FW: To All My Valued Employees, (ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE)

[guntech]

Originally Posted by chriswv6

To All My Valued Employees,

It's unbelievable how many people don't see this. Wait until they are finished screwing the hard working, responsible workers to give to the lazy and unproductive, that should open a LOT of eyes.

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by Highwaylizard

Even so, the taxes are overwhelming. I find it rather queer that as some one who has made the effort to better myself, contribute to the local economy, perform charitable work on a weekly basis, have performed emergency storm damage clean-ups and rescues (paying my employees for their labor and covering my operating costs for these acts of community involvement out of my own pocket while not realizing even a break even - let alone a profit) that I am penalized by higher taxes.

I think the United States is the only country in the world that punishes people for being successful.

[Highwaylizard]

Not to hijack the thread but I think everyone who has posted here either believes in or has direct experience in working for success. It can still be done for those willing to sacrifice and yes, I hear it a lot too. "Must be nice to have a truck/house/vacation" etc. . .

Most of my buddies partied all through college and have not stopped. They spend money on stupid stuff that garners no return and then wonder why they have less than they had before they went to college.

'00 Tundy - One mental image that has helped me is the idea of a steam engine in the station. It takes time to build up steam to get moving. The prudent engineer waits until he has sufficient steam to move and then gets moving. The "show-boater" wants everyone to know that he has a steam engine and as soon as he has enough steam pressure starts blowing the whistle so everyone can look at him. The blowing the whistle takes away from the steam pressure to move the train.

The money you save now will pay many returns down the line. In the beginning it is all about hard work, saving every penny and keeping focused on the next step or goal. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself to nice things (truck, wave runner, etc) as long as you keep things in perspective and always bear in mind that you had to earn those things. It sounds like to me that you are applying yourself well.

[ThirdHorseman]

Originally Posted by Ademadude1960

Now i didn't start a business from the ground up, but i got a head start in the world of carpenty and construction when i was 14/15 years old.

I have spent countless hours going over old plans and contracts my dad had done for previous jobs, as well as watching any shows on tv that demonstrated how to build.

I spent my summers working Monday - Saturday, 6:00am - 7:00pm and i went on appointments with my dad any chance i had to learn more about the company.

I saw what my dad was able to accomplish as well as my mom, and i followed in their footsteps. I still have friends who are jealous and envy me, but like you all have said, they didn't see the work that went behind everything.

I do envy you to a certain extent. Not because of what material items you've been able to buy or what you make every year, but because of the family business aspect.

My parents don't own their own business, nor do they pride themselves on networking, knowing people, etc. The only way I've EVER been able to get an internship or a job is simply by responding to a want ad, sending my resume, being polite, and hoping that someone gives me the chance. it just so happens that every job (except for one) I've applied for and received an interview...I landed it.

Still, I never really had the benefit of knowing the person that ran the business, knowing someone that could put in a good word for me...I always had to be a stranger first, and then a potential employee second. You never have to deal with this when you're in a family business. Sure, you have to prove that you truly want to work, but it's not really the same as "cold calling."

BTW, this opinion has nothing to do with the quality of a person's work, their work ethic, etc. I'm sure you and many other sons/daughters have truly earned the success reaped from a good family business. It's just easier sometimes when "the business" knows you, and knows your good character from the get-go.

Just be appreciative of the value of your father. I think sometimes people that have the fortune of growing up with the family business don't always realize what it's like to have to "present" yourself over and over and over again to a new entity.... I'm always just a sheet of paper on the hiring manager's desk in the beginning.

['00 Tundy]

'00 Tundy - One mental image that has helped me is the idea of a steam engine in the station. It takes time to build up steam to get moving. The prudent engineer waits until he has sufficient steam to move and then gets moving. The "show-boater" wants everyone to know that he has a steam engine and as soon as he has enough steam pressure starts blowing the whistle so everyone can look at him. The blowing the whistle takes away from the steam pressure to move the train.

The money you save now will pay many returns down the line. In the beginning it is all about hard work, saving every penny and keeping focused on the next step or goal. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself to nice things (truck, wave runner, etc) as long as you keep things in perspective and always bear in mind that you had to earn those things. It sounds like to me that you are applying yourself well.

first off, thank you for the compliment, i try very hard. i always plan out my expenses vs my income and save most of my money. thanks again for the compliment and more motivations.

[Hickleberry]

Originally Posted by Cyberbilly

I think the United States is the only country in the world that punishes people for being successful.

If income level=being successful, here's how Canadian taxes work, you take your income, and subtract a base amount, but in a nutshell...

Earn less than $38,832 fed taxes are 15%
Earn more than $38,832, but not more than $77,664 fed taxes are 22%
Earn more than $77,664, but not more than $126,264 fed taxes are 26%
If your taxable income is more than $126,264 your fed taxes are 29%

Then there's provincial taxes, which is different for each province, but in Ontario it breaks down like this.

6.05% on the first $36,848 of taxable income, +
9.15% on the next $36,850, +
11.16% on the amount over $73,698

For New Brunswick, its a bit higher

10.12% on the first $35,707 of taxable income, +
15.48% on the next $35,708, +
16.8% on the next $44,690, +
17.95% on the amount over $116,105

Then we have a provincial tax on many items you buy, a Goods and Services Tax on EVERYTHING you buy, property tax, huge fuel, alcohol and cigarette taxes which are incorporated into the price of the products themselves. If you make more, you spend more, bigger houses, vehicles, etc.

Granted, the cost for universal health care comes from those taxes, even subtracting that amount, the cost in taxes is huge.

According to an OECD report in 2006, Per capita health care spending was highest in the United States (US$6,714), compared with US$3,678 in Canada. I can't imagine how much you would have to pay if EVERYBODY in the U.S. was paying for health care. Maybe it would be less?

So in response to your statement CB, I'd say the U.S. isn't the only country to punish people for success.

[FIVEPOINTSEVEN]

WOW! That basically sums up just about everything I've been trying to explain to people forever! Now I can just print that off and make idiots read it! Its so true!

[jsantesson]

To the OP, where did you get this?

It was a good read.

[Leland]

Originally Posted by Tundra_Hick

So in response to your statement CB, I'd say the U.S. isn't the only country to punish people for success.

The US still has some of the lowest tax rates in the world. Almost every country has tiered tax rates. Why? Because the poor can't afford to live already, adding taxes would simply push them farther into the hole.

The US has it so good. At every earnings tier, Europeans are certainly paying much more than their American counter-parts in income taxes. Furthermore, sales taxes laid on top of that drive prices even higher (it's cheaper to buy a new Porsche or BMW in the US than in Germany!). In China, someone making $100k/year will see an income tax rate between 50% to 60% per year (as opposed to the US which is 25%). Additionally, the cost on anything imported (like, say a Toyota) is going to be doubled by duties.

Now, on the other hand, I predict we are going to see much higher taxes in the future. The reckless spending by recent Republican presidents has pushed our debt so far over the edge that it is going to be nearly impossible to come back. Reagan & the Bushes' spending went on the assumption that the US was always going to be on top and nothing else would change. Unfortunately, over the past 30 years, the rest of the world has been more responsible and is becoming much more affluent. So, like Alan said, we're going to have to share more of what is available. I just can't believe that so many people bought the BS that the economy could continue to grow fueled only by further debt. Obama has inherited a mess, and while his basic idea for massive infrastructure improvements is great, I think it's a few decades too late.

As Obama's infrastructure projects come and as Reagan's debt starts to come due in the next few years, I see the USA just taking the easy way out with more debt & more money printing. Eventually, it won't be worth the fabric it's printed on.

[chriswv6]

Originally Posted by scottnmos

It is truly fantastic to see that not everyone is drinking the Koolaid...... It is funny now that I sacrificed at 20 and bought my first house while my friends were out drinking and chasing tail. I stayed at home and saved my money to buy the next one. I am on my fourth house now and have a substantial savings....all on a military salary. All people see is the nice house on the beach and how that guy is an a$$ for having that on a military salary. My reaction was one of disbelief in the beginning....... then I realized that they were drunk when I was making money....no wonder they dont remember. But they do remember where they want to go when they want to party...... convenient.... maybe thats why I dont answer the phone on the weekends....

Don't get me wrong, you ALWAYS take time out for a little tail when you're single and getting your business off the ground. Trick is to stay busy enough that the current tail stays long enough for you to get tired of it and then you get new tail. Sometimes several tails at a time... Reminds you what you're working for!

What's the addy of that beach house? My wife and kid want a vacation and i might just "happen to be in the area" (kidding).

GOOD STUFF!

[chriswv6]

Found it in my email in box from a friend...

[scottnmos]

Originally Posted by Leland

The US still has some of the lowest tax rates in the world. Almost every country has tiered tax rates. Why? Because the poor can't afford to live already, adding taxes would simply push them farther into the hole.

The US has it so good. At every earnings tier, Europeans are certainly paying much more than their American counter-parts in income taxes. Furthermore, sales taxes laid on top of that drive prices even higher (it's cheaper to buy a new Porsche or BMW in the US than in Germany!). In China, someone making $100k/year will see an income tax rate between 50% to 60% per year (as opposed to the US which is 25%). Additionally, the cost on anything imported (like, say a Toyota) is going to be doubled by duties.

Now, on the other hand, I predict we are going to see much higher taxes in the future. The reckless spending by recent Republican presidents has pushed our debt so far over the edge that it is going to be nearly impossible to come back. Reagan & the Bushes' spending went on the assumption that the US was always going to be on top and nothing else would change. Unfortunately, over the past 30 years, the rest of the world has been more responsible and is becoming much more affluent. So, like Alan said, we're going to have to share more of what is available. I just can't believe that so many people bought the BS that the economy could continue to grow fueled only by further debt. Obama has inherited a mess, and while his basic idea for massive infrastructure improvements is great, I think it's a few decades too late.

As Obama's infrastructure projects come and as Reagan's debt starts to come due in the next few years, I see the USA just taking the easy way out with more debt & more money printing. Eventually, it won't be worth the fabric it's printed on.

You have got to be kidding me! You blame the republicans for this mess? This started with the Clintons and was perpetuated by a liberal led democratic congress. I dont agree with the bailout at all. Look at the situation with Bank of America. They held their hands out for the tune of 25B in their merger with Merrel.....now they say it isnt enough and want 15B more. F-that. 1 dollar is too much if you ask me. Let them fail. Now the O'Bama led koolaid clan gets the other 350B released before ANY monitoring programs are put into place to see how the money is spent and they propose almost 1 TRILLION dollars more in spending under the guise of the NEW DEAL? Here is a little known fact....do some research on the NEW DEAL and youll think it was really a RAW DEAL......bad news all around.....they can go ahead and bankrupt my grandchildren......watch out.....taxes here they come. Bush was not perfect but this is absolute crap!

[chriswv6]

Originally Posted by scottnmos

You have got to be kidding me! You blame the republicans for this mess? This started with the Clintons and was perpetuated by a liberal led democratic congress. I dont agree with the bailout at all. Look at the situation with Bank of America. They held their hands out for the tune of 25B in their merger with Merrel.....now they say it isnt enough and want 15B more. F-that. 1 dollar is too much if you ask me. Let them fail. Now the O'Bama led koolaid clan gets the other 350B released before ANY monitoring programs are put into place to see how the money is spent and they propose almost 1 TRILLION dollars more in spending under the guise of the NEW DEAL? Here is a little known fact....do some research on the NEW DEAL and youll think it was really a RAW DEAL......bad news all around.....they can go ahead and bankrupt my grandchildren......watch out.....taxes here they come. Bush was not perfect but this is absolute crap!

X2. F'n Clintons. Bleh...

[scottnmos]

Hahaha....sorry to hijack.....I love the letter.....I already cut and pasted it to my buddies....

[guntech]

Originally Posted by scottnmos

You have got to be kidding me! You blame the republicans for this mess? This started with the Clintons and was perpetuated by a liberal led democratic congress. I dont agree with the bailout at all. Look at the situation with Bank of America. They held their hands out for the tune of 25B in their merger with Merrel.....now they say it isnt enough and want 15B more. F-that. 1 dollar is too much if you ask me. Let them fail. Now the O'Bama led koolaid clan gets the other 350B released before ANY monitoring programs are put into place to see how the money is spent and they propose almost 1 TRILLION dollars more in spending under the guise of the NEW DEAL? Here is a little known fact....do some research on the NEW DEAL and youll think it was really a RAW DEAL......bad news all around.....they can go ahead and bankrupt my grandchildren......watch out.....taxes here they come. Bush was not perfect but this is absolute crap!

It's a lot easier to blame the President that is currently in office. It gives these fools "hope". It's a lot easier than doing any research. I think they are also afraid to see just who it was that "forced" these lending institutions to give loans to people they KNEW could never pay them back (The Democrates).

All they see is how great it was when Clinton was President. They close their minds to the fact that we are now starting to pay for their blunders.