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January 13, 2012 at 1:35 PM in reply to: OT- CONTEST!!! Guess public sector household earnings #735812January 13, 2012 at 1:27 PM in reply to: OT: Public employees: mistreated and misunderstood OR leeches to productivity ? #735810
bearishgurl
ParticipantThe short answer is . . . most currently-employed public servants in CA at the State, County and municipal level are hopelessly overloaded. Retirees have NOT been replaced in recent years and mandatory furloughs (to help eat up workers’ leave balances) have NOT helped them plow thru their workload. For instance, I recently had a civil “client” who had pled guilty to a “wet reckless” (in lieu of a DUI) six months prior and their annual auto insurance premium was about to come due. When they checked with the DMV, they found out the local branch court who took their plea had NOT YET reported the lesser wet reckless charge to the DMV and so their insurance company would be pricing their new premium on a DUI arrest shown on her record. When I accompanied her to the courthouse and waited in a 45 min line to talk to a clerk, we found out that this particular section was 9+ months behind in DMV reporting. After a lengthy discussion with a supervisor (and their searching for and finding her convelope pkg while we waited), they agreed to report it to the DMV within a day and actually did so.
This is deplorable service considering all the fines she paid and proof of classes she had to submit to the court to have her lesser plea accepted. It may even be against the law but I can’t cite the actual “failure to perform their ministerial duty” code at the present time. It currently takes close to a year in this county to get either a civil or domestic trial date (provided all previous hgs were attended by all parties).
Due to massive retirements, CA public agencies need WORKERS now! Piggs, get out there and apply!!
[quote=FormerSanDiegan (from “Another crash in 2012?” thread)]I haven’t read this entire thread (frankly, I can’t bear to read the longer posts, so I skim them and read responses).
But, what I want to knwo it, how the heck did we go from the question of whether the stock markket will crash in 2012 to a pissing contest about public employees.
Maybe we should creat a separate thread for that subject ?[/quote]
I agree. There are MANY “separate threads” dealing with public pensions here, FSD. The same small group of Piggs keep complaining about public pensions but have little understanding of how they are actually funded. When push comes to shove, they won’t apply for these “teat-sucking gravy-train” jobs. Could the reason be that they know they can’t pass the stringent pre-employment “background check” or don’t want to lose their “constitutional rights” or “common freedoms” while on duty (which they undoubtedly enjoy with their current employer)?
It’s the same tired old story that rears its head on here several times per month.
Safety workers (who are NOT eligible for SS) are NOT affected by the $106,800 FICA deduction cap. They typically pay a higher contribution rate on a higher salary (often due to overtime). I apologize for any confusion my previous post WRT this may have caused. There are NO caps on these members’ retirement contributions as their pensions are usually calculated based upon their highest year’s (or combination of their highest 3 years’) salary.
Every public retirement system has their own nuances, depending on each employee-group’s collective bargaining agreement.
Also, I didn’t mention the “SS offset” which affects all SS-eligible public servants from all levels of government. It represents +/- 5% of the worker’s pension. For example, for a worker who receives a public pension of $800 month, they will have approx $40
deducted from their monthly SS benefits when they become eligible for them. I believe it is important for the general (oft-complaining) public to understand the effect a public pension deduction has on a worker’s pay instead of (ignorantly) repeatedly stumping about how “unfair” it all is. This doesn’t even take into account the working conditions and voluminous rules and regulations the typical public worker has to abide by (if they want to remain free of disciplinary action).
“Boring” as my “informational posts” might be, FSD, I believe that if someone can’t competently discuss the “nitty-gritty” of reality here re: public pensions, then STFU.
These public jobs are for the taking, Piggs. I urge you to apply and go thru the “selection process.” It will be an “eye-opening” experience even if you don’t get hired :=]
January 13, 2012 at 1:09 PM in reply to: OT- CONTEST!!! Guess public sector household earnings #735807Participant$206,400
Participant[quote=CA renter]Wrong again . . . [/quote]
CAR, can you hear the trees rustle? I think we’re whistling in the wind here, as usual. As I’ve stated here a few times before, the average Joe6P Pigg is clueless as to how much a typical public employee has taken out of his gross pay in retirement contributions, which may also be deducted in combination with FICA tax!
I’ll use local agencies which I’m most familiar with for examples here and divide them by “Class C” groups (safety-worker units who are NOT eligible for SS) and “General” groups (incl all other public bargaining units, unclassified and unrepresented groups) who ARE eligible for SS. Bear in mind that the “General” groups have BOTH a retirement contribution PLUS FICA tax taken from their biweekly pay. Safety groups have only the 1.45% Medicare Tax portion (abt 19% of FICA tax) PLUS their retirement contribution taken from their biweekly pay.
Safety (“Class C”) Groups:
https://www.sdcers.org/benefits/active/city/fire/Documents/Fire_Safety_Contributions_7_10_10.pdf
https://www.sdcers.org/Contribution%20Rates/UPD%20Safety%20Member%20contribution%20rate%20FINAL.pdf
http://www.sdcera.org/PDF/safetyA_contribution_rates_comparison.pdf
Local public Safety workers’ retirement contributions range from 7.35% to 17.57%, depending on age of entry and agency employed by.
https://www.sdcers.org/Contribution%20Rates/Airport%20Authority%20General%20Contribution%20Rates.pdf
http://www.sdcera.org/PDF/generalA_contribution_rates_comparison.pdf
Note: About 95% of current SDCERA workers are in “Tier A”.
Local public General workers’ contributions range from 5.52% to 14.88%, depending on age of entry and agency employed by.
According to these tables, the average local “safety” public employee has approx 14.04% taken from their biweekly gross pay (up to $106,800) for “retirement” contributions and the average “general” public employee has 10.4% taken from their biweekly pay PLUS FICA (on a usually smaller salary than safety workers). (Remember that unclassified “Mgmt” employees have a FICA cap at $106,800 annually.)
Note: These figures do not reflect any (minuscule) “retirement offsets” paid for by the employer which had to be negotiated at the bargaining table (not very likely in recent years).
[quote=sdrealtor] I asked what the employee pays not what the employer pays…[/quote]
As a “non-safety employee,” let’s use public servant “Kenneth R. Justice” (age 49) for an example here, shall we? His classification is Court Clerk III and he has 23 years in service. He’s been stationed in the Honorable Dia Bolical McGruff ‘s courtroom for the last 7.5 years.
Base biweekly pay: $2,378.04
Retirement contribution: -350.05
Current FICA deduction (incl Medicare): -134.36 ($181.92 as of 3/1/12)Balance (from which state taxes and benefits get deducted): $1,893.63
[quote=sdrealtor] . . . I would gladly give up SS if I could self direct the money I contribute every year.[/quote]
sdr, may I suggest you now pick up (your ubiquitous) glass here, to sample – – go ahead … it’s a “small” 750 ml bottle:https://www.mcnabridge.com/xe/xe.asp?page=viewcat&cat=mcnab-ridge-reserve
to assist in your simultaneous “pondering” of the following:
The 7.65% FICA tax paid by both employer and employee includes the 1.45% Medicare Tax (6.2% to SS and 1.45% to Medicare). Both portions total 15.3%. In all of 2011 and the first two months of 2012, both the employer and employee contribution is only 4.2% for SS, result in a total 5.65% contribution including Medicare Tax. For instance, YOU, who claims to be “self-employed” would pay FICA only on your NET “profits” shown on your Schedule “C” of your Form 1040 AFTER you take all your numerous deductions from the “income” shown on your annual 1099 your rec’d from your broker (presumably office expense, room at your residence, cell phone, auto and gas expense, Board fees, MLS fees, licensing fees, continuing ed, etc, etc).
Don’t you have an “MBA” (to help you figure all this out)?? ;=D
[quote=AN] I would gladly do it too, if I can keep my 15% I pay to SS.[/quote]AN, an “employee” (such as yourself) pays 5.65% (in Jan 2011 thru Feb 2012) or 7.65% of your GROSS pay towards FICA. Go figure . . .
FICA contributions currently cap at an annual gross W-2 pay (or self-employed net “profit”) of $106,800 making the current maximum Social Security contribution $6,621.60. The current annual SS cap was lower in previous years.
FICA Limits 2012 — Likely To Return to 2010 Limits
2011 saw temporary tax cuts for employees; there was a 2% reduction of FICA taxes for all employees. Typically, FICA taxes are collected on 7.65% of earnings. Prior to 2011, the rate has been 7.65% since the 1990s, but with the tax break, the 2011 FICA tax rate for employees was reduced from 7.65% to 5.65%.
The FICA tax rate was reduced temporarily for employees by 2% for the year of 2011 and the reduced rate is scheduled to end March 1, 2012.
2010 FICA Tax Rates and Social Security Limits
In 2010, as already mentioned, the FICA tax rate was a total of 7.65% of the worker’s gross income. 6.2% of this went to Social Security and 1.45% went to MedicareThe Social Security tax could be collected on up to $106,800 of income making the maximum Social Security contribution $6,621.60. .FICA Limits 2011
In 2011, the 2% tax break came from the portion of the tax that contributes to Social Security. This reduced the Social Security rate for employees only from 6.2% to 4.2%. The amount of taxable income remained at $106,800 so the maximum employee contribution was reduced from $6,621.60 to $4485.60.FICA Limits 2012
The FICA tax rate was reduced temporarily for employees by 2% for the year of 2011 and the reduced rate is scheduled to end March 1, 2012. After that, the FICA limits for 2012 are expected to return to 7.65% of gross income, the same as they were in 2010.Application of FICA Limits 2012
Fred is an employee at your company. His gross income is $75,000. What does the 2011 tax break and the likely return to 2010 rate mean to him? At the 5.65% rate, Fred payed $4327.50 in FICA taxes for the 2011 year. In 2012, if the rate returns to 7.65%, he will pay $5737.50. This means he will see a roughly $120 a month decrease in his take home pay.(emphasis added)
See: http://401k-employee-benefits.com/3396-fica-limits-2012
Got a calculator handy?? If not, pull out your pocket protector and toss it!! It’s of no use . . .
And while you’re sipping (and noticing the pronounced blackberry notes of “MR Reserve 2006 Cabernet”), do an exercise comparing the “private sector” employees’ SS contributions to public employee contributions towards their much-maligned “defined benefit plan.” ; = >
And . . . no need to “rush.” How’s about you take two Exedrin and get back to us tomorrow morning with your “findings,” ‘kay??
The Piggs will be waiting with baited breath . . .
[quote=sdrealtor]…FYI, tomorrow I am picking up tax returns from another public servant I am doing a short sale for. I hope I can stomach them.[/quote]
Why . . . does this mean you have lost all respect for your next “squat-SS `victim’”?? Or perhaps you believe that they have a “questionable” hardship story? Which is it . . . exactly???
pri_dk and paramount . . . again, I implore you both to APPLY forthwith in effort to board this “gravy train:”
http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/portal/page?_pageid=55,1058395&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL#currlistings
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcounty/default.cfm
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sandiego/default.cfm
. . . but I must warn you that you will NOT be able to post to blogs while on duty. Your every move will be WATCHED by the powers-that-be . . . :={
January 12, 2012 at 9:06 AM in reply to: OT – Who will run for President on the Republican side? #735733Participant[quote=markmax33]whoops. So used to the haters.[/quote]
markmax, keep it up. You’re doing fine here on Piggington.
I enjoyed listening to Paul’s refreshing “post-primary speech” brian. Thanks for posting!
ParticipantThis!
One of my kids just got a GREAT job at a startup in Sunnyvale. Started 12/1 and already has FULL BENEFITS! Most companies in SD County make a lot of empty promises to new hires, overhire, and then pick and choose whom to keep on the 87-89th day of employment (without committing to any benefits).
Companies in SF and SV are again STEALING employees from each other and also recruiting out of county and out of state to fill particular “niche” positions.
This huge “employment-opportunity chasm” between there and here will always be so.
It’s an awesome place to make your mark, ESPECIALLY if young!!
Participant[quote=CricketOnTheHearth] . . . FWIW the “above referenced account” is a Regular Checking. I also have a Time Deposit and a savings account with them, all of which total (just) over $25,000.
I wonder if it’s because I’m just using them as a piggy bank and don’t actually do daily-life transactions with these accounts?[/quote]
COTH, your letter is a legitimate letter from UB (formerly UBOC). Make sure your checking account qualifies for “Signature” status. Make sure you keep $25K in your (combined) accts to keep your personal “Signature banker” and the benefits above.
A few times in the past, I rec’d letters to qualify for “Signature” banking. However, I never took them up on it as some of its benefits I wouldn’t use and I also wanted the freedom to “shop CD rates” periodically. In addition, I refuse to carry an ATM card which can be used without a PIN (such as the “Signature ATM/Mastercard”) to purchase items (and get “cash back”) in stores with a point-of-sale terminal. If ever stolen, this is a good way for someone to clean out your bank acct(s) before you ever discover the card missing! To my knowledge, Signature qualifying requirements have always been to maintain a $25K (combined) balance in all your accounts.
Given a consistent over $25K in combined deposits, I see no reason for UB to charge you a checking service fee if your particular checking account qualifies for “Signature” status. UB has several different types of checking accounts. Perhaps it is just a technicality that you might be in the wrong one (carried over from non-Signature status)? COTH, to solve this issue, look into this at your branch and see if your checking account number can transfer over into another UB checking-account product to qualify it for Signature status.
Participantflu, I know you will pull thru all this like a champ! Here’s a toast to many more New Years for flu to celebrate . . . (clink)!
Participant[quote=sdrealtor]Thank everyone. Sdude wins the award for almost nailing my day yesterday with list of what i probably did already. Take out exploratorium and replace with Muir Woods, lunch in north beach (Mona Lisa’s) and cannolis at Stella’s. I had to have my car for driving Big Sur on the way up so no catching air on the streets of SF. Wish I had more time to hit up the techie things down south but there is always next time. Heading up to the Fremont Diner in Sonoma for breakfast with some Napa friends then Just have one day to fill.
Happy New Year everyone!
sdr[/quote]
It’s too bad you don’t have time to take the kids on the Skunk Train.
Driving thru the Anderson Valley on the way up there and stopping for wine-tasting (SR-128 thru Boonville, Philo and Navarro) is the experience of a lifetime (if you haven’t already done it)!
The Skunk Train depot would be too far for you, considering you will drive back Monday. You will need to stay overnight in Ft Bragg or surrounds to catch a morning train (limited schedule in winters). Maybe next time . . . when you can plan for a +/-11 hr drive one way (up or back) :=)
scaredy, the Anderson Valley tour is better yet by bike!! Break out your bike-touring manuals!!!
I’m getting wistful just posting this. I’ll be headed up north again in three weeks :=D
Happy new year, Piggs!
ParticipantRide cable car and streetcar. Eat clam chowder at the Pier.
Tour on the Blue and Gold Fleet if you haven’t already.
Go to Muir Woods and collect driftwood.
Six Flags in Vallejo.
Stop on the way home to visit the electric eel at the Monterey Aquarium. (Is it still there?)
Then drive thru Pebble Beach and watch the seals sunning on their backs. (Is it too late in the season for this??)
I’d have to think some more… My kids are old, lol.
Edit: I meant Muir Beach (to collect the driftwood). It’s kind of a winding drive from Muir Woods and spectacular … unlike any beach in SoCal …
Participant[quote=mike92104]I don’t understand why anybody uses the big banks. I have free checking with free atm at my credit union as long as I have $50 in savings there. They do charge me $5/month to use the bill pay features, but that’s it.[/quote]
Union Bank of CA, “NA” is not a “Big Bank.” It is exclusively in CA (formerly “Union Bank” and before that, “CA First Bank”). It is now Japanese-owned and has always been HQ’d in SF. As far as I am aware, they are solvent and have many, many longtime commercial accounts. They also have a multitude of proprietary ATM machines in nearly EVERY CA locale.
Having been with them (and their predecessors) for well over thirty years, I can attest that I have never rec’d such a notice and do not typically “maintain” a $25K combined balance with them. My accts and online bill-pay are free and always have been. I also get a free safe deposit box.
CricketOnTheHearth, I would be interested to see your (redacted) letter you recently rec’d from Union Bank posted here.
ParticipantMake sure you have at least one monthly direct deposit to your checking account and they should waive the service charge.
Participant[quote=walterwhite]Well when people say have you been working out, their impulse it ho feel a bicep… But the emphasis in weightlifting should be on ghe posterior chain… The hamstrings the spinus erectus of the lower back and most important, the ass.
When someone tells you they’ve been working out, you should really be grabbing a butt cheek to check progress.
Here’s to powerful buttocks in 2012!!![/quote]
Agree with all of this, scaredy, and know you will `stay the course’ in 2012!
Participant[quote=CA renter][quote=walterwhite]I weigh more today than in my entire life. 167. Up about 12 pounds in the last 3 months. I think about half or so is muscle. I’ve been eating so much protein in a fervid attempt to build muscle. My shirts are getting tight around the chest and for the first time in my life my ass is visible in my pants.
We should all be gaining weight. In lean muscle.[/quote]
You’ve just made me spit out my tea. Great picture you’ve painted there, scaredy. :)[/quote]
At least his signature bowtie and suspenders are adjustable . . .
:=D
Participant[quote=UCGal]. . . It looks like the flippers are realtors.
http://www.fitproperties.com/aboutus.aspx . . . [/quote]Thanks for the link, UCGal. It appears that “Fit Properties” is in the biz of forming REITS and may have no shortage of potential individual investors for distressed and fixer-type potential “flips.”
I myself wouldn’t mind making $$ in this way (on a smaller scale, of course) – even getting my “hands dirty.” Or buying and holding for rental income. I think to be successful at it one has to have an intimate “feel” for their target investment areas’ potential buyers and tenants, including knowing exactly what they would pay to buy or rent the property upon completion of the fix-up work.
I think now is a GREAT time to be in this biz for those who have the capital, contacts and know-how 🙂
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