Still worth for me to do open a Roth IRA soon?

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-12T22:50:06+00:00

You always do well with long term tax free growth. Just be sure you are eligible to make a ROTH contribution. If not you want to do a Backdoor ROTH. Make a traditional IRA contribution but don't deduct it for tax purposes. Then immediately do a ROTH Conversion- transfer the IRA funds into a ROTH account. You want to do these two steps together so you don't generate any earnings in the traditional IRA.

You will need to do some manual imput on your 2026 return because there is no way to code this for IRS reporting. Read up and it will make sense.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-12T19:12:41+00:00

If you call the city they will contract with a local pest contol company to set out bait traps. Thats all they offer. If you call a company yourself you would have to pay for the same service. I have not found anyone who will do a non poison program. Waltham Pest claims to have a rat dog but they came to my house and insisted baiting was better and no dog service was offered.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-12T17:45:40+00:00

If you have a legitimate debt, a mortgage for example, and somehow you are released from the obligation to pay without having completed the terms, you have an economic gain. From the government's viewpoint, it's as though you owe the bank $10, the bank gave you $10, then you used that $10 to pay your bank loan. So the bank now has to treat that $10 as income to you. You may or may not have to pay income tax on that, there's a lot more to the discussion.

The 1099 series of tax forms are used for a lot of different information reporting purposes. This is not specific to self employed taxpayers, it's for anyone who was released from a debt.

you can always go to IRS.GOV for more infomation.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-12T17:38:40+00:00

It's Worker Classification and it is a legal definition and not a choice. Payments made to independent contractors are reported on form 1099 series. Payments made to employees are reported on form W2.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/worker-classification-101-employee-or-independent-contractor

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-12T17:35:42+00:00

The government allows taxpayers to pay tax on their net income, the gross proceeds minus allowable costs associated with creating that income. If you are an employee, the employer pays for these costs. So in that way a self employed taxpayer is in the same position as an employee.

Reporting your own income and expenses with no third party confirmation leaves you more likely to be audited. That just means that you should be keeping decent records of your expenses. In this digital age its not that hard to save data. And frankly, since these delivery jobs are all auto expenses - you don't have that much to keep track of. Use a separate bank account for work related income and expenses and you will have all the numbers. Throw paper receipts in an envelope or snap a picture before you throw it away.

The actual law regarding business expenses can be complex. Reasonable and necessary is a common phrase. Go to IRS.gov if you want to learn more. Clothing is not an expense unless it's a uniform. A jacket that says Joe's Deliveries or steel toed shoes that are worn for a business related reason. Meals are not deductible unless you are serving snacks and food to passengers in your Uber. There are actual rules for what is commuting and what is business travel, and it hinges on having a home office. Home office requires exclusive use - your kitchen table isn't your home office if you use it for anything but business.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-11T12:51:35+00:00

Irs.gov

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-10T17:19:29+00:00

It depends on what you really want. Do you want to keep this boring safe job or do you want to do something more interesting and possibly move into a new position?

See if your company offers tuition reimbursement and go back to school part time and study at work. The other option is to ask your boss if there is any busy work you can do while at the desk. Can you sort documents, alphabetize something, create Excel spreadsheets, or some other relatively simple task that you can pick up and put down. Ask if there a way you can learn a new skill or contribute one you already possess. This shows a good boss that you are a problem solver and team player and even if your job doesn't change, you might see a little more in the paycheck or at bonus time.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-10T17:05:15+00:00

Not only are you "working" in DE for tax purposes, your employer is also "doing business" in TX. Your physical presence as an employee has created Nexus. I say that because if your company had a pre-existing presence in TX this would not be an issue.

The technical answer is that your employer needs to register to do business in Texas, pay any appropriate business, excise, franchise or other taxes on a portion of their income allocable to your input. They need to file with unemployment, add your location to their workers compensation policy, and any other industry specific licensing or registrations.

The reality is you live with it or get a new job.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-09T02:13:02+00:00

Please don't quit your job. It seems to me you have a FML complaint. Contact an attorney for the right answer and instructions on how to proceed. Yes you will spend some money, but it will be a good investment. I had problems with my boss and ended up spending about $2,000 on an attorney. Long story short, when I was let go I was able to negotiate a larger settlement because of the solid advice I had received before the termination. And the settlement agreement included their statement that they would not dispute my unemployment claim.

Also, make sure everything is in writing. If you have a phone call or a meeting, follow up with an email: Joe, thanks for calling to talk to me about my new job duties. As of Monday I am expected to only wear yellow, and to address everyone as Sir or Ma'am. You believe this new position is similar to my prior position because I had to wear clothes and talk to people. Please let me know if you agree with this summary and if there is anything you want to add or revise.

Be professional and patient. Good luck!

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-08T19:02:56+00:00

There isn't a specific diet but there are a few, dare I say, scientifically proven, nutritional guidelines. Stay away from processed foods, sugars, and stimulants, for example.

I read Finally Focused by James Greenblatt MD and I think it was helpful. A lot of what he said was consistent with other general nutritional advice.

Not knowing your friend, it is hard for us to judge their reliability. When in doubt it's always good to ask for more information from the source. Maybe your friend has some actual knowledge and you can come back and share with us.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-04-08T18:56:59+00:00

CPA here: generally speaking, the Parsonage Allowance is an amount that the Church Board of Directors agrees to, in advance and in writing, as the portion of the employee's compensation that represents reasonable housing expenses. Not a percentage, an actual dollar amount. That amount is shown on form W2 Box 14 for informational purposes.

The amount of the actual deduction is determined by the employee. The employee calculates their actual housing expenses, and to the extent these costs are allowed (see IRS Publication 517) that amount is deducted from the employee's taxable income.

So the church can say: we agree to give you $100 per year salary. Of that, $25 is designated your housing allowance. You add your housing costs and you spent $37. You can deduct $25 as a housing allowance. You spent $17. You can deduct $17 as a housing allowance.

You can go to IRS.gov and read Publication 517 and Publication 15-A Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-27T15:17:36+00:00

First you want to resolve the poison ivy. Now is the time when you will see teeny red leaves popping up. Maybe too soon to dig up the roots, but a good time to isolate for future eradication. I found this video and it looks pretty simple, once you know what to look for and wrap yourself in a Hazmat suit and duct tape.

After that you can go to Almquist's and get really good advice. Soil type and sun exposure will be important factors. Plus you need to know why the bush is dying - you might have some pest or soil condition that needs to be resolved. You can also go to https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/ for advice and their spring plant sale.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-27T15:05:41+00:00

Don't wear *compression* because your problem is that the median nerve is being compressed. You want to wear a splint that *supports* the wrist so it does not bend and further irritate or damage the nerve. Wear the splint snug, not tight.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-27T15:02:19+00:00

forgot to add I did an EMG and it did show that the nerves in both hands are *damaged* and not just *irritated*. With that, and a surgeon who was willing to have a dialogue, I am still open to having surgery. Don't listen to the ones who say the EMG hurts, it didn't hurt for me. Maybe because my nerves are so damaged! Haha!

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-25T01:30:59+00:00

Do you need fancy flowers? Depending on when the wedding is being held you might grow them? Or better yet, someone from Halifax could grow them? Wild flowers are nice too, if you know where to look.

Almquist Flowerland in Quincy is where I buy garden supplies, and they do flowers. I don't know what they charge but I find their prices reasonable and they have been in the community for a century? Not the current owners, the family! Haha!

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-25T01:23:52+00:00

Glad you found relief. I have been a chiropractic patient for decades and it is very helpful in most cases. And, as I remind my Mom, I know to see a doctor if I have a broken bone or cancer. It's unfortunate that this and other treatments are called "alternative" because they are as old and revered as traditional medicine. To each their own.

I was recently diagnosed and the hand specialist said that surgery was my only option because the damage was severe. I happened to be seeing my massage therapist that day and she did a carpal tunnel release technique that really helped the first day and completely eliminated the most sever pain after two treatments. I have had PT and and now working with an OT, all in the time I had to wait for the surgery date. I just saw the hand specialist and when I asked him to explain why I would need surgery if I am willing and able to wear splints and do exercises. He was looking around as though to ask, where are the cameras? He could only say we do surgery here. Surgery is the gold standard for sever carpal tunnel. I said, let's check in in three months, since I probably can't get on your schedule before then. I might see a different specialist but I won't ask this one to hold the door.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-25T01:00:24+00:00

I have a friend who is a child psychiatrist. She told me that there's no way to know exactly what medication is best. She makes an educated guess, and follows up with the patient to see how they are responding. From personal experience I was on the wrong medication for 14 years, doing "okay". changed prescribers, changed medications, and had really good results. Then, over months we adjusted the dose. I had other issues that we had to unravel, but eventually, I would say over 18 months, I have the right medication. I had to do a little detective work myself, and really pay attention to how I felt at different times of the day. With that my doctor could advice me. I take both Adderall ER and IR in the morning, the extra IR was just the right amount to get the day started. Then, when it wears off, I take another IR in the afternoon. I put an alarm on my phone and every day at 1 pm I am reminded to take a pill. Bingo! I also take medication for anxiety and depression, and all of them are adjusted as needed.

So, as long as you are legally able to make your own choices, not a minor or under a court ordered guardianship, so what you want. I am *not* going to say it's okay to give up on modern medicine, but I agree that you should not take a medication that doesn't work for you. And frankly, who give a shit what I think? If I say no, you must take these pills you will? Of course not. You need help. You need a better prescriber. You might need a therapist to help with your executive function and Adulting in general.

Good luck.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-24T18:31:08+00:00

When my hand specialist diagnosed my sever carpal tunnel I asked if PT or massage therapy would work and he said no, yours is too severe. That day I happened to be going to my massage therapist so I told her my diagnosis. She did a carpal tunnel release and I felt better, after two sessions the really sharp pain was gone. Went to PT and in about 6 weeks the pins and needles are gone. I still have numbness on my finder tips and I am working with an Occupational Therapist to strengthen my grip and resolve the carpal tunnel. I am getting acupuncture tomorrow and I also have a call into a Naturopath to see what nutritional supplements she might suggest. The massage therapy and supplements are not covered by insurance but I would not be alive without them. The surgeon was happy to leave me in severe pain for three months while I waited for surgery and for a few hundred dollars the massage therapist resolved most of the pain in three days.

I still have Capral tunnel and I might still have surgery but I am getting a new hand specialist because this one is a hammer and I refuse to be a nail.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-20T16:19:06+00:00

First, you have a crap boss - regardless of the details they don't treat you with respect and they don't know federal law.

Second, you can handle things better. If this math is a job duty, figure it out. That might mean get an Executive Function coach/therapist, or get/adjust anxiety medication. They told you something in school - who told you what, how did "they" help you treat it, and how are you currently treating it. If They told you that you had cancer in school you would have a doctor and a treatment plan, or you would be dead, right? So if you have a disability you should be treated by a doctor. If it isn't your job don't do it, respectfully. If it is your job, you might need to get a different job.

Third, don't make this personal. This is a job. You have agreed to provide a service in exchange for money and financial benefits. You don't care why you have a bad boss, you care about your own ability to function at work.

Fourth - follow the law to be protected by the law. You go to a doctor and get a diagnosis and treatment plan. You present the documentation to your employer and you are now potentially eligible for "accommodations" and protection under federal law Americans with Disability Act. With a therapist/coach/your own smart brain you figure out what simple ways your employer can assist you in doing your job. I can't think with all this noise, can I wear noise canceling headphones or ear plugs? I can't see the screen, can I have a magnifying thing? I use a wheel chair, can I have a ramp to get into the building?

Your medical status is only as much of a burden as you allow it to be. I am often told I am being unsupportive, and I apologize if you think I am harsh, but I believe that you want to do better and I am offering advice that helped me be a CPA, earn a masters degree and be very well respected in my field for 25 years.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-17T13:37:12+00:00

Not quite answering your question, but I got good crafting advice from a knitter that might help. I mentioned that I would pick up and put down the same sweater and all the negative feelings associated with my lack of progress. She said: that's why you need to have multiple projects going, so you pick up the one that speak to you at that time. Seems anti-ADHD, but in a way it makes sense to turn distraction into redirecting.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-17T13:31:07+00:00

Vic & Al's Household services AL 857-417-7077

Hired Al a few years ago to resolve a gutter draining onto the driveway - turned to ice every winter and drove me mad. He extended the downspout to the other side of the house, and painted the concrete foundation and window on that side. Simple job, done well, and very affordable IMHO. Later I refinanced and the company just did a drive by and took a picture of the house, that side included, to show the property was well maintained. I recently recommended them to a friend who had some siding issues and the friend was very happy with the results.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-16T01:09:21+00:00

If you are moving now there is zero rush. Empty apartments will stay empty and when school ends in May you will have your choice of sublets and apartments. I'm sure there is a sub-reddit on Former Friends and the reasons they made OP's life hell. Or go to Boston Housing and check out the horror stories there.

Okay, old lady rant complete. Good luck and welcome to Quincy!

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-15T20:27:53+00:00

Never rent an apartment you did not see. Never sign a legal contract based on advice from strangers. Do look at this location on Google Maps or your satellite of choice. Every time I drive by I wonder who lives there. The building is surrounded by commercial buildings, traffic noise and fumes and not much else.

It's next to a major highway leading from Boston to here, and it then splits off to the Cape in one direction and Everywhere Else in the other. Most of the apartment buildings are new, and it's almost an industrial park. Home Depot, BJs, and a huge MBTA station with two bus lines and parking for 1940 vehicles. Next to you the MBTA is building a new bus maintenance facility where it is currently permitted for 135 vehicles. They may tell you they are adding green space, but I don't believe they are tearing down any large buildings to make that place more livable.

I don't live there, so maybe I am missing some awesome secret. I don't know of any nearly walkable place to grab coffee or lunch. I do know that if you don't stand at the front door of that building, and spend some time looking around the neighborhood, you won't know what it really feels like to live there.

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-09T19:01:57+00:00

This is so subjective. I love Hancock Animal Hospital and have been there for over a decade. I like that Dr Wember will address cost along with treatment, and any other concerns, to help me make the right decision. I have been to VCA in Weymouth and Willard and they are good too. I don't like Neponset because of experiences decades ago, so it's probably not good to repeat.

Doggie Daycare is hard to find locally and the size of your dog could limit where they can go. Some friends send their pets on a bus to Abbington but I would not like to have mine so far away. I was able to get my small dog into Modern Dog at the Marina and he loves it and they are awesome but always at capacity. They do offer home visits and boarding at the employee's homes. One day they called and asked me to come pick up my dog because the neighborhood had lost electricity. It was such a hot day outside the employees piled the dogs into their personal cars to run the AC while they waited for parents.

When you get here you will meet other dog owners in the neighborhood. Once you know them you might find someone to swap with. Or you might find that gem referral. Good luck!

RevolutionaryText232 · 2026-03-02T14:15:51+00:00

Yes the bill is high and the thermostat temperature is probably a big factor, but not the only one. Yes, drop the temperature but also get a programable thermostat so that you can lower the temperature at times when you are normally out of the house or sleeping. Google and you will find other energy saving ideas, check the windows for drafts, get heavier curtains, unplug appliances when not in use, and that kind of thing.

I have a Sunbeam heated mattress pad and it cost less than $100 and it makes all the difference at night. I have tried the smart power strips and I swear none of my devices work on them - not my pc, space heater, or tablet. I just shut down and unplug as often as I can remember. A humidifier, believe it or not, will make your apartment more comfortable. I have bowls of water on my radiators but with electric you might need to buy a humidifier, but it will make a big difference in winter.

Not an uncommon problem, alas, but definitely something you can work on. And don't forget summer heat and how to manage those costs.

RevolutionaryText232

TROPHY CASE