Do they hate each other? the best plan is an amicable solution.

I mean, after 25 years, this nest egg was built together. Just because she had the banger job doesn't mean he contributed any less....

half

How old is kid? What is wife’s income? And when kid is school age what is the plan? Also childcare costs if she doesn’t stop working?

You can move your funds to any scheme operator you want. If your employer is shifting some of its excess payroll funds into the product rather than putting those funds into your wages, it's under no obligation to keep doing that via the scheme operator you choose if you choose a scheme operator other than the one your employer chose.

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Different areas have different ways that it tends to work. Where I live they usually charge security plus 1 full month at move in and then on the first of the next month you pay the prorated amount instead of a full month if you move in mid month. This isn't how every landlord does it around here but most of the big ones do. It's because it's the way they can collect the largest amount legally possible before move in. Where I live they also limit the size of security deposits and won't let landlords collect more than 1 month's rent at move in. So instead of first and last and security, it's just first and security, so they try not to prorate first.

Everywhere has different rules, and different norms and traditions.

I don't think this is an issue but I like the idea of holding 2 or 3 etfs.

If you take out a 2nd mortgage, the interest *should* be tax deductible provided the money is actually used for improvements to the home and not diverted to other uses. You would need to check with your tax advisor/CPA regarding the specifics of your situation. That being said, you'd be paying those higher interest rates just to get a likely small amount of taxes deducted. It will end up costing you more than paying cash, regardless.

Paying cash = no interest charges, so you know the total cost immediately. Unless you can invest that cash and get a higher % return than what you'd be paying in loan interest, paying cash is the most cost effective option.

That being said, it sounds like you would be cashing out stock investments in order to get the funds, not just withdraw cash, so you also need to look at any tax consequences from liquidating those investments to pay for the renovation. If you're selling investments held in a taxable account for a gain, then you'll be incurring tax liabilities and need to account for those in your planning.

Where I live when you move in mid month they usually charge you your security deposit and a full month's rent at move in and then on the first of the next month instead of paying for another full month's rent you just pay a prorated amount based on how many days you lived there in the first month.

It seems counterintuitive since you pay at the beginning of the month it would logically make sense to pay a prorated amount at move in and a full month on the first of the next month. But they do it that way so they have a little more money for the first few weeks just in case you turn out to be a deadbeat.

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Am I right to guess the government uses the withheld money for developments and investments?

Those two numbers are the same... isnt total cost basis = the entire amount of money I put? What's under transaction history is exactly same as what's under current investment

We do have 1 baby! Lol but yes we need to start looking at all the "extras" we get and go out to dinner only once a month maybe

When your employer pays you, they withhold a certain amount from the check to pay your taxes. You have some control over how much by submitting a certain form (w-4?). You get a refund when they withhold more money than you actually owe in taxes (including credits and deductions). The poster above is saying that your taxes are only due in April, so if you’ve paid the government too much (through your withholdings), then you’ve given them a loan until April for free, for no interest. It’s tongue-in-cheek.

You dont need a resume to apply for Taco Bell and Walmart. You just fill out their application. If you handed them a resume they'd probably throw it in the trash.

They always need people especially Walmart. They'll hire convicts and people who have never had a job. They just want you to show up.

Thanks so much for the replies. I'm here to learn. Your explanations shed light on my confusion.

I think I get it now. Thanks for the reply.

$34 and less is the goal. I finally got my federal down to $3.

I guess I'll buy the car maintenance, but man, that food bill is way too high. I spend MAYBE $300 a month on a bad month for 2.

You realize a low refund just means you were accurate on your withholdings, right? Like a low refund is desirable because it means you aren't loaning the government money throughout the year.

Your refund would be higher if you wanted them to hold on to more of your money throughout the year as an interest free loan. Is that what you want?

No state “gives” refunds. You pay taxes. If you withheld a lot too much, you get a big refund. If you withheld a little too much, you get a little refund. If you didn’t withhold enough, then you owe them more.

You withheld a little too much and got a little refund. That’s what your goal should be. Congrats. You did it right.

Because you paid the correct amount of taxes instead of overpaying.

A refund is not the government saying “hey, thanks for paying your taxes, have some free money.”

A refund is the government saying “your total is $15.69, you paid with a $20, your change is $4.31.”

Security/damage deposits are illegal in Ontario so that's probably why.

What does your lease say? Otherwise rent should be due on the date every day you move in. What was the $1300 for 1st month at $600 and deposit of $600 and the other $100 for? Why $250 if 1/2 a month is $300. I would want it written out and look it over before paying anything. Also are you paying cash ? You want things written out so you have a paper trail so when you move out you won’t get - you didn’t pay a deposit.. or last months rent.

It makes no sense. I would never move a tenant in without having the first months rent paid in full.

>I hope to make a California gross income of 55-70k when I graduate and start saving instantly to buy a home. What can I do to set myself up for that?

Look East; because $70k per year will get you nothing anywhere near the coast.