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Yehuda Fishkind, a Certified Financial Analyst, came to my job a few years ago to conduct a Financial Planning Seminar for new hires. At the beginning of the seminar, he explained that he was Jewish and that he was here to talk to us about money…so we should listen up.
No argument on my part. After several intense hours of pouring over different retirement plans we took a break for lunch. So, I seized the opportunity to get some one-on-one coaching for my tax situation.
You see, I’ve lived in both Tennessee and Texas where the folks down there have the good sense not to have a state income tax. And, I never realized before what a difference not having a state income tax can make to the take home pay. I explained all this to Yehuda.
Yehuda: Are you investing the maximum pre-tax amount in your 401K?
Simone: Yes
Yehuda: Are you taking the deductions for your student loan interest?
Simone: Yes
Yehuda: Do you contribute to the Health Savings Account?
Simone: Yep
Yehuda: Hmmmm, You should get married.
I can’t remember how I responded to that, but I do remember thinking “Seriously, is that the best advice you can give a single girl?”
LOL!!!!! I remember when our tax person told me and Dan that we needed to have babies. I told him paying the government was cheaper! I remember that guy. I can so see hims saying that.
Isn't it crazy that the best advice financial professionals give is a HUGE lifestyle change to get out of paying taxes?!?! Glad to know I'm not the only one:-). It's too funny that you remember him too….he absolutely said those exact words.