government in addition to not paying taxes. Do you realize that you are a double negative? It isn't just the taxes you are not paying but the services that are being stolen from the government. I am shocked by the level of responsibility you Americans have towards your country. Give us your free, poor, tired, etc. etc.- that was not a lifelong free pass. There is no conceivable way the country can continue operating in that way. No conceivable way. There will be no America for your children's children. Pat yourself on the back.
hh,
If they could only realize what they are doing. How sad for all of us.
Whatever happened to assimilation? There are Americans out there who can't get a job because they only speak the official language. Even though I am not American, it makes me sick to see Americans suffer in their own land. Whatever happened to assimiation? If America caters to every language and culture out there, what will be left for the Americans? It is all this stupidity that makes me want to naturalize, and help change America to cater to Americans, so that anyone who comes in can make an effort to assimilate and become part of American society, not act as though they are hot shit and have Americans cater to them. About the taxes, pay your taxes. Don't cross the IRS, they will eventually get you even after your nanny has left the U.S., and you could lose much of your property.
This post makes me mad. I have 2 sisters and a brother in Iraq fighting, I have been to 14 funerals in the last year from friends that have died in the war. America to me has always been a place where people came to have the "American Dream". While America is supporting other countries with our taxes why not help the homeless people. 9 out of 10 are veterans who fought in the war. Better health care for people. I live here and it takes half of my paycheck just to pay for my health coverage. Instead I see people from other countries with full medical and dental! Meanwhile all of my hard earned money is being spent on people who want to kill us, and people who don't deserve to even be here. What makes it even worse is that some of them complain that its not enough even going so far as to ask for the Star Spangled Banner to be sung in spanish as well. My kids should not have to learn spanish for any reason. When my grandparents came here from Italy they did not ask for the National Anthem to be sung in Italian. They learned the English language, I remember watching "Sesame Street" with my grandmother because she wanted to learn english so bad. Now I walk into a Dunkin Donuts and can't even get my coffee made right because no one can understand me. My sister is now required by her job to learn spanish. Not because they are going to be branching into a spanish speaking country, but because she has to train people at her job and most of them speak no english. It makes me mad but what can you do?
Join the minutemen, do not support businesses that exploit or use illegals. Report illegals wherever they gather. Again and again and again. They are often in violation of loitering statutes when standing around waiting for work. Sadly, an American worker can't stand on a street corner and demand a tax free $10 an hour. No the unskilled American workers are losing fingers in factories for $7.10 an hour and getting taxed on that. Write letters to your congressmen and newspapers. We have been brainwashed by liberals.
No more being politically correct. The right thing for America is to take care of American citizens. Our American soldiers in the service still don't have what they need, probably because we have exhausted our military supplies by handing them out to our "allies".
7:43pm, you wrote that everyone should pay for private life insurance rather than getting it through their company. Can you please elaborate? Why is that better? Thank you very much. If you have any other advice, please share it.
9:09-Good point. In more socialized countries, you have to be able to speak the language before becoming a citizen. This country bends over backwards for the people by putting instructions and signs in many different languages.
1:08-Thank your siblings for risking their lives for this country. While I don't believe in the cause, I certainly believe in supporting our troops.
I used to think the last presidential election was rigged. Now, after reading the above remarks, I realize that it was not. I'm disgusted.
I'm with you, 3:43!
I'm 3:20 and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't lump me a Bush supporter. I would never even consider voting for such a waste of man. With that said, I'd also not vote for a Democrat at this point. You're kidding yourself if you think Hillary or Obama will bring our troops home. The only hope we can have is Ron Paul at this point, and well, we know how that's going to turn out.
As for being thankful for our troops, I am. They are doing something your or I wouldn't do. Someone needs to be proud of them. They do their jobs just like the rest of us. As for being disgusted, you'd better thank your lucky stars you were born in a country where our forefathers died for YOUR freedoms to make such vile comments.
Life is not neat as a pin. If you don't stand strong and show you can fight, you will get beaten to the ground and bullied. So regardless of your boohooing over the war, from a political standpoint- it is the only way a country like the United States can survive. Watch the animal channel and see how things work in the wild. Once we pull out of Iraq mission not accomplished, we become a bigger target than ever before. And we make all of those little countries we offer support and defense to look feeble and helpless. I don't like Bush. But let us face the hard cold truth. This war was lost when we decided to go in there and tiptoe around this building and that building just to take out that building. This exposed our soldiers to fire and roadside bombings. Good people die in war. But they should not have been ours. This is a war that was lost because we were too politically correct and too concerned about their civilian casualties. Do you know the money we pump into their economy to kiss their ass for taking out a building? We are building schools and buying food for them. Meanwhile our soldiers dont have the treatment they need when they finally get home. And I say when they finally get home because this whole thing is taking too long. Read the Art of War. And vote responsibly. Don't vote for some politically correct piss ant who is going to chant Peace, peace, peace. This is not a peaceful world. Elect someone who knows how to execute a conflict.
I was referring to the fact that you are all a bunch of elitist, racist pricks, mostly. But as long as you brought up the subject, being in Iraq is a waste of limbs. If you think anyone is protecting us by being there, you're wrong. Dead wrong. And the body count rises... Just hope your own relative isn't next. My baby cousin was blown to bits. And for what?
12:54 I disagree. We're "occupying" a foreign country, in essence, we're the bullies. We've killed 650k Iraqi's, almost killing more than Saddam at this point only to bring civil unrest to the country, and possibly the region with Turkey and other countries chomping the bit to get their piece of Iraq. That blows your worrying about Iraqi casualties theory. There are just causes out there such el Bashir in the Sudan, but we're too in bed with China to ever do anything there. Thank you Wal-mart.
We wouldn't need to rebuild buildings and such if we didn't blow them up initially. Not to mention, we've been there five years and we've yet to establish a standing security force that can work on it's own accord.
7:32-I'm sorry you lost your cousin. I can only imagine what it would be like to lose someone. It doesn't negate the fact that he knew it was a very real possibility when he signed up. Just as my husband, various uncles, and grandfathers who've fought in wars before this one (or occupations).
10:43
No shit. He most certainly knew the drill, as he enlisted AFTER the occupation was in full swing.
It's a crying ass shame.
ps: my daddy was in ww2. Whole different ballgame....
Billions of dollars to Iraq and a little over a million to New Orleans. When does it end?
I just want to say that every body has a different situation. I am 25 years old and have been working full time since I was fifteen. I have always paid taxes and been a good citizen. In the last year and a half, I encountered some tough times financially all while pregnant with my 1st child. I am on my owm with no family and had to go on assistance. I get medical, food stamps and section 8. Now, with all the assistance I get, it is not NEARLY enough to live on, let alone pay for childcare. I work un der the table as a nanny apr 45 a week for 250$. I also am going to nursing school so in 2 short years I will not be dependant on the government. I understand that the typical person on welfare has no goal to ever become self sufficient, but is content to continue having more and more children so theyre allottment increases. I just wanted to say that sometimes hard working americans do run into hardtimes and so what if they are paid under the table for awhile if it gives them a chance to get ahead?
12:32-My sister is a single mother who put herself through college with no help from her kids dad, while working and paying taxes. It can be done. You just have to get a better job. While I applaud your wanting to get off assistance, there are ways now and we shouldn't have to pay for your mistakes.
10:58:
You weren't speaking to me, but I'm curious as to how your sister was able to afford childcare, rent, utilities, tuition, clothing, etc.?
When I hear stories such as hers, it is 9 times out of 10 because a relative watches the kids, or the mom & kids are living with relatives. That is not a reality for everyone.
Break it down for me.
I have an excellent corporate job (very good salary) and find it a struggle to make ends meet with all of my BASIC expenses (nothing fancy).
11:17-She worked while she went to school. She lives 600 miles from the nearest relative, and relied on babysitters to help her out. Paid babysitters. She also worked a weekend job on top of her weekly job. She also worked through her lunches so that she could comp time for class. It can be done. It's called elbow grease. Get in there and do it and don't expect other taz payers to pay for it.
The other expenses? She drove a 10 year old paid for car-that left car insurance pretty cheap. She lived in a small town where rent was $250-300 a month for a two bedroom house. She didn't have cable. Air conditioner only came on if it was over 90 degrees. No long distance on her phone, only regular phone, no cell either.
Hm. It's not the extra work that has me perplexed. I could take on extra work (on the weekends) over and above my corporate job. But paying the sitter $15 an hour so I can make $20 an hour doing something on the side wouldn't make sense.
And when would I have time to spend quality time with my kids?
Huge factor. I am already away from 9 - 6:30 every day.
Maybe sitters in small towns are very cheap. Who knows...
7:38 AM - If a two bedroom rents for $250-300/month, she is not paying $15/hour for a sitter. A sitter is probably $5 or $6 an hour if that. She may not have a live-in nanny/sitter but the national average for a live-in is $300 a week for 60 hours of work per week. If you move outside of NYC, Westchester County and Connecticut, you will find that nannies/sitters are pretty inexpensive and they are a lot more willing to help out with whatever is needed.
I am pretty far from the NYC area and I don't know anyone who makes 300 for a 60 hour work week! As you get further away, the work week is actually shorter. I have a ft nanny who makes 525 for approx 44 hours of work.
She takes her kids to the sitters house. You don't need to pay $15 an hour to pay a sitter everywhere in the country, especially the midwest.
And people, New York/East Coast isn't the end all. People do live outside the big cities.
I'd rather be piss poor and spend more time with my kids than work 7 days a week or 14 hours a day.
Thanks for answering.
11:41 AM Here - I know a lot of people in New York who work more than 60 hours for less than $300/week (way less). But then again most of them are illegal immigrants that should not be working anyway but can't get anything else. It's sad because it's not a reason to take advantage of someone. On the other hand, they are kind of lucky that they at least have some kind of income.
And I think $15 is way too much to pay a nanny even in NYC. People are hung up in "you get what you pay for" but it's not always the case. With a little due diligence you can find a legal nanny for much less who will do just as good of a job, if not better.
As far as spending time with your kids, I'm all for that. We all make choices in life and as long as we can live with them, it's no one's business.
I think, though, that this posting is about paying taxes. As a taxpayer, I believe that everyone should pay their fair share of taxes.
212-YOu sound poor and out of touch with reality. Perhaps you have been priced out of the nanny market and are showing your bitterness.
$15 is JUST average in NY. Just average. So much wealth is concentrated in this tri state area, why shouldn't it be spent on the people caring for these rich children? The parents have their jets and 60 inch plasma tvs and 15k handbags. That's just life. Not your life, but life.
Jamaican nannies without papers will always ask for $15. Some make $12 but most make $15.
2:25 PM - I'm not bitter at all. I believe in thinking outside the box and don't feel the need to keep up with my neighbors. It's not important to me.
I have a wonderful, legal, educated, American nanny who takes wonderful care of my children and I don't pay her $15/hour. However, I treat her better than her own family does because she is an important member of my family. Sometimes it's not always about the money and she is very well aware of that fact as she has worked for "$15" and was treated like shit.
I make a very good living and feel blessed but, no I am not rich compared to how many rich people live in New York. And even if I was rich beyond my wildest dreams, I would never spend 15k on a handbag when there are so many poor children and families who could use the donation. I try to live not within my means but below my means.
And for your information, when I was interviewing nannies I had plenty of Caribbean nannies (many of them Jamaican) who were willing to take anything just to have a job. I just decided that I would rather go with the nanny that I have now as I felt more comfortable hiring a legal and educated nanny. I'm happy with my choice.
Have a wonderful day!
1:58-my parents instelled in us personal responsibility. Three years doing an accelerated year round program is a small sacrifice considering she doesn't have to slave at a job now for hours on end. Her kids are grateful that she can put a decent roof over their head and provide for their future. I guess our parents were different that way, yours must have thought bilking the system was a better idea. Can you please move to Mexico along with all the other illegals? We don't need people who won't pull their weight?
Last two posters: How does a nanny survive on $15 an hour in NY? I don't think I've made that little since the early 90s personally.
OP, I'm with you, I see all these overpaid off the books nannies getting away with murder. Keep your head up you are so much better then them
Most of these women sound like white elitist bi**hes or wanna be white. Minorities need to overtake white america. You guys stole this land from the Native Indians anyway. I can't stand white people like you guys. It's a good thing I rarely meet any of you in my city. The single mother who did all of this while in college sounds like b.s. She must have been in school for education or something. It couldn't have been a hard major like engineering, mathematics, computer science, or biochemistry. That's damn near impossible unless your a genius. And, most genius people don't work like that outside of academics or have a social life to start a family (generally speaking). Not everyone's situation is the same. You can't ever compare, i believe. That's like saying i'm albert einstein and you are worthless b/c you didn't do the things i did. I'm from the south and it is completely different down here. We are more family oriented, unselfish, look out for neighbors, so forth (for the most part). However, the south is starting to move towards a more individualized selfish way of thinking, as well. There are more people on earth that are evil than good so I expect to read such disheartening ramblings, but it still is disheartening and hard to read. My opinions are neutral about many subjects. I just try to live righteous as well as I can, b/c I feel deep down that this evil planet isn't all we have. There are bigger things behind the scenes. If I work hard to get what I have, I will make sure other good people who are less fortunate than I am to be able to have the same opportunities I've had. Plus, many of you can afford nannnies means you guys are rich. That says a lot. In many recorded accounts of history, it has been stated where there lie material riches lie evil. Enough said, b/c ofcourse good does not agree with bad. Never will. In addition, if good disagrees with good b/c we are flawed humans, there will be points from both parties that may be true or right. Vice versa.
from anonymous righteous... I understand americans may have the short end of the stick in our own country, so forth. I understand you want as much of the pie as you can get. But, at what expense? If you are a good nanny, shouldn't it be about he kids. I wouldn't want to hire the postee of the original comment to nanny for my kids, anyway. No offense. Take care of my kids and not worry about which nanny is making the most money. Your heart isn't in it, maybe this is why you're complaining. I'm neutral on illegal immigrant topics and so forth. But, i'm pro-people. I will stand up for people every which way I can. There are bad people in all nationalities and races. American politics aren't really reliable, anyway. Most of our taxes go towards fancy houses, cars, vacations of politicians and their supporters. Feeding a starving child is the least of our worries. America was built on good principles and this is what's keeping us afloat nationally. If we eliminate any of these principles altogether, we will become china, iraq, so forth. On the other hand, we do need to protect our traditions, values, and language b/c this is how many powerful civilizations fell in the past.
This article is a good illustration of the underground economy. Too many individuals accept money under the table instead of paying their fair share of taxes which puts the burden on those taxpayers that do report all their income.
My mother has been a Legal Caribbean nanny for more than 20 years. All i've read so far is ignorance. If you MUST class the undeserving nannies, don't use the term "caribbean". Its disrespectful and irrelevant to the fact that certain nannies don't do their jobs right. Thanks.
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