In 2023, the average tax refund was $3,167, or almost 3% less than the prior year, according to IRS statistics. By comparison, the typical refund check jumped 15.5% to almost $3,300 in 2022, when taxpayers received generous tax credits like the expanded Child Tax Credit. The average tax refund in 2025 will likely be even higher. With the
The Average Tax Refund And How To Spend It To Maximize Profits Read More »
On March 8, 2017 I celebrated five years away from Corporate America. I also finally collected 100% of my remaining severance package on March 31. To celebrate, I’d like to share some insights into what I’ve learned since leaving the rat race. I’ll then share some more insights since 2017 as well. Initially, if anybody asked, I
Early Retirement Five Years Later: Reflections On Life After Work Read More »
One of the best ways to eradicate financial distortion is by meticulously tracking all investments. I’m pretty sure none of us will remember the exact details of what we bought, when we bought, and how much we bought years from now. This may lead to a significant miscalculation in cashflow during retirement. As a result, I’ve
Financial Samurai 1Q2017 Investment Recap Read More »
One of the most disappointing things about the government is their institution of the marriage penalty tax. The government is smart to laud the act of marriage in order to collect more taxes. When you’re in love, what’s an extra $1,000 or $10,000 a year in taxes you’ve got to pay? Love is blind and
At What Income Level Does The Marriage Penalty Tax Kick In? Read More »
Everyone deserves a nice car. If you’ve been saving and diligently for years, then a nice car you should get! After analyzing the safest cars on the road and researching the best mid-life crisis cars to buy, I’ve finally come to a decision on what to get next. For almost three years, I’ve been driving a
You’re Worth It! Everyone Deserves A Nice Car Read More »
My tenants don’t know this but I enjoy coming over to hang. I’m cooped up in my house working from 6am – 10am every morning, so it’s a pleasure when real human beings reach out to see if I can take a look at a problem. While I’m there, I enjoy asking to see how they’re
Net Worth Optimization Exercise: Don’t Neglect Valuable Assets Read More »
In 2019 the labor market was extremely tight. I considered going back to work before the next downturn. I’ve been out of the workforce since 2012 living the FIRE lifestyle. One of the reasons why I left corporate America was because there was a disconnect between pay and performance. It didn’t matter how well you
Should I Go Back To Work Now That The Good Times Are Back? Read More »
Why does it seem like so many couples divorce AFTER having kids? Aren’t kids supposed to keep a relationship together given raising kids is a team effort? Or are kids one of the reasons for tearing a relationship apart because they become the center of attention, thereby driving a wedge between each spouse? Before having kids,
Divorce After Kids: Try Bird Nesting For Stability Read More »
Everybody needs a good savings guide to stay on track. Too many people don’t follow a savings guide and wake up 20 years from now wondering where all their money went! Good thing for you, I’ve been saving aggressively since 1999 and have a solution for you. When it comes to increasing your savings, you
A Savings Guide Based On The Taxes You Pay: TITTS Ratio Read More »
There’s a reason why get rich schemes fail. You’ve got to be willing to do the dirty work and put in the time if you want to get rich. Going all in on margin is likely to leave you broke. Working for someone else to get rich takes a very long time. And trying to
To Get Rich, Be Willing To Do The Dirty Work Read More »
