American’s Lifetime of Debt

Very eye opening to me. Any thoughts?

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

Check the Status of Your Federal Tax Refund Online

Though I am not a big fan of tax planning that results in a refund, knowing that you're getting a federal tax refund can feel awesome, but the wait for it to land in your bank account or mailbox can be maddening.

Here is a link from the friendly people at the IRS:

Get Refund Status

Are you getting a refund this year?

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

Some Tax Time Links:

Adjusting your Withholding

 

How to adjust your withholding

 

Hope they help.

 

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington MA

More links regarding Health Insurance Reform (without the government’s help)

I have previously posted about How to Fix Healthcare in the US .

Here are some more links about “market-driven” innovations in medical care.

Bypass the Doctor

Cash only Family Practice

Like being Born Again

I particularly like the cash only practice links. I sincerely believe if the patient is connected to the payment for his or her service, the market will take over.

Any thoughts?

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

The Complexity of the US Tax System

Hat tip: Quick Sprout

I'm still trying to figure out how 16.3% evade paying taxes.

Do you do your own taxes?

Tom Sirois
Great Barrington, MA

How about going 50 – 50?

A couple days ago, The Wall Street Journal had this very interesting article in the regular column about student financial literacy in the personal finance section. It's about dealing with the "I wants" that accompany growing up. The idea is simple. If the youngster claims to want a specific item, particularly a pricey one, offer going half-and-half with them. They can use their allowance, birthday money from relatives, or money from their "jobs" for their portion. The lesson for the children is a good one. I have used this strategy a number of times, and it really does help my children prioritize those wants. It's amazing how something they absolutely "must have" can fade when it involves their own funds. And when they do purchase something that way, they frequently take better care of the item than they do with other things they received as gifts.

The article can be found here: You Want It? Then You Pay for Half of It.

Tom Sirois

Great Barrington, MA

How to fix healthcare in the US . . .

Here is a great, and relatively short video on some very logical ways to "fix" healthcare and it's cost:



Tom Sirois
Great Barrington, MA