TOP DRAWER INK NEWSLETTER

 

Here's the latest issue of Top Drawer Ink, the newsletter written by author HL Carpenter that's chock full of humor and common sense information.

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July 10, 2010
Volume 8, Number 13
ISSN 1554-6330

In this issue:

1. Top Drawer News

2. Carpenter Country Essay

3. Top Drawer Article

4. Top Drawer Tips

5. Top Drawer Satire

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***TOP DRAWER NEWS***

Click here to read an excerpt of our latest clip, an article published in our local newspaper.

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CARPENTER COUNTRY

What's Happening in Our Neck of the Human Experience

Driving around town in the winter can be scary - the roads are usually crowded, people are often in a hurry. But for some reason, this summer's been no picnic either.

Take the other day. I was zipping along one of Carpenter Country's local roadways, minding my own business, with my grocery list in hand. A block from the best little supermarket in town, two women, heading for the same ATM, almost rammed their cars into mine.

Just as I was thinking - where are the cops when you need them? - a patrol car coming from the opposite direction hooked a U in front of me. For a second we were bumper to wheel well. Then the deputy floored it and took off.

Ah, but the shopping center was in sight. I was almost there. All that remained was a quick left turn into the parking lot. Except a guy in a pickup decided he wanted to be in the same spot I was aiming for - and he sped up to get there ahead of me.

I conceded the right of way, and as I stepped out of the car, I noticed a bag boy staring at my front bumper.

"Is there a dent?" I asked.

"Nah, I was just thinking if you had one of those Evil, Wicked, Mean and Nasty vanity plates we're selling in the automotive section, no one would ever cut you off again."

I ran into the store and bought two.

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TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

History of the US Estate Tax

by
HL Carpenter

The US estate tax died in 2010 - but you don't need to mourn its demise. The tax is expected to return to life in 2011, a resurrection that's taken place several times over the years.

Click here to read the rest of this article

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TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

Tip: In general, the lack of a federal estate tax for 2010 means inheritances will pass to beneficiaries with a "carryover basis" - that is, the same basis as the person who died. For example, say you inherit stock from someone who dies in 2010. When you sell that stock, your basis, which is the amount by which you reduce your gain, is the same as it would have been for the person who died. Note there is a provision for a limited "step-up", or increase, in basis to fair market value for up to $1.3 million of the property you inherit ($3 million for a spouse).

Glossary Term: Inheritance Tax. An inheritance tax differs from an estate tax in that beneficiaries are required to pay inheritance tax on assets they receive from someone who dies. Estate taxes, in contrast, are paid by the estate before the beneficiary receives their bequest.

Financial Horoscope: It's time to get your affairs in order. No, that's not a prediction of doom, just sound financial advice. Only you can honestly express your wishes, so why let someone else interpret what you really want?

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TOP DRAWER SATIRE

Despair and Foreboding

by
HL Carpenter

News producers Despair and Foreboding have been off the air for nearly a week and fans are beginning to wonder what's causing the unusual disappearance. Message board chatter ranges from fatal health issues to rumors of retirement.

Click here to read the rest of this satire