Apache is functioning normally
Joanna Gaines took to Instagram at the weekend to announce the twenty-year anniversary celebratory event for her home and lifestyle brand, Magnolia, alongside co-founder and husband Chip Gaines.
As to be expected with Gaines’s visually-led Instagram content, the background in the video is much like the rest of her social content: full of home decor ideas and inspiration.
mid-century modern design. A style that’s seen a rise in popularity recently, with the likes of Emma Chamberlain’s LA home mastering the look, it’s a timeless style that celebrates the understated nature of design from the 1940s – ’60s era, while elevating and upgrading with more modern pieces.
The sofa shown in the video is very typical of mid-century design: low to the ground with an angular wooden frame, and complete with rich, forest-green upholstery. Whilst the sofa feels very representative of last century’s iconic design movement, we love the way that Gaines has uplifted the space with the addition of bold, modern pieces, most notably the coffee table.
Heather Humphrey, principal at interior design agency Alder and Tweed approves of Gaines’s choice of furniture, explaining: ‘This neutral living room blends modern pieces with traditional elements, creating a captivating juxtaposition that adds depth and character to the space.’
‘The interplay between sleek contemporary lines and the timeless charm of the classic design evokes a sense of intrigue and sophistication, adding personality to the room.’
marble coffee table, pictured in the video above, is a key trend piece this season, sculptural in form and to some extent a statement piece to center the living space around. Although bold and heavy, the addition of this piece offsets the sofa perfectly, ensuring the room doesn’t feel dated or too traditional.
The addition of a houseplant, in Gaines’s case a fiddle-leaf fig, brings the outdoors in and uplifts the space thanks to its rich and bright green color. When designing a room in a mid-century style, making sure to bring in plants such as this ensures the space feels bright, in comparison with the heavy, dark-toned wood that’s synonymous with the design era.
Shown above is another example of the designer’s interior styling and the use of lots of indoor greenery, this time one of the rooms in the married couple’s ‘The Castle’ project.
Our top mid-century modern picks
Whether you’re a keen lover of mid-century furniture design, or instead just looking for some inspiration to upgrade your living space with a modern twist, we’ve got you covered. Shop the links below to elevate your home.
Urban Outfitters Faux Monstera Plant
CB2 Marconi 3-Seater Tufted Green Velvet Sofa
CB2 Liguria Oval White Marble Coffee Table
The Liguria table is crafted from white marble, designed in a minimal yet bold style to add impact to your living space.
Source: homesandgardens.com
Apache is functioning normally
Massachusetts is one of a handful of states with a flat income tax rate. For tax year 2022, people who are required to file a Massachusetts tax return will see the entirety of their taxable income charged at a flat 5% rate. Certain types of income in the Bay State, however, are subject to a different tax rate.
The 2022 tax-filing deadline in Massachusetts was April 18, 2023. If you met certain criteria and paid 80% of your total tax bill before this date, a six-month extension to Oct. 16, 2023, was automatically provided.
Starting with income earned in 2023, an additional 4% tax on income over $1 million will be levied, making the highest tax rate in the state 9%.
Massachusetts state income tax rates and tax brackets
For tax year 2022, Massachusetts’s state income tax rate is 5% on annual gross income over $8,000.
Gross income in Massachusetts includes both earned income, such as salaries, wages, tips and commissions, and unearned income, such as interest, dividends and capital gains. The exceptions to Massachusetts’ 5% tax rate are certain types of capital gains, such as short-term capital gains and gains on collectibles, which are taxed at 12%
.
Do I have to pay Massachusetts state income tax?
Anyone earning over $8,000 in Massachusetts annual gross income is required to file a state tax return.
Those earning less than this amount do not need to file a return, but they can still file a return to claim refundable tax credits.
This $8,000 income threshold is on a per-person basis, giving married couples the option to file jointly or separately.
Track your finances
A NerdWallet account is the smartest way to track your savings, credit cards, and investments together in one place.
Am I a resident for Massachusetts state income tax purposes?
Resident status rules
There are two ways to be considered a full-time resident of Massachusetts. The first is to live in Massachusetts for the entire tax year, while the second is to maintain a home in Massachusetts and spend at least 184 days of the tax year in the state.
Part-year resident status rules
Part-year residents refer to individuals who either moved to the state and became residents or moved out of the state and ended their residencies within the tax year.
Nonresident status rules
If neither of the above applies, then an individual is considered a nonresident of Massachusetts. A state tax return is still required if your Massachusetts annual gross income exceeds $8,000 or the prorated personal exemption, whichever is less
.
What is Massachusetts’ standard deduction?
Unlike other states, Massachusetts does not have a state standard deduction. Instead, state taxpayers can determine if they qualify for certain tax exemptions to reduce the amount of tax owed.
Anyone who files a Massachusetts state tax return is given a personal exemption amount based on their tax-filing status. Taxpayers may also be eligible for additional exemptions, such as those for having qualifying dependents or for having paid certain types of medical or dental costs throughout the tax year. Mass.gov has the full details.
Tax-filing status |
Personal exemption amount |
---|---|
Married filing separately. |
|
Head of household. |
|
Married filing jointly. |
What’s the filing deadline for my Massachusetts state income tax bill?
The filing deadline for 2022 Massachusetts state income tax returns was April 18, 2023.
To have qualified for a six-month extension, you must have paid at least 80% of the total amount of tax owed by that mid-April deadline. If you didn’t owe any taxes and didn’t file by the deadline, an extension to October was automatically granted.
The state extension deadline follows the federal extension deadline set by the IRS, which for the 2022 tax year is October 16, 2023.
Those who have been affected by a federally declared disaster automatically receive an extension for filing tax returns, paying their tax bill and filing a Massachusetts tax extension
.
4 things to know about Massachusetts state tax
-
Free tax-filing is available to eligible Massachusetts full-time and part-time residents through MassTaxConnect.
-
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue encourages taxpayers to file and pay their tax returns online. Filing can be done through a tax vendor or MassTaxConnect. Paper filing options are also available.
-
Massachusetts offers payment plans for people who can’t afford their tax bills. If you owe $5,000 or less, you can sign up for a plan online. People with higher tax bills should reach out to DOR collections for more information
-
Check the status of your Massachusetts state tax return online or by phone at 617-887-6367 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time.
Source: nerdwallet.com
Apache is functioning normally
Are you tired of being asked why you’re still single? It can be one of the most draining and uncomfortable questions out there. But fret not—being single doesn’t need to mean being alone! In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on how to respond when someone asks why you’re still single, teaching them (and reminding yourself!) that it’s more than okay to be unattached for now. So whether it’s your first time facing such an inquiry or the 50th, get ready to take back control with these simple responses from Redditors:
1. I have Personality Flaws I’m Unwilling Fix
One user shared, “Because I have raging personality flaws that I’m unwilling to work on. Usually prevents any follow-up questions.”
Another user replied, “This is good. The first step is accepting that you have problems you’re unwilling to fix.”
One commenter added, “… I’ve never seen myself described in a single sentence before.”
Another Redditor said, “And you don’t even need to lie this time! Yeah, I see the issue here.”
2. Have you Seen the Economy!?
One Redditor posted, “Have you seen the economy!?”
One replied, “In this economy???? Hahaha, but I know people that live together ‘as a couple’ just because it is cheaper than separate. I live in Brazil, but I know Brazilians in Portugal that live in 3 couples in a small three-bedroom condo, just because six people working to share rent is the only way to make the month.”
One user added, “The economy is in shambles.”
3 My In-laws were Unable to Conceive
One user commented, “My in-laws were unable to conceive.”
Another added, “That’s really creative.”
One Redditor commended, “That’s the best reply I’ve ever seen. I wish I had enough brains to remember it.”
Another user said, “Excellently clever. I’m envious.”
One commenter added, “I had to think about this for a moment.”
“Imma use this next time,” one user concluded.
4. You See how Picky I am about Shoes: They only go on my Feet!
One user posted, “Go full-on Cher from Clueless: “You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet!”
One commenter replied, “That movie was amazing.”
Another shared, “My go-to answer at this point is, ‘I really don’t know.’ Because I really don’t.”
5. Because I have a Radio Face
One user shared, “Because I got a face for radio work.”
One replied, “…and a body for Standard Def.”
Another one responded, “…and a voice fit for silent films.”
One commenter said, “Objection! Radio work would not be a viable career choice if that were the case!”
6. Look at my Face and Take a Guess
One online user commented, “Look at my face and body and take a wild [hecking] guess.”
One responded, “‘But you don’t look bad at all.’ ‘If that’s so, would you date me?’ ‘Eww, no.’ ‘So you think I look bad.’ ‘I already told you that you don’t look bad at all.’ ‘So it’s me you don’t like.’”
One user commented, “Unironically correct, lol.”
7. I didn’t Pass the Beauty Standards
One Redditor stated, “I didn’t pass the beauty standards of my country.”
One replied. “You pass the beauty standards of Antarctica.”
Another added, “Sounds like a compliment … until it isn’t. Also, how dare you assume that the ten or so scientists that are stationed there aren’t super hot.”
One commenter added, “They’re, at the least, very cold.”
Another user shared, “Penguins are really attractive.”
8 I Don’t Meet Eligible People
One user posted, “I don’t meet people (who could be potential partners), and I think more and more that I am not a ‘date’ type of person.”
One user replied, “You missed the arranged marriage era. It might have worked out for you. Perhaps you could borrow someone’s overbearing mother to find you a match.”
One Redditor added, “I have a couple of coworkers. One is Bangladeshi, the other is Indian. Their parents were like ‘Times are changing, you can marry for love if you want, and we’ll support you,’ and my coworkers were like ‘What the heck, you mean I’d have to DATE? [Forget that], please find me a husband.’
“Anyway one is now happily married and the other is constantly roasting her dad because he keeps offering her deadbeats riding on their dad’s coattails.”
Another commenter added, “No joke, arranged marriage sounds better and better, these days.”
“Yes, yes, I didn’t consider that. Tnx,” another user replied.
9. Why not?
One of the Redditor commented, “Why not?”
One user then added, “That’s basically my response when my extended family asks this. They all have that small town, hurry up and settle down mentality, and are ALWAYS on my case about being single with no kids whenever I visit. Took me far too long to realize some of them are actually jealous. My money is MY MONEY. My time is MY TIME. I don’t have to confer with anyone before making a decision.”
Another user responded, “Misery loves company. They’re jealous…”
One Redditor added, “Do what you want whenever you want and indulge yourself and no sacralfices.”
Another user stated, “I’ve got a lot of friends from my hometown like that. I see how miserable some of them are and that’s repellent enough. Some of em got married way too young and didn’t vet their SO enough and realized they were crazy after they already got married.”
10. I’ve got the Personality of a Spoon
“I’ve got the personality of a spoon,” one user shared.
Another asked, “Big spoon or little spoon?”
The OP answered, “The one you can never find a purpose for.”
Another user replied, “Salad spoon.”
11. Because I’d Rather be Alone and Happy
One online user commented, “Because i’d rather be alone and happy than dealing with someone else’s work drama and emotional problems lol.”
One replied, “Being in a relationship seems so exhausting, I’ve been single for several years now and have absolutely no urge to date.”
Another user commented, “too real.”
12. Because I Tell the Truth
One Redditor shared, “I tell the truth. I’m shy and don’t really meet new people. I’ve not added to my friend group, aside from partners of existing friends, in about 20 years. At work I have acquaintances from work—they’re nice people but I don’t communicate with them outside of work. I live alone, I work mainly alone, I don’t have any hobbies or interest groups.”
One replied, “Same.”
13. None of your Business
“None of your business… that’s my usual response,” said one of the users.
Another user replied, “‘It’s because of Narnia.’ ‘Narnia?’ ‘Narnia business.’”
One also added, “It’s even cooler to turn it around on them: ‘Why would you think that’s your business?’”
Finally, another replied, “If they don’t know you that well, try weeping excessively. That discourages follow-up questions.”
14. I’m not Single; I have a Motorcycle
One of the users said, “I’m not single. I have a motorcycle.”
Another user replied, “My cat takes up most of my free time.”
Another one responded, “What kind?”
One user added, “….and her name is Betsy and she lets me ride her all day and night, whenever I want.”
15. I’m Happy Single Right Now: Don’t Want to Ruin It
One Redditor also shared, “I’m happy single rn. I wouldn’t want to ruin it.”
Another added, “When I was still single my response to this question was always ‘because I’m in a happy relationship with myself.’ I wasn’t, but it’s the thought that counts.”
One also confirmed, “I got out of a relationship a few months ago, it’s been rough but I really love my personal freedom. I’ll jump back in when I get tired of myself.”
Source: Reddit.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
About the Author
Source: financequickfix.com
Apache is functioning normally
We all get busy and let the “little things” slip through the crack sometimes.
This, however, wasn’t a little thing. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, building a new home, a second child on the way (and now here) a “little” bill was overlooked and wasn’t paid.
This wasn’t my Direct TV bill or the electricity bill… It was my annual premium for my 30-year term life insurance policy! (gasp).
Insurance Policy Lapse
A month had passed before I realized that my insurance policy had lapsed. Frantically, I called the insurance company to find out what my options were.
In case you ever let any different types of life insurance policy lapse, here’s what you need to know.
Avoid Lapsing with Ladder Life Insurance
A payment slipping through the cracks is one reason your policy might lapse, but it isn’t the only one.
Sometimes individuals run into unexpected hits like job loss or the expense of caring for a sick loved one and find themselves unable to afford the policy premiums they originally agreed to.
Enter the dynamic life insurance policy. With a life insurance company like Ladder, there’s no need to default on payments.
If you find your policy is too much to bear, or conversely, you need more in force, you can adjust your life insurance policy to meet your changing needs.
Laddering down your coverage, as the company refers to it, can help make your premiums more manageable and keep your policy in force whatever life brings your way.
Get A Quote From Ladder >>
How Did I Let My Life Insurance Policy Lapse?
I know what you’re thinking. He’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and he let his life insurance policy lapse?
Right now I have 3 separate term life policies. When my wife and I first got married we purchased a $250k 30 year term life policy on myself.
After we had our first child, I decided to purchase another 30 term life policy for $500k. After we just built our new house and had a second child, I decided to stop messing around and purchased a $1 million term policy.
My initial intention was to let the $250k lapse, although I later decided to just keep them all. I told my wife of my intent, but she thought that I meant to let the $500k policy lapse. Whoops!
Note: Here’s my post that discusses how much life insurance you should buy.
What to Do When Your Life Insurance Policy Lapses
So, your policy has lapsed, now what do you do?
Insurance Policies Have Grace Periods
When I called the insurance company, I learned through the recording that they have a grace period. When you pay your premiums regularly, your policy remains “in force,” but when you miss a payment, your life insurance company is required to give you a 31-day “grace period” in which to catch up.
At the end of the grace period, if you haven’t submitted your back premiums to the life insurance company, your policy will lapse.
This is basically what happened to me. I was fortunate to be in a financial position where there wasn’t a real problem letting the policy lapse. I had plenty of other coverage to take care of my wife and kids.
Even if I had to go through the medical exam again, I know that I would still have received a preferred rate because of my excellent health. (Working out and eating healthy pays off!) Don’t let my luck fool you. Be sure to stay on top of your life insurance policies.
Lapsed Insurance Policy Could Be Bad
Many of the top-rated insurance companies, when offering life insurance coverage to an individual, don’t check to see if the individual has had coverage before, or if that coverage has lapsed.
Some life insurance companies do check to see if you’ve had coverage lapses in the past.
If you have, they may choose not to offer coverage to you in the future, which means you’ll have a very hard time finding the protection you and your family need, even if you’re able to better afford it than you were in the past.
Application for Reinstatement of Lapsed Policy
When your policy lapses, I learned that it isn’t necessarily the end of the world for your life insurance protection. I was informed that you can request an application for reinstatement.
(You can see the picture of the application above). I simply had to answer a few health-related questions and enclose the check for the missed premium amount.
#ap27631-wwfont-family:Archivo,sans-serif#ap27631-wwpadding-top:20px;position:relative;text-align:center;font-size:12px#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-indicatortext-align:right;color:#4a4a4a#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-indicator-wrapperdisplay:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-end;margin-bottom:8px#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap27631-ww-textdisplay:block#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap27631-ww-labeldisplay:none#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-textmargin:auto 3px auto auto#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-labelmargin-left:4px;margin-right:3px#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-iconmargin:auto;display:inline-block;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px;cursor:pointer#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-icon imgvertical-align:middle;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-text-bottommargin:5px#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-textdisplay:none#ap27631-ww #ap27631-ww-icon imgtext-indent:-9999px;color:transparent
Double Check With Your Insurance Company
Each life insurance company handles the reinstate process differently, but in general, you’ll be asked to pay all of your back premiums, and you’ll only have about five years within which to request a reinstatement. As long as your health status hasn’t changed, reinstatement can be very simple.
Final Thoughts on Policy Relapse
If your health has changed, however, it may not be possible to have your old policy reinstated – another reason to be sure that you keep the policies you have in force.
Source: goodfinancialcents.com
Apache is functioning normally
Darren Dreifort, the former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers is ready to part ways with his house in the coveted Pacific Palisades health issues, is married to former sports journalist Krystal Fernandez. The two have been living in the Pacific Palisades abode ever since they got married in 2010, and this is the first time the property is on the market since they purchased it 14 years ago for $3 million, public records show.
Now, the 7,698-square-foot, 3-level home landed on the market with an $8.5 million price tag (Adam Jaret and Ally Jaret with Compass hold the listing) — and we’re here to give you a quick tour of the lovely family home.
Set just a block away from Asilomar Beach and State Park (also known as Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea”), Dreitfort’s house sits on a prime corner lot in El Medio Bluffs — a seaside hamlet that’s often touted as a “bespoke coastal village”.
With 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms (7 full and 1 half-bath), the property has 7,698 square feet of living space spread across three floors.
The main floor has an office, a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, formal living, dining room, family room with fireplace, and a spectacular kitchen with a huge island and generously-sized casual dining banquette — that looks like the perfect gathering place for the whole family.
The top floor features the primary suite and 3 more large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, one more inviting than the next.
There’s even more space on the lower level (which has its own separate entrance), where we find 2 more bedroom suites, a kitchen, yoga/ fitness studio, media/ game room and tons of storage.
“Located a half block away from the El Medio bluffs, this 7,700-square-foot California coastal residence boasts an open living space, game room, home theater, gym, and yoga studio, along with an expansive rooftop deck with ocean and mountain views, large backyard, fitness pool and basketball court – perfect for the quintessential Pailsadian family,” listing agent Adam Jaret told us in an email.
Darren Dreifort’s house is located in one of Los Angeles’ priciest and most desirable neighborhoods, Pacific Palisades. Set on the city’s southern bluffs, this affluent neighborhood is known for its beautiful canyons and stunning beaches, its vibrant “downtown” center (The Village), and its proximity to Malibu and Santa Monica.
“The market is still strong for Pacific Palisades, and we anticipate a quick sale due to low inventory and high demand in the neighborhood,” Jaret added.
More stories
Inside MLB All-Star Mark Melancon’s $11M waterfront home in Florida
Boxer Sugar Ray Leonard’s house in Pacific Palisades is a modern-day palace
After a streak of savvy real estate investments, Arnold Schwarzenegger now lives in a Pacific Palisades mansion
Source: fancypantshomes.com
Apache is functioning normally
Neil Surgenor: I was a financial advisor in the late 1990s through early 2001, working for a top 10 investment firm. I was also a trader for the largest short-term trading company in the world at that time. I enjoyed Wall Street, but there was some volatility in the financial markets at the time, making … [Read more…]
Apache is functioning normally
If you love birds, you’re not alone. Birds bring us joy with their bright colors and sweet melodies—and our friends on Reddit seem to agree. In fact, a recent survey found that these 12 magnificent feathered friends consistently topped the list as the most lovable birds around! From stunning parrots to majestic eagles, let’s take a look at what made these birds some of our favorites!
1. Cardinals
One user said, “Have you guys ever stopped to look at a cardinal? They’re incredible. That pointed crest is adorable.”
Another user replied, “Just saw my first male. He was absolutely stunning.”
“I find both sexes to be mesmerizing. The female’s mottled plumage and blood-orange beak are so pretty. The males are definitely more eye-catching, though. I see them occasionally in the peach tree outside my window in early springtime. Always gets a smile out of me,” a third Redditor responded.
One commenter added, “Ever see a cardinal in the winter? The bright red stands out in a field of white snow. Truly beautiful.”
2. Pelicans
One of the Redditors added, “I enjoy a good pelican.”
Another user shared his story, “When I first got married, my Mom bought me this weird pelican statue as a wedding present. It’s way outside her norm for gift-giving, so I thought she was joking. Ever since then, my late husband and I would buy her something pelican related every year since she suddenly seemed to like them so much.”
“They look nearly prehistoric. I surf, and they skim the waves in formation, flowing around the lineup of people. Really crazy beings… if you’re able to let go of your familiarity with seeing them for a moment, they look like g-dd-mn dinosaurs,” one replied.
3. Penguins
One Redditor said simply, “Penguins.”
Another user replied, “You just instantly reminded me of this penguin named Lala I saw on YouTube recently. What a nice bird.”
“Penguins are my favorite all-time animal to the point where, upon seeing the favorite bird question, I simply skipped penguins because, in my mind, they don’t count as birds; they’re just penguins-my-favorite-animal. Anyways, seconded,” one user agreed.
4. Ravens
One Redditor commented, “Raven.”
Another user replied, “Seconded.”
“There’s a cute young raven that visits my alleyway sometimes. He took a Dorito from us once,” one commenter shared.
5. Chickadees
“Chickadee,” exclaimed one Redditor.
Another user added, “They have a lot more personality than many songbirds and are quite intelligent. Their warning call even says something about the type of danger. And they’ll stick around through winter while most of the other birds migrate. And I love how they grab one sunflower seed and fly off to a nearby tree to eat it, while other birds are more boring and just sit at the feeder shelling them.”
“Not only just grabbing a single seed, but they’ll take turns and even kinda line up, each one flying one spot closer as the bird at the head grabs a seed and flies off,” replied one user.
One user concluded, “I love chickadees! They are so small and round, and their call is super identifiable.”
6. Hummingbirds
One Redditor shared, “Hummingbirds.”
A second replied, “So cool. Like there is the only thing that has adapted to move in all dimensions in the blink of an eye, no other fish or land animal can move anywhere near as precise or quickly. They’re the second fastest animal of any kind next to a falcon, even if they can only go that fast for like 2-3 seconds, but then they can also just stop on a dime. From a movement standpoint, by far the coolest animal.”
One user also agreed, “They’re magical!”
7. Crows
“Personally, I love Crows. They’re underrated,” one user posted.
Another user also commented, “I’m not sure I would say they are underrated. They have huge followings and fans.”
One user also commented, “Compared to most other bird species, not really [underrated]. Long-tailed tit is underrated, as are hooded mergansers, pied-billed grebes, and Wilson’s phalaropes—amazing birds that aren’t likely to be known by the average non-birder. Crows are super rad, and I love them, but they are a pretty popular bird.”
8. Cedar Waxwings
Another bird enthusiast user commented, “Cedar waxwing.”
One user also shared a story about them, “We have a serviceberry tree in our yard, and every year when the berries ripen, the migrating cedar waxwings stop for a few days. They will clean the tree of berries. I absolutely love watching them from my kitchen window. Such beautiful birds!”
One user concluded, “So very dapper.”
9. Blue Jays
An ornithologist posted, “Ornithologist (bird scientist) here! I like Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata); their plumage is beautiful, they are intelligent songbirds (all of the Corvidae are smart birds), and they love peanuts! They are a bit loud but mimic other birds (sometimes mincing hawks to scare small birds away from feeders).”
Another user confirmed, “We have a bird feeder. The Blue Jays will mimic a hawk cry to scare off the other birds from the feeder before flying in.”
10. Ospreys
“Osprey. One dived into the water less than 20 feet away from me; very, very cool,” one user commented.
Another user shared, “There are wetlands near where I work, and at the moment, Ospreys are nesting. They predict the eggs will hatch in the next 3 weeks or so.”
One Redditor exclaimed, “Ospreys are one of my favorites too!”
11. Grackles
One user posted, “The grackle. The male is pretty in the sun, and they remind me of the zoo.”
Another user commented, “Oh, but have you been amidst a flock of grackles? They are LOUD.”
A third replied, “I like seeing the absolute hordes of them at dusk each night. In my area, you can usually find hundreds/thousands of bedding down for the night in some places (esp., grocery store parking lots with decent numbers of trees). It’s a nightly spectacle.”
12. Vultures
A Redditor shared, “I love vultures. Especially turkey vultures, since they’re common in my area. They are seen as ugly and gross because they eat dead things, but I find them to be really beautiful when I see them soaring in the sky because their wings can look iridescent black in the sunlight. They live in huge family groups, so when it’s breeding season, there are tons of them. And to top it off, they do a very important job in the environment by taking care of the dead carcasses.”
Another user exclaimed, “I was looking for this answer. Vultures do their part AND look cool doing it.”
One user also shared the same sentiments and commented, “Oh boy, I love buzzards. I find them imposing and beautiful. They don’t like to be stared at, and they will either fly off or make their wings into long fingers and shake them at you. They are so fantastic, soaring in circles in the sky; I always think, ‘I wish I could do that.’
Do you agree with all the birds listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
These are 10 Things That Completely Destroyed The Love in a Relationship
There’s no question that relationships can be confusing, but here are some of the top things to avoid if you want to keep your relationship healthy!
10 Actors and Actresses People Refuse to Watch Ever Again
We all have a favorite actor or actress, but most of us have a least-favorite as well. Check out this list of actors and actresses people never want to see performing again!
Top 10 Worst Human Inventions of All Time
Some inventions are world-changing, and some of them, well, they change the world in the wrong ways. Here are some of the worst inventions Redditors could think of.
10 Famous Celebrities Who Look Like They Smell Terrible
We’ve all had moments of hygiene faux pas—but these celebrities just look like they don’t take care of themselves at all.
10 Terrible Fads People Are Glad Died Out
Every fad has its time in the limelight, but some of them come and go faster than others; and some just need to die out right away. Check out this list of fads of which people were happy to see the last.
About the Author
Source: financequickfix.com
Apache is functioning normally
This is a guest-post from Tim Ellis, author of Seattle Bubble, a blog and forum dedicated to discussing real estate market conditions in the Seattle area.
“If you rent, you’re throwing away your money.”
“Owning your own home is a forced savings plan.”
“Home ownership is an excellent path to build wealth.”
You’ve probably heard statements like these plenty of times. On television, radio, the internet, and in casual conversation. Such sentiments are common in any discussion that involves home-buying and personal finances. It’s common knowledge that buying a home is a better financial move than renting. After all, you’re building equity instead of throwing away your money, right? Well, maybe not quite… Rather than assuming the “common knowledge” on this subject is accurate, let’s take a look for ourselves at some of the financial differences between renting and home-buying.
A Real-World Example
For the purpose of comparing renting to owning in this article, I’ll be using real-world data gathered from my area (northeast of Seattle). Although most first-time buyers tend to move from renting an apartment to buying a larger, stand-alone house, as much as I can I will compare apples to apples.
- For rent, I located a 3-bed, 2.5-bath, 1,840 sqft house with an attached 2-car garage, on 0.2 acres. Monthly price: $1,495.
- For purchase I found a 3-bed, 2.5-bath, 1,850 sqft house with an attached 2-car garage, on 0.22 acres. Price: $424,950.
The two homes are located within two miles of each other in similar neighborhoods, and neither is located on a busy road. We’ll assume that our hypothetical homebuyer is a married couple with $85,000 in the bank to make a 20% down payment. To calculate mortgage payments we will use a recent 30-year fixed interest rate of 6.25%.
Let’s look at how the monthly costs break down (approximately) for our hypothetical potential first-time homebuyer:
Renting | Buying | |
Rent/Mortgage: | $1,495 | $2,093 |
Insurance: | $20 | $163 |
Property Tax: | – | $407 |
Tax Savings*: | – | ($327) |
Maintenance: | – | $354 |
Total: | $1,515 | $2,690 |
*: (less standard deduction)
Right off the bat, you see that simply trading straight across from renting to owning results in a 78% more expensive monthly bill. That’s not exactly chump change. With even a slight upgrade from renting to buying (which most first-time buyers are prone to do), you can easily see how the total monthly costs would be more than double.
“If You Rent, You’re Throwing Away Your Money.”
Common knowledge says that despite today’s large premium, buying a home is a “good investment”. Hey, at least you’re not “throwing away” your money, right? True, the renter in our scenario spends $1,515 every month that they will never see again. I wouldn’t exactly say it has been “thrown away” any more than money spent on any other good or service is “thrown away,” but granted, there is zero financial return on that money.
However, when you take a look at the breakdown of the homebuyer’s monthly expenses, a large amount is money that will never return, either. Insurance, property tax (less tax savings), and maintenance, add up to $517 every month that is being “thrown away.” Even worse is the amount spent on mortgage interest. Consider how much of a mortgage payment is applied toward loan interest throughout the life of a 30-year fixed loan:
Years | % toward interest |
0-5 | ~80% |
6-10 | ~70% |
11-15 | ~60% |
16-20 | ~50% |
21-25 | ~35% |
26-30 | ~10% |
In the first five years, approximately 80% of the mortgage payment goes toward interest. That’s an additional $1,674, for a total of $2,191 being “thrown away” every single month by the homebuyer for the first five years. Ouch! In fact, not until the homebuyer has been paying down the mortgage for over 20 years will the amount they are “throwing away” be less than the renter.
“Owning Your Own Home is a Forced Savings Plan.”
As you can see above, if home buying is like a savings plan, it’s probably the worst savings plan on Earth. Would you voluntarily sign up for a savings plan where well over half of the money you deposit in the first 20 years simply vanishes, and from which you can only withdraw money by relocating and paying a 6-9% fee (not on the amount you have “saved” mind you, but on the total sale price of the home)? Of course not. That doesn’t sound anything like a savings plan.
If our potential homebuyer has that $85,000 saved up for a down payment and deposits it along with just half of the monthly savings over buying ($578 per month) into an account at 8% interest, the balance will be nearly $300,000 in just 10 years. That’s a liquid investment, that can be used for whatever you want, no relocation required. Buying a home is not a savings plan. Actually saving money every month is a savings plan.
“Home Ownership is an Excellent Path to Build Wealth.”
If your goal is to build wealth, you will be much better off investing your money in the stock market than buying a home. While both stocks and housing are cyclical markets, long-term historic trends show that housing appreciates at a rate barely above inflation, while stocks tend to return an inflation-adjusted 7-10%. In our hypothetical scenario, a renter who invested in the stock market with the $85,000 down payment plus the monthly difference between the $1,515 rent and the $2,690 home-buying costs would be over $500,000 better off after 30 years than the homebuyer, assuming 4% average appreciation.
An important thing to consider is that home prices in the United States are just now beginning to correct from an enormous unprecedented run-up in recent years. Despite what those in the business of selling real estate may insist, the correction in housing is still in the early stages. Four percent is most likely overly optimistic for most areas in the next 5-10 years. The only thing we know for sure is that double-digit gains are gone and won’t be coming back any time soon.
Also keep in mind — I mentioned it above but it bears repeating — in order to cash in on any “wealth” you build through your home you will need to sell that home and move. No, “extracting equity” does not count, since that simply results in a larger debt. Debt is not equal to Wealth.
Conclusion
For most people buying a home will result in their largest monthly bill (by far), and because they believe that it will bring them wealth or that they are “throwing away their money” if they rent, they often take on a much larger home debt than a prudent budget would allow. It is a real shame when people are driven to get into the housing market because of misplaced notions of imagined financial benefits. Of course, everyone’s circumstances are different, and for some (particularly those that live away from the coasts) the numbers may actually work out in favor of buying.
Don’t misunderstand me here. I am not saying that no one should buy a home, or that my example scenario is a golden standard of truth for all. Don’t take my word for it. Run the numbers for yourself, check out other articles (a small collection is listed below), and do what works for you. I highly recommend the great graphical calculator from The New York Times for comparing the financial aspects of renting and buying. Many people will consider all of the consequences — financial, emotional, etc. — and conclude that buying a home is the best decision. Just don’t trick yourself into thinking it’s a good financial decision if it’s not.
I myself intend to buy a house some day. However when that day comes, I will be buying a house because I want a nice, “permanent” place to live where I’m the boss, not because I think it will help me get me rich.
Additional Resources
Wall Street Journal: Your Home Isn’t the Nest Egg That You May Think It Is
New York Times: A Word of Advice During a Housing Slump: Rent
New York Times: Is it better to buy or rent? (graphical calculator)
The Motley Fool: The Worst Investment Ever
SmartMoney.com: Renting Makes More Financial Sense Than Homeownership
CNN Money: Stocks vs. Real Estate
Priced Out Forever: Renting vs. Purchasing
Source: getrichslowly.org
Apache is functioning normally
One of the most recognizable homes ever owned by billionaire movie mogul and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is back on the market.
The Hancock Park estate — set on South Muirfield Road, on the 8th green of Wilshire Country Club — served as the eccentric billionaire’s home at the height of his fame.
It was while living in his Hancock Park home that he produced his most well-known films (Hell’s Angels, Scarface), set a transcontinental airspeed record, and famously romanced Katharine Hepburn.
Now, the property that once served as Howard Hughes’ house is looking for new owners, and recently landed on the market with a $23 million price tag. F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass hold the listing.
A legendary estate with a storied history
Originally designed in 1926 by famed architect Roland E. Coate, the property initially belonged to socialite Eva K. Fudger.
When a young Howard Hughes moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a filmmaker, he first occupied a bungalow at the Ambassador Hotel with his wife, Ella. And while many thought his ambitions would be short-lived, by the time Hughes’ third movie — 1927’s Two Arabian Knights — was released to great critical acclaim, it became apparent that he was here to stay.
So Howard and Ella set out to find a more permanent residence, settling down in Fudger’s Muirfield Rd residence, first as renters, then outright buying the place from the socialite. And while their marriage was shortlived (Ella would soon move back to Texas, tired of Howard’s obsessions), Hughes spent a decade and a half in his hacienda-style home in Hancock Park.
Some of the visionary billionaire’s biggest achievements happened while he was still living in his Muirfield Road house. After winning Hollywood over with films like Hell’s Angels (1930), The Front Page (1931), and Scarface (1932), Hughes started devoting his full attention to flying, ultimately shattering the world record for circumnavigating the globe.
It was also while living here that he had his wirldwind romance with actress Katharine Hepburn. The two were even engaged to be married before their 18-month relationship came to an end.
Breathing new life into the century old residence
In 2011, current owners Ash Shah and his wife, Niroupa Shah, acquired the home for $6.3 million and completely transformed the 1926-built residence.
Ash, a former movie producer-turned-restaurateur (that helped co-found the Danny Trejo brands: Trejo’s Tacos, Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, Trejo’s Spirits, and Trejo’s Cerveza) and Niroupa gave the New York Times a tour of their famous abode a few years back, talking about the extensive changes they’d made to the estate.
Starting with what they called the outdated, chopped-up floor plan which they had to reconfigure — it still had old-fashioned servants’ quarters that were removed from the main living spaces — to adding a family room off the kitchen, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a pizza oven, and a sleek new swimming pool in the backyard, the Shahs reimagined the Roland E. Coate-designed home for modern living.
They also turned a pool room into a ’70s-style plywood rec room and redid Mr. Hughes’s former wood-paneled study in striking black lacquer. “We’re fun people,” Ms. Shah told the New York Times. “That sort of old Spanish dark woods didn’t go with us.”
Now, the couple is ready to part ways with their lovely family home and are looking for a buyer who can appreciate both its many attributes and its captivating history.
Howard Hughes’ house is now on the market for $23 million
Recently listed with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass, the former residence of visionary billionaire, movie mogul, and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is now on the market for $23 million.
Beyond its storied history, the 10,179-square-foot Hancock Park abode sits on a very private lot with stunning golf course views, and offers 8 bedrooms, 7 full baths, and 5 half baths.
Per the listing, every element of this home has been meticulously designed, showcasing thoughtful lighting, timeless finishes, and exquisite wall coverings.
The chef’s kitchen boasts polished brass countertops and a 24-foot kitchen island, opening to a welcoming family room adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
A beautiful cobblestone courtyard with an outdoor fireplace serves as the home’s striking centerpiece, providing a serene oasis for both relaxation and entertainment.
The expansive backyard is a true delight for hosting gatherings, featuring multiple lounge areas, a custom-built stone pizza oven and an inviting swimming pool.
Other noteworthy features include an intimate screening room, a 2,500-bottle temperature-controlled wine vault (which was actually Howard Hughes’ old vault), and an attached guest residence with a full kitchen and bath.
The property’s landscape design with lush greenery and far-reaching views of the Hollywood Hills and iconic Hollywood sign add to its elegance and allure.
And while any future owner would be lucky to call this place home, forgive us for hoping Leonardo DiCaprio (who famously played Hughes in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator) decides to add it to his vast real estate portfolio. It would be a match made in Hollywood heaven!
More stories
You can rent Walt Disney’s storybook house in Los Angeles – but it won’t be cheap
Exclusive: Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz’s carefully preserved studio hits the market for the first time in 47 years
Citizen Kane’s imposing Xanadu was based on this real-life castle (and you’ll find it in San Simeon, Calif.)
Source: fancypantshomes.com
Apache is functioning normally
Many seniors have misconceptions on the differences between Medicare and Medicaid eligibility benefits.
Throw in long term care insurance, and the water gets even more muddier. Even as a Certified Financial Planner, it’s tough trying to stay on top of all the issues concerning seniors.
To help clear some of the mental fog that comes along with these issues, I decided to bring in a subject matter expert to help out. Tiffanny Sievers, Attorney at Law and founder of SI Elder Law has been kind of enough to share her expertise on the differences between Medicare and Medicaid and how seniors can plan for their later years. Here’s what she had to say….
1. What steps can one make to prepare for dealing with elder issues?
In order to properly prepare for elder issues a individual first needs to have a good foundation of good planning documents. This means having a Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Health Care. These documents allow someone you pick to make property and health care decisions for you when you are unable to do so yourself. Second they need to be prepared for an untimely death. It is better to plan when you are healthy than when you are sick.
Of course, meet with an attorney and that attorney can help you decide what documents you will need to make sure that your wishes are carried out after your death, such as a last will and testament or trust. Third, meet with your financial advisor to determine what investments will give your beneficiaries the best tax benefits and make sure that you have enough Life Insurance to pay for your burial expenses.
Finally, you need to make sure that you have enough assets to avoid running out of money. Once you run out of money, you run out of options. One needs to meet with an elder law attorney, like myself, to make sure that your assets are properly placed to avoid running out of money if you need long term care either at home or in a nursing home.
2. How long will Medicare cover nursing home costs?
In a nursing home, Medicare will cover the first 20 days 100% and then the next 80 days at 80% if you continue to improve medically. After the first 100 days no matter how much improvement you make, Medicare will stop paying and you must either move out or find some other way to pay.
3. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Common misconceptions?
Almost everyone over the age of 65 is on Medicare and it doesn’t matter what your assets are. However, you must qualify for Medicaid, Medically and financially. Medicaid will only pay if you have limited assets. This means that after Medicare stops paying you have to spend down your assets until you are just about broke before you qualify for Medicaid.
4. How much does it cost to be in nursing home?
Nursing homes in Southern Illinois cost between $2200 and $5500 a month. In Chicago, one month is $7,500 and up. Assisted Living Ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 a month. Private caregivers in your home range between $3000 and $12,000 a month depending on how much care is needed.
5. What are the ways to pay for nursing home costs?
In my opinion, there are five ways to pay for nursing home costs:
1. Private Pay – with good old fashion cash.
2. Long Term Care Insurance – If you have bought “nursing home insurance” the policy will pay a certain amount of money per day for your stay in a nursing facility. You must have bought a policy before you needed nursing home care.
3. Veterans Benefits – The Veterans Administration offers a VA Pension benefits for Veterans or Widows of Veterans if you meet three criteria:
- 1. Served at least 90 days of active duty
- 2. One of those days was during a period of war
- 3. Were something other than dishonorably discharged from the military.
4. Medicare – as discussed above will only pay for part of the first 100 day stay in a Skilled Care Facility
5. Medicaid – Medicaid pays for your entire stay at a nursing home or supportive living facility. It does not pay for care at home.
Medicaid, unlike Veterans benefits, does not pay a cash benefit but only pays directly for services. In fact, you will never receive any cash from Medicaid. Medicaid has no limit, it will pay for any kind of care that you need. For example, Medicaid will pay for the removal of a splinter or for open heart surgery, no matter the cost.
In order to qualify for Medicaid there are asset and income limitations. If you are married, the community spouse cannot have more than $109, 560 plus a house in assets. If you are married, the community spouse will get to keep about $2700 a month of the couple’s combined income. Whatever income the couple has over the $2700 the nursing home will be awarded.
If you are single, you must have less than $2000 in assets and all of your income will go to the nursing home less $30 a month. What SI Elder Law does, is help protect assets so that you can be on Medicaid and not be completely broke. In most cases, SI Elder Law can save half of your assets once you are in a nursing home and you will receive Medicaid benefits. The sooner that you call SI Elder Law the more money that we can save.
6. What hope, if any, is there for those that didn’t plan?
With the current laws right now in Illinois, if you haven’t done any planning and are already in a nursing home, I can save half of your assets. The sooner you get to me the more money that I can protect. For some of my clients, I am able to protect everything.
7. Anything else?
Remember, that any transfer of assets, if not done the correct way can give you a big penalty period and that might have been avoidable. It is best to talk with an Elder Law attorney before moving any assets so that you get the shortest penalty period possible or avoid a penalty period at all.
If anyone is already facing the possibility of nursing home care, I offer a free consultation in my office to see if there is anything that I can do to help.
Source: goodfinancialcents.com