Tom Miller
Loan OfficerForum Replies Created
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I appreciate your interest in moving to Indiana. I’ll provide an overview of the key aspects you’ve mentioned about living in Indiana:
Indiana Home Prices: Generally lower than the national average. Median home price is typically 20-30% below the national median. Varies significantly between urban and rural areas.
Cost of Living: Overall, it is lower than the national average. Housing and utilities are particularly affordable. Some urban areas, like Indianapolis, may have higher costs.
Job Opportunities: Strong in manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Growing tech industry, especially in Indianapolis. Major employers include Eli Lilly, Cummins, and various universities.
Indiana Schools: These schools have mixed performance, with some highly rated districts. It also has a strong public university system, including Purdue and Indiana University. However, school quality can vary significantly by location.
Indiana Taxes: Flat state income tax rate (currently around 3.23%). Property taxes are capped at 1% of the assessed value for homesteads.
Sales tax is 7% statewide.
Crime in Indiana: Crime rates vary widely by location. Some urban areas have higher crime rates than the national average, while many suburban and rural areas have lower rates.
Additional considerations:
Climate: Four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Prone to occasional severe weather, including tornadoes
Culture and Recreation: Rich in sports culture, especially basketball and auto racing. Numerous state parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Cultural attractions in cities like Indianapolis and Bloomington.
Transportation: There is a good highway system. There is limited public transportation outside of major cities. Indianapolis International Airport is a major hub.
Healthcare: Generally, good access to healthcare is available in urban and suburban areas. Some rural areas may have more limited options. Remember that conditions can vary significantly depending on the specific area within Indiana you’re considering. It’s always a good idea to research the particular city or region you’re interested in and visit before moving. Consider factors like proximity to work, family, and amenities important to you when choosing where to settle in Indiana.
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Certainly! Here’s an overview of some key economic policies and initiatives that were in place during the Biden administration up to 2024:
Biden Administration’s Economic Policies and Initiatives:COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Economic Recovery:
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA):
- Signed into Law: March 2021.
- Key Components:
- Direct Payments: $1,400 per person for eligible Americans.
- Unemployment Benefits: Extended enhanced unemployment benefits.
- Child Tax Credit: Expanded the Child Tax Credit, providing monthly payments to families.
- State and Local Aid: Significant funding to help state and local governments address the pandemic’s impacts.
- Vaccine Distribution: Funds allocated to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations.
Public Health Measures:
- Vaccine Rollout: Accelerated the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Testing and PPE: Increased funding for COVID-19 testing and personal protective equipment.
Infrastructure and Investment:
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:
- Signed into Law: November 2021.
- Key Investments:
- Transportation: Significant funding for roads, bridges, public transit, and rail.
- Broadband: Investments in expanding high-speed internet access across the country.
- Water Systems: Upgrades to water infrastructure, including lead pipe replacement.
Economic Equity and Workforce Development:
Executive Orders and Initiatives:
Minimum Wage: Raising federal contractors’ minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Workforce Development: Investments in job training programs to support displaced workers and promote skills development in high-demand sectors.
Build Back Better Plan (Proposed):
Social Infrastructure: Investments in childcare, healthcare, and education.
Climate Change: Funding for clean energy projects and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
Affordable Housing: Proposals to increase affordable housing supply and reduce homelessness.
Inflation and Supply Chain Issues:Inflation Reduction Act (Proposed):
Key Measures: Efforts to address supply chain disruptions, reduce prescription drug costs, and promote energy efficiency.
Federal Reserve Coordination: Working with the Federal Reserve to manage inflation through monetary policy.
Supply Chain Resilience:
- Executive Orders: Focus on strengthening domestic supply chains for critical goods.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Initiatives to boost domestic production of semiconductors and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
Tax and Fiscal Policies:
Corporate Tax Reforms:
- Proposals: Increasing the corporate tax rate and closing loopholes to ensure corporations pay their fair share.
- Global Minimum Tax: Advocated for a global minimum corporate tax rate to prevent tax avoidance by multinational corporations.
Individual Tax Changes:
High-Income Taxes: Proposals to increase taxes on individuals earning over $400,000 annually.
Capital Gains Tax: Proposed changes to tax capital gains at higher rates for wealthy individuals.
Economic Context and Challenges:
Inflation: Throughout Biden’s tenure, inflation emerged as a significant challenge, driven by supply chain disruptions, high demand, and pandemic-related economic shifts.
Employment: The administration focused on reducing unemployment and supporting job growth. However, challenges remained, particularly in certain sectors impacted by the pandemic.
Economic Recovery: Efforts to support economic recovery included substantial fiscal stimulus and infrastructure investment aimed at immediate relief and long-term economic strength. The Biden administration’s economic policies were focused on navigating the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability and growth. Key initiatives included:
- Substantial fiscal stimulus.
- Investments in infrastructure and workforce development.
- Efforts investments to address inflation and supply chain issues.
As with any administration, the effectiveness and impact of these policies will be evaluated over time and will depend on a range of economic factors and global developments.
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You’ve raised some important concerns about the current economic situation. Let’s break down the factors you’ve mentioned and their potential impact:
Inflation: High inflation rates can put financial pressure on households and businesses. However, while significant, the current inflation is not unprecedented in U.S. history. The early 1980s saw even higher rates.
Home prices: High home prices make it difficult for many to enter the housing market. This can increase demand for rentals, potentially driving up rental costs.
Mortgage rates: High mortgage rates (nearly 8%) make home-buying less affordable, which could cool the housing market.
Rent increases: Rising rents without corresponding wage increases can strain household budgets.
Wage stagnation: If wages aren’t keeping pace with inflation, it reduces purchasing power.
Potential consequences: Increased financial stress for many households. Difficulty in meeting basic expenses and debt obligations. Potential increase in credit card usage to bridge gaps.
Regarding bankruptcies, an increase in filings is possible if economic conditions worsen. However, bankruptcy rates don’t always directly correlate with economic downturns. Other factors, like changes in bankruptcy laws, can also influence filing rates.
It’s important to note that economic predictions are inherently uncertain. Government policies, market adjustments, and other factors can influence outcomes. Individual financial situations vary greatly. While your concerns are valid, it’s difficult to predict with certainty that bankruptcy rates will increase “like never before.” The economy is complex, and various factors can mitigate or exacerbate financial stresses. If you’re concerned about your financial situation, it may be wise to:
- Review your budget and expenses
- Build an emergency fund if possible
- Seek financial advice if needed
Stay informed about assistance programs or resources in your area. Remember, while economic conditions can be challenging, they tend to be cyclical. It’s important to stay informed and maintain perspective.
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Tom Miller
MemberJune 23, 2024 at 5:05 pm in reply to: How Are Property Tax and Homeowners Insurance on Homes in AlabamaWhen buying a house in Alabama, you can expect relatively low property taxes and moderate homeowners insurance rates compared to many other states in the U.S. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Property Taxes in Alabama:
Low Property Tax Rates: Alabama has some of the lowest property tax rates in the country. The average effective property tax rate is approximately 0.33% of a home’s market value (Tax-Rates.org).
County Variations: Property tax rates can vary by county. For example, Jefferson County may have slightly different rates compared to Mobile County, so it’s important to check the specific rates in the county where you plan to buy.
Example Calculation: For a home valued at $200,000, you would pay approximately $660 annually in property taxes.
Tax Assessment: Property taxes are based on the appraised fair market value of the property as determined by the county tax assessor.
Homeowners Insurance in Alabama:
Moderate Insurance Rates: The cost of homeowners insurance in Alabama tends to be higher than the national average due to the risk of natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.
Average Premiums: Alabama’s average annual premium for homeowners insurance is around $1,300. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the property’s location, the home’s age and condition, and the level of coverage chosen (Tax-Rates.org).
Factors Affecting Rates: Homes in coastal areas prone to hurricanes may face higher insurance premiums. Additionally, the condition of the home and any mitigating features (like storm shutters) can impact rates.
Property Taxes are low, averaging 0.33% of the home’s market value, making Alabama one of the states with the lowest property tax rates in the U.S.
Homeowners Insurance is moderately high due to natural disaster risks, with average premiums around $1,300 annually, but it can vary based on specific risk factors and coverage levels. Contact Alabama’s local tax authorities and insurance providers for the most accurate and personalized information.
tax-rates.org
Property Tax Rates By State 2024 - Tax-Rates.org
Property Tax Rates By State 2024 - Tax-Rates.org
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Thank you for sharing this vivid and personal account of basketball culture in New York City. Your description paints a rich picture of urban life and the unwritten rules that govern street basketball. Here’s a summary of the key points from your story:
Setting: New York City, described as a “concrete jungle” with cement playgrounds.
Basketball is the dominant inner-city game.
Unspoken rules of street basketball:
- The first team on the court plays until they lose (“home court” advantage).
- These rules were consistent across neighborhoods (South Bronx, Harlem, Greenwich Village).
Personal experience:
- You describe yourself as not being an exceptional player (“white man’s disease,” limited jumping ability).
- You coached your son from elementary through high school.
Specific locations mentioned:
- West 4th Street subway stop in Greenwich Village.
- West 3rd Street basketball court, one block south.
Notable players:
- Dick Barnett of the Knicks.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) attended Power Memorial Academy High School.
Your strategy: Arriving early to claim a “home court” advantage.
Evolution of the West 3rd Street courts:
- Became a tourist attraction.
- The “West 3rd Street Basketball League” was formed with corporate sponsors like Nike and Pepsi.
Your story effectively illustrates how basketball is more than just a sport in urban environments—it’s a cultural institution with its own rules, traditions, and community dynamics. It also shows how these grassroots games can evolve into more organized and commercialized events.
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Funny. Cop got her good. Poor girl looks like a complete idiot.
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Tom Miller
MemberJune 23, 2024 at 4:48 am in reply to: How Do You Become a Member of Great Content Authority FORUMS?Thank you for providing this detailed information about the potential membership process for Great Content Authority FORUMS (GCA FORUMS). Based on your description, GCA FORUMS may have a more selective or structured membership process than other online forums. Here’s a summary of the potential paths to membership you’ve outlined:
Open Membership: Simple registration and account creation.
Invitation or Nomination: Requires existing members to invite new ones.
Application Process: Prospective members submit qualifications and reasons for joining.
Sponsorship: New members need endorsement from an active member.
The fact that this information isn’t readily available through public searches suggests that GCA FORUMS might indeed have a more controlled or exclusive membership process. This approach can have several benefits:
- Maintaining a high level of expertise among members
- Ensuring quality discussions and content
- Creating a sense of community and exclusivity
- Potentially reducing spam or low-quality contributions
For anyone interested in joining GCA FORUMS, your advice is sound:
- Check the official GCA FORUMS website for membership information
- Contact their support team directly for detailed requirements
- If possible, reach out to an existing member for guidance or a referral
This structured membership process could contribute to the forum’s perceived value and growth, as members might feel part of a more exclusive or professional community. However, we can confirm their exact method with direct access to GCA FORUMS’ official policies or statements. Anyone interested in joining should follow your suggestion to seek official information directly from the source.
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Dumbass Jerome Powell. How are you going to get inflation down to 2% if you idiot clowns keep printing money. What type of bullshit are you saying.
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Here’s a beautiful Doberman Pinscher