First paycheck of 2013. $50 less.

[Ugg]

Originally Posted by SactoGuy18

If you're talking Social Security and Medicare, here's the problem: the Baby Boomer generation will soon be passing through retirement age. And that's going to put gigantic financial pressure on both social services I mentioned.

You of all people should know that Social Security doesn't have that big of an impact. It is mostly funded. However, you are correct in stating that Medicare is going to have a gigantic impact. People are living longer and keeping us alive is more and more expensive. Without some kind of revolution in health care, the elderly in this country are going to bankrupt it.

[TPadden]

Originally Posted by Ugg

You of all people should know that Social Security doesn't have that big of an impact. It is mostly funded. However, you are correct in stating that Medicare is going to have a gigantic impact. People are living longer and keeping us alive is more and more expensive. Without some kind of revolution in health care, the elderly in this country are going to bankrupt it.

Social Security has a HUGE impact even if you accept that it is mostly funded. % of GDP is greater than Defense or Welfare in 2013.

Correction I was looking at total fed, state, and local governmental pensions. Social Security is only about 5% of GDP, not so huge ......

[tshrimp]

I think this increase has affected us all. Some organizations that my family has donated to in the past have called us already this year, and it was sad to have to tell them that we couldn't help out this year.

From what I understand more tax increases are on the way. I feel for these organizations that survive on donations, as well as feel for the people that are helped by them.

[Ugg]

Originally Posted by tshrimp

I think this increase has affected us all. Some organizations that my family has donated to in the past have called us already this year, and it was sad to have to tell them that we couldn't help out this year.

From what I understand more tax increases are on the way. I feel for these organizations that survive on donations, as well as feel for the people that are helped by them.

What increase at you talking about? Did you donate the extra in 2012 that the govt dd not withhold? If not, I sense crocodile tears...

[tshrimp]

Originally Posted by Ugg

What increase at you talking about? Did you donate the extra in 2012 that the govt dd not withhold? If not, I sense crocodile tears...

You can do a search for upcoming tax increases as there are many sites on this topic. And don't care if you believe me or not.

[rdowns]

Originally Posted by tshrimp

I think this increase has affected us all. Some organizations that my family has donated to in the past have called us already this year, and it was sad to have to tell them that we couldn't help out this year.

From what I understand more tax increases are on the way. I feel for these organizations that survive on donations, as well as feel for the people that are helped by them.

I guess you didn't support these organizations prior to Obama lowering your SS tax rate by 2% when he enacted the stimulus in 2009.

[GermanyChris]

Originally Posted by tshrimp

I think this increase has affected us all. Some organizations that my family has donated to in the past have called us already this year, and it was sad to have to tell them that we couldn't help out this year.

From what I understand more tax increases are on the way. I feel for these organizations that survive on donations, as well as feel for the people that are helped by them.

But not enough to actually help so you'll stick to just feeling...

I'll bet your religious too.

[TPadden]

Originally Posted by GermanyChris

But not enough to actually help so you'll stick to just feeling...

I'll bet your religious too.

Since a good portion of my tax money now goes to charity I see private charities as redundant no matter how more efficient. So whether it actually helps or not is no longer up to me.

I wouldn't voluntarily give more blood once the government decides I must either .......

...... I do still give to the Salvation Army even though I am forced to pay for Defense spending (before you make a bet- it's religious and I'm not).

[rdowns]

Originally Posted by TPadden

Since a good portion of my tax money now goes to charity I see private charities as redundant no matter how more efficient. So whether it actually helps or not is no longer up to me.

I wouldn't voluntarily give more blood once the government decides I must either ........

So let me see if I follow you. You got a temporary tax reduction of 2% on your SS tax in 2009 and gave money to charity. It was extended another year in which you gave to charities. Now the temporary tax reduction expires and you can no longer give to charity and now find them to be redundant. That about right?

[GermanyChris]

Originally Posted by rdowns

So let me see if I follow you. You got a temporary tax reduction of 2% on your SS tax in 2009 and gave money to charity. It was extended another year in which you gave to charities. Now the temporary tax reduction expires and you can no longer give to charity and now find them to be redundant. That about right?

Correct he's speaking out of his 4th point of contact.

[GermanyChris]

Originally Posted by TPadden

Since a good portion of my tax money now goes to charity I see private charities as redundant no matter how more efficient. So whether it actually helps or not is no longer up to me.

I wouldn't voluntarily give more blood once the government decides I must either .......

...... I do still give to the Salvation Army even though I am forced to pay for Defense spending (before you make a bet- it's religious and I'm not).

The first has nothing to do with the second

[TPadden]

Originally Posted by rdowns

So let me see if I follow you. You got a temporary tax reduction of 2% on your SS tax in 2009 and gave money to charity. It was extended another year in which you gave to charities. Now the temporary tax reduction expires and you can no longer give to charity and now find them to be redundant. That about right?

Nope, couldn't be more wrong.

I quit giving to charities other that SA, about 4 years ago . I never mentioned deductions or tax reduction. I more or less tied it to food stamps.

----------

Originally Posted by GermanyChris

The first has nothing to do with the second

Sure it does if you consider give-away programs funded by taxes a charity (as they are).

----------

Originally Posted by GermanyChris

The first has nothing to do with the second

Nevermind ..... you missed the intended pun on Salvation Army and Defense spending and I missed that fact !