THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME LAST NIGHT!!!
It doubled my income right after I e-filed!!!
What happened to you after it got filed? Did the IRS reject it? According to TurboTax I have to pay an outrageous 24,000 in tax and I don't have that in my bank account, this will mess up my account if it goes through.
big problem these days with people always being "too busy" to get "somewhere" for no apparent reason, or that they don't stop to think about it.
i'd even go as far to say a lot of our social/financial problems is rooted in that people don't think and have no hesitance to treat others like crap.
like loan agents sign loans to people who cant afford it to reap instant reap profits. like pharmaceutical companies market and cajole people about drugs w/ little effects and much side-effects. like toy-makers using hazardous materials in products.
like people who are too busy to be nice in order to get "somewhere" NOW. companies are trying to make money NOW. it's a general problem.
Yes, scholarships is another thing that screws people over. Just because two students are married it doesn't mean they have more income. It's pretty silly. I just think that each individual should be treated equally by the law regardless of marital status. Marriage really should be a personal matter.
@Jared
I feel your pain. I feel like the entire tax code is very anti-women because a second income is penalized heavily. I'm not even a feminist, but I feel that it is made to keep women home.
I've lived five years in the United States and never really understood why the people there were so 'busy' and just so unhappy and rude all the time. Couldn't really figure out why, despite all the obvious material and luxury conveniences, people were just unhappy all the time, weird.
Try visiting a country like the Philippines, I think you'll find the people so much nicer and friendlier. The minimum wage clerks and staff at McDonald's and other outlets greet all customers with a "sir", "maam", and a smile. I think you'll find the experience very refreshing.
This is actually something that really affects me. Several of my couple friends are not married because of financial reasons. They are in long term committed relationships, live together, some even have kids. However, getting married would be financial suicide. Particularly in an unforgiving tax state like New Jersey. My wife and I have discussed it. Currently our savings would actually be minimal, but if it increases we may seriously consider it. We would still be in a committed relationship; but we'd be divorced on paper.
I've thought about this long and hard and I wish that the tax codes for Fed and State would reflect actual hourly rates instead of overall AGI. The tax code punishes hard workers as well. I've thought about getting an extra job, but after doing the math, it would barely pay to get a side job paying anything less then $20/hour (unless it was under the table). If your tax rate was the total amount of income divided by the number of hours you worked it would be more fair. Particularly for married couples. Take your combined income and divide by your combined hours work and figure the tax rate on an hourly basis.
A prime example of unfair tax rate was last year when the state of NJ issued property tax rebates. If I earned $8 less in interest on a savings account or $8 less in any way at all, I would have received $500 more back from the state in the form of property tax rebates. If my wife and I where divorced and filed separately it would have even been better. How unfair is it that $8 more in income equates to losing $500 in returned taxes?
The tax system is stupid. It screws the middle class.
@ Curt,
She's not crazy. She's talking about legal divorces where couples still stay together. The benefits you mentioned are still available to cohabitating couples.
I, for one, am happily married and I like the legal protections that go along with the piece of paper, but sometimes it does feel like there's a huge hidden cost to that legal validation.
I can't recall anyone I know divorcing to save money, but I have seen plenty of couples stay unmarried (at least in the legal sense) because they knew that getting legally married would mean that they'd lose too much needed money for college scholarships or government aid like healthcare. I think people are more tolerant and understanding nowadays, but they still get people pestering them about when they're going to get married.
yep, there are a lot of financial benefits, but I am asking if that is a good reason for the tax laws to penalize married people? I do not support divorce, but I think the legal side of marriage is kind of convoluted.
The financial benefits of marriage far out way the negatives.
Such as:
- One house vs. two
- No child support paycheck deductions
- Half the Christmas/b-day presents
- Two people budgeting together can out think one
- More money can be put into retirement planning
- You can subsidies each other through college
- You can start and grow a business together, providing more income and a better tax shelter
Nice article, I never really thought about people being punished for their convictions in being married...such a shame. Makes you wonder who comes up with these taxes and for what purpose?
My wife just quit McPoor's because of just that. Last years 1040 revealed she only made 10,000 at that sorrybutt job. ( you know what I want to say) She was more loyal than the not so smart teenagers that "worked" there. When it came for one of those teenagers to get a promotion to crew trainer - something my wife had wanted to do all three years she was there - the new crew trainer teenager started backstabbing my wife. With the manager's help as well. She started just this past Monday at a new job working with me, where things will get better for her. I know McD's is a place for a lot of people that have to work there, but folks, if its really bad, start looking for better opportunities elsewhere. They are out there.
Not only does it cost nothing, it takes almost no time to say "hey, how's it going...what time do you get off, you must feel exhausted." What is that, 5 seconds? But the difference it makes to the other person, that you actually give a crap, makes a world of difference. Karma will be kind to you Alli, I hope.
Having spent my fair share of time in the customer service world, I can safely say that my attitude towards the folks at McDonalds, Starbucks, Target, etc., get my nicest face, even when I'm not feeling up to it. Usually I ask how their day is going, how long they've got until they get off, or if it looks like a rough day, how they're handling the stress. The other day, a friend and I actually asked for the manager at a restaurant so we could lavish praise on a particularly kind waiter...and he was really surprised, which is kinda sad.
This kind of behavior can often earn you a little something extra--an employee discount or a free dessert--when you're not expecting it. I don't do it for the free stuff, but occasionally it happens. And being nice generally makes one feel good!
Wow that is amazing... and so very true. I am kinda scared to get married because of all the money I am going to pay in taxes. Although me and my boyfriend make almost 65,000 combined (haven't really looked at how close I am at moving to the next tax bracket) when we get married eventually, we will definitely be making more as that will be in 5 or 6 years (i hope).
I've had employees initially treat me like crap, but it can sometimes help to be nice back. Some checkout assistants just need a smile and an admission that you know their job is hard, and they suddenly can brighten up. But I agree...sometimes, a-holes are just a-holes.
I go out of my way to be pleasent to everyone I encounter because there truly does seem to be a lack of kindness these days.
In fact, I was at a Home Depot the other day when a staffer there started to yell at my husband because we needed a large piece of plywood cut and he was angry because he had "other things to be doing instead of cutting this wood". Even the clerk that rang up our bill didn't smile or even pretend to be nice despite our attempts at casual conversation. None-the-less, we were still really nice to both employees.
It made me really sad to see so many people so unhappy. I understand they are probably overworked and underpaid, but there is still no reason to be snarky unless you are provoked.
And that is why McDonalds employee's spit in the burgers, kick them around the floor before serving them to customers etc! :p
The last time I was in a McDonalds I was nearly punched by some dope for "que jumping" although as I told him "I am the que! The que starts at me and goes back! There is no que to jump!".
Like I say that was the last time. I think there's a definate connection between the sort of people who like fast food, bad manners, being angry and having poor personal hygene.
Its not hard to be nice. I can never understand why others can't understand that the employee is not responsible for company policy, or the fact that everyone wants to eat at lunchtime! Even telemarketers dont deserve rudeness - a simple 'sorry im not interested thanks', and then hang up if they persist. Just yesterday a relief teacher at the school missed the bus, so I drove her to the train station - it wasnt a big deal to me (15 min out of my way) but it meant a great deal to her....I dont think she could actually believe that i'd do it, which is sad really.
I was just recounting my own experiences over the last month, but I've seen that. I often get the feeling people think "well it's not my table, why should I clean it?" or "it's not my toilet, why shouldn't I kick a hole in the door and fill it full of toilet paper?" Know what I mean?
Acually the opposite will happen. My wife and I have need 20 years of being " frugal". And look what happened. We have a house with a pool and no mortaguge. A daughter in college and a 95% scholar ship. Last June we went on vacation to Portugaul. We have 1/3 of a million in the bank. I have pracitalcul force my wife to buy nice clothes as she want to buy cheap... How we got there.
1) Get a house under 2000sq ft. No that is not tiny.
2) no cable.
3) Live where you can ride a bike to work.. Benefit I am 50 and still wear size 32 jean
4) Drive a Corolla or CIVC -- highest milage and last 125K miles. NO SUV
5) Don't invest in a IRA or ROTH or 401(k) until the house paid for
6) pay off car loans in one year
7) don't carry a credit car balance
8) Pay your self first. Put what you used to pay on your car loan toward prepaying on your house.
9) do not shop at the mall Go online and plan your purchases buy quality classic stlyes not tendy
10) be a resident tourist -- see want is near by first.
11) Indulge at home.. Champnge is $10 a bottle enjoy with hambergers and hot dogs
According to the Planned Parenthood site http://www.saveroe.com/campaigns/fillmypillsnow/scored, Target is one of only two companies listed that allows employees to refuse to fill EC prescriptions. An article also on the site says Target sent PP a letter including the following statement:
"Like many other retailers, Target's policy ensures that a guest's prescription for emergency contraception is filled, whether at Target or at a different pharmacy [italics added] in a timely and respectful manner. This policy meets the health care needs of our guests while respecting the diversity of our team members.”
Walmart, on the other hand, promises customers it will fill the prescription.
This is interesting. It appears that Target wants to take care of employees who don't want to dispense these prescriptions, while Wal-Mart, in essence, comes down on the side of the customer.
While I can see Target's policy as a worker-friendly one, in this case, I just do not like it.
My parents' divorce definitely helped my mom's finances... though it wasn't tax related, it was more so that it stopped my dad's arbitrary spending!
THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME LAST NIGHT!!!
It doubled my income right after I e-filed!!!
What happened to you after it got filed? Did the IRS reject it? According to TurboTax I have to pay an outrageous 24,000 in tax and I don't have that in my bank account, this will mess up my account if it goes through.
big problem these days with people always being "too busy" to get "somewhere" for no apparent reason, or that they don't stop to think about it.
i'd even go as far to say a lot of our social/financial problems is rooted in that people don't think and have no hesitance to treat others like crap.
like loan agents sign loans to people who cant afford it to reap instant reap profits. like pharmaceutical companies market and cajole people about drugs w/ little effects and much side-effects. like toy-makers using hazardous materials in products.
like people who are too busy to be nice in order to get "somewhere" NOW. companies are trying to make money NOW. it's a general problem.
oh and if your computer breaks, it is *not* the fault of the helpdesk :P
@Meg
Yes, scholarships is another thing that screws people over. Just because two students are married it doesn't mean they have more income. It's pretty silly. I just think that each individual should be treated equally by the law regardless of marital status. Marriage really should be a personal matter.
@Jared
I feel your pain. I feel like the entire tax code is very anti-women because a second income is penalized heavily. I'm not even a feminist, but I feel that it is made to keep women home.
I've lived five years in the United States and never really understood why the people there were so 'busy' and just so unhappy and rude all the time. Couldn't really figure out why, despite all the obvious material and luxury conveniences, people were just unhappy all the time, weird.
Try visiting a country like the Philippines, I think you'll find the people so much nicer and friendlier. The minimum wage clerks and staff at McDonald's and other outlets greet all customers with a "sir", "maam", and a smile. I think you'll find the experience very refreshing.
This is actually something that really affects me. Several of my couple friends are not married because of financial reasons. They are in long term committed relationships, live together, some even have kids. However, getting married would be financial suicide. Particularly in an unforgiving tax state like New Jersey. My wife and I have discussed it. Currently our savings would actually be minimal, but if it increases we may seriously consider it. We would still be in a committed relationship; but we'd be divorced on paper.
I've thought about this long and hard and I wish that the tax codes for Fed and State would reflect actual hourly rates instead of overall AGI. The tax code punishes hard workers as well. I've thought about getting an extra job, but after doing the math, it would barely pay to get a side job paying anything less then $20/hour (unless it was under the table). If your tax rate was the total amount of income divided by the number of hours you worked it would be more fair. Particularly for married couples. Take your combined income and divide by your combined hours work and figure the tax rate on an hourly basis.
A prime example of unfair tax rate was last year when the state of NJ issued property tax rebates. If I earned $8 less in interest on a savings account or $8 less in any way at all, I would have received $500 more back from the state in the form of property tax rebates. If my wife and I where divorced and filed separately it would have even been better. How unfair is it that $8 more in income equates to losing $500 in returned taxes?
The tax system is stupid. It screws the middle class.
@ Curt,
She's not crazy. She's talking about legal divorces where couples still stay together. The benefits you mentioned are still available to cohabitating couples.
I, for one, am happily married and I like the legal protections that go along with the piece of paper, but sometimes it does feel like there's a huge hidden cost to that legal validation.
I can't recall anyone I know divorcing to save money, but I have seen plenty of couples stay unmarried (at least in the legal sense) because they knew that getting legally married would mean that they'd lose too much needed money for college scholarships or government aid like healthcare. I think people are more tolerant and understanding nowadays, but they still get people pestering them about when they're going to get married.
Sharing responsiblity & enjoy life & parnership of almost everything ...........During Happy time
Divorce meant split your love , money whatever which previously share too bad , we married not for money but love I pressume !
I hope not to reach that stage , till die we part ,
All the best guys ,
Tracy Ho
wisdomgettingloaded
yep, there are a lot of financial benefits, but I am asking if that is a good reason for the tax laws to penalize married people? I do not support divorce, but I think the legal side of marriage is kind of convoluted.
The financial benefits of marriage far out way the negatives.
Such as:
- One house vs. two
- No child support paycheck deductions
- Half the Christmas/b-day presents
- Two people budgeting together can out think one
- More money can be put into retirement planning
- You can subsidies each other through college
- You can start and grow a business together, providing more income and a better tax shelter
Nice article, I never really thought about people being punished for their convictions in being married...such a shame. Makes you wonder who comes up with these taxes and for what purpose?
My wife just quit McPoor's because of just that. Last years 1040 revealed she only made 10,000 at that sorrybutt job. ( you know what I want to say) She was more loyal than the not so smart teenagers that "worked" there. When it came for one of those teenagers to get a promotion to crew trainer - something my wife had wanted to do all three years she was there - the new crew trainer teenager started backstabbing my wife. With the manager's help as well. She started just this past Monday at a new job working with me, where things will get better for her. I know McD's is a place for a lot of people that have to work there, but folks, if its really bad, start looking for better opportunities elsewhere. They are out there.
Has anyone actually received the free stapler yet???
Not only does it cost nothing, it takes almost no time to say "hey, how's it going...what time do you get off, you must feel exhausted." What is that, 5 seconds? But the difference it makes to the other person, that you actually give a crap, makes a world of difference. Karma will be kind to you Alli, I hope.
Having spent my fair share of time in the customer service world, I can safely say that my attitude towards the folks at McDonalds, Starbucks, Target, etc., get my nicest face, even when I'm not feeling up to it. Usually I ask how their day is going, how long they've got until they get off, or if it looks like a rough day, how they're handling the stress. The other day, a friend and I actually asked for the manager at a restaurant so we could lavish praise on a particularly kind waiter...and he was really surprised, which is kinda sad.
This kind of behavior can often earn you a little something extra--an employee discount or a free dessert--when you're not expecting it. I don't do it for the free stuff, but occasionally it happens. And being nice generally makes one feel good!
Wow that is amazing... and so very true. I am kinda scared to get married because of all the money I am going to pay in taxes. Although me and my boyfriend make almost 65,000 combined (haven't really looked at how close I am at moving to the next tax bracket) when we get married eventually, we will definitely be making more as that will be in 5 or 6 years (i hope).
I've had employees initially treat me like crap, but it can sometimes help to be nice back. Some checkout assistants just need a smile and an admission that you know their job is hard, and they suddenly can brighten up. But I agree...sometimes, a-holes are just a-holes.
I go out of my way to be pleasent to everyone I encounter because there truly does seem to be a lack of kindness these days.
In fact, I was at a Home Depot the other day when a staffer there started to yell at my husband because we needed a large piece of plywood cut and he was angry because he had "other things to be doing instead of cutting this wood". Even the clerk that rang up our bill didn't smile or even pretend to be nice despite our attempts at casual conversation. None-the-less, we were still really nice to both employees.
It made me really sad to see so many people so unhappy. I understand they are probably overworked and underpaid, but there is still no reason to be snarky unless you are provoked.
And that is why McDonalds employee's spit in the burgers, kick them around the floor before serving them to customers etc! :p
The last time I was in a McDonalds I was nearly punched by some dope for "que jumping" although as I told him "I am the que! The que starts at me and goes back! There is no que to jump!".
Like I say that was the last time. I think there's a definate connection between the sort of people who like fast food, bad manners, being angry and having poor personal hygene.
Its not hard to be nice. I can never understand why others can't understand that the employee is not responsible for company policy, or the fact that everyone wants to eat at lunchtime! Even telemarketers dont deserve rudeness - a simple 'sorry im not interested thanks', and then hang up if they persist. Just yesterday a relief teacher at the school missed the bus, so I drove her to the train station - it wasnt a big deal to me (15 min out of my way) but it meant a great deal to her....I dont think she could actually believe that i'd do it, which is sad really.
I was just recounting my own experiences over the last month, but I've seen that. I often get the feeling people think "well it's not my table, why should I clean it?" or "it's not my toilet, why shouldn't I kick a hole in the door and fill it full of toilet paper?" Know what I mean?
And you didn't even mention those who leave all their crap on the tables, expecting someone else to pick it up.
Andrea,
Acually the opposite will happen. My wife and I have need 20 years of being " frugal". And look what happened. We have a house with a pool and no mortaguge. A daughter in college and a 95% scholar ship. Last June we went on vacation to Portugaul. We have 1/3 of a million in the bank. I have pracitalcul force my wife to buy nice clothes as she want to buy cheap... How we got there.
1) Get a house under 2000sq ft. No that is not tiny.
2) no cable.
3) Live where you can ride a bike to work.. Benefit I am 50 and still wear size 32 jean
4) Drive a Corolla or CIVC -- highest milage and last 125K miles. NO SUV
5) Don't invest in a IRA or ROTH or 401(k) until the house paid for
6) pay off car loans in one year
7) don't carry a credit car balance
8) Pay your self first. Put what you used to pay on your car loan toward prepaying on your house.
9) do not shop at the mall Go online and plan your purchases buy quality classic stlyes not tendy
10) be a resident tourist -- see want is near by first.
11) Indulge at home.. Champnge is $10 a bottle enjoy with hambergers and hot dogs
According to the Planned Parenthood site http://www.saveroe.com/campaigns/fillmypillsnow/scored, Target is one of only two companies listed that allows employees to refuse to fill EC prescriptions. An article also on the site says Target sent PP a letter including the following statement:
"Like many other retailers, Target's policy ensures that a guest's prescription for emergency contraception is filled, whether at Target or at a different pharmacy [italics added] in a timely and respectful manner. This policy meets the health care needs of our guests while respecting the diversity of our team members.”
Walmart, on the other hand, promises customers it will fill the prescription.
This is interesting. It appears that Target wants to take care of employees who don't want to dispense these prescriptions, while Wal-Mart, in essence, comes down on the side of the customer.
While I can see Target's policy as a worker-friendly one, in this case, I just do not like it.