#educational savings plan

[vantagefinancialwi]

Discover how the 1040 Tax Calculator can streamline your tax filing process and help you maximize deductions. Learn how Vantage Financial Partners uses this tool to guide you through tax season with confidence and ensure you're taking full advantage of available credits and savings.

[reality-detective]

Nine years ago, David Daleiden helped expose the trafficking in baby parts by employees at Planned Parenthood. The story was suppressed, and the videos removed from the Internet, thanks to legal action by Kamala Harris.

She should have to explain why covering up baby parts trafficking was so important to her.

Crimes Against Humanity 🤔

[pekasairroc]

I don’t wanna be a pregnant mystery patient with measles when I know the drill won’t go smoothly but guess what I’m the only person who knows IP stuff who is of child bearing age so *cracks open box of makeup and then closes it because it’s unnecessary and more suspicious*

[noses-in-winter]

i’m no fan of the us government and agree that the targeting of tiktok is likely a ploy to appeal to sinophobic boomers, but calling it fascist is extremely funny to me

cool. You "likely" haven't done much research in this area, so here's just a brief rundown of the direction this ban is taking us.

Fascist countries ban apps that connect people across the globe as a means of censorship. Has it already been long enough that we've forgotten that Russia banned it for the sole reason that Putin didn't want Russian citizens to see "misinformation" about their invasion of Ukraine? Or that the Afghan Taliban leadership wanted to stop their youth from being "misled" by other countries? With Project 2025 getting ready to go into full swing, the US government is taking away the means to communicate the struggles, fears, and suffering of those living in the United States.

Every other major app used in the US is owned by shitty billionaires with complete control over what is and is not acceptable to say. TikTok is the one that the US has zero authority over, which is why the only options provided were for the app to be sold to a US company (therefore allowing the US complete control over what can and cannot be said) or for the app to go completely dark. The "national security" reason they've provided is rich, considering that apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have data breaches every 5 minutes--Data breaches that I fully believe are simply cases of said apps directly selling the information of their users, and crying "hackers!" to avoid consequence (but that's a theory for another day).

The Supreme Court isn't "likely" to ban an app that has allowed for 69% of reported small businesses to thrive, especially with the negative impact it's going to have on the economy, for the weak reason that you suggest. It's extremely funny to me that you think such a massive decision is "likely" made just to--[*checks notes*]--satisfy boomers who hate the Chinese? I guess? Thousands and thousands of people are going to be unable to afford their bills this months due to the ban. Even if you don't think that this move is an example of a devolving nation, you should at least care about the lives of your struggling fellow Americans. Be prepared for your favorite small businesses to close without the attention and revenue TikTok has provided them.

Historians, political scientists and fascism scholars have been agreeing for several years that the current trajectory of the United States points towards a fascist future. Those living here are seeing further and further examples of this. If you aren't concerned with the worsening state of your country, I either envy your place of heightened privilege that ensures none of this affects you, or your tender naiveté of what you're going to be facing in the future. Please take the time to educate yourself on what your friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans are preparing themselves for, if you won't do it for yourself.

Unless this ask wasn't from an American. I don't know anyone from another country with such little compassion for other human beings that they would laugh about someone expressing worry for the future of their nation, though, so I'm sure that's unlikely.

Please feel free to drop another ask if you would like resources for more information on this subject. I've done a significant amount of research on the downfall of democracy in the US, along with the effects it's already having on its citizens, over the past several years. I would be happy to share. There are also a handful of books I deeply recommend, but the most accessible for the moment is definitely The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Attwood. While this book is fictional, every atrocity featured by Attwood are real life examples of fascist terror on once-democratic nations. Just a few years ago, she penned a letter accusing the United States government of taking inspiration from her book in its apparent quest to bring democracy to a halt entirely.

I'll end this response with two quotes; One, from Veterans Fighting Fascism on the progression of a fascist government: "Fascists need to operate in a society where individualist thought is squelched and the fascist version of “truth” cannot be questioned." And the other, a much lighter but poignant line from ABBA's Waterloo: "The history book on the shelf is always repeating itself."

[mekha-draws]

incredibly plot-relevant information for these two btw

Sen's degree is on language studies and communication because [REDACTED]

[talabib]

Mastering the Art of Investing: Practical Strategies for Insightful Decision-Making

Key Point:

Making smart and insightful investment decisions is an attainable goal with the right strategies in place. By recognizing your limitations, managing emotions, seeking professional guidance, and aligning your investments with personal objectives, you can cultivate a robust and successful investment portfolio that stands the test of time.

Sound investment decisions are the bedrock of financial success. However, navigating the complex world of investing can be challenging, even for the most seasoned investors. This post explores practical strategies for making smart and insightful investment decisions, empowering you to grow your wealth with confidence and finesse.

Recognize the Limits of your Abilities

In both life and investing, it is crucial to acknowledge the boundaries of our expertise. Overestimating our abilities can lead to ill-advised decisions and, ultimately, financial losses. By cultivating humility and seeking external guidance when necessary, we can minimize risks and make more informed investment choices.

Manage Emotional Influence on Decision-Making

Emotions can significantly impact our ability to make rational decisions. To circumvent the sway of emotions, adopt a disciplined approach to investing, relying on data-driven analysis and long-term strategies rather than succumbing to impulsive reactions.

Leverage the Expertise of an Advisor

Engaging a professional financial advisor is a prudent investment decision. Their wealth of knowledge and experience can help you navigate market complexities and identify opportunities tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Maintain Composure Amidst Market Volatility

Periods of market turbulence can incite panic among investors. However, it is essential to remain level-headed and maintain a long-term perspective during such times. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term fluctuations and focus on your overarching financial objectives.

Assess Company Management Actions Over Rhetoric

When evaluating potential investments, examine the actions of a company's management rather than relying solely on their statements. This approach ensures a more accurate understanding of the organization's performance, financial health, and growth prospects.

Prioritize Value Over Glamour in Investment Selection

The most expensive investment options are not always the wisest choices. Focus on identifying value rather than being swayed by glamorous or high-priced options. This strategy promotes long-term financial growth and mitigates the risk of overpaying for underperforming assets.

Exercise Caution with Novel and Exotic Investments

While unique and exotic investment opportunities may appear enticing, approach them with caution. Ensure thorough research and due diligence before committing to such investments, as they may carry higher risks and potential pitfalls.

Align Investments with Personal Goals

Invest according to your individual objectives rather than adhering to generic rules or mimicking the choices of others. Personalized investment strategies are more likely to yield favorable results, as they account for your unique financial circumstances, risk appetite, and long-term aspirations.

Making smart and insightful investment decisions is an attainable goal with the right strategies in place. By recognizing your limitations, managing emotions, seeking professional guidance, and aligning your investments with personal objectives, you can cultivate a robust and successful investment portfolio that stands the test of time.

Action plan: Learn a few simple rules and ignore the rest of the advice you receive. 

It’s easy to become completely overwhelmed by the volume of advice available about investing. However, you don’t need to become an expert on the stock market in order to become a good investor. 

Just like an amateur poker player can go far if he simply learns to fold his worst hands and bet on his best ones, a novice investor can become very competent just by following a few simple rules. For example, he should learn not to overreact to dips in the market and make sure to purchase value stocks instead of glamour stocks. 

[dollar-and-sense]

Mastering Personal Finance and Investing: Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom

Introduction: Understanding the Importance of Personal Finance and Investing Personal Finance and Investing: Your Path to Financial Freedom Importance of Personal Finance and Investing for Wealth Creation The Basics of Personal Finance: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt Management Mastering the Basics: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt Management Budgeting Tips for Effective Personal Finance…

[zigzagtrend]

17 Money Secrets to Help You Become a Millionaire

Hey there, future millionaire! Do you dream of having lots of money one day? Well, guess what? It’s not impossible! In fact, I’m here to share 17 secrets about money that can help you become a millionaire. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Let’s dive in!

The earlier you start saving and investing your money, the more it can grow. It’s like planting a seed that grows into a big tree over time.

[basictutor]

Quick and Easy Lesson Planning Tips

Are you a teacher struggling to plan engaging lessons for your students? Look no further! In this video, our experienced educator and SEO expert will share their top tips for quick and easy lesson planning. Learn how to create clear learning objectives, i

Hello and welcome to my channel! If you’re a teacher looking for quick and easy lesson planning tips, you’ve come to the right place. First, start with clear learning objectives. Knowing exactly what you want your students to learn will make it easier to create a focused lesson plan. Next, be sure to incorporate a variety of teaching methods to keep your students engaged. Mix things up with…

[boreal-sea]

Look.

I have made you a chart. A very simple chart.

People say "You have to draw the line somewhere, and Biden has crossed it-" and my response is "Trump has crossed way more lines than Biden".

These categories are based off of actual policy enacted by both of these men while they were in office.

If the ONLY LINE YOU CARE ABOUT is line 12, you have an incredible amount of privilege, AND YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT PALESTINIANS. You obviously have nothing to fear from a Trump presidency, and you do not give a fuck if a ceasefire actually occurs. You are obviously fine if your queer, disabled, and marginalized loved ones are hurt. You clearly don't care about the status of American democracy, which Trump has openly stated he plans to destroy on day 1 he is in office.

EDIT:

Ok fine, I spent 3 hours compiling sources for all of these, you can find that below the cut.

I'll give at least one link per subject area. There are of course many more sources to be read on these subject areas and no post could possibly give someone a full education on these subjects.

Biden and trans rights: https://www.hrc.org/resources/president-bidens-pro-lgbtq-timeline

Trump and trans rights: https://www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/trump-on-lgbtq-rights-rolling-back-protections-and-criminalizing-gender-nonconformity

The two sources above show how Biden has done a lot of work to promote trans rights, and how Trump did a lot of work to hurt trans rights.

Biden on abortion access: https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/08/politics/what-is-in-biden-abortion-executive-order/index.html

Trump on abortion access: https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-republican-presidential-election-2024-585faf025a1416d13d2fbc23da8d8637

Biden openly supports access to abortion and has taken steps to protect those rights at a federal level even after Roe v Wade was overturned. Trump, on the other hand, was the man who appointed the judges who helped overturn Roe v Wade and he openly brags about how proud he is of that decision. He also states that he believes individual states should have the final say in whether or not abortion is legal, and that he trusts them to "do the right thing", meaning he supports stronger abortion bans.

Biden on environmental reform: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/10/07/fact-sheet-president-biden-restores-protections-for-three-national-monuments-and-renews-american-leadership-to-steward-lands-waters-and-cultural-resources/

Trump on environmental reform: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/trump-environment-rollbacks-list.html

Biden has made major steps forward for environmental reform. He has restored protections that Trump rolled back. He has enacted many executive orders and more to promote environmental protections, including rejoining the Paris Accords, which Trump withdrew the USA from. Trump is also well known for spreading conspiracy theories and lies about global climate change, calling it a "Chinese hoax".

Biden on healthcare and prescription reform: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/06/09/biden-administration-announces-savings-43-prescription-drugs-part-cost-saving-measures-president-bidens-inflation-reduction-act.html

Trump on healthcare reform: https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/07/politics/obamacare-health-insurance-ending-trump/index.html

I'm rolling healthcare and prescriptions and vaccines and public health all into one category here since they are related. Biden has lowered drug costs, expanded access to medicaid, and ACA enrollment has risen during his presidency. He has also made it so medical debt no longer applies to a person's credit score. He signed many executive orders during his first few weeks in office in order to get a handle on Trump's grievous mishandling of the COVID pandemic. Trump also wants to end the ACA. Trump is well known for refusing to wear a mask during the pandemic, encouraging the use of hydroxylchloroquine to "treat" COVID, and being openly anti-vaxx.

Biden on student loan forgiveness: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-additional-77-billion-approved-student-debt-relief-160000-borrowers

Trump on student loan forgiveness: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2024/06/20/trump-knocks-bidens-vile-student-loan-forgiveness-plans-suggests-reversal/

Trump wants to reverse the student loan forgiveness plans Biden has enacted. Biden has already forgiven billions of dollars in loans and continues to work towards forgiving more.

Infrastructure funding:

I'm putting these links next together because they are all about infrastructure.

In general, Trump's "achievements" for infrastructure were to destroy environmental protections to speed up projects. Many of his plans were ineffective due to the fact that he did not clearly outline where the money was going to come from, and he was unwilling to raise taxes to pay for the projects. He was unable (and unwilling) to pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill during his 4 years in office. He did sign a few disaster relief bills. He did not enthusiastically promote renewable energy infrastructure. He created "Infrastructure Weeks" that the federal government then failed to fund. Trump did not do nothing for infrastructure, but his no-tax stance and his dislike for renewable energy means the contributions he made to American infrastructure were not as much as he claimed they were, nor as much as they could have been. Basically, he made a lot of promises, and delivered on very few of them. He is not "against" infrastructure, but he's certainly against funding it.

Biden was able to pass that bipartisan bill after taking office. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan that Trump tried to prevent from passing during Biden's term contains concrete funding sources and step by step plans to rebuild America's infrastructure. If you want to read the plan, you can find it here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/guidebook/. Biden has done far more for American infrastructure than Trump did, most notably by actually getting the bipartisan bill through congress.

Biden on Racial Equity: https://www.npr.org/sections/president-biden-takes-office/2021/01/26/960725707/biden-aims-to-advance-racial-equity-with-executive-actions

Trump on Racial Equity: https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/trump-reverse-racism-civil-rights https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-37230916

Trump's racist policies are loud and clear for everyone to hear. We all heard him call Mexicans "Drug dealers, criminals, rapists". We all watched as he enacted travel bans on people from majority-Muslim nations. Biden, on the other hand, has done quite a lot during his term to attempt to reconcile racism in this country, including reversing Trump's "Muslim ban" the first day he was in office.

Biden on DEI: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/06/25/executive-order-on-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility-in-the-federal-workforce/

Trump on DEI: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-tried-to-crush-the-dei-revolution-heres-how-he-might-finish-the-job/ar-BB1jg3gz

Biden supports DEI and has signed executive orders and passed laws that support DEI on the federal level. Trump absolutely hates DEI and wants to eradicate it.

Biden on criminal justice reform: https://time.com/6155084/biden-criminal-justice-reform/

Trump on criminal justice reform: https://www.vox.com/2020-presidential-election/21418911/donald-trump-crime-criminal-justice-policy-record https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/05/trumps-extreme-plans-crime/678502/

From pardons for non-violent marijuana convictions to reducing the federal government's reliance on private prisons, Biden has done a lot in four years to reform our criminal justice system on the federal level. Meanwhile, Trump has described himself as "tough on crime". He advocates for more policing, including "stop and frisk" activities. Ironically it's actually quite difficult to find sources about what Trump thinks about crime, because almost all of the search results are about his own crimes.

Biden on military support for Israel: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/biden-obama-divide-closely-support-israel-rcna127107

Trump on military support for Israel: https://www.vox.com/politics/353037/trump-gaza-israel-protests-biden-election-2024

Biden supports Israel financially and militarily and promotes holding Israel close. So did Trump. Trump was also very pro-Israel during his time in office and even moved the embassy to Jerusalem and declared Jerusalem the capitol of Israel, a move that inflamed attitudes in the region.

Biden on a ceasefire: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/06/05/gaza-israel-hamas-cease-fire-plan-biden/73967659007/

Trump on a ceasefire: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-israel-gaza-finish-problem-rcna141905

Trump has tried to be quiet on the issue but recently said he wants Israel to "finish the problem". He of course claims he could have prevented the whole problem. Trump also openly stated after Oct 7th that he would bar immigrants who support Hamas from the country and send in officers to American protests to arrest anyone supporting Hamas.

Biden meanwhile has been quietly urging Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire deal for months, including the most recent announcement earlier in June, though it seems as though that deal has finally fallen through as well.

[vantagefinancialwi]

At Vantage Financial Partners, we provide personalized wealth management services tailored to your unique financial goals. Our expert advisors help you navigate investments, retirement planning, and estate management to secure your financial future. Trust us to guide you every step of the way.

[reality-detective]

President Of The Center For Medical Progress, David Daleiden, Gives Opening Statement At Congressional Hearing On Aborted Baby Organ Sales

“Planned Parenthood's top-level leadership callously negotiating the harvesting & sale of aborted baby body parts”

“Dismembering of babies — industrial scale abortion”

“Babies are worth more dead than alive”

Let that 👆 sink in 🤔

[frameacloud]

Image description: A drawing of some clocks having the hour hand reset, with the caption "Daylight Savings." Description ends.

Can daylight savings time mess up the effectiveness of my birth control pills?

Someone asked us:

I have been on the pill for two years now, but I never thought about the effect of daylight savings. I was on my reminder pills when the time changed. Then I started my new pack I took the pill late because of the time change. I also had unprotected sex. Was I protected? or can starting a new pack an hour late affect me?

If you were really only off by one hour, you’re fine. While it’s better to take your birth control pills at the same time every day, daylight savings doesn’t present a problem. (Otherwise we’d see a spike in unintended pregnancies at the same times every year!)

But the type of birth control you’re using and how late you took your pill does matter. If you’re on a combination pill (contains both estrogen and progestin), screwing it up by a few hours isn’t a big deal as long as you take it within that day. So for the hour change for daylight savings, you’re still in the safe window.

If you’re on a progestin-only pill (often called mini-pills), you have less wiggle room. Taking a progestin-only pill more than 3 hours past your usual time puts you at risk for pregnancy, so if that happens use a back-up method (like condoms) for the following 48 hours (2 days). You can also use emergency contraception as a back-up if you had unprotected sex after missing a pill. 

If you’re ever worried about messing up the timing of your pills, you can always contact your nurse or doctor for instructions on what to do if you miss a pill, and use a back-up method (like condoms) in the meantime.

 -Kendall at Planned Parenthood

[theroguebanshee]

The Avalanche Method: A Proven Path to Debt-Free Freedom

How We Became Debt-Free Using the Avalanche Method Becoming debt-free is one of the most empowering financial moves you can make. We used the avalanche method to pay off nearly $70,000 in debt, allowing us to take control of our financial future and live life on our own terms. In this post, we’ll share exactly how we did it, the sacrifices we made, and how you can apply the same strategy to your…

[basicpart]

Student Loan Forgiveness Is In Danger Under 3 Programs After New Court Ruling

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with U.S. President Joe … [+] Biden at Trump’s inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images A federal appeals court issued a new ruling on Tuesday extending and expanding a block on student loan forgiveness under several popular…

[talabib]

How to Work Less to Achieve More

Key Point:

keep your attention on an important task by adopting hyperfocus. When you hyperfocus, you rid your environment of distractions, and become aware of what’s occupying your mind. What’s more, every time your attention strays, redirect it. Remember is that scatterfocus can help you with tricky problems that require creative solutions. With scatterfocus, you allow the mind to wander and make unusual connections. You can help create scatterfocus by nourishing your mind and allowing time to reflect.

In our fast-paced world, working long hours has become the norm. However, the key to achieving more is not simply working harder or longer—it's about working smarter. In this article, we will explore strategies to help you work less while accomplishing more. By training yourself to enjoy hyperfocus, cultivating meta-awareness and intentional focus, eliminating distractions, harnessing the power of scatterfocus for creative thinking, connecting seemingly unrelated information, and nourishing your mind, you can optimize your productivity and achieve greater success.

Train yourself to enjoy hyperfocus more.

Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration where you become fully immersed in a task or activity. To work less and achieve more, it's important to train yourself to enjoy and leverage hyperfocus. Set clear goals, break tasks into manageable chunks, and eliminate distractions. Engage in activities that naturally captivate your attention and give you a sense of fulfillment. By training yourself to enjoy hyperfocus, you can maximize productivity and accomplish more in less time.

Meta-awareness and intentional focus are key to managing your attention.

Meta-awareness refers to being aware of your own thoughts and mental processes. Intentional focus involves directing your attention consciously and purposefully. Cultivating these skills is essential for effective attention management. Develop the ability to notice when your mind starts to wander and gently bring your focus back to the task at hand. By practicing meta-awareness and intentional focus, you can reduce time wasted on distractions and stay on track to achieve your goals.

Achieve hyperfocus by ridding your environment of distractions.

Distractions can significantly impact productivity and hinder your ability to work efficiently. Create a conducive work environment by minimizing distractions. Turn off notifications on your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and create a physical workspace that promotes focus. Consider using productivity tools or apps that block or limit access to distracting websites or applications. By eliminating external distractions, you can enter a state of hyperfocus and accomplish more in less time.

Scatterfocus helps you plan and think creatively.

Scatterfocus is the practice of intentionally allowing your mind to wander and explore different ideas, without a specific goal or objective. This mental state can be beneficial for planning and creative thinking. Set aside dedicated time for scatterfocus, allowing your mind to freely explore different thoughts and possibilities. Embrace daydreaming, engage in activities that stimulate your imagination, and give yourself permission to think outside the box. By incorporating scatterfocus into your work routine, you can generate fresh ideas and enhance your problem-solving skills.

Use scatterfocus to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated bits of information.

One of the unique benefits of scatterfocus is its ability to facilitate connections between seemingly unrelated information. During moments of scatterfocus, your mind can make unexpected connections and insights. Capture these ideas by carrying a notebook or using a note-taking app to jot down your thoughts. When you revisit these notes later, you may discover valuable connections and insights that can fuel your productivity and lead to innovative solutions.

Nourish your mind to make the most of scatterfocus.

To optimize scatterfocus and enhance your overall productivity, it's important to nourish your mind. Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as regular exercise, quality sleep, and mindfulness practices. Take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refresh your mind. Additionally, fuel your brain with nutritious foods that support cognitive function, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. By prioritizing self-care and nourishing your mind, you can maximize the benefits of scatterfocus and achieve more with less effort.

Working less while achieving more is within your reach. By training yourself to enjoy hyperfocus, cultivating meta-awareness and intentional focus, eliminating distractions, harnessing the power of scatterfocus for creative thinking, connecting seemingly unrelated information, and nourishing your mind, you can optimize your productivity and achieve greater success. Remember, it's not about working longer hours, but about working smarter. Embrace these strategies, experiment with different techniques, and find the balance that works best for you. As you implement these practices, you'll discover the power of effective attention management and witness your productivity soar.

Action Plan:  Have a cup of coffee to help you hyperfocus.

Caffeine and hyperfocus are a match made in heaven. Caffeine keeps you alert and focused. It helps you persevere when work gets boring. And perhaps most importantly, it can improve your performance on a number of cognitive tasks. So the next time you need a burst of intense concentration, make sure you’ve got a cup of coffee to hand – if nothing else, it tastes wonderful.