Image: 10 Attractive Beach House Design Ideas That Will Leave You Speechless (architectureartdesigns.com) First-time home buyers face multiple challenges in today’s market, especially in the seller’s market of Silicon Valley. Houses routinely sell for 15% to 30% over asking price, with multiple cash offers. It is hard to find properties under a million dollars, and …

The ceiling on the US Federal Debt has been reached once again, after Congress suspended it in 2019 for two years. The deal expired on August 1, 2021. Since then, the US Treasury has been managing cash through “extraordinary measures,” shuffling money around between accounts, so it can continue operating. They are hoping to raise …

“Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.” – John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Giving significant gifts is a way to reduce “income inequality.” We can think of this as “direct action.” While this post is intended to clear up some questions about the tax implications of giving, we will leave promotion of …

Inflation and Deflation Many financial analysts are concerned about possible coming inflation, and even hyperinflation. There may be inflation happening now, and it could increase. But there are also powerful forces operating to limit the effect of inflation. As with any prediction, it is better to take a guarded view and not assume we know …

Bitcoin began use in 2009. It was invented by an unknown person, or group of people, using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. Today, the total value of all Bitcoin is over one trillion dollars. Since the startup of Bitcoin, over 200 other cryptocurrencies have been established, with a total value of over $1.7 trillion. A recent …

A study by Associate Professor of Economics Jason Abaluck at Yale University last year showed discouraging results when it comes to the efficacy of retirement health care plans. The study attempts to approximate a randomized controlled trial, by analyzing the outcomes when people were forced to switch plans due to a plan’s termination. They compared …

Spring is just around the corner, so our minds turn to cleaning up and getting ready for new growth. Moreover, tax documents are arriving daily, bringing a fresh focus to simplifying our financial lives. Here are a few ideas to make your financial life better this year, by cleaning up credit cards, bank, retirement, and …

Stock valuations are high by historical standards. At the start of every year, experts come out in force to predict the direction of the stock market in the coming year. For most investors, the best strategy is to have an investment strategy that matches your personal situation and stick with it. This is easier said …

Federal and State Income Taxes are often the largest expense for a household. Therefore, we recommend paying regular attention to tactics that will minimize each year’s taxes, as well as strategies to minimize lifetime taxes. The rules about these accounts, and therefore the strategies to use them, are many and varied. In today’s post we …