Sam’s technology puts Costco to shame. I self scan my items (to avoid the checkout line), pay via CC and Sam’s already knows that I scanned each item. Nobody checks my receipt. Call it big brother, but other retailers are following their lead.
For anyone who is self employed and dealing with the ACA cliff, there are a number of actions that can appreciably lower your AGI: business deductions including 1/2 of self employment tax, medical premiums, and solo 401k’s which allow more generous contributions than traditional IRAs. Hate having to put more $ into tax deferred accounts, but that’s the new game.
Vanguard advisors are totally unbiased because they are on salary? Interesting thought, but highly unlikely. I’ll bet that their compensation includes a sizable bonus structured off AUM or similar metrics. And given that they work for Vanguard, what’s the likelihood that they consider a non-Vanguard fund or ETF? (Hint - not likely)
You can’t live in the S&P 500. S&P 500 didn’t have to pay property taxes, insurance, interest on a mortgage, HOA, maintenance & repairs, lawn care, etc. But S&P in a taxable account also throws off dividends that are taxable. Primary residences aren’t investments.
Comments
Sam’s technology puts Costco to shame. I self scan my items (to avoid the checkout line), pay via CC and Sam’s already knows that I scanned each item. Nobody checks my receipt. Call it big brother, but other retailers are following their lead.
Post: Frittering away Frugality
Link to comment from July 11, 2026
Deductions are “below the (AGI) line”
Post: A $30,000 Mistake
Link to comment from July 4, 2026
For anyone who is self employed and dealing with the ACA cliff, there are a number of actions that can appreciably lower your AGI: business deductions including 1/2 of self employment tax, medical premiums, and solo 401k’s which allow more generous contributions than traditional IRAs. Hate having to put more $ into tax deferred accounts, but that’s the new game.
Post: A $30,000 Mistake
Link to comment from July 4, 2026
SS is my annuity. Despite the doomsayers, it’s not going away. Maybe it will be means tested at some point.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
Great point. I wonder what the projections would show if the cap was eliminated.
Post: Just the facts about Social Security
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
Vanguard advisors are totally unbiased because they are on salary? Interesting thought, but highly unlikely. I’ll bet that their compensation includes a sizable bonus structured off AUM or similar metrics. And given that they work for Vanguard, what’s the likelihood that they consider a non-Vanguard fund or ETF? (Hint - not likely)
Post: The Quiet Failure of Good Advice
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
Good for you. You should then be willing to invest a sizable chunk, say $100k to $1m, in SpaceX.
Post: SpaceX IPO: Is Margin Optional?
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
You can’t live in the S&P 500. S&P 500 didn’t have to pay property taxes, insurance, interest on a mortgage, HOA, maintenance & repairs, lawn care, etc. But S&P in a taxable account also throws off dividends that are taxable. Primary residences aren’t investments.
Post: The Home Ownership Gamble
Link to comment from April 11, 2026
LLC for me is more of a CYA liability shield vs a tax benefit.
Post: Business and Side Hustle Tax Tips
Link to comment from December 20, 2025
Other than the mis and overuse of the term strategies, well written.
Post: Business and Side Hustle Tax Tips
Link to comment from December 20, 2025