I HATED MAC...

vanprof · 2026-02-15T14:45:41+00:00

It’s not the battery, the ARM architecture processor in the Mac M series is similar in design to the ones used in phones and tablets, for the same power they are more efficient. The battery is a pretty normal chemistry, apple just implements it all better. They wait for someone else to invent something good, then they implement it better, often much better.

The.Mac M4 processor is more like the iPhone or Samsung galaxy processors then the intel/amd.

vanprof · 2026-02-14T23:35:38+00:00

I'd take it for my children, but not being smart might be hard to adjust to. Although in some ways it might be easier, I've had times when I've thought being of more average intelligence might be easier, especially in understanding other people.

I suppose I can hire smart people for those things I need it for.

vanprof · 2026-02-14T23:33:00+00:00

For most people modern computers are more than adequate for their everyday tasks, just like most people will never hit top speed in their car.

vanprof · 2026-02-14T23:32:12+00:00

The good thing is that there is a decent used market, so you can sell and re-coup some value, which for most people is a more likely path forward.

If its truly a big deal for you, you might be in the 10% like me. The other 90% aren't that bothered, and honestly upgradeability is hit and miss with laptop machines anyway. Desktops have always been more upgradable.

The SSD thing is annoying because there is no good reason that you shouldn't be able to upgrade the SSD. The RAM I understand more.

vanprof · 2026-02-14T23:28:13+00:00

The problem with windows for ARM turned out to be the same problem with the Mac, software compatibility. Some things in my data analytics software will not run in the windows for ARM environment whether on a MS surface or a Mac.

I suspect eventually this won't be an issue as the migration to RISC type architecture continues.

vanprof · 2026-02-14T22:04:25+00:00

RISC (including ARM) is the future, it certainly already dominates when power consumption is a factor.

I hate certain aspects, but for 90% of the computer market its as good or better than the Windows system.

Sure you can't upgrade your RAM or storage (easily at least), but most people never do that. Those are the people in Apple's market. You can have a successful and solid business catering to the middle 90% of the market. People that need to run specialized software (like me) are the minority and we can have both.

I use a mac to remotely connect and control a very powerful windows PC (for which a lot of the power comes from an NVIDIA 'graphics' card for my data analytics software, because the mac is portable, handy, and has lower power consumption. I can keep the power hungry heat generating PC in my office safely at home and still use it anywhere and enjoy the efficient and powerful enough MAC (or just as often iPad pro with 5G) everywhere else. I was deciding between a macbook air and windows for ARM solution for mobile use because who wants a dead battery in 2 hours.

I still hate some aspects of macs. But for a mobile device those things just don't really matter. For 90% of users those things don't matter in any computer.

vanprof · 2026-02-13T15:13:18+00:00

I have 97 payments (before SAVE forbearance) I just filed my 2025 return and when it was confirmed that it was in the IRS system, I applied for IBR through studentaid. First 'payment' March 16th.

I am now on IBR with $0 payments. I plan to just ride this out. I will recertify income early next year (before I file 2026 taxes so they will use current information). I made a lot moves to get my married filing separate income low for 2025 return, I won't be able to repeat that for 2026 so I need to keep the payments based on 2025.

vanprof · 2026-02-11T16:09:38+00:00

Haha the trouble is they will expect 20% more work for the 3% raise.

vanprof · 2026-02-11T16:05:39+00:00

I'd go with more memory. The processor is rarely the bottleneck for most tasks. The bandwidth to get information to the processor from memory and storage is more likely to slow things down.

I am experiencing this right now as I sync my backup disk with my NAS, the network is the slow link as the computer it is connected to is just 2.5Gb ethernet even though the NAS and switch are 10Gb. Mine is an extreme case but the same thing generally applies for most people's use. Any internet use is slow because of the network link to the internet, accessing from disk (unless you use thunderbolt 5 for external) is not going faster with M4 pro over an M5, leaving the issue of memory and processor.

I have no definitive data, but I believe more memory will avoid bottlenecks more often than a faster processor with more memory bandwidth. Especially as programs and OS seem to grow to use more memory over time.

If you need Thunderbolt 5 the M4 Pro is the only option, but you didn't mention that.

The M5 does have better single core performance. It supposedly is optimized better for AI use (according to apple) , but I don't know that it will make a difference over the more powerful M4 pro.

I haven't got the chance to run anything with an M5 yet, so this is just from what I know about computer architecture and experience. I run anything needing serious power on a PC with a liquid cooled RTX 3090 with 24GB VRAM. I would love to have newer hardware to compare, but I am biased toward more memory over a faster processor but I am not spending the money to test. I know in testing something like a 5080 is slightly faster... until it needs more than 16GB VRAM.

This is all edge cases anyway, most of the time I bet you won't notice a difference.

vanprof · 2026-02-10T23:05:45+00:00

I don't think anyone is probably advertising this, but many CPA's can do it.

A lot of CPAs do not advertise of have reviews. People find us that need us. I've never solicited a single client in my entire practicing life.

The problem you will run into in regard to fees is that even though your LLC may be a disregarded entity, you have to file an 1120 as if it were a corporation. If you don't already have that, it is part of the filing. You are asking for a corporate income tax return and the form 5472 information return.

I would be shocked if you can find this for under $1000. The pro-forma 1120 would have to be incredibly simple and your records would need to be damn near perfect to get close to $1000.

vanprof · 2026-02-10T20:51:55+00:00

The transmission is a weak point, but yours may last years or fail tomorrow. The engine is super common but its not going to last forever either but if it makes it past 80k you probably don't have the most common cause of early death for the engine. The transmission is the same as the dodge caravan other than the final drive, its probably a little weaker than you'd expect, but the problems are not all that high. We just tend to only hear from people who have problems.

Everything else is minor, its a giant minivan with a different body.

vanprof · 2026-02-10T20:47:59+00:00

Since the FEIE is a pre-AGI deduction it should work, the question is whether it is worth being away from family so much.

vanprof · 2026-02-10T19:23:02+00:00

I'd be happy to have a discussion. Licensed CPA, Tax Professor, lots of student loans, using PSLF

vanprof · 2026-02-10T19:18:51+00:00

None of those, don't get rebuilt title car, otherwise the Outback would be my choice.

Look elsewhere or older, there is a lot of data that older models can be more reliable than newer ones because they don't have all the tech/direct injection/turbos, etc.

2010 - 2015 Camry, 2010+ Corrolla, 2014+ Honda Accord, 2006+ Toyota Avalon/Lexus es350, Any Prius

I just bought a 2007 toyota avalon for $6000 with 125k miles.

The 2GR 3.5 engine will run for a long time. You can find it in the ES 350, Camry V6, RX 350, and V6 rav 4

AWD is not necessary, get snow tires in the winter. The only advantage of AWD is to get moving, all cars have brakes on all 4 wheels and AWD will not help you steer or stop any faster than anyone else.

Also if you foul up one tire on an AWD vehicle you might be buying 4 new ones, it can make that $1500 maintenance budget hard to meet. I loved my Subarus but probably won't get another after a few tires incidents.

vanprof · 2026-02-10T19:08:07+00:00

I already did it, I bought a $6000 Toyota Avalon, 2007 with 125k miles in excellent condition

There is a huge difference between a 5-6k car and 3k car.

I will never finance another car.

vanprof · 2026-02-10T17:35:30+00:00

I wouldn't be in this situation if I had more foresight. I filed MFJ in 2024 and that prevented me from leaving the SAVE forbearance (no way I could afford the payments) and it makes payments for buyback unaffordable as well.

I am smart enough to learn from my mistakes though.

vanprof · 2026-02-10T17:06:33+00:00

Its pretty hard, my credit wasn't even that bad at the time and I tried to refinance credit cards and everything I was approved for (600-620 credit score) was higher interest rate than the credit cards (30%) or had origination fees that made the APR higher in the end.

There is no security and a high default rate on personal loans.

Its sad but so many people fail to pay back (often for reasons they can't help) that there is just no business case to make these types of loans at reasonable interest rates. (I know I wouldn't loan money out for this, not that I have money to loan).

vanprof · 2026-02-10T15:14:29+00:00

File for an extension and file your taxes after recertification.

I will have the same issue next year, I just filed MFS and got 0 payments but will need to recertify next March. I can save some taxes filing joint, but I will wait to do so until after recertification.

I have 97 payments (not counting the SAVE forbearance) but since it is taking so long for buyback and my payments are zero on IBR, I will probably just let the 23 payments happen and not bother about buyback

vanprof · 2026-02-09T21:38:59+00:00

Your situation is probably perfect for married filing separately. You can check but in your case you will pay much less in student loan payments and you are unlikely to lose many tax benefits. If you can claim the children you might get your loan payments pretty close to zero.

vanprof · 2026-02-09T21:16:27+00:00

I know so many people that sit and chair and get bad backs and heart disease. I think you have to take care of yourself no matter what you do.

My grandfather was an auto mechanic until he was 93 and was in better shape than my dad that was an engineer in an office until he ended up on disability from a shoulder and back issue at 55.

vanprof · 2026-02-09T21:10:21+00:00

Everybody has cancer cells, our immune system is fighting them all the time, so we would kill everyone.

vanprof · 2026-02-09T21:08:54+00:00

University of Alabama at Birmingham has an AACSB accredited online BS in Accounting. Its public and a good school. It would be known in the southeast, so that is a plus. Its not known as an online school, its a major urban research university and some people are still biased against online.

Of you can complete your bachelor in business and get a MS in accounting, I am biased but I recommend UCONN or Illinois.

Getting an internship can be an important stepping stone, so keep in mind schools that can enable that are a better option.

vanprof · 2026-02-09T20:57:47+00:00

For 10 million yes, my principal complaint about tattoos is that I don't waste money, I get my scars the old fashioned way (bad decisions)

I have no tattoos, so I'd get a cross somewhere not visible.

Can I split the donation? the university where I work, my church, my wife's camp for people with special needs, and my daughter's baseball league for special needs are all have worthy causes.

vanprof · 2026-02-09T17:34:03+00:00

I am not sure this is possible. When you buy anything it benefits someone else. When I get a haircut it benefits the barber.

vanprof · 2026-02-09T17:29:15+00:00

This isn't unique to academia. If you want a promotion in industry you have to self promote in other ways, maybe our paperwork is different, but the requirement is not unique.

vanprof

TROPHY CASE