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Do you have a large, popular grocery store nearby?
Do you have a Walmart nearby?
I recommend shopping there later in the day on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd of the month and on the first Saturday to visit your money being spent by others much younger and job capable. Some of those there are not deserving while others deserve the help. Watch the body language, I know you're good at body language interpretation after your years of work.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I have felt for a long time that our government would have enough money to please those elected spenders in DC (and Columbus) if the underground economy were actually taxed.
Just as the candidates don't talk about the spending problems we have in DC in their campaign speeches, no one else talks about the underground economy. Allusions to its effects are made when they talk about a value-added tax or a Federal sales tax to catch all the spending and tax it. But they are actually effette at collecting any underground tax money due. The same goes for the internet purchasing and the states getting sales taxes on it.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
And that money went into a giant pot designed by Charles Ponzi. From that pot the politicians bought votes. I recall Metzenbaum and Taft every election having ads to "give" more of our money to the social security payments. At first it was a subsidy amount that people used to ADD to their own retirement money. Then it became a retirement plan of its own--why keep a 401K of your own? The government is doing it for you.
Then the gov folks started giving money from that pot to those in families with ADHD, oft-feigned disabilities, and to others sometimes not deserving of a public check.
And then there's the problem with lack of withholdiing taxes because fewer people have jobs, the jobs are lower paying, and much work is not reported to social security for the tax to be taken out. And there are more of us retiring at the higher and higher payout rates. Consequently, much less money is being collected than should be collected.
There isn't enough money to pay retirees, and all the others. Higher income retirees shouldn't be receiving full payment social security either--it was meant to be a subsidy for the poor.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Do you have a Walmart nearby?
I recommend shopping there later in the day on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd of the month and on the first Saturday to visit your money being spent by others much younger and job capable.
I can sure vouch for that.
When we moved back to the Burgh from SC in ’97, we were out doing some shopping and we were about to drive by a Wal-Mart. Mrs. j said, “hey. I’ve got to get a few things. Let’s go there since we’re so close”. We had been to the Wal-Mart in our small town when we lived in SC so we knew what a Wal-Mart was. This was the first Wal-Mart in our area in the Burgh (about 5 miles from us) but this was an entirely different experience than what we saw in SC. She does her shopping and when we get to the registers the lines were very long. I said, to Mrs. j, “what’s going on here, we never saw this before. Are the prices that much better here”? A woman in front of us turned and said, “yeah, the prices are better than ABC Groceries but that’s not the reason why the lines are this long because they’re not usually this bad. You just came the wrong day. It’s Friday, it’s the first of the month, it’s payday for those that work and today the food stamp checks arrived”. Talk about a quadruple whammy. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Women can be so cruel.
I guess you just have to monkey with her new car like you did with the old one.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Let's see, $500 a week for each of you times three months? About $13K in cash?
Dang! Fezo and I are coming through the window tonight even if it kills us.
PS: Leave the spare change jar out too. :P
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yeh, got any interesting comments about toilet paper?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ha ha I've been screwing the government like that all my life.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
They also have new 2012 F-150 trucks (picture shown 4 door). for $19,900
I checked on the website and it gives those prices but in tiny print it says "see dealer for details".
I am just curious enough to call the dealer and ask him what the scam is.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I agree with all that you said. They can just send me the balance in my account and i won't ask for another payment. :P
Richad
That reminds me. In case something happens to you, we need a map of your property showing the location of all of those coffee cans.
Richard
Those old coffee cans can be a real problem when you don’t map them out. So far I’ve ruined 3 shovels while trying to plant some shrubs. You don’t have that problem since you hire-out for stuff like that. :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
There is no account. We don't have an account. The money we paid in went into the general account. Check the Charles Ponzi rule.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You guys from Canada are so wonderfully trusting. Of course it's a scam.
When you "call for details" they will tell you to "come on down" and then try all sorts of Jedi mind tricks to separate you from your money. The only way to win is to not play the game at all.
Of course I'm from NY so when grandma says "I love you" I think "what's she up to?",
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Therefore, my SS# means nothing. To think that I ever worried about someone getting my number. :surprise:
My BIL is 80 and still working. When he retires from practice next year, I'll bet that his check will be one of the biggest ever written based on longevity.
Richard
You sound like me and the computer. Are you using a shovel when you should be using a post hole digger?
"...since you hire-out for stuff like that."
I do know my limitations. I would probably prune the shrubs back to a nub and cut the grass so low that it would kill the root system. I once put out tons of sod squares and watered them gingerly. The lawn looked lovely until I got the idea to give them lots of nice fertilizer. I burned up the entire new lawn. Yep, I hire out stuff like that.
Richard
That would be my guess too. But that would put me off as soon as the words come out of his mouth...I would hang up at that point.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Well, two things that might limit that. One is that if you've been paying in it's to a maximum annual income. After that they stop taking out payroll taxes. The other side of that is there's also a maximum benefit check.
Also, as long as you keep working past 62 your benefit check increases - up to age 70. Then it stops increasing. Of course once you are 70 you can collect SS and keep working with no income limit so if he isn't collecting he's depriving himself. Those of us that are depending on SS still paying out thank him for that.
I went back and re-read your post & you have every right to be upset. I didn't realize they took taxes out of SS payments. Do they take out Social Security also or just income taxes?
Jmonroe - that old school way of running a small business comes from the school of thought that you are actually double taxed. Your business makes money and pays income taxes on its earnings, part of which go towards the business owner's salary. The business owner now has to pay income taxes on his or her salary. Unfortunately our Federal Government has been more concerned with small business owners not reporting all of their income & has not been concerned with big business CEOs stealing money (Enron, Lehmann Brothers...)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
And no - they don't take SS taxes out of your SS check.
They don't unless you ask them to do it. We have to because we would owe too much at the end of the year if we didn't. It's the same old adage---pay a little now or pay a lot later. I got upset because I thought that we were giving them enough, and now they want more.
Richard
No. Read the fine print a “post hole digger” is for digging holes for posts. :sick:
Yep, I hire out stuff like that.
And you continue to give us reinforcing reasons why you do.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
For the South, it's chilly this morning. We're at 21 degrees at 9:30 AM and the poor heat pump is struggling. It's 70 degrees in the house with the thermostat set on 75. For the first time this year, I thnk that I'll need my topcoat for church this morning. :surprise:
Richard
We're at 9. So much for global warming.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
No, no, now it doesn't cause global warming....it causes weather extremes.
We are at 40 F and heading to 55F this afternoon in Tampa. In a few days back to the 70s.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I set the thermostat up 2 degrees and the backup heat bubble kicks in off and on and keeps the house at 71 deg. As it gets up to 20 or so, I'll back the thermostat off a degree when backup heat strips aren't needed.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
That's only in the case of corporations. Small businesses that are set up as sole proprietorships, LLP's or LLC's don't pay both business and personal taxes.
Actually, it was back in 1981 under Reagan.
My cheapy window thermometer said 15 F here in the Burgh this morning with a high not expected to reach 30 F. Mrs. j is moaning again that we should be visiting my brother in Delray Beach. I don't expect much since it is February and we've had a very mild winter so far.
In a few days back to the 70s.
As I said above it's February and I don't expect much but I don't expect it to be rubbed in either. How many times do you have to be warned about that? :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
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2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
This was #1, one of our all time favorites;
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2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I must be doing something right. We had an inspection done in conjunction with our house listing. The inspector found two things---a small irrigation pipe leak and one place under the house where some insulation had fallen and needed pushing back in place. All other areas checked out beautifully. The realtor's tour went well and they said that the house showed really well. All we need now is some buyers.
Richard
Sorry, I keep forgetting about that. We head back to the frozen tundra in less than 2 weeks so I am doing it to myself too!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That amount could probably buy you a nice bmw. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A quick chat, she lapped the lot, he drove around on some streets, and we made a deal a few hundred below my asking price, and pretty much right at what I wanted to get out of the car (well, I wanted more, but right at my "it won't gnaw at me for taking less than I wanted" price!).
nice local couple, very happy to have found it. Got a deposit, and should finish the deal mid-week when an insurance settlement check arrives (the reason she was shopping, her last car was wrecked).
It helps to have a nice car with good history. They really did not want to lose it, so a win-win all around.
I am done, and should be a clean process. No drama
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Nice. Glad it went so easy. A used Accord in good shape must be about as easy as it gets....good thing you weren't trying to sell an Aztek.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The problem is the installers don't want to educate the users on how the system works. The use of a second mercury bubble to trip the extra heat coils on for a few minutes if the set temperture is abused by typically about 1 deg to 1.5 deg. should be explained. When it's below 20, just turn the thermostat up an extra 1.5 deg. Then the heater coils provide extra heat to make up for the lower output of the outside unit and for the higher heat loss of the home due to the colder ambient temperature.
Some people don't like the constant moving air. And if the inside humidity drops too low, that moving air feels cooler than it is. An automatic humidifier helps.
>Is a heat pump that much cheaper to run, that it is worth it?
Indeed. The electrical rates vary in different parts of the country, so that answer depends. The ideal new units are geothermal heat pumps or a combination gas/heat pump that uses each at the appropriate times for the best cost efficiency.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
But, for the cash outlay of zilch (free ad, and I even had a for sale sign in the basement), and maybe an hour of my time (taking pictures, doing the ad, doing 1 showing) I am making a tidy profit.
based on what the dealer offered as a trade, plus the sales tax credit savings, I am pocketing just about $2,500 for my minimal effort.
Yes Virginia, there is a reason to go through the potential hassle of selling on your own!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
actually makes me wonder why they didn't step up on it, but there loss, my gain.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Tax savings from your trade in to dealership would push that down to around $2,000.
Thought I was the only one in these parts who believed in private party sale. Most time I have mentioned it people in here come back with,"why deal with the hassle? it's too dangerous to meet with strangers!"
A good car in decent demand, reasonably priced is a no brainer. Sell it yourself and give the money to your girlfriend, instead of the dealership.
With a longer commute to work, after recent move, I'm looking for something a little more economical than my 1999 Buick Rega LS. I've been researching and pricing 2007-2008 Ford Focus and Nissan Sentras. Looking also at Fusion, Elantra, Corolla and Galant. but, mostly Sentra and Focus.
Test drove 2008 Sentra S, total new design that year, loaded fairly well. Air bags everywhere, but no anti-lock brakes! :confuse:
The salesmen did a nice job... talked a bit fast. Low pressure. No problems. Told him I wanted to test drive more cars. Sentra definitely on list.
Next, test drove the Focus. Thought this car a piece of crab, or it had some mechanical issues. Noticeable shimmy/shake from motor. Told saleslady (who was smokin) that there was some shaking going on... with this car. She agreed and said she would check Carfax. When we got back to dealership she checked Carfax. Dealership had put in new motor mounts about a month ago. I told sales manager the mounts were not installed correctly, thinking that there could be some frame damage. But, no accidents listed on Carfox. Sales manager looked a bit sad when I was leaving with no car. Poor guy.
The 3rd salesman? Well, that's a story for another day. :mad:
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Stick congratulations on a nice quick sale. I knew it wouldn't last.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Exactly; our electric bill averages @$200/month.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Richard