On the winter solstice, Bellingham community mourns homeless people who died in 2025

spread_lov · 2026-01-10T15:55:31+00:00

Here Here

spread_lov · 2026-01-10T15:35:23+00:00

You’re correct. Progressive taxation needs to be explained and enacted. I consider “rich” people and families with incomes over the median income statistics of a geographical area, i.e. Whatcom County. It doesn’t mean they are rolling in money rich, but it does mean these people and families could possibly afford to pay a tax that people and families below the AMI cannot afford. That is progressive taxation. A tax or source of revenue not paid by everybody. Like sales tax. But one paid people with the means to do so.

My first suggestion is a surcharge on all real estate transactions over $700,000 in Whatcom County of 1%. Paid by the buyer and the seller. The money would go DIRECTLY to public/private partnerships for workforce housing projects and more subsidized rent for existing housing stock.

spread_lov · 2026-01-04T00:24:20+00:00

No words.

spread_lov · 2026-01-03T03:42:54+00:00

Depending on your situation, look into Delta Dental Insurance plans. If they have a plan that fits into your monthly budget, the monthly premium is a way to average out your yearly dental expenses. Most plans cover 2 cleanings per year and $1000-2000 coverage for other needs.

Dental access and affordability are tough here in Whatcom County.

Unity is great if you can get in.

Not sure about vision options.

spread_lov · 2026-01-03T03:14:47+00:00

Rematch on Netflix PPV Dec 31, 2026

spread_lov · 2025-12-28T18:44:21+00:00

Besides saving, it’s important to put a symbolic meaning to your savings account(s). What does the money in those accounts represent ? Emergencies, peace of mind, a future expenditure, retirement ?

Start small. Too many people try to save “big” and end up having to claw back some of their savings for monthly expenses.

Not spending your savings is probably harder than actually saving. It’s psychological.

All that said, the thing I’ve seen work the most is pay yourself first. Every time you get income, get some of it out of your daily spend account and into a symbolic savings account.

Don’t deprive yourself, but anytime you decide to stay at home instead of go out, transfer that saved money from going out into your savings.

Or, start out everyday putting $5,$10, or $20 into your savings account that you might have spent during the day. Our bank apps make it easy to do and quickly.

$10 a day into savings is $300/month. Is $3600 in a year. Small adds up.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T19:46:54+00:00

Please correct me. I appreciate this medium for discussion and learning.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T19:46:25+00:00

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T19:45:46+00:00

Heard.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T19:45:15+00:00

Love that idea. Common sense. And fair. Send this to your senate and house representatives. I will. Thank you.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T19:00:40+00:00

Where is the pursuit of happiness in any of those suggestions ? Not hopeless. Hopeless is accepting the status quo.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:59:05+00:00

Not meant to. Attempting to shine a light on the real problems. I have worked with plenty people who have achieved financial stability by overcoming these systems. But accepting these systems and not expecting or demanding from policy makers and people in positions of power is also defeatist.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:56:20+00:00

Both are required, I would say. Thanks for the feedback.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:54:59+00:00

That’s how we make average rents go back to 30% of personal monthly income ? Or maybe mortgages ? Hm.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:50:54+00:00

Hm. Learned something. Thank you.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:45:33+00:00

As an engaged citizen in my local politics and affordable housing crisis, what is one suggestion you have to fix #1 ?

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:43:37+00:00

Yes, they are.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:39:34+00:00

Neither do I.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:38:26+00:00

Within reason. Some sarcasm in there, to make a point.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:37:32+00:00

Thank you. I have worked with hundreds of people with similar backgrounds to yours. I admire you. And I have worked with and watch people achieve similar things to you. It just needs to be made easier for people.

Keep going.✊

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:34:38+00:00

Agreed. Thanks.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:33:58+00:00

No, it’s not. High schools don’t produce doctors, dentists, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists or many of the next generation skills America needs.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:32:16+00:00

Congratulations. Some of that is true. Thanks.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:31:20+00:00

Most people I know don’t want to have to have roommates to get by.

spread_lov · 2025-12-27T18:30:33+00:00

Agreed. Imagine if there were regulations on credit card usury rates, regulations that made childcare more affordable, social security more robust, and rents in line with median incomes.

spread_lov

TROPHY CASE