Great summary of these changes, Bogdan! One question: you noted "It is still uncertain which states will conform to the federal changes". On the federal tax form, how could a state or states NOT "conform"?
Prayers for both you and Jonathan in this phase of "life". Thanks for letting us all know. My financial journey has come so far and improved so much through reading Jonathan's articles and those of others. Humble Dollar is a great site and I am glad it will live on.
And, there's more to it than what I described, but the description pertained to yours. I think the bottom line is that whatever works for a person is what they should use.
We are fairly similar. My workbook has a worksheet for income sources, a worksheet for expected/regular monthly expenses, worksheets for actual spending each month, and a worksheet on which the budgeted amounts and actually spent amounts are shown side by side. This allows a quick look to see what "irregular" expenses we have. We also transfer money each month to our vacation account and we have another savings account which we use to fund irregular expenses. That account gets replenished when used. So, yes, we have a budget, but it isn't used to regulate any spending; rather, more of an informational piece for us to "know ourselves"!
To build on Jonathan's comment below, there's an interesting book titled Cork Dork which describes a young woman's journey to become a sommelier and describing some of the stuff that goes on behind the scenes in high-priced restaurants with wine selection. Basically, asking the sommelier "which wine would you recommend" (with certain qualities, taste profiles, etc.) simply allows that server to select an up-priced bottle at YOUR expense. Be careful with what you ask!
Comments
Great post, Adam, summing up all I knew (or thought I knew) about Jonathan!
Post: Tributes to Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from September 27, 2025
So sorry to hear this. Jonathan's writings were super helpful to my development with our family's personal finances. RIP, Jonathan!
Post: Farewell Friends
Link to comment from September 23, 2025
Great summary of these changes, Bogdan! One question: you noted "It is still uncertain which states will conform to the federal changes". On the federal tax form, how could a state or states NOT "conform"?
Post: New 2025 Tax Deductions
Link to comment from September 20, 2025
Bogdan: thanks for stepping up to keep this valuable site running!
Post: Quick Intro
Link to comment from September 19, 2025
Prayers for both you and Jonathan in this phase of "life". Thanks for letting us all know. My financial journey has come so far and improved so much through reading Jonathan's articles and those of others. Humble Dollar is a great site and I am glad it will live on.
Post: Jonathan and website update
Link to comment from September 19, 2025
Thanks. I like to "practice" on the draft forms to get prepared for the real deal.
Post: Draft 2025 Form 1040 Schedule
Link to comment from September 18, 2025
Rick: thanks for sharing these forms. Any idea when this draft version will be replaced by the version that will be used for tax season?
Post: Draft 2025 Form 1040 Schedule
Link to comment from September 17, 2025
And, there's more to it than what I described, but the description pertained to yours. I think the bottom line is that whatever works for a person is what they should use.
Post: Budget, What Budget? (Know Thyself)
Link to comment from September 17, 2025
We are fairly similar. My workbook has a worksheet for income sources, a worksheet for expected/regular monthly expenses, worksheets for actual spending each month, and a worksheet on which the budgeted amounts and actually spent amounts are shown side by side. This allows a quick look to see what "irregular" expenses we have. We also transfer money each month to our vacation account and we have another savings account which we use to fund irregular expenses. That account gets replenished when used. So, yes, we have a budget, but it isn't used to regulate any spending; rather, more of an informational piece for us to "know ourselves"!
Post: Budget, What Budget? (Know Thyself)
Link to comment from September 17, 2025
To build on Jonathan's comment below, there's an interesting book titled Cork Dork which describes a young woman's journey to become a sommelier and describing some of the stuff that goes on behind the scenes in high-priced restaurants with wine selection. Basically, asking the sommelier "which wine would you recommend" (with certain qualities, taste profiles, etc.) simply allows that server to select an up-priced bottle at YOUR expense. Be careful with what you ask!
Post: I’ll take the “best” thing on the menu says Quinn
Link to comment from September 16, 2025