Age Matters: Important Ages for Tax and Financial Milestones

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Just a good summary list of all the ages that matter in the tax and financial sense.

For Children and Young Adults

• Age 13:

  • Childcare Tax Credit: Parents can claim childcare expenses for the Childcare Tax Credit only until the child turns 13 (unless the child has a disability).

• Age 18:

  • Child Tax Credit Ends: The Child Tax Credit ends in the year a child turns 18.

  • Kiddie Tax Rules Apply: Children under 18 (and in some cases up to 23) with unearned income may have it taxed at their parents' tax rate.

  • Earned Income Matters: At 18, individuals can open a retirement account like a Roth IRA if they have earned income.

• Age 19 (or 24 if a student):

  • Dependent Status: Parents can claim a child as a dependent until age 19, or up to 24 if the child is a full-time student.

• Age 26:

• Health Insurance: Children can stay on their parents' health insurance plan until they turn 26.

Midlife Milestones

• Age 50:

  • Catch-Up Contributions Begin: You can make additional “catch-up” contributions to retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs. For 2025, the limits are an additional $7,500 for 401(k)s and $1,000 for IRAs.

• Age 55:

  • HSA Catch-Up Contributions: Eligibility to contribute an extra $1,000 annually to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

  • Early Retirement Withdrawals: If you leave your job in the year you turn 55 or later, you can take penalty-free withdrawals from 401(k) or 403(b) plans.

• Age 59½:

• Penalty-Free Withdrawals: You can withdraw from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s without incurring the 10% early withdrawal penalty, although income tax still applies.

Retirement Planning

• Age 62:

  • Social Security Eligibility: This is the earliest age you can start claiming Social Security benefits. However, benefits will be permanently reduced if taken before full retirement age.

• Age 65:

  • Medicare Eligibility: At 65, you qualify for Medicare (Parts A, B, and D).

  • HSA Contributions End: Once enrolled in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Age 66-67:

  • Full Retirement Age (FRA): Depending on your birth year, this is when you qualify for 100% of your Social Security retirement benefits.

• Age 70:

• Maximized Social Security: If you wait until age 70 to claim Social Security, you’ll receive the highest possible monthly benefit.

Later Years

• Age 73:

  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): RMDs from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s must begin unless you’re still working. This age applies to individuals born in 1951 or later.

• Age 75:

  • Catch-Up Contribution Rule (2025): Individuals earning more than $145,000 annually must make catch-up contributions to 401(k) plans as Roth contributions.

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Conclusion

Understanding these key ages can help you make informed decisions about your financial and retirement planning. Whether you’re helping a child transition to independence, preparing for retirement, or managing healthcare and taxes, knowing these milestones can give you a clear advantage. Planning ahead is essential to make the most of your financial opportunities and to avoid costly mistakes.

Stay proactive, and consult a financial advisor to ensure you’re leveraging every benefit available at these critical ages.

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— Dr. Tree (@lannyland.com) January 8, 2025 at 11:46 AM

P.S. Remember, the easiest way to keep up with my journey is by visiting blog.lannyland.com 

How to Make Your To-Do List Actually Useful - The 6-Box Template

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To-do lists are everywhere, but most people don’t use them effectively. Instead of helping, they often turn into endless, guilt-inducing lists of unchecked tasks. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve figured out a system that actually works. And today, I’m sharing it with you.

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My 6-Box To-Do List Template

First, let me introduce you to the secret weapon that keeps me organized: the 6-Box To-Do List template I created myself. I use this every day on my iPad with the Goodnotes app (which, by the way, is free). Here’s how it works:

At the top, I write the date and day of the week (I usually create pages for the entire week at once). The template itself is a simple 2x3 table that divides my tasks into Home and Work categories. Each category is further split into three types: Must, Ideal, and Must NOT.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Must: This is the non-negotiable stuff. Things I absolutely have to do today or tasks I’m highly motivated to complete. The key is to prioritize. Keep this list short and focus on crossing off at least 80% of it.

• Ideal: These are my “bonus” tasks. I’d like to get them done, but if I don’t, no big deal. It’s like the dessert of my productivity day—nice to have, but not essential.

• Must NOT: This is where things get interesting. This box is my reminder of what NOT to do today. It could include:

  1. Tasks that aren’t worth my time (hello, endless scrolling through YouTube shorts).

  2. Things I’m intentionally pushing to another day because they’re too time-intensive or require more focus than I’ve got for the day.

Writing these down is like decluttering my brain. It’s a mental unload that helps me stay focused and stress-free.

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My To-Do List Principles

Having a great template is only half the battle. Here are some key principles I follow to make sure my To-Do List works for me, not against me:

1. The 5-Minute Rule: If a task takes 5 minutes or less, just do it now. Don’t waste time writing it down. The exception? If you have a bunch of quick tasks to remember, jot them all down together before they skip your brain.

2. Keep the Must Box Manageable: Overloading this box is a surefire way to set yourself up for failure. If you’re constantly carrying tasks over to the next day, it’s time to re-evaluate and preload tasks to future days.

3. Separate Repeating Tasks: Daily habits (like drinking water or checking email) don’t belong on your To-Do List. Use a habit tracker or a different tool for those. I’ll dive deeper into this in a future blog post.

4. Start Your Day with a Plan: Creating or finalizing your To-Do List first thing in the morning is a great way to plan the day. It sets the tone, helps you prioritize, and ensures you’re clear on your goals right from the start.

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A Few Touchups in Goodnotes

1. Stamps: Sometimes, I like to spice up my To-Do List with digital stamps, marking tasks as either Important (stuff that might get me in trouble if I skip) or Happy (tasks that bring me joy when completed). These items are more likely to get done.
2. Highlighter: When I complete a task, I use the highlighter tool to mark it. There’s something immensely satisfying about seeing those colorful highlights at the end of the day. It’s like a visual trophy case of your productivity, and reviewing the list becomes a moment of pride instead of stress.
3. Cut/Paste: One of the reasons I love using Goodnotes for my To-Do List is how easy it is to move tasks around. Didn’t finish something today? Drag it to tomorrow. Priorities shifted? Rearrange your boxes without rewriting a thing.

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Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Success

A good To-Do List isn’t about cramming as much as possible into your day. It’s about focusing on what matters, staying organized, and giving yourself the mental space to actually enjoy crossing things off. With the 6-Box method, I hope you feel more in control.

So give it a try, and let me know how it goes in the comments.

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— Dr. Tree (@lannyland.com) January 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM

P.S. Remember, the easiest way to keep up with my journey is by visiting blog.lannyland.com 

Money Matters: Health Savings Account (HSA) - Your Best Tax-Advantage Friend!

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Previously, we explored various investment categories. Today, let’s focus on one of the most valuable options: the Health Savings Account (HSA).

What Is an HSA?

HSA stands for Health Savings Account, a tax-advantaged account designed to help cover qualified medical expenses, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and some over-the-counter items. To open an HSA, you need to be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

Why Is an HSA Your Best Friend?

Pretty much everyone incurs medical expenses—if not while you’re young, then certainly as you age. An HSA offers a Triple Tax Advantage:

1. Tax-Deductible Contributions: You contribute to an HSA with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income (FICA and Federal/State Income Tax), similar to a Traditional IRA.

2. Tax-Free Growth: Funds grow tax-free, whether through interest or investments, much like a Roth IRA.

3. Tax-Free Withdrawals: Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free, maximizing your savings. You can choose when to withdraw, even years after incurring the expense, allowing your funds to grow tax-free in the meantime.

Some employers match HSA contributions, making it an even sweeter deal!

Non-Medical Withdrawals

If you withdraw money from your HSA for non-medical purposes before age 65, the withdrawal will be subject to income tax and a 20% penalty. After age 65, you can use HSA funds for non-medical expenses without penalty, though such withdrawals will still be taxed as regular income, similar to a Traditional IRA.

What to Watch Out For

1. There’s a yearly HSA contribution limit set by the IRS (your contribution and employer matching combined). For example, the limit for 2025 is $8,550 for Family Coverage. If you are over the age of 55, you can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.

2. Depending on your HSA provider, the selection of equity funds for investment might be limited, and you may also incur a small monthly administrative fee.

3. Like any investment, if you lose money investing your HSA funds, you cannot claim a capital loss.

HSA Strategy

This might sound counterintuitive: To maximize your HSA’s growth, consider paying current medical expenses out-of-pocket if you can afford it. This allows your HSA funds to grow tax-free over time. If needed, you can always file claims for past medical expenses later.

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P.S. Remember, the easiest way to keep up with my journey is by visiting blog.lannyland.com

Money Matters: Taxes in the U.S.

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We, regular Joes/Janes, pay a lot of taxes, unlike the oligarchs or the wealthy politicians!

If you feel like you’re being taxed at every turn, you’re not alone. From the money you earn to the things you buy, and even the gifts you give, taxes are everywhere. Let’s break down some of the most common taxes in the U.S. and how they affect your wallet—even though there's nothing you can do about it.😜

1. FICA Tax (Federal Insurance Contributions Act)

If you’re an employee with W-2 income, you’re paying 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare (7.65% total). Your employer matches these contributions. However, many wealthy business owners (including partial ownership with stocks) pay themselves minimal W-2 wages (some as low as $1) to avoid hefty FICA taxes on their income.

2. Self-Employment Tax

If you’re self-employed—like a freelancer or small business owner—you pay 15.3% in Self-Employment Tax, covering both the employer and employee portions of the FICA taxes. Many small business owners choose to file taxes as an S-Corporation to reduce these taxes (though this has its own pros and cons).

3. Income Tax

Income tax hits most types of earnings: wages, rental income, gambling winnings, and even lottery jackpots (still waiting on mine!). You pay federal income tax and, depending on where you live, state income tax. States like Florida don’t charge income tax, but others, like California, have steep rates for higher earners. Retirees often seek states that don’t tax Social Security benefits or retirement income.

4. Capital Gains Tax

Sell something for more than you paid for it—like stocks or a house? That profit is a capital gain, and yes, it’s taxable. Short-term gains (on assets held for less than a year) are taxed at higher rates than long-term gains (assets held for over a year), which benefit from lower rates. Unsurprisingly, the wealthy aim for long-term gains to minimize taxes.

5. Sales Tax

Sales tax is added to the cost of most goods and services, and rates vary based on your state, county, and city. Some states exempt (or have a lower sales tax rate for) necessities like groceries, while others tax almost everything. Even private car sales aren’t exempt—you’ll pay sales tax when registering the car at the DMV.

6. Property Tax

If you own property like a home, car, or boat, you’re on the hook for annual property taxes. When you sell property, any profit may also be subject to capital gains tax, though exemptions are available if certain conditions are met.

7. Gift Tax

Generosity has its limits with the IRS. If you give someone a gift exceeding $18,000 (2024 limit), such as for your kid to go to college) you may owe gift tax. The giver, not the recipient, is responsible for paying it.

8. Estate and Inheritance Tax

When you pass away, your estate may be subject to federal estate tax if its value exceeds $14 million (2025 threshold). Additionally, some states impose inheritance tax on beneficiaries, though spouses and children are often exempt. Fortunately, this tax is usually a problem only for the wealthy.

The Never-Ending Tax Cycle: A Camaro Story

Let’s say you really want a Chevrolet Camero:

1. FICA Tax: As a teenager, you work at McDonald’s to save money for the car and see FICA tax deducted from each paycheck.
2. Income Tax: At the end of the year, you pay federal and state income taxes on those wages.
3. Self-Employment Tax: You quit McDonald’s to start a lawn care business. Now you’re paying self-employment tax on your earnings.
4. Sales Tax: You save enough to buy a Chevrolet Camaro. The dealership hits you with sales tax.
5. Property Tax: Once you own the car, you start paying property tax every year.
6. Capital Gains Tax: Years later, you sell the Camaro for a profit. Cue capital gains tax.
7. Sales Tax Again: You buy back the Camaro and pay sales tax once more.
8. Gift Tax: You gift the car to your teenage son, who just started driving, and its value exceeds $18,000. You pay gift tax.
9. Gift Tax Again: Your son gets older and gives the car back to you, triggering another round of gift tax.
10. Inheritance Tax: Eventually, you leave the car to your grandson. While it won’t hit federal estate tax limits, he may owe state inheritance tax.

Look how many times you got taxed. Unfortunately, many taxes are just normal processes, and you don't even think about them. Welcome to reality!

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Taxation without representation because of the stupid Electoral College and stupid gerrymandering make it suck even more.

P.S. Remember, the easiest way to keep up with my journey is by visiting blog.lannyland.com

Tech Bits: GitFlow vs GitLab Flow

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Last time, we discussed Gitflow, Git Feature Branch, and Trunk-Based Development, which are all part of the Git version control system. 

Today, we compare two commonly used workflows, GitFlow and GitLab Flow, which cater to different needs and approaches. This article breaks down their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

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GitFlow: Structured and Ideal for Scheduled Releases

GitFlow, created by Vincent Driessen, is a robust branching model perfect for projects with clearly defined release cycles. It provides a highly organized structure for managing features, releases, and hotfixes.

Key Features:

• Branches:
  • main: Holds production-ready code.
  • develop: Tracks stable development progress.
  • Supporting branches: Feature, release, and hotfix branches for specific tasks.
• Workflow:
  1. Developers create feature branches from develop for new features.
  2. Completed features are merged back into develop.
  3. Release branches are created for finalizing and testing releases before merging into both main and develop.
  4. Hotfix branches are used to address urgent issues in main and are merged back into both main and develop.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Provides clear separation of development stages.
  • Ideal for projects with predictable release schedules.
• Cons:
  • High complexity can slow down teams.
  • Less suitable for environments requiring frequent or continuous updates.

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GitLab Flow: Simplicity for Continuous Delivery

GitLab Flow is a modern, streamlined approach optimized for continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD). It emphasizes simplicity and deployment readiness, making it popular for teams adopting DevOps practices.

Key Features:

• Branches:
  • Minimal branching, with most work happening on main or short-lived feature branches.
  • Optional environment-specific branches (e.g., staging, production) for deployment workflows.
• Workflow:
  1. Developers create feature branches and submit merge requests for peer review and automated testing.
  2. Approved changes are merged directly into main.
  3. CI/CD pipelines automate testing, integration, and deployment.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Simplifies branching and deployment processes.
  • Encourages rapid iteration and frequent updates.
• Cons:
  • Lacks structure for managing long-term parallel development.
  • Relies heavily on robust CI/CD systems for success.

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Quick Comparison: GitFlow vs GitLab Flow

Aspect	GitFlow	GitLab Flow
Branching Model	Multi-branch (develop, feature, release, hotfix)	Minimal branching (main, optional environment branches)
Complexity	High	Low
Focus	Release management	Continuous delivery
Use Case	Scheduled releases, complex projects	Frequent updates, DevOps practices

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Choosing the Right Workflow

• Choose GitFlow if your project has clearly defined release cycles, involves long-term maintenance, or requires structured parallel workstreams.
• Choose GitLab Flow if your team operates in a fast-paced environment with frequent deployments and leverages CI/CD pipelines for efficiency.

Here's a great article discussing GitLab Flow in-depth.

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— Dr. Tree (@lannyland.com) January 4, 2025 at 1:08 PM

P.S. Remember, the easiest way to keep up with my journey is by visiting blog.lannyland.com