I think religion needs to be a separate topic on a separate thread. Nevertheless, it does play a role in one’s values and values are a variable when it comes to asset purchasing. Therefore it is indirectly related to our discussion. This will be the last of my religion comments on this thread.
To the commentor on using the internet of the neighbor. According to Jewish Law I am not “stealing” anything. To give an analogy. A neighbor has a lemon tree that borders my property via a fence. Lemons from the tree fall from the neighbor’s tree and land on my land. Question: Who do the fallen lemons belong to, the neighbor or myself? If the lemons belong to my neighbor than one can state that my privacy and spacial right are being infringed. If the lemons due not belong to the neighbor than I have a variety of options. I can confront the neighbor and demand that he clean the excess lemons from my property. Or I can collect the lemons, make lemonade and sit by the pool.
My neighbor’s wireless network is sending electronic signals into my private space without my consent. I have not entered his space in order to benefit from anything within his property. So I am not “stealing” which implies a unauthorized acquisition of goods or violation of boundaries. Like the lemon analogy I am merely a victim of someone throwing electronic signals into my home. I have two options: I can demand that he encrypt his network and stop bombarding me with electronic waves (move the tree) or I can learn to live with the waves and make the best of an incovenience (make lemonade).
Now, as for the slingbox. . . I have received consent from a family member who purchased the service to utilize it on my home computer. That implies no violation of rights and therefore I am not “stealing.” It is analagous to borrowing a tupperware bowl from your mother with an indefinite lending period.
Some posters have commented with suggestions as far as budgeting and removing a Tzedakah offering for utilization as reserve capital. Its a good point. The rules of Tzedakah are complex. Question: If one is to give 10% of ones income is that net or gross? Can one deduct expenses? Does this law also apply to businesses as well as personal budgets? Are medical expenses or a child’s education tuition deductible from the Ma’aseh (Tithe) offering?
When my children begin school the above rules will change.
What interest me is that without the corporate entity, how can the average Joe get ahead utilizing after tax income without the corporate tax benefits?
Can he purchase, maintain and depreciate a vehicle? Can he utilize a SEP IRA program whose contribution limits far exceed a 401k? Can he deduct health insurance premiums as before tax expenses?
