Author Archives: Russ

Raising Taxes Can be Hazardous to Being Mayor

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Russ

The City of Miami has had financial difficulties, and faced a large budget deficit. The economy in South Florida isn’t doing well, so raising taxes would be a last resort, right? Of course not–it’s the first choice. Mayor Carlos Alvarez … Continue reading →

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No Tranquility Here

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Russ

On a rainy night here in Irvine (but a happy night for Chicago Bears fans) I’m quite tranquil. However, somehow I missed a news story last week which is anything but tranquil. John Gauruder of Trementon, Utah was a chiropractor. … Continue reading →

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Quellos Figure Gives Lecture; It Was a “House of Cards”

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Russ

There’s a rule that I’ve stated over and over in this blog: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you hear of an investment that pays 30% when the typical investment is paying 3%, there’s … Continue reading →

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Nominations Due for 2010 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Russ

It’s time once more for nominations for the Tax Offender of the Year. To be considered for the Tax Offender of the Year award, the individual must do more than cheat on his or her taxes. It has to be … Continue reading →

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Tax Bill Passes: What This Means for You

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Russ

After huffing and puffing and bloviating some more, Congress passed the compromise measure extending the Bush Tax Cuts for two years. It will be signed by President Obama in the next few days. Here’s what’s in and out and what … Continue reading →

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Just What You Need for the Holidays: The Wesley Snipes Jail Breaker App

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Russ

The world of cellphones has changed markedly over the past 20 years. I remember my first cellphone: It was a carphone, and it must have weighed 15 pounds. The service on it wasn’t that great, but it was a necessary … Continue reading →

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What Next for California?

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Russ

Jerry Brown will soon (again) be California’s governor. When he became governor in the 1970s, California was in excellent financial shape. When Jerry Brown becomes governor again on January 3rd, California will face something like a $25 to $30 billion … Continue reading →

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Will They or Won’t They?

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Russ

I’m in Las Vegas (I have an audit here tomorrow morning), and it’s definitely a good locale given the fight over the Obama/GOP compromise on the Bush Tax Cuts. The 111th Congress has but a couple of weeks left, but … Continue reading →

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Compromise Reached on Taxes; Will It Pass Congress?

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Russ

Senate negotiators and President Obama reached an agreement on temporarily extending the Bush Tax Cuts for two years. Included with this will be two years of a $5 million estate tax exclusion with estates over this amount taxed at 35%. … Continue reading →

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Bush Tax Cuts Likely Will be Temporarily Extended

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Russ

It appears that there will be a temporary extension of the Bush Tax Cuts for two years. At least, that’s the direction Congress is moving in from news reports. While the House passed a motion to only approve an extension … Continue reading →

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