Zen Mensch Accounting

Making A Living As An Artist
(Starvation is NOT an Option)

Q: I’ve never made a dime even though my art hangs in all the major museums. Now I am told the tax people could reclassify my activity as a hobby? –P. Picasso, penniless in Paris A: Well monsieur, I cannot speak for how the socialist French tax their artists. In the United States there is
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Zen Mensch Accounting

“But Officer…” The Hazards Of Late Filing

Call it the miracle of compound interest. Or the government’s interest in collecting taxes. However you cut it, your household or sole proprietor business can easily rack up hundreds or thousands of dollars in late fees even if you are just a few months tardy.   Q: “But Rich, I filed an extension.” –Over-extended, Milwaukee
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Zen Mensch Accounting

Breaking Up is Hard, Says Jew
How to Dissolve Your Marriage,
Not Your Financial Security

Divorce can be traumatizing.  Not always, but even in the most amicable situations separation is a nuisance. Yes, this is how I spent my summer vacation. Think you’re done once you’ve had her beheaded, Henry (VIII)? Review the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts. Do you still want your ex on them? You might. Be sure to rummage through your
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Richard Streitfeld – Buddhist Mensch

Back to School Edition
(Get Schooled By The Zen Mensch)

Q: How can I save for Molly’s college AND my retirement ? –Yale Mary, No Haven, CT A: Most of us cannot. It helps if you marry young, have two stellar jobs with pensions, produce 1.7 genetically modified children with perfect grades, and have an inheritance from Granny. Even then, it’s virtually impossible to guarantee
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