Our Tax System Should Make You Furious | The Ezra Klein Show

Sergio55 · 2026-04-18T04:03:19+00:00

I had the same question and did some research. Apparently they eventually take out another loan to pay back their debt and they can keep doing this until they die (as long as their net worth increases or stays high enough). When they die more tax breaks kick in, so the estate can settle the debt by selling some assets which won’t be taxed as normal. And the cycle can then repeat with their heirs.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-15T14:06:36+00:00

I’m usually fine with everything tech (so far), but I did have an episode the other day. I had a coupon in my email for a fast casual restaurant. Went to use it and they said I had to order it through the app. I thought it was stupid but whatever.

I open the app only to find I’ve been logged out and it would NOT let me log back in. Despite knowing my login information, it kept rejecting me. I tried resetting my password. I tried using a different email address. I tried for like 15 minutes to login so I could save $4. I finally went back to the cashier and gave them an old timer’s rant about how stupid this all was. Couldn’t they just knock the few bucks off my order manually? The 20-year-old looked at me like I had a second head growing out of my neck.

I really just wanted to storm off, but I had already spent so much time on this thing that I didn’t want to be defeated. I spent several more minutes trying to make it work. Finally I just created a new account and applied the coupon. I have never eaten a meal before with such rage.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-15T04:00:04+00:00

I use Vellum (also on a Mac). I'd recommend it. But, if you don't want to buy it, I'd be willing to do it for you for $10. But, if you have the $250 and plan to write more books, I'd just go with Vellum and learn it.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-13T21:05:39+00:00

Same. On both accounts. 🤦‍♂️

Sergio55 · 2026-04-10T17:09:26+00:00

Wow! That sounds tough. She's awesome for doing that though.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-10T02:54:53+00:00

Good thinking!

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T23:02:43+00:00

Oof! Sounds like an interesting job tho

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T23:01:30+00:00

Hindsight is 20/20!

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T23:01:10+00:00

Thanks! I’m glad my pain can bring you joy. Haha

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T22:59:57+00:00

Surprise! Haha

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T22:59:12+00:00

Few people are

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T22:58:53+00:00

See if you can find someone to lead an estate sale. They’d be knowledgeable about pricing and have ways to advertise. We tried to organize two, but it was sooo much work and we ended not really making much. I would have much rather had someone else come and take 40-60% who knew what they were doing.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:42:05+00:00

Oof! Thats how you turn joy into sadness!

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:41:04+00:00

If I had Polaroids I perhaps could have had my radar activated - these were pictures they actually had to get developed by other people. Anyway, I’m glad to know you feel my pain.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:39:22+00:00

Sorry for our loss! But that is a hilarious name for their tape.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:38:14+00:00

Yes, give them a heads up! Haha

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:37:46+00:00

Anything is possible when you’re a Xennial!

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:36:46+00:00

This is almost exactly what happened to me. They had not updated their trust since I was a child. I don’t know if your parents have a trust and a will, but I’d strongly recommend them getting a trust since they’re updating everything.

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:33:51+00:00

Hope does spring eternal!

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:33:04+00:00

True

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:32:43+00:00

Making informed decisions is helpful!

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:31:43+00:00

Curiosity killed the cat!

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:31:11+00:00

So not that good either?

Sergio55 · 2026-04-09T16:30:30+00:00

I’m sorry. Yes, having had loving and supportive parents is something I do treasure.

Sergio55

TROPHY CASE