Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.
I know this is digging up an old thread, but I created an account for the express purpose of responding to this, and my waiting period just ended.
I fully support government programs when they are used as temporary assistance in desperate situations, as the taxpayers intend it to be. My husband was the first in his family to go to college and now does well. I am self employed. Combined, between federal, state, local, FICA, Medicare, etc, we pay over 40% of our income To the government. FORTY PERCENT. so no, I do not accept the argument that people taking assistance as a way of life instead of a stopgap with a finite end "pay taxes just as much as you or I". Because it's simply not true.
If you are on WIC but own smart phones, you don't need WIC.
I'm not sure who you are paying taxes to but if you are married filing jointly you aren't even paying 40% of your income above $464,861 because that top tax bracket? The percentage is 39.6% on income above that number so only your income over that amount is taxed at 39%.
Even taking all state taxes into consideration if you are paying an effective tax rate of 40% of your income you need a new CPA. We pay quite a large amount in taxes each year but are no where near 40%.
Smart phones have nothing to do with WIC. It may be your opinion that if someone has a smartphone they don't need WIC but the laws disagree with you. There is an objective income test that determines if a family qualifies for WIC. They look at income and number of people in a family. Smartphones don't come into play.
You must not live in New York City. Or be self employed.
I am actually self employed and you aren't paying an effective 40% income tax. If you are you are taking no credits and no deductions. Thus....you need a new cpa. I'm not going to spend anymore time on this.
I would also add that the deductions and credits you are entitled to are no different then WIC. They are legal because laws have been passed saying they are. The reasons for all usually being tied back to what lawmakers decide is good public policy.
That's fine, becuase you're wrong. When I pay state of over 7%, local of 4%, 15.3% in FICA/Medicare for my income, it's really not that hard to get over 40 when you add in Fed. I'm clearly not providing my tax returns for you. My original point stands. Not all taxpayers are paying equally,, and to pretend that's true is insulting.
If there are no other ways you can cut back on spending to afford the grocery items you need, you should apply for WIC. However, like PP, if you can afford to eat out, have cell phones, drink or smoke, or buy any other non-essential items, you should not take assistance that you don't truly need.
Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.
I know this is digging up an old thread, but I created an account for the express purpose of responding to this, and my waiting period just ended.
I fully support government programs when they are used as temporary assistance in desperate situations, as the taxpayers intend it to be. My husband was the first in his family to go to college and now does well. I am self employed. Combined, between federal, state, local, FICA, Medicare, etc, we pay over 40% of our income To the government. FORTY PERCENT. so no, I do not accept the argument that people taking assistance as a way of life instead of a stopgap with a finite end "pay taxes just as much as you or I". Because it's simply not true.
If you are on WIC but own smart phones, you don't need WIC.
I'm not sure who you are paying taxes to but if you are married filing jointly you aren't even paying 40% of your income above $464,861 because that top tax bracket? The percentage is 39.6% on income above that number so only your income over that amount is taxed at 39%.
Even taking all state taxes into consideration if you are paying an effective tax rate of 40% of your income you need a new CPA. We pay quite a large amount in taxes each year but are no where near 40%.
Smart phones have nothing to do with WIC. It may be your opinion that if someone has a smartphone they don't need WIC but the laws disagree with you. There is an objective income test that determines if a family qualifies for WIC. They look at income and number of people in a family. Smartphones don't come into play.
You must not live in New York City. Or be self employed.
I am actually self employed and you aren't paying an effective 40% income tax. If you are you are taking no credits and no deductions. Thus....you need a new cpa. I'm not going to spend anymore time on this.
I would also add that the deductions and credits you are entitled to are no different then WIC. They are legal because laws have been passed saying they are. The reasons for all usually being tied back to what lawmakers decide is good public policy.
That's fine, becuase you're wrong. When I pay state of over 7%, local of 4%, 15.3% in FICA/Medicare for my income, it's really not that hard to get over 40 when you add in Fed. I'm clearly not providing my tax returns for you. My originally point stands. Not all taxpayers are paying equally,, and to pretend that's true is insulting.
I think that if you qualify for WIC, you should use it. It supplements much needed nutrition that your little one will need while growing in your belly, and if you are unable to breastfeed, it will supplement formula for baby. It's a benefit to your unborn child. Why not use it if you qualify?
And how many times does it have to be stated WIC is for people who need to eat healthier. And once again your comment still doesn't change the fact that she believes it could help her family. And I pay taxes too so does everyone else so idc how much you pay point is she pays them too
Just because Somoeone works does not mean they pay taxes, I just did a simple online tax calculator. https://www.taxbrain.com/tax-estimator.asp If you are filing single and have one child, making $30K a year, you pay NO TAXES. In fact, the calculator I used said your I'll get a refund of $421. That's $421 from someone else's chef that you get just for being a breathing human with a kid, that's not even counting ANY deductions for childcare. Just straight up having a kid puts you in the "making money from other citizens" category instead of the "contributing" category. so do NOT tell me everyone pays taxes or that how much you pay in doesn't matter.
FWIW, a pound of bananas is 69 cents. A gallon of milk is $3.89. A McDonald's value meal is $7. A bag of chips is $3-4.
I'm gonna say this but I am seriously not judging but if you cant grocery shop for 3 months, how do you get pregnant and afford medical?????
Medical is part I my job. It doesn't come out of my check, or affect any if my pay. H was working and we could easily afford to pay off most of our student loans/bills. So we did, we also got pregnant at that time. Then he got laid off, and we had very little in savings, a we paid off our larger debts.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
You are correct that not all people who work pay taxes (except that you include a lot in your tax bill that everyone regardless of income has to pay just FYI so that's interesting)
The thing is that we all get financial assistance from the government. you pay taxes but due to credits and deductions you are allowed you pay a lot less than you would otherwise. Way more then 421 dollars is most likely shaved off your tax bill. How are you more entitled to that then someone else is entitled to WIC? Are you allowed a smartphone?
You are correct that not all people who work pay taxes (except that you include a lot in your tax bill that everyone regardless of income has to pay just FYI so that's interesting)
The thing is that we all get financial assistance from the government. you pay taxes but due to credits and deductions you are allowed you pay a lot less than you would otherwise. Way more then 421 dollars is most likely shaved off your tax bill. How are you more entitled to that then someone else is entitled to WIC? Are you allowed a smartphone?
I can buy whatever I damn well please with my own money, becuase I'm not asking my neighbors to pay for my kid's groceries. I feel like the point is lost on so many that "the government" is not some chunk of money that magically appears. People work for that money and have to given it up to said government
The money that gets "shaved off" is because I do things like give it away to charities. I don't get tax credits for having a child. All tax filers get a standard deduction. I get to deduct more than that becuase I give more away.
Edited to add: like I said, I don't have a problem when people really are down on their luck and need assistance getting back up. I have a problem when people say "oh, I can get it, so I will, and I can use my money for other non necessities".
You get tax credits and do not pay income tax for all kinds of reasons....like mortgage interest....you own a business? You get to deduct all kinds of business expenses. And why? Because law makers have decided that allowing you to do that is good social policy and our tax code is set up that way. You are only entitled to that break because laws say you are otherwise you'd owe the government more money.
I'm betting your saved tax bill costs us more then any individuals WIC benefits or 421 dollars. It's financial assistance from he government. It just doesn't have a stigma attached to it. Go ahead and take your credits, it's legal. But there is nothing wrong with someone who qualifies for WIC using that.
You get tax credits and do not pay income tax for all kinds of reasons....like mortgage interest....you own a business? You get to deduct all kinds of business expenses. And why? Because law makers have decided that allowing you to do that is good social policy and our tax code is set up that way. You are only entitled to that break because laws say you are otherwise you'd owe the government more money.
I'm betting your saved tax bill costs us more then any individuals WIC benefits or 421 dollars. It's financial assistance from he government. It just doesn't have a stigma attached to it. Go ahead and take your credits, it's legal. But there is nothing wrong with someone who qualifies for WIC using that.
Ok, so the government NOT taking money I earned myself is equal to giving out money for.... What? Popping out a kid? (Re:the tax "refund" of $421) Those both have the same value? The logic makes my brain hurt.
Sound like a snob. Obviously you have money so you wouldn't understand the people that need government assistance. She said nothing about herself except she thinks it could help her family and your jumping on here like we should say thank you for you paying taxes. And I've never known anyone to not have to pay personal property taxes or to work any job and not get taxed in my state everyone gets taxed
You get tax credits and do not pay income tax for all kinds of reasons....like mortgage interest....you own a business? You get to deduct all kinds of business expenses. And why? Because law makers have decided that allowing you to do that is good social policy and our tax code is set up that way. You are only entitled to that break because laws say you are otherwise you'd owe the government more money.
I'm betting your saved tax bill costs us more then any individuals WIC benefits or 421 dollars. It's financial assistance from he government. It just doesn't have a stigma attached to it. Go ahead and take your credits, it's legal. But there is nothing wrong with someone who qualifies for WIC using that.
Ok, so the government NOT taking money I earned myself is equal to giving out money for.... What? Popping out a kid? Those both have the same value? The logic makes my brain hurt.
The government giving you a tax break is no different then giving someone WIC. There is no reason for either other than public policy. You do not earn your tax breaks. So yes...the government lowering your tax bill for an arbitrary reason that we as a society have decided is valid is the same as supplementing a family who make less than a certain amount of money whether it be by WIC or tax credits.
Honestly, I'm thinking this is some kind of joke. You seem to lack a basic understanding of our tax code among other things.
Not a joke at all. The goverment doesn't lower my tax bill for an "arbitrary reason". They give certain incentives to small businesses to help stimulate the economy. that statement by you actually seems to be the joke, especially since you claim to be self employed.
FWIW, I'm the daughter of a CPA. He does not do my personal filing, but we have discussed tax codes at length.
Sound like a snob. Obviously you have money so you wouldn't understand the people that need government assistance. She said nothing about herself except she thinks it could help her family and your jumping on here like we should say thank you for you paying taxes. And I've never known anyone to not have to pay personal property taxes or to work any job and not get taxed in my state everyone gets taxed
Everyone who works has taxes deducted, but if your income is below a certain level with deductions your refund is more than you paid in, therefore, effectively not paying taxes and possibly getting additional money.
This whole idea that well if you qualify then you should do it is quite flawed. Just because one qualifies for public assistance does not mean it is responsible to take advantage of. These programs (WIC, medicaid, medicare, and SS) are poorly run, poorly regulated, and not sustainable. The qualifications are far to lenient and while many think this is just "free from the government" it ultimately creates an unstable financial future and economy. Just because you can does not mean you should.
A doctor I work with makes over $300,000 a year pays insurance and child support for his son. His ex wife decided to put their son medicaid because she "qualified" and didn't want to pay the copay, even though this should come out of child support. It is A. absolutely ridiculous that he qualifies, and B. irresponsible for his ex-wife to expect tax-payers to pick up the tab because she doesn't want to pay a copay.
In the same way, it is irresponsible of someone to use WIC just because they don't want to pay for "expensive foods", as the OP stated. It should be used as a temporary form of assistance, because it is not fair to expect taxpayers to pick up the tab just so you can live a more comfortable life. If you have gotten laid off or otherwise fallen on hard times, by all means seek WIC and other assistance for temporary relief. However, if you are in a situation to be applying for aid, then all "extras" should be eliminated. Why should taxpayers buy your groceries when you are paying over $100 a month of a smart phone, and cable, and eating out.
I enjoy the tax breaks I get. I don't have some inflated opinion of myself being entitled to those things because I have money. You aren't entitled to them either and neither of us earned them. I'd also much rather be paying my tax bill then collecting WIC. Smartphone or no.
I want my tax money going to things like WIC. Your attitude is self serving and I find it incredibly disappointing. I hope it's a joke.
I have a smart phone.. paid by my grandmother in case of an emergency and.due to the fact that I don't have a housephone AND with her and my great grandmother's medical problems I'm one of the few people she can get a hold of at any time to get her help when they need it and vice versa. I have out of town family I'm very close to. And whenever I get a chance I do go visit them. They come get me and treat me as their guest considering they also consider me their child (not my bio parents but still blood relation). Oh and I do go out to eat also family events. AND IM ON WIC. Oh Damn I have a life but I suppose I should lock myself in a basement due to being on WIC. What a shame it is. We get enough harassment and judgment for needing or using assistance. We shouldn't be put down for having a life as well. As long as we put what we can towards what we need, it doesn't kill to get help with nutrition value when it's avaliable and we can get the assistance. Out of 2 years WIC has helped me get into a habit of shopping better. And when I do have left over money, I may treat my child for her birthday, or good behavior once in awhile. But I'm on WIC so apparently I shouldn't even do that much when the rare every few month/yearly chance occurs.
I'm getting the impression that some people think you can survive off of WIC. WIC is not the same as the Cash Assistance program. Per month my child qualifies for:
3 gallons of whole milk, 1 jar of peanut butter, 1 loaf of bread, 2 bottles of juice, 1lb of cheese, 2 boxes of cereal, $8 of fruit/veggies, 1 carton of eggs.
This is a DENT in my total grocery bill every month. There are very stringent guidelines and qualifications that are in place. I think WIC is a great program, Cash assistance not so much and thats a whole other topic.
Ok because of this debate I've actually dug into what WIC does exactly. From everything I've read and everyone I've talked to its really not much. It's really just supporting a bottom line for the children. I worked for the cable company and did plenty of installs for people who shouldn't have had kids or shouldn't have been able to afford the $300 they were paying me while their six year old was filthy sitting on the front porch. There were plenty of jobs I went to and had to collect myself afterwards it was so bad. So I have a personal issue with parents that have their head up their ass. But WIC is doing nothing but making sure that there are bare minimums in the house while trying to counsel parents on the best options of nutrition. Anyone who can qualify for this program should be a part of it. Undeserving parents are going to blow money on smart phones televisions and eating out whether they're on WIC or not it's just how much more they're going to deprive their child in doing so. At least with WIC in place I know there's atleast a bit of food in the pantry, formula in the bottles and someone is trying to guide the family towards healthy living. If nothing else the counseling and healthy habits this program attempts to teach are worthwhile. WIC is only for the betterment of children. And as for those who abuse our system and buy those 50" tvs while living off the government it will only last so long. The children will grow up and move on. They will get what's coming to them. I'm willing to pay to help the poor child living through this. And that's what we're forgetting yes we all want to get in line and give all those crazy parents a swift kick in the ass but the money that goes into these programs are trying to guide the next generation out of the rut their parents have made for them. The guidelines are there and held in place for a reason. If you are eligible but don't want to take assistance atleast learn from the programs. Those who qualify take advantage I'm willing to give your children a hand up and not a hand out. As mentioned above there are programs such as the cash assistance that need better guidelines. But I will stand by WIC.
In my opinion, if it's available then use it. You're not using it as a replacement income, just to help you with a few odds and ends. My church has something similar, and it's all about just making sure family welfare is covered. Don't feel guilty about taking it. It's pre printed monthly checks, and if you don't need something, don't get it. The funds for what you don't use are still available to others, it's not like it just goes up in smoke.
I am in a WIC office right now I was going to start a new thread, I'm glad I didn't. I have a smart phone but so do over half the people in the waiting room. My parents could supplement my income but I need to be independent and this is a way to help me. I am also a little old to run to daddy to ask for money. While I was in a good place financially when I got pregnant, I am not anymore. My husband left and his income almost triples mine. He pays (at least he says) what he can to me but I am fighting an uphill battle.
Re: WIC?
That's fine, becuase you're wrong. When I pay state of over 7%, local of 4%, 15.3% in FICA/Medicare for my income, it's really not that hard to get over 40 when you add in Fed. I'm clearly not providing my tax returns for you. My original point stands. Not all taxpayers are paying equally,, and to pretend that's true is insulting.
Just because Somoeone works does not mean they pay taxes, I just did a simple online tax calculator. https://www.taxbrain.com/tax-estimator.asp If you are filing single and have one child, making $30K a year, you pay NO TAXES. In fact, the calculator I used said your I'll get a refund of $421. That's $421 from someone else's chef that you get just for being a breathing human with a kid, that's not even counting ANY deductions for childcare. Just straight up having a kid puts you in the "making money from other citizens" category instead of the "contributing" category. so do NOT tell me everyone pays taxes or that how much you pay in doesn't matter.
FWIW, a pound of bananas is 69 cents. A gallon of milk is $3.89. A McDonald's value meal is $7. A bag of chips is $3-4.
H was working and we could easily afford to pay off most of our student loans/bills. So we did, we also got pregnant at that time.
Then he got laid off, and we had very little in savings, a we paid off our larger debts.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
The thing is that we all get financial assistance from the government. you pay taxes but due to credits and deductions you are allowed you pay a lot less than you would otherwise. Way more then 421 dollars is most likely shaved off your tax bill. How are you more entitled to that then someone else is entitled to WIC? Are you allowed a smartphone?
I can buy whatever I damn well please with my own money, becuase I'm not asking my neighbors to pay for my kid's groceries. I feel like the point is lost on so many that "the government" is not some chunk of money that magically appears. People work for that money and have to given it up to said government
The money that gets "shaved off" is because I do things like give it away to charities. I don't get tax credits for having a child. All tax filers get a standard deduction. I get to deduct more than that becuase I give more away.
Edited to add: like I said, I don't have a problem when people really are down on their luck and need assistance getting back up. I have a problem when people say "oh, I can get it, so I will, and I can use my money for other non necessities".
I'm betting your saved tax bill costs us more then any individuals WIC benefits or 421 dollars. It's financial assistance from he government. It just doesn't have a stigma attached to it. Go ahead and take your credits, it's legal. But there is nothing wrong with someone who qualifies for WIC using that.
Ok, so the government NOT taking money I earned myself is equal to giving out money for.... What? Popping out a kid? (Re:the tax "refund" of $421) Those both have the same value? The logic makes my brain hurt.
Honestly, I'm thinking this is some kind of joke. You seem to lack a basic understanding of our tax code among other things.
FWIW, I'm the daughter of a CPA. He does not do my personal filing, but we have discussed tax codes at length.
I want my tax money going to things like WIC. Your attitude is self serving and I find it incredibly disappointing. I hope it's a joke.
I have out of town family I'm very close to.
And whenever I get a chance I do go visit them. They come get me and treat me as their guest considering they also consider me their child (not my bio parents but still blood relation).
Oh and I do go out to eat also family events.
AND IM ON WIC.
Oh Damn I have a life but I suppose I should lock myself in a basement due to being on WIC.
What a shame it is.
We get enough harassment and judgment for needing or using assistance. We shouldn't be put down for having a life as well. As long as we put what we can towards what we need, it doesn't kill to get help with nutrition value when it's avaliable and we can get the assistance.
Out of 2 years WIC has helped me get into a habit of shopping better. And when I do have left over money, I may treat my child for her birthday, or good behavior once in awhile. But I'm on WIC so apparently I shouldn't even do that much when the rare every few month/yearly chance occurs.