Tag: spending

As I was writing this article I re-read my original pieces on the 2011 debt ceiling debate/deal and got a major sense of deja-vu. After 18 months we are back in the same place with a dysfunctional Congress, who barely passed legislation to avert the fiscal cliff, trying to reach a new deal to keep the…

The Washington Post had two graphics that neatly summarize the impacts from the fiscal cliff. This is the number one topic in the world of finance and almost all Americans will be impacted by the potential fallout in some fashion. My opinion is that Congressional Republicans and the Obama administration will reach some form…

Ever wondered where all our federal tax dollars go? I did and a recent report from the center on budget priorities and policies (CBPP) provided a very nice graphic on how federal tax dollars are distributed. With all the political rhetoric that abounds around the national debt, excessive federal spending…

[Update - American Jobs Act a.k.a 2012 Economic Stimulus] In what is essentially the 2012 stimulus package, President Obama has released details on the American Jobs Act which involves spending over $400 billion dollars to boost economic growth. The key provisions are: Extension of employee payroll tax cuts into 2012,…

Using credit cards has become a way of life for many of us. For the most part, credit cards do offer a convenient way to make purchases, and they enable us to walk around without mounds of cash in our pockets. In return for this and other conveniences like reward…

After lots of money printing and pandemic relief stimulus payments (free money) by the Government over the last few years, things are starting to look more bleak with high inflation, global conflict and rising energy prices. All these portend to signs of a recession in the not too distant future,…

So you’re getting married? Congratulations! Decisions about churches, colors, the bridal party, and which family/friends to invite often become choices that take center stage but there are other, less glamorous considerations that have a much longer lasting impact. Those considerations involve financial matters. While the most common subject of marital…

[Update Jan 2013] Congress and the Obama administration have reached an agreement that will extend a number of small business tax breaks through 2013 following the fiscal cliff deal which was legislated through the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. You can see details of the extended tax breaks in this article. [Update Sep-Oct 2010] Obama's Small Jobs…

Most people make common credit card mistakes that end up costing them a lot of money. Learn how to avoid these mistakes in this article. If you are not using your credit card correctly and you are making basic credit card mistakes, you are simply handing over money to your…

Are you a generous tipper or do you give the minimum tip possible? Do you tip extra for good service or not at all for bad service? Do you tip for take-out or to-go orders? Well, everyone has their own tipping philosophy and it does vary by where you live,…