A few years ago, I made a blog entry about the neighbors across my back yard, whom I often observe from my deck during the summer. At that time, I noted some issues they each had with family members who just didn't want to move out.
Now that I'm working from home, I have a chance to observe these neighbors more frequently -- not by choice, but by virtue of simply looking out my window a few times a day. My update on them is, so much has changed, yet so much remains the same.
My elderly widowed neighbor to the east is rarely seen outside anymore, but there's more activity there than ever. Her disabled son is no longer around, and neither is her prodigal granddaughter and boyfriend, but they've been replaced by others. Now her recently separated or divorced adult grandson lives there, and from time-to-time, he's joined by his kids and girlfriend. You'd think this living arrangement would have the grandson taking care of their house and yard, but this would only be true if you defined 'taking care of'' as letting the property look like an unkempt trailer park.
My neighbors to the northeast haven't changed the number of occupants (unless you count the dog dying), but therein lies the problem. Their adult, mostly unemployed, high-school dropout daughter still lives there. In the past year, in addition to the usual shouting matches, there have been multiple visits by police, fire, and rescue units. Her dad has admitted these are attributable to the daughter's addictive lifestyle, but he and his wife won't kick her out, because, well, they're bad at parenting. Their house and yard were TP'd this week, which I thought was only a high school thing, but at least it's better than hearing gunshots.
Like I said, much has changed, yet much remains the same, and none of it is good for my property value.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Thursday, March 14, 2019
A Taxing Occupation
It’s tax time, meaning more work for me both personally and professionally. This year more than ever, I find myself talking to – and about -- tax preparers.
Tax preparers are a little bit like financial advisors, in that some are better than others, and credentials matter. If you need help doing taxes, you probably get what you pay for.
Alternatively, though, most tax preparers are alike in one major way. That is, they are concerned with minimizing their clients’ taxes in the current year. Seems like a good idea for everyone, right?
The thing is, not everyone should be worried about minimizing taxes now; they ought to be worried about minimizing taxes later. While always subject to change, it’s a fact that the current tax law expires in 2026. Without changes, this means tax rates will go back to the higher 2017 brackets.
In this environment, tools like a Roth IRA can be of great use, where you pay taxes now in return for not paying taxes later. Unfortunately, when tax preparers do suggest an IRA, it’s almost always a traditional IRA, since they want the immediate tax deduction.
Part of this is that some tax preparers are compensated in part by the amount of refund they generate. Gosh, imagine that, doing something that’s better for them than for the client.
This is why many people would be better served by a credentialed, fiduciary, financial / tax planner instead of the run-of the-mill tax preparer.
Tax preparers are a little bit like financial advisors, in that some are better than others, and credentials matter. If you need help doing taxes, you probably get what you pay for.
Alternatively, though, most tax preparers are alike in one major way. That is, they are concerned with minimizing their clients’ taxes in the current year. Seems like a good idea for everyone, right?
The thing is, not everyone should be worried about minimizing taxes now; they ought to be worried about minimizing taxes later. While always subject to change, it’s a fact that the current tax law expires in 2026. Without changes, this means tax rates will go back to the higher 2017 brackets.
In this environment, tools like a Roth IRA can be of great use, where you pay taxes now in return for not paying taxes later. Unfortunately, when tax preparers do suggest an IRA, it’s almost always a traditional IRA, since they want the immediate tax deduction.
Part of this is that some tax preparers are compensated in part by the amount of refund they generate. Gosh, imagine that, doing something that’s better for them than for the client.
This is why many people would be better served by a credentialed, fiduciary, financial / tax planner instead of the run-of the-mill tax preparer.
Friday, February 22, 2019
The Catholic Reformation
Looking back on the label-tags on this blog site, I'm surprised to see that 'religion' is one of the most used. I didn't recall writing much about the topic, I suppose because it's been a few years since I've made more than a passing reference to it, and frankly, I haven't been a big fan of religion for a while.
That streak gets broken today, in order to write about the sexual abuse scandals that are (still) engulfing the Catholic Church. We've known for many years now that some of the clergy have used their positions to abuse children. It's widespread enough that I had to reflect on whether I, a product of Catholic schooling and a former mass server, may have been abused. (I decided No.)
We've known for a lesser time, however, that despite promises to the contrary, the church has done virtually nothing to stop the perpetrators, nor to keep it from happening further. And now we're finding out that nuns have also been part of the abused, and part of the abusers.
Of course, this is outrageous. As I write this, the church hierarchy is meeting in Rome at the pope's request, trying to figure out how to stop the cover-ups, and somehow move forward. No one knows what's going to happen, if anything, but it seems one thing that must happen isn't even on the table -- publicly identifying and prosecuting those known to have committed abuse in the past.
Of course, this is even MORE outrageous. The old men who collectively run the Catholic Church, including the pope, continue to close ranks to protect their own. They somehow seem to think this is a winning strategy, as they have for the past decade or two. They continue to fiddle while Rome burns, semi-literally.
This inaction is immoral at the least, and criminal at the most. Speaking for myself (but probably parroting others), Catholics aren't going to come back to the church unless the abusers and their protectors are arrested, placed in handcuffs, prosecuted, and jailed if proven guilty.
In the meantime, since the church is a benevolent (or maybe malevolent?) dictatorship and the leaders can't be voted out, I believe there's only one thing true Catholics can do to effect change: Reduce or cut off the money supply. In other words, limit alms giving to non-monetary or specified local needs.
The fact is, in today's modernized world, institutions fail without funding. Therefore, to remain viable, such institutions are motivated to reform.
Make no mistake, stopping the flow of money to dioceses and the Vatican will reform them, and fast.
Unfortunately for the needy, doing this will create collateral damage, no doubt. But at this point, does anyone what to argue it's better to serve a vulnerable population with unchecked, potential pedophiles than it is to simply reduce services?
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Catholic Church needs swift and permanent reform, and it's going to take more prosecution and/or less money for it to happen.
That streak gets broken today, in order to write about the sexual abuse scandals that are (still) engulfing the Catholic Church. We've known for many years now that some of the clergy have used their positions to abuse children. It's widespread enough that I had to reflect on whether I, a product of Catholic schooling and a former mass server, may have been abused. (I decided No.)
We've known for a lesser time, however, that despite promises to the contrary, the church has done virtually nothing to stop the perpetrators, nor to keep it from happening further. And now we're finding out that nuns have also been part of the abused, and part of the abusers.
Of course, this is outrageous. As I write this, the church hierarchy is meeting in Rome at the pope's request, trying to figure out how to stop the cover-ups, and somehow move forward. No one knows what's going to happen, if anything, but it seems one thing that must happen isn't even on the table -- publicly identifying and prosecuting those known to have committed abuse in the past.
Of course, this is even MORE outrageous. The old men who collectively run the Catholic Church, including the pope, continue to close ranks to protect their own. They somehow seem to think this is a winning strategy, as they have for the past decade or two. They continue to fiddle while Rome burns, semi-literally.
This inaction is immoral at the least, and criminal at the most. Speaking for myself (but probably parroting others), Catholics aren't going to come back to the church unless the abusers and their protectors are arrested, placed in handcuffs, prosecuted, and jailed if proven guilty.
In the meantime, since the church is a benevolent (or maybe malevolent?) dictatorship and the leaders can't be voted out, I believe there's only one thing true Catholics can do to effect change: Reduce or cut off the money supply. In other words, limit alms giving to non-monetary or specified local needs.
The fact is, in today's modernized world, institutions fail without funding. Therefore, to remain viable, such institutions are motivated to reform.
Make no mistake, stopping the flow of money to dioceses and the Vatican will reform them, and fast.
Unfortunately for the needy, doing this will create collateral damage, no doubt. But at this point, does anyone what to argue it's better to serve a vulnerable population with unchecked, potential pedophiles than it is to simply reduce services?
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Catholic Church needs swift and permanent reform, and it's going to take more prosecution and/or less money for it to happen.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Small Pets And Large People
I'm not a frequent flyer, but over the past few years I've flown enough on passenger jets that I feel qualified to complain. Not about the airlines, but on other airline passengers.
There are two main, aggravating issues:
Why are small, non-service animals allowed on planes? When did this even become a thing? It's crazy that pets should occupy any space on a commercial airliner, even inside a carry-on case. Non-service pets shouldn't be allowed in the airport, much less on an actual plane with other passengers.
If you have a pet, and have to travel, then do what responsible pet owners do -- kennel it or leave it at home with someone else to watch it. If animals could talk, they'd agree with me and say they don't want fly anyway.
But even worse than pets are.....how should I say this.....obese people. There are few things worse on a plane than sitting next to someone so fat their body encroaches on your own seating area. You pay for your own space, but end up only getting part of it, while the weight-challenged person gets their own space plus some of yours.
Apparently, airlines do have obesity policies wherein large passengers are supposed to buy tickets for two seats. This is a rarely enforced subjective rule, however, because I've never been on a plane when this happened, yet there's never been a plane I've been on that didn't have obese passengers.
Sorry, pets. Sorry, obese people. Commercial jets aren't for you, without restrictions.
There are two main, aggravating issues:
Why are small, non-service animals allowed on planes? When did this even become a thing? It's crazy that pets should occupy any space on a commercial airliner, even inside a carry-on case. Non-service pets shouldn't be allowed in the airport, much less on an actual plane with other passengers.
If you have a pet, and have to travel, then do what responsible pet owners do -- kennel it or leave it at home with someone else to watch it. If animals could talk, they'd agree with me and say they don't want fly anyway.
But even worse than pets are.....how should I say this.....obese people. There are few things worse on a plane than sitting next to someone so fat their body encroaches on your own seating area. You pay for your own space, but end up only getting part of it, while the weight-challenged person gets their own space plus some of yours.
Apparently, airlines do have obesity policies wherein large passengers are supposed to buy tickets for two seats. This is a rarely enforced subjective rule, however, because I've never been on a plane when this happened, yet there's never been a plane I've been on that didn't have obese passengers.
Sorry, pets. Sorry, obese people. Commercial jets aren't for you, without restrictions.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
A Good Use Of Twitter (Redux)
Not quite three years ago, I blogged about using Twitter to share jokes, and listed a few of them. I consider this one of the best uses for Twitter, at least as good as passing along information, and far better than the bullying, narcissistic activity for which most use it (including a certain president).
I follow several comedians / writers on Twitter, and I love to read short, smart jokes. It works a bit better now that Twitter now allows 280 characters in stead of 140. It's also fun to see professionals burn intellectually and ethically-challenged ideas and individuals (including a certain president).
The other day I came across a Twitter account that has archived their favorite jokes from what they considered the best Twitter jokers. I had a great time laughing out loud to some of them, so similar to what I did in 2016, here are more of my favorites:
There's no I in anxiety. Wait. Yes, there is. Oh my god oh my god oh my god
The best part about being a walrus is probably never having to buy a staple remover.
Do you even know what condescending means?
I'll have a rum and coke
Is pepsi ok?
Whatever
*hands you a pepsi and a coke*
Wait what do you mean Jesus loves me? Did he say something to you? OMG I'm freaking out right now tell me his exact words.
Choose a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life, because you'll never get that job.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
2019
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? No, it's time to again review the things I wanted to have happen this year, and consider some things I would like to see happen in 2019. As usual, we start with the prior year's list, with comments in ALL CAPS:
-The failure of Bitcoin, not as an idea, but as an investment.
BITCOIN'S SHARE PRICE WENT FROM OVER $15,000 TO UNDER $4,000. THESE DAYS, IT'S AN AFTERTHOUGHT.
-An NCAA scandal so large they will have to start allowing players a cut of revenues.
THERE WAS/IS A RATHER LARGE SCANDAL RELATED TO SHOE COMPANY REPS GETTING MONEY TO DIRECT AMATEUR BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO CERTAIN SCHOOLS. BUT SO FAR IT'S ONLY LED TO A FEW COACHES BEING FIRED.
-More destinations and ways to fly on Southwest Airlines.
WELL, THEY ADDED A DIRECT DES MOINES - PHOENIX FLIGHT.
-A widespread ability to charge devices without a cord (also asked for this for 2016).
NOPE.
-A new governor / lieutenant governor elected for Iowa.
IT LOOKED LIKE THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE A SURPRISING DISAPPOINTMENT.
-Let's try this -- exponential growth in the cannabis industry to the extent all states will want a piece of it through taxation.
ALMOST READY TO SAY THIS HAPPENED. [I JUST COVERED THIS IN MY LAST POST.]
-Greater national and international awareness of CRISPR (genome editing) technology.
THERE HAVE BEEN MORE NATIONAL STORIES ABOUT THIS.
-Smaller entree portions served in restaurants, for a reduced price.
THE PORTIONS MAY HAVE GOTTEN LARGER.
-Fewer national weather disasters, but more understanding of climate change.
ANOTHER ITEM THAT MOVED FARTHER AWAY FROM HAPPENING, NOT CLOSER.
-The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.
CARRYING THIS ONE OVER TO NEXT YEAR.
Now, for 2019 I'd like to see these things happen:
The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.
The electric vehicle becoming America's fastest growing (by percentage) seller.
Alabama and Clemson and New England to have poor football seasons.
Some major medical breakthrough, perhaps a vaccine to eliminate a dread disease.
Consistent, moderate summer rain in central Iowa.
A priest actually arrested and charged and jailed for past sexual abuse.
More cities allowing app-based scooter rentals.
Another scandal that ruins another Fox TV personality.
U.S. restaurants that allow payment by app, OR that bring the credit card reader to your table.
Me traveling to one of the five continental states in which I've never set foot.
-The failure of Bitcoin, not as an idea, but as an investment.
BITCOIN'S SHARE PRICE WENT FROM OVER $15,000 TO UNDER $4,000. THESE DAYS, IT'S AN AFTERTHOUGHT.
-An NCAA scandal so large they will have to start allowing players a cut of revenues.
THERE WAS/IS A RATHER LARGE SCANDAL RELATED TO SHOE COMPANY REPS GETTING MONEY TO DIRECT AMATEUR BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO CERTAIN SCHOOLS. BUT SO FAR IT'S ONLY LED TO A FEW COACHES BEING FIRED.
-More destinations and ways to fly on Southwest Airlines.
WELL, THEY ADDED A DIRECT DES MOINES - PHOENIX FLIGHT.
-A widespread ability to charge devices without a cord (also asked for this for 2016).
NOPE.
-A new governor / lieutenant governor elected for Iowa.
IT LOOKED LIKE THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE A SURPRISING DISAPPOINTMENT.
-Let's try this -- exponential growth in the cannabis industry to the extent all states will want a piece of it through taxation.
ALMOST READY TO SAY THIS HAPPENED. [I JUST COVERED THIS IN MY LAST POST.]
-Greater national and international awareness of CRISPR (genome editing) technology.
THERE HAVE BEEN MORE NATIONAL STORIES ABOUT THIS.
-Smaller entree portions served in restaurants, for a reduced price.
THE PORTIONS MAY HAVE GOTTEN LARGER.
-Fewer national weather disasters, but more understanding of climate change.
ANOTHER ITEM THAT MOVED FARTHER AWAY FROM HAPPENING, NOT CLOSER.
-The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.
CARRYING THIS ONE OVER TO NEXT YEAR.
Now, for 2019 I'd like to see these things happen:
The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.
The electric vehicle becoming America's fastest growing (by percentage) seller.
Alabama and Clemson and New England to have poor football seasons.
Some major medical breakthrough, perhaps a vaccine to eliminate a dread disease.
Consistent, moderate summer rain in central Iowa.
A priest actually arrested and charged and jailed for past sexual abuse.
More cities allowing app-based scooter rentals.
Another scandal that ruins another Fox TV personality.
U.S. restaurants that allow payment by app, OR that bring the credit card reader to your table.
Me traveling to one of the five continental states in which I've never set foot.
Sunday, December 9, 2018
High Time
It's been almost a year since I've blogged about legalization of marijuana, and I'm glad to report that more (slow) progress is being made. Let’s recap.
Internationally, Canada legalized marijuana this year, leaving the U.S. in their socially progressive dust.
Nationally, after some additional November ballot approvals, eleven U.S. states have now legalized recreational marijuana use. It isn’t just ‘liberal’ western states either; states like Michigan and Vermont have joined the enlightened minority that allow cannabis with the pleasant side effect of…..tax revenue. (You thought I was going to say the pleasant side effect of sensitivity and relaxation?)
Meanwhile, at least 20 other states now broadly offer legal medical marijuana. This should be the bare minimum allowance of any state. So the good news is, over half of America gets it.
Unfortunately, the rest of America is still in a race to see which state can be the slowest and dumbest when it comes to legalizing pot. A few of these states, including Iowa, now allow an extremely limited and convoluted way for medically-eligible people to obtain small doses of cannabis product. It’s so limited, in fact, that it can’t even be considered a legalization of medical marijuana.
The hypocrisy on these non-legalization states gets worse by the day. We still have a virtually unregulated opioid epidemic in the country, but people can still get prescriptions in those states for opioids with no problem. And do I even need to make the point about legal alcohol consumption? For example in Iowa, the regulators have gone out of their way to encourage home-based production and sale of beer and liquor – as if that’s not a mind-altering substance.
Today there is little doubt that most Americans at least want 1) medical marijuana to be legal, and 2) marijuana possession to be decriminalized. In states that allow the public to vote on ballot initiatives, it’s now also become clear that most people believe in limited recreational sales and usage.
It’s only a matter of time before America legalizes marijuana, like its Canadian counterpart. The only question is which state(s) will be the last, foolish ones not to do something before then.
Internationally, Canada legalized marijuana this year, leaving the U.S. in their socially progressive dust.
Nationally, after some additional November ballot approvals, eleven U.S. states have now legalized recreational marijuana use. It isn’t just ‘liberal’ western states either; states like Michigan and Vermont have joined the enlightened minority that allow cannabis with the pleasant side effect of…..tax revenue. (You thought I was going to say the pleasant side effect of sensitivity and relaxation?)
Meanwhile, at least 20 other states now broadly offer legal medical marijuana. This should be the bare minimum allowance of any state. So the good news is, over half of America gets it.
Unfortunately, the rest of America is still in a race to see which state can be the slowest and dumbest when it comes to legalizing pot. A few of these states, including Iowa, now allow an extremely limited and convoluted way for medically-eligible people to obtain small doses of cannabis product. It’s so limited, in fact, that it can’t even be considered a legalization of medical marijuana.
The hypocrisy on these non-legalization states gets worse by the day. We still have a virtually unregulated opioid epidemic in the country, but people can still get prescriptions in those states for opioids with no problem. And do I even need to make the point about legal alcohol consumption? For example in Iowa, the regulators have gone out of their way to encourage home-based production and sale of beer and liquor – as if that’s not a mind-altering substance.
Today there is little doubt that most Americans at least want 1) medical marijuana to be legal, and 2) marijuana possession to be decriminalized. In states that allow the public to vote on ballot initiatives, it’s now also become clear that most people believe in limited recreational sales and usage.
It’s only a matter of time before America legalizes marijuana, like its Canadian counterpart. The only question is which state(s) will be the last, foolish ones not to do something before then.
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