Sunday, April 6, 2008

A Rainy Sunday

It rained most of the day. I wrestled with Form 1040 and the instructions and worksheets that go with it. It's a new tax situation this year for me. My status has changed to senior citizen and a fair chunk of money comes to me as Social Security income. My 15 year-old spread sheet again needed renovation. I learned that there is a 5% tax rate on long term capital gains for lower income filers. There is also a way for lower income filers with retirement plans to donate money to IRAs. These are both rarely used benefits, I suspect. Capitol gains and IRA money are a luxary to people who are spending $3.35 for a gallon of gas.

I also am in the sweet spot where I can both fund an IRA and withdraw money from it without penalty, as long as I have earned income. That sweet spot extends from age 59 and a half to 70 and a half.

I managed to wring a few extra dollars out of my new found knowledge, and now I can also wait for my $600 federal rebate check to arrive in May so that I can stimulate the economy.

And I improved this wasted photo taken last week. I made it into a vignetted photo to make it seem like I took it like this on purpose and that it is thus worthy of viewing. Enjoy.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Taxes. Ugh. We've struggled our way through most of it, but will not be getting a refund check. Or a rebate check, either. Not bitter at all -- I just love socialism, as you well know.

I don't think photo shop really helped that photo much. Have you tried sepia tones? ~ SS

Anonymous said...

I think sepia is a fine idea. Wait for it. TT

Anonymous said...

Groan. SS

Anonymous said...

Everyone's an art critic. TT