Hi All,

I’m running around like crazy getting ready to head off the land of nestle and watches (e.g. Switzerland). But before dashing off to the airport, I wanted to take minute to complain a bit about DC’s tax situation.

For those of you outside the beltway – thats most of the real world – DC experienced a real estate boom in 04, 05 and 06. Because of this, property taxes skyrocketed. In some neighborhood’s the rate doubled. Well, now in 08′ real estate prices have leveled off in DC, but we’ve still got the high levels of real estate tax. People don’t always understand what this means, but from everything I’ve read and understand its clear that high taxes impact economic prosperity.

Just to reference this point: We live in a transitional neighborhood in DC. There are several businesses in the area that cater to a working class clientèle. One of them I love – its a discount clothing store. Their business model is terrific, they buy slightly imperfect name brand stuff and sell it at a steep discount. In other words, its great source of cheap good quality clothing. Now, due to higher property taxes, it looks like their landlord is trying to raise the rent. Probably the place is going to close up shop. If that happens people in our neighborhood will have to go elsewhere for low cost jeans.

While economic dynamics of the District are obviously complex – I’m seeing a relationship between high taxation and pressure on local retail. And its not a good thing.

Best,

James

MANAGE YOUR MONEY TOGETHER

Here are some simple guidelines for DINKS to build wealth:

1) Collaborate: Meet regularly to talk about money, set goals together, track and monitor them.

2) Understand and respect your partner. Take time to understand your partners values about money.

3) Watch the numbers. Get a budget, monitor your spending and track your net worth.

4) Max your retirement. Maximize contributions to your tax deferred retirement accounts.

5) Invest in stock. Stocks perform better than bonds or cash.

6) Avoid high interest debt. Credit cards and title loans are financial cancer.

7) Diversify. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Click Here to Download
DINK's Free
Budget Template
Click Here to Download
DINK's Free
Net Worth Template

Couples Finance

Blogs You Should Read

Companies Supporting The DINKS

Please consider visiting our gracious supporters:

Get an education with the Online Certificate Programs at Washington Tech

7binaryoptions.com: Your one stop information source for trading binary options.

Get the Latest Coupon and Discount Codes at Freecouponcodes.net.

The best cheap web traffic that comes in handy for your website traffic needs.

Shop till you drop and discounted offers with Shopee promo codes.