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mostlysignssomeportents · 4 months ago

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FCC strikes a blow against prison profiteering

TOMORROW NIGHT (July 20), I'm appearing in CHICAGO at Exile in Bookville.

Here's a tip for policymakers hoping to improve the lives of the most Americans with the least effort: help prisoners.

After all, America is the most prolific imprisoner of its own people of any country in world history. We lock up more people than Stalin, than Mao, more than Botha, de Klerk or any other Apartheid-era South African president. And it's not just America's vast army of the incarcerated who are afflicted by our passion for imprisonment: their families and friends suffer, too.

That familial suffering isn't merely the constant pain of life without a loved one, either. America's prison profiteers treat prisoners' families as ATMs who can be made to pay and pay and pay.

This may seem like a losing strategy. After all, prison sentences are strongly correlated with poverty, and even if your family wasn't desperate before the state kidnapped one of its number and locked them behind bars, that loved one's legal defense and the loss of their income is a reliable predictor of downward social mobility.

Decent people don't view poor people as a source of riches. But for a certain kind of depraved sadist, the poor are an irresistible target. Sure, poor people don't have much money, but what they lack even more is protection under the law ("conservativism consists of the principle that there is an in-group whom the law protects but does not bind, and an out-group whom the law binds but does not protect" -Wilhoit). You can enjoy total impunity as you torment poor people, make them so miserable and afraid for their lives and safety that they will find some money, somewhere, and give it to you.

Mexican cartels understand this. They do a brisk trade in kidnapping asylum seekers whom the US has illegally forced to wait in Mexico to have their claims processed. The families of refugees – either in their home countries or in the USA – are typically badly off but they understand that Mexico will not lift a finger to protect a kidnapped refugee, and so when the kidnappers threaten the most grisly tortures as a means of extracting ransom, those desperate family members do whatever it takes to scrape up the blood-money.

What's more, the families of asylum seekers are not much better off than their kidnapped loved ones when it comes to seeking official protection. Family members who stayed behind in human rights hellholes like Bukele's El Salvador can't get their government to lodge official complaints with the Mexican ambassador, and family members who made it to the USA are in no position to get their Congressjerk to intercede with ICE or the Mexican consulate. This gives Mexico's crime syndicates total latitude to kidnap, torture, and grow rich by targeting the poorest, most desperate people in the world.

The private contractors that supply services to America's prisons are basically Mexican refugee-kidnappers with pretensions and shares listed on the NYSE. After decades of consolidation, the prison contracting sector has shrunk to two gigantic companies: Securus and Viapath (formerly Global Tellink). These private-equity backed behemoths dominate their sector, and have diversified, providing all kinds of services, from prison cafeteria meals to commissary, the prison stores where prisoners can buy food and other items.

If you're following closely, this is one of those places where the hair on the back of your neck starts to rise. These companies make money when prisoners buy food from the commissary, and they're also in charge of the quality of the food in the mess hall. If the food in the mess hall is adequate and nutritious, there's no reason to buy food from the commissary.

This is what economists call a "moral hazard." You can think of it as the reason that prison ramen costs 300% more than ramen in the free world:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/20/captive-market/#locked-in

(Not just ramen: in America's sweltering prisons, an 8" fan costs $40, and the price of water went up in Texas prisons by 50% during last summer's heatwave.)

It's actually worse than that: if you get sick from eating bad prison food, the same company that poisoned you gets paid to operate the infirmary where you're treated:

https://theappeal.org/massachusetts-prisons-wellpath-dentures-teeth/

Now, the scam of abusing prisoners to extract desperate pennies from their families is hardly new. There's written records of this stretching back to the middle ages. Nor is this pattern a unique one: making an unavoidable situation as miserable as possible and then upcharging people who have the ability to pay to get free of the torture is basically how the airlines work. Making coach as miserable as possible isn't merely about shaving pennies by shaving inches off your legroom: it's a way to "incentivize" anyone who can afford it to pay for an upgrade to business-class. The worse coach is, the more people you can convince to dip into their savings or fight with their boss to move classes. The torments visited upon everyone else in coach are economically valuable to the airlines: their groans and miseries translate directly into windfall profits, by convincing better-off passengers to pay not to have the same thing done to them.

Of course, with rare exceptions (flying to get an organ transplant, say) plane tickets are typically discretionary. Housing, on the other hand, is a human right and a prerequisite for human thriving. The worse things are for tenants, the more debt and privation people will endure to become home-owners, so it follows that making renters worse off makes homeowners richer:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/06/the-rents-too-damned-high/

For Securus and Viapath, the path to profitability is to lobby for mandatory, long prison sentences and then make things inside the prison as miserable as possible. Any prisoner whose family can find the funds can escape the worst of it, and all the prisoners who can't afford it serve the economically important function of showing the prisoners whose families can afford it how bad things will be if they don't pay.

If you're thinking that prisoners might pay Securus, Viapath and their competitors out of their own prison earnings, forget it. These companies have decided that the can make more by pocketing the difference between the vast sums paid by third parties for prisoners' labor and the pennies the prisoners get from their work. Remember, the 13th Amendment specifically allows for the enslavement of incarcerated people! Six states ban paying prisoners at all. North Carolina caps prisoners' wages at one dollar per day. The national average prison wage is $0.52/hour. Prisoners' labor produces $11b/year in goods and services:

https://www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2024/0324bowman.html

Forced labor and extortion are a long and dishonorable tradition in incarceration, but this century saw the introduction of a novel, exciting way of extracting wealth from prisoners and their families. It started when private telcos took over prison telephones and raised the price of a prison phone call. These phone companies found willing collaborators in local jail and prison systems: all they had to do was offer to split the take with the jailers.

With the advent of the internet, things got far worse. Digitalization meant that prisons could replace the library, adult educations, commissary accounts, letter-mail, parcels, in-person visits and phone calls with a single tablet. These cheaply made tablets were offered for free to prisoners, who lost access to everything from their kids' handmade birthday cards to in-person visits with those kids.

In their place, prisoners' families had to pay huge premiums to have their letters scanned so that prisoners could pay (again) to view those scans on their tablets. Instead of in-person visits, prisoners families had to pay $3-10/minute for a janky, postage-stamp sized video. Perversely, jails and prisons replaced their in-person visitation rooms with rooms filled with shitty tablets where family members could sit and videoconference with their incarcerated loved ones who were just a few feet away:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/14/minnesota-nice/#shitty-technology-adoption-curve

Capitalists hate capitalism. The capital classes are on a relentless search for markets with captive customers and no competitors. The prison-tech industry was catnip for private equity funds, who bought and "rolled" up prison contractors, concentrating the sector into a duopoly of debt-laden companies whose ability to pay off their leveraged buyouts was contingent on their ability to terrorize prisoners' families into paying for their overpriced, low-quality products and services.

One particularly awful consequence of these rollups was the way that prisoners could lose access to their data when their prison's service-provider was merged with a rival. When that happened, the IT systems would be consolidated, with the frequent outcome that all prisoners' data was lost. Imagine working for two weeks to pay for a song or a book, or a scan of your child's handmade Father's Day card, only to have the file deleted in an IT merger. Now imagine that you're stuck inside for another 20 years.

This is a subject I've followed off and on for years. It's such a perfect bit of end-stage capitalist cruelty, combining mass incarceration with monopolies. Even if you're not imprisoned, this story is haunting, because on the one hand, America keeps thinking of new reasons to put more people behind bars, and on the other hand, every technological nightmare we dream up for prisoners eventually works its way out to the rest of us in a process I call the "shitty technology adoption curve." As William Gibson says, "The future is here, it's just not evenly distributed" – but the future sure pools up thick and dystopian around America's prisoners:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/02/24/gwb-rumsfeld-monsters/#bossware

My background interest in the subject got sharper a few years ago when I started working on The Bezzle, my 2023 high-tech crime thriller about prison-tech grifters:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865878/thebezzle

One of the things that was on my mind when I got to work on that book was the 2017 court-case that killed the FCC's rules limit interstate prison-call gouging. The FCC could have won that case, but Trump's FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, dropped it:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/06/prisoners-lose-again-as-court-wipes-out-inmate-calling-price-caps/

With that bad precedent on the books, the only hope prisoners had for relief from the FCC was for Congress to enact legislation specifically granting the agency the power to regulate prison telephony. Incredibly, Congress did just that, with Biden signing the "Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act" in early 2023:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1541/text

With the new law in place, it fell to the FCC use those newfound powers. Compared to agencies like the FTC and the NLRB, Biden's FCC has been relatively weak, thanks in large part to the Biden administration's refusal to defend its FCC nomination for Gigi Sohn, a brilliant and accomplished telecoms expert. You can tell that Sohn would have been a brilliant FCC commissioner because of the way that America's telco monopolists and their allies in the senate (mostly Republicans, but some Democrats, too) went on an all-out offensive against her, using the fact that she is gay to smear her and ultimately defeat her nomination:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/19/culture-war-bullshit-stole-your-broadband/

But even without Sohn, the FCC has managed to do something genuinely great for America's army of the imprisoned. This week, the FCC voted in price-caps on prison calls, so that call rates will drop from $11.35 for 15 minutes to just $0.90. Both interstate and intrastate calls will be capped at $0.06-0.12/minute, with a phased rollout starting in January:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/07/fcc-closes-final-loopholes-that-keep-prison-phone-prices-exorbitantly-high/

It's hard to imagine a policy that will get more bang for a regulator's buck than this one. Not only does this represent a huge savings for prisoners and their families, those savings are even larger in proportion to their desperate, meager finances.

It shows you how important a competent, qualified regulator is. When it comes to political differences between Republicans and Democrats, regulatory competence is a grossly underrated trait. Trump's FCC Chair Ajit Pai handed out tens of billions of dollars in public money to monopoly carriers to improve telephone networks in underserved areas, but did so without first making accurate maps to tell him where the carriers should invest. As a result, that money was devoured by executive bonuses and publicly financed dividends and millions of Americans entered the pandemic lockdowns with broadband that couldn't support work-from-home or Zoom school. When Biden's FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel took over, one of her first official acts was to commission a national study and survey of broadband quality. Republicans howled in outrage:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/10/digital-redlining/#stop-confusing-the-issue-with-relevant-facts

The telecoms sector has been a rent-seeking, monopolizing monster since the days of Samuel Morse:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/18/the-bell-system/#were-the-phone-company-we-dont-have-to-care

Combine telecoms and prisons, and you get a kind of supermonster, the meth-gator of American neofeudalism:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tennessee-police-warn-locals-not-flush-drugs-fear-meth-gators-n1030291

The sector is dirty beyond words, and it corrupts everything it touches – bribing prison officials to throw out all the books in the prison library and replace them with DRM-locked, high-priced ebooks that prisoners must toil for weeks to afford, and that vanish from their devices whenever a prison-tech company merges with a rival:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/02/captive-customers/#guillotine-watch

The Biden presidency has been fatally marred by the president's avid support of genocide, and nothing will change that. But for millions of Americans, the Biden administration's policies on telecoms, monopoly, and corporate crime have been a source of profound, lasting improvements.

It's not just presidents who can make this difference. Millions of America's prisoners are rotting in state and county jails, and as California has shown, state governments have broad latitude to kick out prison profiteers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/08/captive-audience/#good-at-their-jobs

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/19/martha-wright-reed/#capitalists-hate-capitalism

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#pluralistic #prison tech #fcc #martin hench #marty hench #the bezzle #captive audiences #carceral state #worth rises #bezzles #Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act #capitalists hate capitalism #shitty technology adoption curve

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maparhythmcaregiving · 5 months ago

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Hello there! I am new to this account, I am not a age regressor but I want to be a caregiver one day. Do you have any tips on how to be one?

Hi there!

I mainly work with neurodivergent littles, so these are tips I’ve learned are helpful when it comes to caregiving

1. BE KIND

I’ve found it’s easier to connect and make connections with Littles if you’re kind and listen to what their needs are. Sometimes they’ll need help with things, other times they might not need the help. It can be hard to always know the right thing to say, but kindness goes a long way.

2. Know boundaries It’s important with any little for both of you to establish boundaries beforehand. That way both of you can have effective comminication

3. Encourage self care/encourage them to express themselves

One of the most important things I’ve learned to help not only better connect with littles, but also to ensure you both are on the same page is to encourage self care. Reminders to brush teeth, eat, use bathroom Ect can be super helpful because it shows not only that you care, but you also are aware of their needs.

Also it’s smart to encourage them to express themselves. If they’re sad/angry or any other big emotion, encourage them to feel that emotion or work through it with them. (I.e. say a little had a rough day and wants to cry or feels like they might meltdown. Encourage them to express those emotions, but also reaffirm them that those emotions are normal and something not to be ashamed of. Then talk it out)

4. Play with them.

Playing can mean anything from watching a show with them or encouraging artistic expression. Some littles prefer to send back and forth emojis or babble so encourage those behaviors. Make up fun games with them or ask them if they want to draw you a picture.

5. Find a routine that works

Every Little is different. Some have preestablished rules/routines they want to follow, others are willing to collaborate. Find a balance between your own life and theirs as well as your shared space. Wether it’s online or not, establishing a routine that works between you both is the best way to ensure a sense of stability

6. Mutual Respect/Equity/Equality

by this I mean be aware of the difference between you and the little, in the sense of understanding that Littles need additional care (some don’t though and that’s okay!) but if it feels like there’s a conflict of power, try and talk it out. Littles are our equals. They deserve respect just as much as us Caregivers do, and therefore it’s important for us to treat them as such.

Your Needs Matter Too

If you feel burnt out, communicate that. Work out a system where they can go to others if they need the extra help and you aren’t available. It’s always okay to ask for help. This community is welcoming and we are here to help each other.

Now I’m just one person, so I’m gonna open the discussion. Other caregivers and littles are free to add to this thread/comment things that help with their relationship/friendships ect with their Littles/Caregivers! Everyone does things different and there are no wrong answers!

apologies if the formatting is weird. I tried to make it look good ;-;

-Mapa Rhythm

#ask response #sfw agere #sfw caregiver #sfw agere community #sfw age regression #sfw agedre #sfw babyre #sfw petre #sfw middle space #sfw middle regression #Open discussion about Agere caregiving #Advice for caregivers

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y010isaghost · 2 years ago

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Booting up…

…

Desig. No.: Y010

Alias: Y-Ten/Ghost

Pronouns: they/them, it/its

Status: ↑18, Bilingual (Eng/Chn)

DNI: NSFW, Racist, Sexist, LGBTQ+phobic, and/or anything else that denies equity for all

Function: Art, Writing(currently inactive)

Occupating Fandoms: Friday Night Funkin' (mainly Vs Void), Undertale, Deltarune, Hollow Knight, Omori, Inscryption, Animator Vs Animation, …

…

Welcome! ^^

you most likely came here from @daily-acvoid. yes, i run that blog. the lack of frequent activity on this blog is due to my focus on running said blog. sorry about that

i've also been running this ask blog called @ask-acvoid-multiplex featuring versions of Void that i created, feel free to check it out too

it may not seem like it but i am interested in things outside of void fnf, please feel free to talk to me about the fandoms listed above (or other things you know i dabble in)!

also here's my kofi page if you wanna tip me for what i do… whatever im doing…

Tags:

#y010 made a thing - a thing i made :>

#y010's menagerie - ocs

#y010 talks into the void - talk/ramble

#earth to y010 - answered asks

#wheemper - things that make me want to cry /lh

#y010's complaining again - things that make me want to cry /srs

Bonus - Sona Ref

#procrastination forces me to make an intro post

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buzzingswarm · 2 years ago

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There is plenty to fear in the streets of Raccoon City. @alphateamsfinest knows that life does not provide equity. There are those that suffer most when things start to go bad.

And things have started to go bad.

Complaints had been pouring into the station. Water sanitation issues in this district, investigation requests gone unanswered, and mysterious murders rampaging the developing highrises. The latter issue had been your assignment, but you have been doubting the evidence, dismissing the ghost stories told by the posh elite. They swear to you that the answers lie in a place beyond a mirror, beyond a tomb.

With their cries, you choose to start complaining yourself.

You have to follow all leads, you relay to the rest of your team, your actions full of sarcasm as you declare that you did not sign up to be a member of Ghostbusters. Something is cruel about how small your faith is: disbelieving in the legend and in the civilians that have made themselves vulnerable to you.

In so doing, making yourself vulnerable. And you will be punished.

A cigarette on a sunny day to warm the frustration off of your bones; you feel the jab of a pinch on your wrist that plunges your flesh, secreting fluid pain. You see the culprit before you can strike: pairs of black legs dancing about in chaotic pirouettes, anchored into you by its stinger, turning and turning and turning 'til the insides are out, coiled round and pulled free to see. ' Til a lonely bee is frozen triumphant; tips weightlessly, tumbles down your fingers, and lands atop your boot.

The stinger pulses inside of you, as red as a target.

You feel a breath on the fuzz of your nape. There is no one else around.

requested 🐝

#alphateamsfinest #tbt.

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the-maddened-hatter · 2 years ago

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Master list version: I will be editing and adding to this version where possible.

PLEASE REBLOG

Blue text indicates a link:

First off: Y'all be safe! Links on how to activate incognito mode on an Iphone and an Android phone and on chrome on a computer. Remember to delete your Youtube history after watching!

Point of Pride provides Binders AND Femme Shapewear. Provides sizing guides. International!

B4CK provides free, but gently used Binders and provides a sizing guide. Link goes directly to the ordering page since site layout is slightly confusing. Not sure how discreet the packaging is. Ships to the Contiguous US & Canada (meaning they do not ship to Alaska and Hawaii).

The Euphoria Project provides free gender-affirming care items such as binders, gaffs, breast forms, and packers. You will need to research what kind of item/the brand/size you want to receive.

The Phoenix Transition Program provides free binders to people living in the United States. Provides a size guide.

Kansas City Center For Inclusion offers a binder exchange program This service may only be usable for people in the Kansas City Metro, range of service is unclear.

The True Self Foundation's Binder Xchange Program is a service available to people living in Puerto Rico. the page (and site) is in Spanish, but can be translated into English via Google Translate pop-up. The application form is fully in Spanish, and cannot be translated directly via pop-up, but is easy enough to understand, and the relatively direct wording can be easily typed into Google Translate directly. Binders may need to be picked up on-site.

American Trans Resource Hub (ATRH) offers a free binder program that ships across America, but it looks like there may be a backlog of orders, but the service can be used by people 13 +

For youths & young adults in South Dakota , there's a program called Marty's Closet that offers a free set of 3 personalized outfits and a very large kit of resources (including E-Certificates for binders, tucking underwear, binding tape, bras, and packers). Note: This is very personalized & involved, PLEASE use caution when ordering, receiving, wearing, and storing these products

Clock inc. is located in Rock Valley Plaza in Rock Island, Illinois, and Provides free binders and offers a clothing swap, but is exclusively in-person. Note: the website has many pop-ups that ask for donations and the site may not be entirely up to date.

Out Maine provides free binders to people living in Maine who are between the age of 14-22

The Q Corner provides free binders and gaffs to people in Santa Clara County (with multiple sizes & different styles) (I have linked directly to the request form)

BroThersPGH is a branch-off project of the SisTersPGH (a black & trans lead nonprofit orginization) , and offers binders for people living in Allegheny County/Pittsburgh

Uniting Pride's Up And Away offers free binders and waist cinchers for those in Illinois

For people in Poland, Western Pomerania there's Lambda Szczecin, which provides assistance with the purchase of binders (The website is in Polish, but can be translated with Google translate if desired. Keep this in mind when contacting them to receive a binder).

ZBP Apparel offers a free binder scheme that has free shipping in the UK. Anyone under the age of 18 requires someone that they know over the age of 18 to consent (note a parent, just someone you know). *may be a significant wait time*

If you'd prefer to sew your own binder, you can find a free pattern at Ureshii design

Links to lifehacks from the Transgender Equity Network Ireland for tips when binding or tucking for the first time

And here's a link to a Tumblr post showing a step-by-step guide on how to wash your binder. <3

Ok y’all, I need you to drop links for free binder services. It’s November which means that parents won’t think it’s odd for their children to request that they not inspect packages. They’ll simply assume it’s a present for whatever holiday they observe. So please do your part by dropping links in the reblogs and trying to get this seen by those who need it

edit: k, so I mean this in nicest way possible. Liking isn’t going to help anyone. This isn’t just for me, other people need these links. If you if you can’t/don’t have the energy to find and post links to ACTIVE donations. Please at least reblog so someone who follows you can. Please and thank you <3

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debtmarketinvestments · 1 day ago

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Tax Advantages of Debt Market Investments

Debt market investments offer a range of benefits, including the potential for stable returns and lower volatility compared to equities. Among these advantages, the tax benefits associated with debt investments are a significant draw for investors seeking efficient ways to grow their wealth. Understanding the tax treatment of various debt instruments, such as bonds, municipal securities, and government debt, can enable investors to make tax-smart decisions, ultimately enhancing the net returns on their investments. Tax benefits in the debt market can vary based on the type of debt instrument, the investor's tax bracket, and the specific tax laws of their country.

One notable tax advantage of debt market investments comes from municipal bonds, which are often exempt from federal income tax. In many cases, municipal bonds issued by state and local governments are also exempt from state taxes, provided the investor resides in the same state as the bond issuer. This double tax exemption makes municipal bonds particularly attractive to high-income investors seeking tax-efficient income. The predictable income generated by these bonds allows investors to maximize their returns without incurring heavy tax obligations. For investors who might need help recovering missed payments, a collection agency may step in to manage delinquent accounts, providing an added layer of security for those concerned with default risk on certain debt investments.

Corporate bonds also offer potential tax benefits through deductible interest expenses, which can lower a corporation’s taxable income. This allows corporations to issue debt at lower costs while providing investors with steady income in the form of interest payments. Although interest from corporate bonds is typically subject to federal and state income tax, the predictable income stream and relatively favorable tax treatment make these bonds appealing, especially in a diversified portfolio. Additionally, corporate bonds can offer higher yields compared to municipal bonds, which might appeal to investors prioritizing higher returns over tax-exempt income. Depending on an investor's tax bracket, the after-tax returns of corporate bonds may still be favorable, making them a valuable component of a tax-efficient investment strategy.

Another tax-efficient option for debt market investors is investing in government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bonds or Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Treasury bonds are generally exempt from state and local taxes, which makes them advantageous for investors seeking reliable, tax-advantaged income. Although federal taxes still apply, the state tax exemption can lead to substantial tax savings, particularly for investors residing in high-tax states. TIPS also offer a unique tax benefit: they provide inflation protection by adjusting the principal based on inflation rates. However, investors should note that the inflation-adjusted principal increases are taxable as income, so TIPS are often best suited for tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

For investors in high-income brackets, tax-deferred and tax-exempt accounts, such as IRAs and Roth IRAs, provide a valuable tool for debt market investments. Holding bonds and other debt instruments in a tax-deferred account allows interest income to grow without immediate tax implications, potentially compounding wealth over time. In a Roth IRA, qualified withdrawals are tax-free, making it an attractive option for long-term investors looking to minimize taxes on their interest income. By using these accounts, investors can reduce their taxable income while benefiting from the consistent income that debt investments offer.

Tax-loss harvesting is another strategy that can enhance the tax advantages of debt market investments. In cases where bond prices decline due to rising interest rates or other market factors, investors may sell the bonds at a loss, which can be used to offset capital gains from other investments. This strategy allows investors to reduce their overall tax liability while rebalancing their portfolios. Tax-loss harvesting can be especially beneficial in a volatile interest rate environment, where bond prices fluctuate, providing opportunities to optimize tax outcomes.

For many, the key to maximizing the tax benefits of debt market investments is understanding how to balance tax-exempt and taxable debt instruments in their portfolios. High-income investors may benefit from holding a mix of municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and Treasuries, depending on their tax situation and income needs. By strategically selecting debt investments, investors can tailor their portfolios to reduce tax obligations and increase after-tax income. Municipal bonds may offer tax-free income, while government and corporate bonds contribute stability and yield, creating a balanced, tax-efficient portfolio.

In conclusion, debt market investments come with various tax advantages that can be highly beneficial for investors seeking steady returns and tax efficiency. From tax-exempt municipal bonds and state-tax-free Treasuries to tax-deferred retirement accounts and tax-loss harvesting, there are multiple ways to make debt investments more tax-advantageous. By understanding these benefits and integrating tax-smart strategies into their portfolios, investors can enhance their returns, preserve wealth, and achieve financial goals more efficiently in the debt market.

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navdurga32 · 13 days ago

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How do I build high quality do follow backlink?

In the digital age, backlinks are a vital component of any effective SEO strategy. Specifically, do-follow backlinks are crucial because they allow search engines to follow the link from one website to another, significantly enhancing the authority and ranking of your site. However, not all backlinks are created equal. High-quality do-follow backlinks can dramatically improve your website's visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This article will explore the strategies for building high-quality do-follow backlinks and why SEOeShop stands out as one of the best platforms for this purpose.

Understanding Do-Follow Backlinks

Do-follow backlinks are hyperlinks that tell search engines to follow them and pass link equity (or "link juice") to the linked page. This means that when a reputable site links to your website with a do-follow link, it can help improve your site's authority, search engine ranking, and organic traffic. Conversely, no-follow backlinks do not pass on link equity, making them less valuable for SEO purposes.

Strategies for Building High-Quality Do-Follow Backlinks?

Create High-Quality Content The foundation of any successful backlink strategy is high-quality content. Valuable, informative, and engaging content is more likely to attract links from other websites. This can include:

In-depth articles: Research-based articles that provide comprehensive information on a topic.

Infographics: Visually appealing graphics that simplify complex information.

Videos: Engaging video content that can be shared across multiple platforms.

Original research and case studies: Unique data or findings that others may want to cite.

Guest Blogging Guest blogging is a popular method for acquiring do-follow backlinks. By contributing high-quality content to reputable blogs in your niche, you can gain exposure and include a do-follow link back to your site in your author bio or within the content itself. Here are some tips for successful guest blogging:

Research blogs that accept guest posts and are relevant to your industry.

Craft well-written, original articles that align with the blog’s audience.

Follow the blog's guidelines for submissions and ensure your content is free of promotional material.

Build Relationships with Influencers Establishing relationships with influencers and thought leaders in your industry can lead to valuable backlinks. Engaging with them through social media, commenting on their blogs, and sharing their content can help you get noticed. Once you've built a rapport, consider asking for a backlink or collaborating on content.

Participate in Online Communities Engage actively in online communities, forums, and social media groups related to your industry. Providing valuable insights and answers can help establish your authority. When appropriate, include links to your content, ensuring they are relevant to the discussion. This not only helps in building do-follow backlinks but also drives traffic to your site.

Utilize Directory Submissions While not as powerful as other strategies, submitting your website to reputable online directories can help you acquire do-follow backlinks. Focus on niche-specific directories and ensure they have a good reputation. Avoid low-quality directories, as they can harm your SEO efforts.

Leverage Competitor Analysis Analyze your competitors' backlink profiles using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. Identify where they are getting their backlinks and see if there are similar opportunities for your website. You can reach out to the same sites or find ways to earn links from those domains through quality content or outreach.

Offer Testimonials Many businesses appreciate testimonials from their customers, and they often include a do-follow link back to your site when publishing them. If you have used a product or service and had a positive experience, consider offering a testimonial that includes a link back to your site.

Conduct Expert Roundups Create content that includes insights from multiple experts in your field. When you publish the roundup, share it with the participants, many of whom may link back to your content on their platforms. This not only helps you acquire backlinks but also boosts your content's credibility.

Why SEOeShop is One of the Best Platforms for Building High-Quality Do-Follow Backlinks?

While various strategies can be employed to acquire do-follow backlinks, using a reliable platform can streamline the process and enhance your chances of success. SEOeShop is one of the best platforms for building high-quality do-follow backlinks for several reasons:

Expertise in Link Building SEOeShop specializes in link-building services, employing a team of SEO professionals who understand the intricacies of creating effective backlink strategies. Their expertise ensures that your backlinks come from high-authority sites, maximizing the benefits for your website.

Quality Over Quantity Unlike many services that focus on quantity, SEOeShop emphasizes quality. They prioritize backlinks from reputable sites with a strong domain authority, ensuring that every link you acquire contributes positively to your SEO efforts.

Customized Strategies SEOeShop offers tailored backlink strategies based on your specific business goals, target audience, and industry. This personalized approach increases the effectiveness of the link-building campaign, ensuring that you get the most relevant and beneficial backlinks. Transparent Reporting Transparency is vital when it comes to link-building services. SEOeShop provides detailed reports on your backlink profile, allowing you to track progress and understand the impact of each link on your SEO efforts. This accountability fosters trust and helps you make informed decisions about your SEO strategy.

Diverse Link Building Techniques SEOeShop employs a variety of link-building techniques, including guest posting, outreach, and content marketing, to ensure a diverse backlink profile. This diversity reduces the risk of being penalized by search engines and enhances the overall authority of your website.

Focus on Long-Term Results SEOeShop aims for sustainable growth rather than quick wins. Their strategies are designed to build a robust backlink profile that will benefit your website in the long run, helping you achieve and maintain high rankings in search results.

Comprehensive SEO Services Beyond link building, SEOeShop offers a wide range of SEO services, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and content creation. This holistic approach allows you to tackle all aspects of your SEO strategy in one place, ensuring consistency and effectiveness.

Proven Track Record SEOeShop has a history of success, with numerous satisfied clients who have seen significant improvements in their search rankings and organic traffic. Their proven methodologies and commitment to excellence make them a trusted partner in your SEO journey.

Conclusion

Building high-quality do-follow backlinks is essential for any successful SEO strategy. By implementing effective strategies like creating quality content, guest blogging, and leveraging relationships, you can improve your site's authority and visibility. Choosing the right platform, such as SEOeShop, can further enhance your efforts, providing you with expert guidance, quality backlinks, and a comprehensive approach to SEO. Investing in do-follow backlinks will yield significant dividends, helping you establish a strong online presence and achieve your business goals.

#seo marketing #seo services #seo company #do follow backlinks #backlink in seo

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tummanoj9 · 23 days ago

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youtube

🏡 Questions to ask a Real estate Agent regarding FIRST-TIME Buyer Incentives? ❓ by Manoj Atri, REALTOR® 🏡 FIRST-TIME Buyer ALERT! Don't Miss Out on these Incentives 😲 📚 Kindly Subscribe for More Tips and Insights!✨Help me reach 1,000 Subscribers! 🎉🙌 #HomeInspection # ⏳ Daily Hot Picks: GTA Real Estate News - Friday 11th Oct 2024 Newsletter This YouTube Short is a segment from the full video available at this link: https://ift.tt/wLADUYO Unlocking Success: First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Unlocking Affordable Housing 🏡🔑 Government Programs for First-Time Buyers 🏛️ First-Time Homebuyer Incentive 💰 Shared equity mortgage program 🤝 Helps with down payments 💸 Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) 💼 Allows withdrawal from RRSP for home purchase 🏦 Tax-free borrowing from your retirement savings 📅 First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit 📝 Non-refundable tax credit 💳 Helps offset closing costs 🧾 Tax on Vacant Homes 🏚️ Purpose: Discourage speculation in the housing market 🚫💹 Target: Non-resident owners 🌍 Goal: Increase housing supply for residents 📈🏘️ Benefits of These Programs 🌟 Increased Affordability 💲👍 Easier Market Entry 🚪🔓 Reduced Financial Strain 😌💆‍♂️ Things to Consider 🤔 Eligibility Criteria ✅📋 Long-Term Financial Impact 📊🔮 Market Conditions 🏙️📉📈 Remember, these programs aim to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers! 🎉🏠 Questions to Ask a Real Estate AGENT Regarding First-Time Buyer Incentives 🏡❓ What first-time buyer programs are available? 💰 How does the First-Time Homebuyer Incentive work? 📋 What are the eligibility requirements for these programs? ✅ Can I combine multiple incentives? 🔄 What is the Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund? 🏛️ How can I access the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)? 📅 Are there any tax credits for first-time buyers? �� What documentation do I need to apply for incentives? 🗂️ How do these programs affect my mortgage approval? 🏦 What are the potential drawbacks of these incentives? ⚠️ Asking these questions can help you navigate the options available to first-time homebuyers! 📝✨ Subscribe Now for our daily Toronto Real Estate updates and expert insights! 🔔📅 🏡 #TorontoRealEstate 🛠️ #FixerUpper ❤️ #GTAHomes 💰 #HomeRenovation ⚠️ #RealEstateTips 📜 #TorontoHousingMarket 🤔 #DreamHome 🔑 #RentToOwn 💸 #HomeBuying 🇨🇦 #CanadianRealEstate ▶ Visit the following website links for HOT New Listings in Toronto GTA Ontario Canada TORONTO REAL ESTATE for Sale Listings → https://ift.tt/6Eg5Chw BRAMPTON Homes Peel ON → https://ift.tt/oJ7d03l Purchase Properties in MARKHAM Toronto ON → https://ift.tt/u24k0Eb Rent To Buy Homes in MILTON ON Canada → https://ift.tt/TzU9O4Q Rent-To-Own MISSISSAUGA homes Ontario → https://ift.tt/XxqaJDy Rent-To-Purchase homes NEWMARKET Ontario → https://ift.tt/lNRw9Ab Search properties in OAKVILLE Ontario → https://ift.tt/qAabSVm Hot listings in OSHAWA Ontario → https://ift.tt/XGoPfqT PICKERING Durham Region Ontario → https://ift.tt/8oGzrA0 Buy a home RICHMOND HILL Ontario → https://ift.tt/AUXNmhS ▶ Manoj Atri, REALTOR® with Architectural Experience Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage 401 – 685 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON M2K 1B6 Office: [416] 494-7653 | Cell: [416] 275-2089 | Direct: [647] 696-6873 Fax: [416] 494-0016 | Email: [email protected] ▶ LET'S CONNECT FOR FURTHER NETWORKING: FACEBOOK → https://ift.tt/ZgwHWSf INSTAGRAM → https://ift.tt/uJ3hcy7 LINKEDIN → https://ift.tt/9xKbBhI PINTEREST → https://ift.tt/gSKEWvO REDDIT → https://ift.tt/OXaz1ZM RENT-TO-OWN HOMES → https://ift.tt/i2tFMw6 SEARCH HOMES IN GTA → https://ift.tt/eqDFVif TIKTOK → https://ift.tt/Xck4tbv TUMBLR → https://ift.tt/SMvhdtV X → https://ift.tt/o6mQpYx YOUTUBE → https://www.youtube.com/@ManojAtri9?sub_confirmation=1 ▶ MY WEBSITE LINKS FOR MORE TORONTO GTA REAL ESTATE INFO: https://ift.tt/WsgjDIH https://ift.tt/8mbqXlw https://ift.tt/3raE97y https://ift.tt/x5vPLZX Subscribe to the Toronto Real Estate Hot NEWSLETTER Here: https://ift.tt/ud7lbrp *** Not intended to solicit any Buyer or Seller under Contract. *** via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jelxb_hgHg

#IFTTT #YouTube #Youtube

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idigitizellp21 · 25 days ago

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Buying or renting a commercial premise? Keep these critical points in mind

Choosing between buying or renting a commercial premise is a significant decision for any business. This choice can affect your business financial health, operations, and future growth.

Key points to consider when choosing the best option for your business:

1. Financial Commitment: One of the primary considerations is the financial commitment involved in each option. Buying a commercial premise often requires a substantial upfront investment, including down payments, mortgage installments, maintenance costs, and property taxes.

Renting, on the other hand, involves lower initial costs, typically limited to a security deposit and monthly rent. While renting frees up capital, allowing you to invest in other aspects of your business, it also means you won’t build equity in the property, unlike with ownership.

Tip: Carefully analyze your business’s cash flow. If your company is growing and stable, buying could be a long-term investment. For businesses still in their early stages or industries with fluctuating revenue, renting may be the better option for flexibility.

2. Flexibility Renting offers greater flexibility compared to buying. If your business needs change, you can move to a new location once the lease expires or negotiate more favorable terms. Renting also allows you to test different markets or areas without a long-term commitment to a particular location.

On the other hand, buying ties you down to a specific property. While ownership can provide stability, it may not allow for as much adaptability. Businesses experiencing rapid growth or evolving needs might find it harder to expand or relocate if they own the premises.

Tip: Consider your business’s growth trajectory and market trends. If you expect rapid changes, renting may provide the agility needed to adapt quickly.

3. Location and Accessibility Both buyers and renters must consider the location and accessibility of the premises. The right location can influence foot traffic, brand visibility, and ease of access for clients and employees. However, premium locations tend to have higher property prices and rent.

When buying, consider how the location may evolve. A booming area today may experience a decline in demand in the future, or vice versa. Renters can more easily adapt to market shifts by relocating if necessary, but buyers can benefit from property appreciation if the area improves.

Tip: Conduct thorough market research to determine whether the location will support your long-term business goals. For businesses dependent on heavy foot traffic or specific clientele, choosing the right location is crucial.

4. Maintenance and Upkeep When buying a commercial property, you bear the responsibility for all maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. This could include everything from structural repairs to maintaining HVAC systems. It’s crucial to consider these costs, as they can accumulate over time and impact your decision.

Renters, on the other hand, often have maintenance and repairs covered by the landlord, depending on the lease terms. This can reduce unexpected expenses and the hassle of managing repairs.

Tip: Review lease agreements closely to understand what maintenance costs the landlord covers and what falls under your responsibility. For buyers, consider setting aside a budget for future repairs and maintenance.

5. Tax Implications and Benefits Buying and renting both have unique tax implications. As a property owner, you can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation, and certain maintenance expenses from your taxes. However, you may also be liable for capital gains tax if you sell the property in the future.

Renters can deduct rental payments as business expenses, but they do not benefit from the same tax advantages that property ownership provides.

Tip: Consult with a tax professional to fully understand each option’s tax implications. This will help you maximize tax benefits and avoid surprises down the line.

6. Long-Term Investment Purchasing commercial property can be a valuable long-term investment, offering the potential for property appreciation. As your property increases in value, you build equity, which can become a significant asset for your business.

However, real estate markets can fluctuate, and property values are not guaranteed to rise. In contrast, renting provides no equity, but it also shields you from market volatility that could negatively impact property value.

Tip: If building long-term wealth is part of your business strategy, buying may make more sense. However, ensure that you have a long-term plan to weather potential market downturns.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to buy or rent a commercial premise involves various factors such as your financial position, business goals, and growth plans. Renting provides flexibility and lower upfront costs, making it a good choice for businesses seeking adaptability. On the other hand, buying offers long-term stability and investment potential, though it requires a higher financial commitment. At Horizon Consultants, we provide expert guidance to help you navigate these options and determine the best path for your business. With our tailored property consulting services, you can make a confident, informed decision that supports your business’s future growth and success.

Evaluate your business’s specific needs, conduct thorough market research, and seek professional advice from Horizon Consultants to make the best decision for your situation. Whether you choose to buy or rent, a well-informed choice with expert guidance will position your business for success.

#Commercial #Renting #Buying #Business #Financial

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jjtax · 1 month ago

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Tax-Saving Investments for Every Age Group 🏦💰

Maximize Your Tax Savings

Tax planning is a crucial part of your financial journey, no matter your age! Whether you’re just starting your career or gearing up for retirement, smart investments can help you save big on taxes. Here's a breakdown of the best tax-saving strategies tailored to your age group

In Your 20s Just starting out? Now’s the time to set a strong financial foundation:

ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme): Invest in the stock market and save on taxes under Section 80C.

PPF (Public Provident Fund): A government-backed investment with tax-free returns. Start early for long-term growth!

In Your 30s With family and home responsibilities, tax planning is key:

Health Insurance: Get deductions on premiums for yourself and your family.

Home Loan Benefits: Claim deductions on both principal and interest payments.

Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones and save on taxes with premium deductions.

In Your 40s As responsibilities grow, so should your tax planning:

Education Loan Deductions: Claim tax benefits on the interest paid for your child’s education.

Retirement Funds: Boost savings with investments like NPS or PPF for a secure future.

In Your 50s It’s time to shift your focus toward wealth preservation and retirement:

Debt Repayment: Pay off outstanding debts to reduce financial pressure in retirement.

Capital Preservation: Invest in low-risk options like government bonds or Senior Citizen Saving Schemes.

In Your 60s and Beyond: Enjoy retirement with smart financial planning:

Tax-Efficient Withdrawals: Strategically withdraw funds from your retirement savings to minimize taxes.

Senior Citizen Exemptions: Take advantage of higher deductions and exemptions for medical expenses and interest income.

Pro Tip: Tax planning is important at every stage of life. Start early, plan wisely, and secure your financial future! ✨

JJ TAX

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thestormposts · 1 month ago

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savingsuk · 1 month ago

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MUTUAL FUNDS

Looking to dive into the world of investing? Savings UK Ltd is here to simplify your journey and discuss mutual funds fixed income options. Plus, we’ll share a valuable mutual funds list to help you make informed decisions.

What Are Mutual Funds?

At its core, a mutual fund is a pool of money collected from many investors. This fund is managed by a professional. Essentially, when you invest in a mutual fund, you buy shares of that fund, not shares of individual stocks or bonds. According to Investment Company Institute, mutual funds in the United States alone held over $21 trillion in assets as of mid-2021. These figures can give you an idea of how popular this investment option is globally.

Mutual Funds Meaning

The mutual funds meaning extends beyond just gathering funds. It’s an investment strategy where the money is put into various financial securities, like stocks, bonds, or other assets. This strategy allows individual investors access to diversified portfolios that they may not be able to create on their own. As a result, investors can spread out their risks across a range of assets.

Understanding Mutual Funds Investments

When it comes to mutual funds investment, the potential returns can vary significantly. It all depends on the type of fund and the asset allocation within it. - Equity Funds: Primarily invest in stocks to achieve higher long-term returns. - Debt Funds: Focus on fixed income securities like bonds. - Balanced Funds: Combine stocks and bonds for a mix of growth and income. - Index Funds: Try to match the performance of a specific index, like the S&P 500. Most mutual funds are required to provide detailed information about their objectives, risks, and past performance. This info can help you choose one that aligns with your financial goals. Important Factors to Consider As you rack your brain on where to put your money, consider these essential factors: - Risk Tolerance: How much risk are you comfortable with? - Investment Goal: Are you saving for retirement, a house, or education? - Investment Horizon: How long do you plan to invest? Taking these into account helps you select the right fund for your unique situation.

Exploring Mutual Funds Fixed Income

When people talk about mutual funds fixed income, they generally refer to funds investing primarily in bonds or fixed income securities. These funds generate income through interest payments and provide a level of stability to your investment portfolio. Benefits: - Steady Income: Fixed-income mutual funds can provide regular income through interest. - Lower Risk: They are generally less volatile than equity funds. - Convenience: Managing a fixed-income mutual fund allows for automated restitution of interest, making it easier for investors. These funds can be particularly beneficial for retirees or those looking for a lower-risk investment strategy.

Mutual Funds List

Invest Now

Mutual Funds Investment

Tips for First-Time Investors

Navigating the world of mutual funds can be daunting for beginners. But don't worry! Here are a few tips to guide you: - Start Small: If you're wary of investing large sums, begin with a small amount. - Educate Yourself: Arm yourself with knowledge. Websites like Investopedia offer excellent resources. - Regular Contributions: Set up automatic investments to build your portfolio over time. At Savings UK Ltd, we're here to assist you in your investing journey. We hope this guide illuminated some areas of the often complex world of mutual funds. Ready to take the plunge? Happy investing!

Specifications

LEVERAGE 1:1 Margin. 100% COMMISSION No SWAP fees No TRADING HOURS 08:30 – 22:00 MIN Investment 100 Account Currencies EUR/ USD/ GBP Account setup Free Execution type Market Basic Account Min deposit 100 EUR/ USD/ GBP Investment options 500 Stocks, Cryptos, ETFs, Foex etc Professional Account Min deposit 10,000 EUR/ USD/ GBP Investment options 10,000+ Stocks, Cryptos, ETFs, Foex etc Read the full article

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