Income – Gemma Means Jewel ~ Beauty Blog

The Best Ways To Generate Passive Income

There is no one true way to generate passive income, but there are some great ways to do so. Here are five tips to help you generate passive income:

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Start with small tasks: Start with small tasks that you can complete regularly and that can generate passive income. This way, you will be more likely to stick to your passive income goals.

Use a recurring income: Use a recurring income system to generate passive income. This way, you will be able to set aside money each month and use it to generate passive income.

Use an app: Use an app to generate passive income. This way, you will be able to generate income without having to leave your computer.

Use a service: Use a service to generate passive income. This way, you will be able to generate income without having to leave your computer.

Use a crowdfunding website: Use a crowdfunding website to generate passive income. This way, you will be able to generate income from your own efforts and from the efforts of others.

Are you looking for ways to generate passive income? If so, then you’re in luck! There are a number of ways to generate passive income, and here are five of the best ways.

Use online surveys

One of the best ways to generate passive income is to participate in online surveys. This is a great way to earn money and learn about different products and services. You can also find surveys that are relevant to your interests.

Rather be a freelance writer

Another great way to generate passive income is to become a freelance writer. This is a great way to make money and learn about different writing styles. You can also find freelance writing surveys that are relevant to your interests.

Join a membership club

Another great way to generate passive income is to join a membership club. This is a great way to earn money and learn about different products and services. You can also find membership clubs that are relevant to your interests.

Participate in paid surveys

Another great way to generate passive income is to participate in paid surveys. This is a great way to earn money and learn about different products and services. You can also find paid surveys that are relevant to your interests.

Use social media to generate passive income

Another great way to generate passive income is to use social media to generate passive income. This is a great way to make money and learn about different social media platforms. You can also find social media surveys that are relevant to your interests.

Tax

Biggest Mistakes People Make When Filing Their Taxes

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There are a few big mistakes that people make when filing their taxes. Here are a few of the most common ones:

underestimating their income

People underestimate their income when filing their taxes. underestimating their income can lead to a higher tax bill, and may even result in a loss of income. It is important to be accurate with your income information, so that you can get the most accurate tax return.

underestimating their tax liabilities

People underestimate their tax liabilities when filing their taxes. underestimating their tax liabilities can lead to a lower tax bill, and may even result in a loss of income. It is important to be accurate with your tax liabilities, so that you can get the most accurate tax return.

overlooking deductions and credits

People overlook deductions and credits when filing their taxes. overlooking deductions and credits can lead to a lower tax bill, and may even result in a loss of income. It is important to be careful when reviewing your tax return, and to take into account the specific deductions and credits that may be applicable to your situation.

The most common mistakes people make when filing their taxes are not categorizing their income properly, underestimating their tax liability, and not properly preparing their taxes. If you are making any of these mistakes, you may be subject to a penalty and may not be able to file your taxes at all.

There are a few mistakes people make when filing their taxes. One is not enough information. The other is not using the correct forms. The third is not using the correct information. The fourth is not getting help from an accountant. The fifth is not using the correct software. The last is not keeping a good financial record.

There are three big mistakes people make when filing their taxes: not filed, over-filing, and under-filing.

Not filed: Not filing your taxes can mean that you’ll wind up paying more in taxes than you expected, and you may even have to pay interest on the money you overpaid. The IRS offers a free tax estimate to help you figure out what you owe, so make sure to do your due diligence and file your taxes by April 15.

Over-filing: Filing too many taxes can result in a higher tax bill than you expected and may even lead to a penalty. The IRS offers a free tax estimate to help you figure out what you owe, so be sure to do your due diligence and file your taxes by April 15.

Under-filing: Under-filing your taxes can result in a lower tax bill than you expected and may even lead to a tax refund. The IRS offers a free tax estimate to help you figure out what you owe, so be sure to do your due diligence and file your taxes by April 15.

Real Estate

The Difficulties Of Being A Real Estate Agent.

If you’re considering a career in real estate, there are a few things you should know. It’s not all glamorous houses and fat commissions. In fact, being a real estate agent can be a pretty tough gig. Here are a few of the challenges you can expect to face:

Long hours.

Real estate agents often work long hours, including weekends and evenings. And it’s not just the time spent showing properties and attending open houses. There’s also a lot of time spent on the phone, making cold calls, following up with leads, and dealing with paperwork.

Tough competition.

The real estate market is competitive, which means you’ll be competing with other agents for listings and buyers. It’s important to be a good salesperson and marketer to succeed in this business.

High stress.

The real estate business can be stressful, especially when deals fall through or buyers back out at the last minute. You need to be able to handle pressure and stay calm under pressure.

Financial risks.

As a real estate agent, you’re self-employed, which means you’re responsible for your own taxes and expenses. And, since your income can fluctuate from month to month, it can be tough to manage your finances.

Emotional ups and downs.

The real estate business can be emotional, especially when you’re dealing with people’s homes. You need to be able to separate your personal feelings from the business transaction.

When it comes to personal finance planning, only saving won’t be enough. So, once you have already built the habit of saving money for future, it’s time to make it grow as well. If you are new in the field of investment, fret not! You can use the third party website to stay up-to-date about business, small business, Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate or personal finance like Risethestudio.

These are just a few of the challenges you can expect to face as a real estate agent. It’s not an easy business, but it can be very rewarding. If you’re up for the challenge, start your real estate career today.

Tax

How The TurboTax Free Edition Makes Filing Taxes Easy

TurboTax is the biggest and most popular tax preparation software in the United States, and for good reason. TurboTax makes it easy for filers to get their taxes done right, and their Free Edition is perfect for those who have simple tax returns.

The TurboTax Free Edition is the company’s free online tax filing service, and it’s available for both federal and state taxes. The Free Edition is perfect for filers who have a simple tax return: if you only have W-2 income, take the standard deduction, and don’t have any other complicated tax situations, the Free Edition will probably work for you.

The best way to find the right information for you is to do the research, talk to professionals and weigh your options. Armed with the right information, you can make a better-informed decision that puts your needs, and budget, first. OnlineLoansFlorida.com is a experienced personal finance blog. They writing blogs and articles on money, debt and loans since 2010.

The Free Edition is also a good choice if you’re comfortable doing your own taxes and just want to double-check your work. And if you have a more complex tax situation, you can always upgrade to a paid version of TurboTax (more on that below).

But even if you have a simple tax return, the Free Edition isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone. Here’s a closer look at who should use the TurboTax Free Edition, and who should consider another option.

Who Should Use the TurboTax Free Edition?

The TurboTax Free Edition is a good choice for filers who have a simple tax return. If you only have W-2 income, take the standard deduction, and don’t have any other complicated tax situations, the Free Edition will probably work for you.

Who Should Use the TurboTax Free Edition?

Vacations

Tips For Creating A Successful Airbnb Listing

As an Airbnb host, your listing is your bread and butter. Not only does a great listing attract more guests, it also helps you to charge more for your rental.

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Here are some tips to create a successful Airbnb listing:

Take great photos

The first thing potential guests will see when they visit your listing is your photos. Make sure to take high-quality photos that show off your rental’s best features. If you’re not a great photographer, you can hire a professional to take photos for you.

Write a compelling description

Your listing’s description is your opportunity to sell your rental to potential guests. Write a description that is both informative and engaging. Be sure to highlight your rental’s unique features and what makes it special.

Set a competitive price

Price is one of the most important factors when it comes to booking a rental on Airbnb. Make sure to set a competitive price for your rental. Use Airbnb’s search filters to see what other similar rentals are priced at.

Respond quickly to messages

When you receive a message from a potential guest, be sure to respond quickly. The faster you respond, the more likely you are to secure a booking.

Keep your calendar up to date

Make sure your calendar is always up to date. If a potential guest tries to book a rental that is already booked, they will be discouraged from booking with you.

By following these tips, you can create a successful Airbnb listing that will attract more guests and help you to earn more money.

Airbnb is a great way to earn some extra income, but it takes some work to create a successful listing. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Take great photos

The first thing potential guests will see when they view your listing is the photos, so it’s important to make a good impression. Make sure to take plenty of photos (including some close-ups) of your space, and try to show it in the best possible light.

Write a detailed description

Your listing description is your chance to sell your space to potential guests. Be sure to include all the relevant information about your space, such as the amenities, sleeping arrangements, and any special features.

Set a fair price

You’ll want to set a price that’s competitive with other listings in your area, but also one that will cover your costs and allow you to make a profit. Use Airbnb’s pricing tool to help you determine a fair price for your listing.

Be responsive

Guests will often have questions about your listing, so it’s important to be responsive to their inquiries. Be sure to check your messages regularly and answer any questions promptly.

Provide a great experience

Once guests arrive, it’s important to give them a great experience. Be welcoming and helpful, and make sure your space is clean and comfortable. If you provide a good experience, guests are likely to leave positive reviews, which can help attract more guests in the future.

Auto Credit

First Time Car Buyer Credit: What You Need To Know

If you’re a first time car buyer looking to finance your purchase, you might be wondering what kind of credit you need in order to qualify for a loan. Here’s what you need to know.

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The first thing you should know is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. lenders will look at your credit history and score in order to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for a loan, and they’ll also look at other factors like your income and employment history.

That said, there are some general guidelines you can follow in order to improve your chances of getting approved for a loan. First, make sure you have a good credit score. A score of 700 or above is considered good, and a score of 750 or above is considered excellent. If your score is below 700, you may still be able to get a loan, but you may have to pay a higher interest rate.

Second, make sure you have a steady income. Lenders will want to see that you have a job and that you’re making enough money to make payments on the loan. If you’re self-employed, make sure you have a good history of income and that you can show proof of income.

Third, make sure you have a down payment. A down payment shows lenders that you’re serious about buying a car and that you have the financial means to make payments on the loan. Lenders typically require a down payment of 10% to 20% of the loan amount.

Finally, make sure you shop around for the best interest rate. Interest rates can vary significantly from lender to lender, so it’s important to compare rates before you apply for a loan.

If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be in a good position to get approved for a loan. Remember, every lender is different, so make sure you understand the requirements of the loan before you apply.

Lifestyle

How To Deduct Hobby Expenses On Your Taxes

If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy spending your free time pursuing hobbies that you’re passionate about. But did you know that you may be able to deduct some of the expenses associated with your hobbies on your taxes?

In order to deduct hobby expenses, you must be able to prove that your hobby is a business activity. This means that you must be able to show that you’re pursuing your hobby for profit.

If you’re not sure whether your hobby qualifies as a business activity, there are a few things you can ask yourself:

-Do I regularly sell the items I make or the services I provide?

-Do I keep detailed records of my expenses and income?

-Do I advertise my business?

-Do I have business cards or a website for my business?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then there’s a good chance that your hobby qualifies as a business activity.

Once you’ve determined that your hobby is a business activity, you can deduct a variety of expenses associated with it. These expenses can include the cost of materials, advertising, and any other expenses that are necessary to pursue your hobby.

When deducting hobby expenses, it’s important to keep in mind that you can only deduct the amount of expenses that exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income. This means that you can’t deduct the full amount of your hobby expenses; you can only deduct the amount that exceeds 2% of your adjusted gross income.

If you’re not sure how to calculate this, don’t worry! your tax preparer can help you figure it out.

As you can see, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to deduct hobby expenses on your taxes. But if you’re able to prove that your hobby is a business activity, you may be able to deduct a portion of your expenses.

Financial

The Second Foundation In Personal Finance Is Creating A Budget.

A budget is an estimation of your income and expenses for a set period of time, usually one month. A budget is important because it allows you to track your spending, save money, and make informed financial decisions.

There are many ways to create a budget, but the most important thing is to be honest with yourself about your income and expenses. The best way to do this is to track your spending for one month to get an accurate picture of your spending patterns.

Once you have a good understanding of your spending patterns, you can begin to make changes to your budget. One common change people make is to cut back on unnecessary expenses, such as dining out or buying new clothes. Another common change is to increase your savings rate so that you have more money to put towards your goals.

No matter what changes you make to your budget, the most important thing is to stick to it. A budget is only effective if you are consistent with it. This means tracking your spending and sticking to your budgeted amounts.

If you are having trouble sticking to your budget, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. One option is to set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This way, you will not be tempted to spend the money you are trying to save. Another option is to use cash instead of credit cards. When you use cash, you are more aware of your spending because you can see the money leaving your hands.

The bottom line is that a budget is a powerful tool that can help you reach your financial goals. If you are not currently using a budget, now is the time to start. If you are using a budget, make sure you are sticking to it so that you can achieve your financial goals.

A lot of people cringe at the word “budget”Â because they think it means they can’t spend any money on fun things. But a budget is simply a way to ensure that your spending aligns with your goals and values.

There are a few different ways to approach budgeting, but the most important part is to find a method that works for you. You might want to use a budgeting app, create a spreadsheet, or use the envelope method.

Whichever method you choose, the goal is to track your income and expenses so that you can make informed decisions about your spending. A budget will help you avoid overspending, and it can also help you save money for specific goals.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are a few different resources that can help you create a budget. You can find budgeting worksheets online, or you can use a personal finance book or blog. Once you have a budget, be sure to review it regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Software & Apps

5 Budgeting Tips For Using Linux Personal Finance Software

Personal finance is a tricky subject. It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to budgeting and saving money. That’s where Linux personal finance software can help.

There are a number of great Linux personal finance tools available, and they can help you get a handle on your finances. Here are five budgeting tips for using Linux personal finance software.

Get organized

The first step to effective budgeting is getting organized. Linux personal finance software can help you do this by keeping track of your income and expenses.

Set a budget

Once you’ve got a handle on your finances, you can start to set a budget. Linux personal finance software can help you track your spending and make sure you stay within your budget.

Invest in yourself

One of the best ways to save money is to invest in yourself. Linux personal finance software can help you track your investments and make sure you’re getting the most out of your money.

Make a plan

Budgeting is only effective if you have a plan. Linux personal finance software can help you develop a financial plan that will help you reach your goals.

Stay on track

Once you’ve got a budget and a plan, it’s important to stay on track. Linux personal finance software can help you track your progress and make sure you’re sticking to your plan.

Budgeting can be a difficult task, but it’s important to make sure you’re in control of your finances. Linux personal finance software can help you get a handle on your budget and make sure you’re making the most of your money.

Financial

How Can You Stick To A Budget?

There are a few key ways to help you stay on budget.

Get organized

The first step is to get organized. This means having a clear understanding of your income and expenses. Track where you are spending your money and see where you can cut back. There are a number of ways to do this, including using a budgeting app or setting up a budget in Excel.

Set limits

Once you have a good handle on your spending, it’s time to set some limits. This may mean setting a monthly budget for groceries or entertainment. Or, it could mean setting a limit on how much you’re willing to spend on a new outfit. By setting limits, you’ll be less likely to overspend.

Make a plan

If you find yourself struggling to stick to a budget, it may help to make a plan. This could involve setting up a savings account for unexpected expenses or creating a Debt Reduction Plan. By having a plan in place, you’ll be more likely to stay on track.

Stay disciplined

One of the most important things you can do to stick to a budget is to be disciplined. This means being mindful of your spending and resisting the urge to splurge. It can be difficult to stick to a budget, but it’s important to stay disciplined if you want to stay on track.

Review your progress

Finally, it’s important to review your progress periodically. This will help you see where you’re doing well and where you need to improve. It can also be motivating to see how far you’ve come.

Staying on budget can be a challenge, but it’s important to be mindful of your spending. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to sticking to a budget.

Financial

How Much You Need To Save For Retirement

You’ve probably heard that you need to save at least 10% of your income for retirement, but where did that number come from? And is it really enough?

The 10% savings rule of thumb comes from a variety of sources, including financial experts, retirement calculators and employer-sponsored retirement plans. But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much you need to save for retirement.

Your retirement savings goals will be unique to you, based on factors like your age, income, lifestyle and health. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to help you determine how much you need to save.

A good rule of thumb is to save 10% of your income for retirement. If you start saving early, you may be able to save less than 10% and still reach your goals. But if you start saving later in life, you may need to save more.

The 10% savings rule is a good starting point, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. If you want to retire comfortably, you may need to save more than 10%. And if you’re aiming for a luxurious retirement, you may need to save even more.

No matter how much you need to save for retirement, the important thing is to start saving now. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to reach your goals.

If you’re not sure how to start saving for retirement, there are a few things you can do.

First, check to see if your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). If so, sign up and start contributing.

Second, open a retirement savings account, such as an IRA. You can open an IRA at most banks and investment firms.

Finally, make a budget and make saving for retirement a priority. Decide how much you can afford to save each month and make sure you stick to your plan.

Saving for retirement may seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to start sooner rather than later. By following the 10% savings rule, you can make sure you’re on track to a comfortable retirement.

Financial

Consider ways to boost your income.

One way to do this is to make sure that you are getting the most out of your current job. Review your salary and make sure that you are being paid what you are worth. If you are not, start looking for a new job that will pay you what you deserve. Another way to make extra money is to start your own business. This can be something as simple as starting a blog and monetizing it through advertising or writing e-books and selling them on Amazon. If you have a creative streak, there are many ways to make money from your hobbies. Finally, think about ways to save money so that you can have more to invest and grow your overall wealth.

Making extra money is always a good idea. But how exactly can you do it?

There are a few tried and true methods:

1. Get a higher paying job.

If youâ€™re not happy with your current salary, it may be time to start looking for a new job. Do your research to find out what your skills and experience are worth in the marketplace. If youâ€™re not being paid what youâ€™re worth, itâ€™s time to move on and start earning what you deserve.

2. Start your own business.

This is a great way to earn some extra income. If you have a creative streak, there are many ways to make money from your hobbies. For example, you could start a blog and monetize it through advertising or write e-books and sell them on Amazon.

3. Think about ways to save money.

If you can cut down on your expenses, youâ€™ll have more money to invest and grow your overall wealth. There are many ways to save money, so take a look at your budget and see where you can cut back.

Making extra money is always a good idea. But how exactly can you do it? There are a few tried and true methods:

1. Get a higher paying job. If youâ€™re not happy with your current salary, it may be time to start looking for a new job. Do your research to find out what your skills and experience are worth in the marketplace. If youâ€™re not being paid what youâ€™re worth, itâ€™s time to move on and start earning what you deserve.

2. Start your own business. This is a great way to earn some extra income. If you have a creative streak, there are many ways to make money from your hobbies. For example, you could start a blog and monetize it through advertising or write e-books and sell them on Amazon.

3. Think about ways to save money. If you can cut down on your expenses, youâ€™ll have more money to invest and grow your overall wealth. There are many ways to save money, so take a look at your budget and see where you can cut back.

Making extra money is always a good idea. But how exactly can you do it? There are a few tried and true methods:

Making extra money is always a good idea. But how exactly can you do it? There

The Advantages of a Long-Term Personal Budget Template

It is no secret that the economy has been in a slump for the past few years. This has caused many people to re-evaluate their spending habits and their overall financial health. One of the best ways to stay on top of your finances is to create a long-term personal budget.

A personal budget template will allow you to track your income and expenses over a period of time. This will help you to see where your money is going and where you can cut back. It is also a good way to see how your financial situation has changed over time.

There are many advantages to using a personal budget template. First, it can help you to keep track of your progress. If you set up a budget and then find that you are not making progress, you can go back and adjust your budget. This will help you to stay on track and make the necessary changes.

Second, a budget template can help you to make informed decisions about your spending. When you know where your money is going, you can make better choices about what to spend it on. This can help you to save money in the long run.

Third, a budget template can help you to stay organized. When you have all of your information in one place, you can easily see where you need to make changes. This can save you time and frustration in the future.

Fourth, a budget template can help you to set goals. When you know what you want to accomplish, you can set up a budget that will help you to reach those goals. This can keep you motivated and on track.

Fifth, a budget template can help you to monitor your progress. When you have a goal in mind, you can track your progress and see how close you are to reaching it. This can help you to stay focused and on track.

Sixth, a budget template can help you to make adjustments. If you find that you are not making progress, you can go back and make adjustments to your budget. This can help you to get back on track and make the necessary changes.

Seventh, a budget template can help you to keep track of your debt. If you have a lot of debt, you can use a budget template to help you to pay it off. This can help you to stay on track and make the necessary changes.

Eighth, a budget template can help you to find new sources of income. If you are having trouble making ends meet, you can use a budget template to help you to find new sources of income. This can help you to stay on track and make the necessary changes.

Ninth, a budget template can help you to monitor your credit score. If you have a high credit score, you can use a budget template to help you to keep track of it. This can help you to stay on track and make the necessary changes.

Tenth, a budget template can help you to monitor your investment portfolio. If you have a portfolio, you can use a budget template to help you to keep track of it. This can help you to stay on track and make the necessary changes.

Financial

Money Isn’t Everything And It Isn’t You

One of the downsides of having a personal finance blog is that you often get stuck thinking and talking about the same stuff – taxes, salaries, retirement, blah blah blah; sometimes you need to take a step back and enjoy the things in life that aren’t related to money.

Life is about happiness, not money.

The difficult thing about money is that when you don’t have much of it, you are almost forced to focus on getting more. The difference between earning $0 a year and $10,000 is seriously significant. It’s the difference between eating and not eating. The difference between $10,000 and $20,000 is also very seriously significant. Now take a look at the difference between $100,000 and $110,000… the difference is still “only” $10,000 but the actual impact on the quality of your life is much less significant than $0 to $10k increase. When you’re making $0, you want to make more and you try whatever you can to put yourself in a position to make more because each extra dollar you earn means you or your loved ones will eat that night. In that mode, money is everything because you’re fighting to satisfy your need to eat and need for shelter. However, the sickening cycle is such that even when you’ve “made it,” you’ll want more because you’ve already pegged your happiness to how much money you’re making. The happiest families are the ones that enjoy what they have, even if it’s very little.

You are not your income. You are not your assets.

The second point I want to make is that you are not what you make or what you own. Someone who makes $10,000 is not a worse person than someone who makes $20,000 or even $200,000. Do not let your annual income define who you are and don’t chase after that extra dollar because you want to impress your peers. There are some of the hardest working people, the nicest and kindest people, and some of the most generous people; busting their asses off for minimum wage. (the federal minimum wage is only $5.15, which means 50 weeks of 40 hours earns $10,300 – which is another issue entirely and a travesty of pretty epic proportions) I’d take any one of them working in a business I start over the hordes of useless middle managers in large corporations, even though the managers “earn” more in salary.

As always, if you have any thoughts on the matter, please do share!

Another possible result of a higher minimum wage could simply be more unemployed people. At some point it starts being more cost effective to buy a few Roombas rather than to hire that minimum wage McDonald’s lobby cleaner, or to just leave things dirty for that matter. Or for many jobs, to outsource them to China or India or wherever, where many will gladly work for less, under worse conditions. Also, in addition to students/teenagers, there are also people who take minimum wage jobs for the benefits, such as health insurance–for someone who needs it, that benefit alone might be worth enough to them that they’d work for free.

Chalk me up as a free market advocate, but I generally think the government does more harm than good when they get too involved with this stuff. They don’t accomplish what they’re trying to anyway, and they make all sorts of other things worse in the process of their failure. But hey, if it sounds good to enough people, maybe it’ll get them reelected…

Oh, that wasn’t your main topic? Capitalist though I may be, I agree wholeheartedly that money is far from the most important thing in life.

While I agree that raising minimum wage does have trickle down effects and higher costs here will lead to (or has already led to) outsourcing, you’ll have companies who will use US based manufacturing as a marketing point (American Apparel) and consumers who will appreciate that.

While I am a free market economy, Adam Smith laissez-faire type guy, I do recognize that government has long since given up to having the invisible hand do its dirty work and that if we’re going to meddle, we might as meddle the whole way and help some people out who really do need it. The working poor is one of the great tragic relics of our society, especially when you put them next to the non-working poor.

The beauty of discussion is that the topic goes to where the interest of the group is and I’m not one to stop it.

One of the ancient rules of economics: the “feel good”, “help people out” option is often the one that ends up hurting more than helping. This is a corollary of the ancient rule that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is…

People should check out the history of the minimum wage. It was not started by “nice people” who wanted to “help out” workers. It was intended as an odd sort of weapon against working women, advanced by people who bought into “eugenics” theories of the sort that were popular in the early 20th century.

I’m not even convinced there should be a minimum wage. The market should set wages. If I own a fruit stand that sells $5 worth of fruit per day, am I going to hire someone for $8 an hour to man that stand? That’s an extreme illustrative example, but I just think that businesses are created for their owners to make money, and artifically inflating one of their costs doesn’t help anyone.

Great point you make in the blog. People can sometimes have an unhealthy obsession with money that gets in the way of their true day to day happiness.

I would guess that most of you on here arguing against a higher minumum wage are sitting at home on your fancy computers, all warm in your nice houses, right after you came home from your salaried job. You have never seen the effects of how working your asses off all day for 5.15 can hour can affect you. Not enough money to pay the rent, feed the kids, pay the bills etc. I come from a community where a few rich people rule, and many live in poverty, all the while slaving their asses off to serve the rich, because it is the only job they can get…..

And someone makes the argument that we do not want to raise the costs for those business owners and corporations. How do you think people feel when fortune 500 CEO’s are bringing home 100’s of millions of dollars a year, and thier child has no dinner. There is something to be said for working hard and creating a good life for yourself. But there is also something to be said for helping others out and having some sesnse of compassion…..not just giving lip service to compassion.

Most people I know make quite a bit of money and then feel great if they give away 100 dollars in a year…..get over yourselves. I think the biggest downfall of our “great country” is our pursuit of wealth at all costs while those around us are suffering just to survive from day to day. We send money to Africa and what not, but we cannot pay people enough just to eat a decent meal.

It seems every day I am less and less proud of how this country runs itself.

I was just thinking of that very same thing this past few days. Of course, money is important. But like you say, it’s not everything, and it won’t make you happy in itself… but it sure makes lif easier.