Comparison of retirement programs

Quick comparison of tax benefits of US retirement programs Roth IRA/401k Maximum contribution: $23,500 for 401k, $7,000 for IRA Tax benefit on withdrawal, tax free interest Traditional IRA/401k Maximum contribution: $23,500 for 401k, $7,000 for IRA Tax benefit on contribution, taxable interest Health Savings Account Maximum contribution: $4,300 Tax benefit on contribution and withdrawal, tax …

Fix BBB at the state level

Use this form to email your state legislators in order to protect your community from Medicaid Cuts. Dear Senator ____, I am very concerned about the impacts the “Big Beautiful Bill” will have on our community. There is good reason to believe that the Big Beautiful Bill is going to increase poverty by stripping away …

The impossible square of conservative politics

Right wing politicans want the following: Tight immigration in or out Low prices Low wages High profits Here is why this is an impossible combination of policies. If you pursue low immigration policies, that will reduce supply of labor, increasing wages. If you pursue a policy of a tight monetary supply in order to reduce …

Timing is everything

The timing of Israel’s attack on Iran last night came just days before Iranian nuclear deal talks resumed. The Hamas attack on Israel happened as Netanyahu was undergoing impeachment trials. They also occurred when congress was debating a massive military aid package for Ukraine. The attack on Syria targeted libraries and where the records of …

Middle Eastern politics is a clusterfuck

Yes, these charts look crazy, but the situation is crazy. Alliances: European Union – Israel – United States: US has NATO with most of the European Union, both have deep relations with Israel. Iran – Russia: Support each other in every possible way. Iran – Hamas: Historically provided a significant amount of support. Palestine – …

How to flip Senate seats

How do we select candidates for Senate elections who will likely win? Starting with the 2024 elections: The following seats flipped: Arizona (D) – Ruben Gallego was an incumbent Representative. Montana (R) – Tim Sheehy had no prior experience, he’s a veteran. Ohio (R) – Bernie Moreno had no prior experience, he is a businessman …

Countries which could modernize soon

Playing with my dataset today, I’m wondering about countries which are the most likely to improve rapidly in the near future. Note: I usually use the UN definition of country but for the purpose of visa-free travel when I say “country” I am referring to every place which has their own separate visa policy, including …