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Mike is a former naval officer and 20-year veteran of the oil and gas industry. Born on Long Island and trained as a nuclear engineer, he tries to write with a little New York skepticism, an engineer's sense of logic and hopefully some humor. Now retired, he enjoys traveling, blogging and spreadsheets.
Comments
You buried the lead on this one, you visit Mar-a-lago and wind up telling us about a conversation with a deckhand? Though it makes me realize there is little politician in you, as when pressed about specifics you mention you were “a guest of some company. I can’t recall which one though.”
Post: Quinns visit to Mar-a-Lago
Link to comment from May 18, 2026
Michael2, Good point, though what I really mean is that after an investor sells his 1000 shares of GE in 2020 that he bought in 2000, he can look forward to 86 years of tax losses carried forward.
Post: There is no such thing as a tax loophole, but here they are anyway
Link to comment from May 18, 2026
I think you make a valid argument that most tax loopholes come with a (potential) downside. Therefore I'm more concerned about antiloopholes such as the Foreign Tax Credit, IRMAA and that only $3,000 of tax losses can be carried forward.
Post: There is no such thing as a tax loophole, but here they are anyway
Link to comment from May 17, 2026
David Lancaster, a very good example of the idea that "as often when it comes to home repair doing nothing is preferable to getting screwed." An additional thought: buy a couple of ice trays?
Post: The Rent is Too Damn High!
Link to comment from May 17, 2026
R Quinn, I understand how your son must feel not keeping all he charges as I felt similarly when I used to work for ExxonMobil. There was commuter costs (gas, insurance, tires, a new transmission, etc.), taxes (fed, state, SS, Medicare, etc.), health and dental, clothing (suits, shoes, dry cleaning, etc.). One reason I think some customers have no idea about what makes up the prices is that contractors make zero effort informing them. Most of the quotes I have received over the years are verbal, with a few being a price listed in a text or on a nearly blank pdf. If contractors can't be bothered to include a sentence or two describing the job, why should I be bothered to try an understand how much it will cost them? Regarding the equation, I think it would behoove all involved to realize that there are three sides to it: pay the rent, DIY, don't do anything.
Post: The Rent is Too Damn High!
Link to comment from May 15, 2026
Jeff Bond, Amen Brother! I faced a similar situation when buying a Whirlpool dishwasher. I could have saved a hundred or so dollars by installing it myself, but chose to pay some guy to do it instead. I think I made the correct decision, as I never installed one before. But then again he didn't do a very good job.
Post: The Rent is Too Damn High!
Link to comment from May 14, 2026
Great title!
Post: The never ending payday
Link to comment from May 9, 2026
Nick Politakis, Sorry, but I only trust the Turks and Dunkin’ to brew my coffee.
Post: Dickie and his magic beans
Link to comment from May 8, 2026
On April 30 (with WTI closing at $105.07/bbl.) I sold another 10% of my XOM shares @ $154.413 (up nicely from it mid-month low of $146.44). Plan is to continue selling next month.
Post: Blood Money
Link to comment from May 3, 2026
Harold Tynes, Let me know the next time you go. I'll buy you a Boulevard KC Pils and we can talk Humble Dollar finance.
Post: The Vision, the Babe , Einstein and the Q
Link to comment from April 30, 2026