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The Propeller – The 10 Shawnmandments & Tax Brackets: Finding Joy Between the Deductions! – 10-28-2024

/ The Propeller / By
Shawnmandments

One of my friends, Shawn, recently posted on social media his “Shawnmandments” that he lives by:
 


“For those going through it right now, I share my useless secrets to staying positive…I also never harbor resentment or seek revenge; vent, go off in your head, then go back to pursuing what’s in your best interest. Positive use of your energy pays dividends and builds self confidence. Their pain gains you NOTHING.” = Shawn
 

These “Shawnmandments” are more than just rules; they’re guiding principles for living with integrity, purpose, and resilience. Let’s dive into each one:

  1. Be Rigorously Authentic
    Being true to yourself is the foundation of self-respect and trust from others. Authenticity means aligning your actions with your core beliefs and values, even when it’s difficult.

  2. Do Uncomfortable Work – Growth Equals Pain
    Real growth isn’t easy. Embrace challenges, take on tasks that make you uncomfortable, and lean into the pain, because it’s often the catalyst for meaningful transformation.

  3. Act Your Wage
    The “act your wage” trend is one way that workers push back on stress and burnout by putting up better boundaries between their professional and personal lives.  Also, it means to live within your means and be mindful of spending. This isn’t about restriction; it’s about being financially responsible and avoiding unnecessary stress and debt.

  4. Don’t Let Anything Steal Your Joy
    Guard your happiness fiercely. Situations and people will try to derail you—don’t let them. Joy is a choice and an invaluable resource in your life.

  5. You Can Be Right or You Can Be Happy
    Prioritize peace over pride. Sometimes it’s worth letting go of being right to maintain harmony and happiness in your relationships.

  6. Risk vs. Reward – Is It Worth It?
    Evaluate every decision: what’s at stake, and what could you gain? Understanding this balance helps you make wiser choices and prevents impulsive or risky decisions.

  7. Gaslight to Greatness – You Are What You Say
    Empower yourself by reframing negative thoughts into positive affirmations. Believe in your capabilities, and your actions will follow suit.

  8. Mercy is Greater than Judgment
    Show compassion and empathy, even when it’s tempting to judge. Extending mercy builds stronger relationships and a kinder world.

  9. Shut Up
    Listen more. Silence can be a powerful teacher, and by talking less, we open ourselves up to learn, observe, and understand more deeply.

  10. Surrender the Rest
    Control what you can, but release what you can’t. Trust that life will unfold as it should, and surrendering the uncontrollable brings inner peace.

These Shawnmandments offer a roadmap to a balanced and purposeful life, helping you build resilience, nurture joy, and stay aligned with who you truly are.

The Shawnmandments are kind of like the 10 Commandments, but with less smiting and more life hacks! While Moses brought down stone tablets from the mountaintop, Shawn brought down wisdom like “Act your wage” and “Shut up,” probably with fewer plagues involved. And let’s be real—”You can be right or you can be happy” might be the modern-day equivalent of “Thou shalt not kill”… at least when it comes to keeping the peace on group texts!

Big thanks to Shawn for sharing these and allowing me to share them with you.
Finance: Federal Tax Brackets

With the “Tax Cut & Jobs Act” (the tax reform first implemented in 2018 – Thank you Donald Trump!), the 2024 and 2025 tax brackets have all been heavily revised from pre-reform levels. Barring new legislative changes, these altered tax brackets will continue through the 2025 tax year and then revert back to prior levels in 2026, unless they are extended.

How Tax Brackets & U.S. Federal Tax Rates Work
In the tax rate tables below, it is important to note that the highlighted rates represent the income tax rate owed for the portion of your taxable income that falls into that tax bracket (after subtracting the greater of your itemized or standard deductions). As an example (for 2024), if you are single (unmarried) filer and your taxable income is $75,000, your tax rate on your first $11,600 of taxable income is 10%, taxable income over $11,600 up to $47,150 is taxed at 12%, and taxable income over $47,150 to $75,000 (your income) would be taxed at 22%.

Many taxpayers incorrectly assume, for example, that if your total income peaks within the 35% tax bracket, then all of your income is taxed at that rate. This is not the case. The United States federal income tax system is a “progressive” tax system, which means that your effective (actual) overall tax rate is less than the tax rate for income that falls in the top bracket that you are in. In other words, income is taxed in steps, or brackets. With that said, let’s take a look at the tax brackets:
 


 

Next week, we’re diving into Capital Gains Tax rates! Discover why letting your investments work for you – instead of you working for a paycheck – can be a game-changer for your wallet. I’ll show you how holding onto your stocks could mean paying significantly lower taxes on your earnings. Don’t miss this insight on keeping more of what you’ve earned!
Why You Should Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan in Winter

Did you know your ceiling fan can help keep your home warmer in the winter? By reversing its direction, you can make the most of your heating and save on energy costs. Here’s how it works:

During winter, switch your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pulls cool air up and pushes warm air, which naturally rises, down along the walls and back into the room. This creates a more even temperature, letting you feel warmer without cranking up the heat. It’s a small adjustment that can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and your energy bill!
Tech: Beware of Email Bombing Scams

In today’s digital age, staying vigilant against online scams is more important than ever. One of the newer and more insidious tactics scammers employ is known as “email bombing,” which can easily leave even the most cautious individuals vulnerable to financial fraud.
 

What is Email Bombing?

Email bombing is a tactic where a scammer floods a victim’s inbox with a barrage of seemingly legitimate emails. These emails often appear to come from well-known government agencies or reputable organizations. The goal? To overwhelm the recipient and distract them from a crucial email—usually one that contains important financial information, such as a withdrawal confirmation from their bank or service provider.

How the Scam Works

  1. Distraction: When a victim receives dozens of emails that look legitimate, they may feel compelled to sift through them. In the chaos, they might miss a single email that actually requires immediate attention, such as a notification about unauthorized account activity.

  2. Legitimacy: The emails may come from actual agencies or companies, but they typically contain misleading information or links that can lead to phishing sites. The sheer volume of these messages makes it difficult to discern which ones are genuine.

  3. Targeted Action: Once the victim eventually discovers the critical email—often a withdrawal notice from their financial institution—they may be too late to take action if they’ve already missed the window for cancellation or reporting fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Stay Informed: Understanding common scams like email bombing is your first line of defense. Knowledge is power, and being aware of these tactics can help you stay alert.

  2. Verify Email Sources: If you receive an unexpected email from your bank or service provider, always verify it through a separate channel. Don’t click on any links or provide personal information until you’re sure the email is legitimate.

  3. Use Spam Filters: Enable robust spam filtering on your email account to help minimize the number of unsolicited emails you receive.

  4. Check Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your bank and HSA accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Quick action can prevent financial loss.

  5. Report Suspicious Emails: If you encounter a suspicious email, report it to your email provider and the organization being impersonated. This helps combat the issue for everyone.

Email bombing is a clever but harmful scam designed to exploit your trust and attention. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this deceptive tactic. Remember, when it comes to your finances, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take the time to verify any unexpected communications, and don’t hesitate to take action if something seems amiss. Your financial security depends on it.
Quote of the Week
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
 
This quote reminds us that while words and actions are important, the emotional impact we have on others is often the most lasting. It suggests that kindness, respect, and empathy are more powerful than we may realize, as they shape how people remember us long after details fade. Angelou’s words encourage us to approach each interaction with thoughtfulness, leaving behind a positive feeling that speaks louder than words or deeds alone.

Remember, following the Shawnmandments could save your sanity, and understanding tax brackets could save you money!


This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.

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