Here’s
a depressing comparison of California taxes and economic climate with the rest
of the states. The news is breaking
bad, and getting worse, so I keep updating this
article.
INCOME TAX: California has the 3rd worst state income
tax in the nation. 9.55% tax
bracket at $46,349. 10.55% at
$1,000,000
Richard Rider Rant
Richard Rider Rant
Many folks look back fondly on FDR’s efforts to pull us out of the Great Depression. Killjoys point out that FDR’s deeply flawed policies didn’t work – we had the longest, most sustained depression since perhaps the Renaissance.
At least some solace is taken from the widespread assumption that WWII finally bailed us out. Perhaps some see today’s overseas adventures as serving a similar purpose in this economic tailspin.
But we don't need no new stinkin' wars to "stimulate" the economy. I have a FAR better plan.
Richard Rider Rant
This recession is bad, but for men, it is REALLY bad. According to US NEWS & WORLD REPORTS (May, 2009), "Men account for nearly 80% of the jobs lost since February 2008."
There are higher job losses in manufacturing and construction, where far more men than women are employed. This recession is the opposite of what has been seen in past recessions, where women have often lost more jobs than men.
Richard Rider Rant
Back in June of last year, I calculated the value of saving gas by driving slower. See http://www.advisor.com/boomer/blogs/richard-rider/putting-actual-dollar-...
We should look at the bottom line numbers again, since gas is now about 1/3 what it was then.
Assuming gas is $4.50 a gallon, if I drive 65 MPH instead of 75 MPH, the extra time driving translates to a fuel cost savings of $9.87 for each extra hour behind the wheel. Better than minimum wage, and tax free. But not a big savings.
Today's workers are stressed out about making ends meet, paying more at the pump and grocery store, and dealing with work issues. So, when it comes to downtme, how would they spend a dream day off? For many, spending time with lifestyle gurus and sports stars topped the list. But, the reality is very different.
Richard Rider Rant
The California unemployment figures for May 2008 constitute some misleading good news. We moved from the third worst state in April to the fifth worst state in May.
The bad news is that California's improvement is due to the fact that a handful of other states' unemployment rates are rising even faster. Michigan -– which used to build cars -– is in the toilet with an 8.5% unemployment rate.
Feel any better?
Richard Rider Rant
The recession is upon us.
While still not official, most agree that we are in an economic downturn. Unemployment is rising, housing prices are plummeting and energy costs are soaring. As a result, in this election year, the federal government is offering tax rebates (admittedly ill-advised) to lessen the pain.
But in California, politicians think there are only two times to raise taxes -- good times and bad times. Oddly enough, this is one of those times.
For Boomers who prefer to do things their own way, the entrepreneurial road is full of ups and downs. Boomers have advantages in savings, business experience, wisdom, and connections made over the years. But, launching a business is always risky, and Boomers have a lot to lose.
Richard Rider Rant
- CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
- Even people who have nothing to do with the Obama administration aren't paying their taxes.
- Hotwheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.
- Obama met with small businesses to discuss the Stimulus Package: GE, Pfizer and Citigroup.
- McDonalds is selling the 1/4-ouncer.
- Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
- A truckload of Americans got caught sneaking into Mexico.
An old joke is, "What kind of work are you out of?" Except maybe now it's not a joke. Another old line is, "What are you going to be when you grow up?" But I think, if you have the right attitude, that's still a good question.
One day soon (if it hasn't happened already) you'll wake up with a new goal: Find another way to have fun and make money.
The Un-Comfort Zone
What motivates you? That's the question I'd like to ask in this inaugural blog entry on motivation. Are you motivated by fame, fortune, or fear? Or is it something deeper that fans the flames inside of you?
Perhaps you are like Jeanne Louise Calment whose burning desire let her do something that no other human being has done before -- feat so spectacular that it generated headlines around the globe, got her a role in a motion picture, and landed her in the Guinness Book of World Records -- a record that has yet to be beaten.
"How can there possibly so many different makes and models and designs and options in the RV marketplace?" In search of a vehicle that could be both a capable mobile office and a nice place to live on the road, the choices seemed overwhelming. But over time, I learned why there's so much variety, and what makes the most difference. While your needs and considerations might be different, here's some of what I learned in picking out the ideal RV for me.
In 2007, leading-edge Boomers turned 62 and reached potential retirement age. By the end of 2008, 17 percent of the Boomers holding executive, administrative, and managerial occupations in the private sector are expected to have left. Where will this brain drain leave U.S. companies?
Q: I've been with the same company for the last 9 years, and I've recently realized I'm ready for a change. The problem is that I'm 56 years old, and intimidated by the prospect of looking for a new job.
Is the Baby Boom generation really that different? In many respects, the answer is no, but there are important ways the 78 million people born from the end of World War II to 1964 are distinguishable from all previous generations. The distinctiveness is not just in the numbers, but also in values, life choices, and longevity.
The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.


What's YOUR Boomer Story?