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Guest Columns

Remember, coronavirus is still only a bug

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Many years ago a movie was produced that was based on H.G. Wells’ 1901 book, “First Men in the Moon.” There have been numerous versions of the book to hit the big screen. One of these depicted space travelers going to the moon, fighting aliens and all but one earth traveler returning to Earth.

Dealing with HSA funds while on Medicare

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The “HSA” (Health Savings Account) is an excellent vehicle to save money tax-free to use for paying medical expenses not covered by other types of healthcare insurance, but the rules surrounding HSAs are often confusing. To be eligible for an HSA, your main health care coverage must be (or have been) a high-deductible plan that exposes you to significant healthcare expenses you must pay “out of pocket.”

There is another virus to be feared

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There’s a virus threatening the health of America, all right.

Fertilizing lawns right now not the right idea

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It’s that time again! The time of the year when the sun shines for a few days and the temperature begins to warm up.

To tax or not to tax is the question

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When any of the public bodies I cover makes a decision, I usually know pretty quickly whether I personally approve, disapprove, or simply don’t care. But this time, I’m more conflicted than I remember ever being.

Will Democratic Convention be brokered?

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Presidential conventions are looming in front of us. One convention’s outcome, the Republican convention, has been decided. Unless something totally extraordinary happens between now and convention time, Presidential Donald Trump will be nominated. There will be speeches and there will be enthusiasm, but the decision of who will represent the Republican party will be an anti-climax.

Looking at the IRMAA’ provision

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Dear Rusty: About a month or two ago I was notified that my Social Security was being reduced from $1,583 a month to about $1,283 a month — a $300 deduction! They said it was because my income was over the limit on my last return. I filed my taxes “married — filing separately” because my wife has her own income. If we had filed jointly, I would not have had the reduction. My question is why wasn’t this told to us when we filed our Income Tax last year instead of a last-minute thing? I am a 77-year old and a 100% disabled veteran, which probably has no effect on this, but wanted to add that information.

Can our rural roads be saved?

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The recent New York Times article "The Struggle to Mend America's Rural Roads" used Wisconsin as a microcosm for the infrastructure crisis that either directly or indirectly affects all Americans.

Scattered eggs, no basket all part of 'Cathi World'

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I recently participated in a lively discussion about the multitude of idioms we casually toss around daily. For those not familiar with these expressions, it can no doubt be confusing. Idioms are words or phrases that aren’t intended to be taken literally yet usually have a cultural meaning behind them.

Confessions of an unashamed 'mom-shamer'

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I’ve learned a new word! My daughter informs me that according to some mothers I am guilty of “mom-shaming” and should be ashamed of myself. I am an un ashamed mom-shamer because I happen to believe that just as there is one proper way to go about training a dog (of any species), there is one proper way to go about raising a human being to responsible adulthood. That one proper way consists of three fundamental rules: