That's basically how I see it too, Bob. There are people who make a lot more or a little more than I make. There are people who make a lot less or a little less than I make. I don't worry about it. And while I try to pay attention to how various legislation affects the nation (and especially me), at the end of the day, I just have to deal with it and adjust where I can, so that I can benefit myself and my family as best I can. I mean, it's me who has to take care of me. I don't see it as the government's job to be my nanny. And I'd prefer that a bunch of corrupt bureaucrats (whether they're wearing blue or red) just leave me alone as much as possible. My employer pays me (including raises and bonuses) because they perceive that I bring value to the company - and if they don't pay me at a certain rate, I'll leave... and they're right. It's certainly not because it's an altruistic organization that employs me. They'd replace me with a robot if they could. That's just the reality that most of us in the private sector face now.
As far as this tax legislation, is it right or fair that hedge fund and private equity managers are able to continue classifying their incomes under a special interest loophole (that Trump promised to close)? Nope. Not fair or right. But it is what it is. And ya know, there might be some single wage earners who have incomes similar to people with kids, who don't think that it's right or fair that these people are able to not just get full refunds, but also net/net get money back. They don't actually pay federal income taxes, while that single person does have to pay (even though the single person might have kids that he can't count because of a divorce/custody situation). What is the percentage now, something like 49% of Americans don't actually pay federal income taxes? Some people think that just because they pay into withholding that they're paying taxes, when that is not true.
But like I said, it is what it is. We're discussing this on the internet today. I have the day off and I've wasted my time, most all day, playing here and on race car boards. I'm on R&R and I've done nothing productive. I've been window shopping for sports cars, race car parts and drooling over pics of Christy Canyon. I hate to say it, but my Senate career would be over if I was anywhere near this woman. Yes, there'd be a whole bunch of unwanted sexual advances going on here. Oh hells yeah!
OK, what was my point? Oh yeah! Uh (damn, look at dat ass!), one can devote time on the internet to perusing hot pieces of ass or learning the ins & outs of investing or how the stock market, IRAs, 401Ks and other investment vehicles work. Really work... not what some know-nothing "wise man" claims is true (when it is definitely not true).
You've made the financial decision to rent instead of buying. That can work financially, especially in high property tax states. But it sounds like you've thought it through and made a conscious decision. But when I hear people say things like the stock market is rigged, there's no way to make money in an IRA or 401K, or like the character who was on here a few years ago, who claimed that he had a degree in IT, but he couldn't get a job in IT because all the minorities and women were getting the IT and computer jobs and White males couldn't get hired... I will call bullshit! in a hot second. IMO, what more people need to do is start focusing on self-improvement. I don't care if it's Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton or the ghost of Adolph Hitler, no one can take away my spirit or the knowledge that I have gained over the years. My belief is that the only one who can really stop me is me... and uh, death. And the one primarily responsible for my success is me, not the gubment. The continued pussification of this nation's spirit makes me genuinely sad. But, I'll still keep carrying my own water.
So, as we look toward 2018, how about every single one of us asks ourselves: what can WE do to improve our own lot in life, independent of the government, parents or employers???
P.S. Have to fight the distractions though... cause my gosh, Christy is still one fine ass looking woman!
New tax laws help me out wayyy to the positive and I'm still against it.
If you didn't make a move on Mrs Canyon I would be soooo disappointed in you.
