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Making my second post this week—I've just added several new items to the girls' collections
coconut 62/68
Carter's 6m
Oshkosh 9m
Oshkosh 24m
You can browse through everything by brand, and I also have quite a few unisex pieces available 😉
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all 👋
Updates to the album:
I have a little lot of tees—sizes 98/104—just three left: one pink, one green, and a striped one:
Also, some cute socks and booties in sizes 23-26
There are plenty more photos and details if you take a look at the full album here http://public.fotki.com/eruditio/dje...04-2-4-godine/
Some H&M hair ribbons, one size fits all
An H&M romper, size 68
And some Coconut shorts, size 62
I have quite a variety of items available, mostly girls' clothing ranging from size 50 to 122, along with some boys' pieces—largely up to size 68— though we are steadily outgrowing the 74/80 range. Just a heads-up: for those smaller sizes (0-12 months, specifically 50-80), I am offering a 50% discount on all payments made by August 31st—so please do move quickly, as many items have already been snatched up.
I also have footwear:
rubber boots, size 21 http://public.fotki.com/eruditio/dje...afija6149.html
Winter collection for the 23/24 season http://public.fotki.com/eruditio/dje...afija5872.html
Bambi slippers labeled as size 23, though in my estimation they fit more like a 24.
I find myself paying an absolutely exorbitant amount for preschool—we don't even live in New York City, mind you—but I am constantly being haunted by other parents who seem to be terrified by these kinds of tuition fees. It makes me wonder... is the situation in the school system truly any worse? If we set aside the various extracurricular activities—which, to be fair, I provide entirely out of my own good will—I am currently shelling out $367 for my two children, which climbs to $1,500 once those extra programs are factored in. Is the cost of schooling actually more daunting than this?
rowdypanther12 said:School doesn't really worry me at all 😂 I'm not sure why, but I just don't get the feeling it's going to be stressful for me 😂
I find myself gravitating toward that same line of reasoning—though I suppose it’s difficult to say for certain. Perhaps it stems from my own personal history; school was never something that loomed over me like some sort of looming specter or a source of genuine dread—it was always just... there. It lacked that sense of being an insurmountable obstacle, if you catch my drift.
My only real apprehension—if I can even call it that—is the financial aspect of all this. It’s a heavy weight to carry, really. I was thinking it might be wise if perhaps an experienced parent, someone who has navigated these turbulent economic waters before, could weigh in and share their perspective on the fiscal side of things. It would be quite helpful to hear some seasoned wisdom regarding the budget.
urbantinker8 said:Look, I’ve been working in the school system for thirteen years now—both elementary and high school—so I can tell you quite confidently, based on actual experience, that what you're saying doesn't really hold water.😉
Do you honestly believe that anyone—whether it's the Secretary of Education, the principal, or the district superintendent—teachers actually gets asked when they would prefer to work??🤣
For instance, if it were up to me, I'd love to work mid-day since I'm definitely not a morning person, and being stuck at a school until 8 PM is just too much. But who am I supposed to talk to about that?😳
It's all over the place.☕
Why shouldn't a first grader do their homework by themselves?😕
The whole idea behind homework is for the student to do the work, while the parent just stays close enough to double-check things or explain a concept if something seems confusing.
We shouldn't treat children like they're completely incapable.
Any kid with average intelligence should be able to handle their assignments solo, no matter the subject.
Your job is basically just to verify that everything was done correctly, and that's pretty much it.
Otherwise, you'll be stuck doing their homework with them until eighth grade, and after that, various tutors will just take over your role anyway.
👍 Well, I suppose "bravo" is the only fitting response—though, if we are being truly precise, one might argue that such a succinct exclamation lacks the necessary nuance to capture the full scope of the situation at hand. Still, I find myself nodding in agreement. It is much like when a conductor finally hits that perfect, soaring crescendo after a particularly turbulent movement in a Mahler symphony; there is a sense of relief, an acknowledgment of competence, and a quiet realization that, despite the chaos, everything has landed exactly where it was intended to. One must give credit where it is due, I suppose.
I’m going to jump in here with what might be a bit of an unpopular opinion—that starting school earlier is actually perfectly fine. I started when I was six and a half, and honestly, not once in my entire life have I ever felt disadvantaged or even slightly left behind because of it—in fact, I was actually the one badgering my parents to sign me up because I heard the neighbor kid I played with was heading to school, so there was simply no way I was staying behind.
My situation is actually the exact opposite of the person who started this thread—my daughter was born in early August 2009. Until recently, we were certain we’d wait until she turned seven—so, 2016—but the little one is quite bright; on her own initiative, she’s already learned her letters and is even dabbling in reading (for instance, we’ll be walking down the street and she’ll point out, "Mom, look, Target!"—which, to her, means the store where we get our groceries), and at her preschool, they even included her in the pre-K program because she was so eager, and her teachers tell me she’s handling everything beautifully—which I can see for myself since she frequently brings home those activity worksheets they work on. She also attends an English language class, and the instructor is incredibly impressed with her progress—she actually asked me if I was working with her at home, given how many words she already knows. One day she just came home and asked me, "Well, why didn't you sign me up for French and German too?"
Both my husband and I are total overachievers—we were both honor roll students—so we tend to view this "difficult" curriculum through a slightly different lens than most.
Also, two of the girls she hangs out with most closely are heading off to school at six, which is a major argument IN FAVOR of enrolling her now—I genuinely worry she might find preschool incredibly boring once they leave, and then she might refuse to go altogether.
The only things I haven't fully settled on are whether she can safely navigate crossing the street, how she'll handle talking to strangers, and the whole matter of classroom discipline—specifically, sitting still for forty-five minutes—I'm really not sure if she's capable of that yet. Those are the remaining factors I need to weigh carefully before I make a final call.
To be perfectly honest—and I say this with complete sincerity—I find myself longing for his return as well; navigating life without him has proven to be quite a difficult adjustment 🙂
I found myself facing this exact situation for the very first time when I heard about them from their representatives.
Regarding those advocacy groups we discussed—there is a small startup that functions as an association for parents of children with visual impairments. They have already reached out, but they are quite overwhelmed at the moment; apparently, they won't be able to fit anyone in until the end of the month. In the meantime, they are trying to gather as much data as possible through these channels. There is some information available in English, though it is rather sparse—much like reading a summary instead of the full text. What they would truly value, however, is hearing directly from someone who actually lives with this condition every day. My assumption is that they might not be the most digitally savvy group, so if you happen to know a friend, a family member, or even an acquaintance living with this diagnosis, any bit of insight you could provide would be incredibly helpful to them.
My cousin’s little boy has been diagnosed with aniridia—it’s this incredibly rare eye condition where the iris simply hasn't developed. Essentially, there is nothing to regulate the light entering the eye except the pupil, so he's constantly overwhelmed by brightness. It’s almost as if he’s looking directly into the sun all day long. Apparently, it stems from a genetic glitch. The most daunting part of this whole ordeal is how rare it is; even the specialists at places like Mayo Clinic haven't seen many cases in their entire careers.
The boy is only three months old—just a tiny baby—and his parents are understandably terrified about what his future holds as someone living with visual impairment.
If anyone here has personal experience with this, or perhaps knows someone navigating life with aniridia, I would be deeply grateful if you could reach out—not for medical advice, of course, but just for those small, practical, everyday tips that make a difference. Thank you so much ahead of time.
mellowfox56 said:Honestly, that sounds like total nonsense. Who told you that? You need cash in your pocket right now while you're on maternity leave, not decades from now when you retire. Sure, an IRA is a solid move, but the issue is that those funds aren't really accessible until you hit retirement age, unless there's some specific clause in your contract after a certain number of years.
I can't believe people working in those roles are so out of touch with how real life actually works.
Besides, you're already getting maternity benefits now. Back in the day, small business owners wouldn't get anything at all—it might be a little, but it's definitely better than nothing.
😲😲😲I always say that at this point, nothing in America can truly catch me off guard—yet somehow, there is always something new that manages to pull it off...
Regarding the monthly base income—I actually got that information directly from my contact over at the IRS. To be perfectly honest, I don't even have the energy to argue with her anymore; it is quite frankly terrifying how little she seems to grasp about her own profession.
Are you suggesting that I, even operating as a small business owner, have the option to voluntarily increase my base income? Of course not right now—but if I decide to return to working as a freelancer (though, in all likelihood, I will transition into forming an LLC)
mellowfox56 said:Look, you definitely want to make sure you're paying yourself a steady salary, especially for at least six months leading up to maternity leave. If you do that, you get 100% coverage. Just be smart about how much you set that salary at. Otherwise, if you rely on Medicare for complications, the cap is around $4,250 net. The trade-off is that if you pay yourself a full salary, you're set for the first six months, but then everyone tends to hit a wall and drops down to about $2,500 net for the following six.🙂
Yes, I had assumed that was the case. Currently, I am on maternity leave as a small business owner, and—to be perfectly honest—I cannot say that the regulations for mothers running their own businesses are particularly favorable. Essentially, instead of my income being calculated as an average of my actual earnings (you know, total revenue minus expenses) over the last six months, Medicare treats my "salary" as whatever the monthly base for contribution calculations happens to be. In my specific situation, that amount is $12933, which means after they subtract taxes and withholdings, I end up receiving $967. 👎
The part that truly frustrates me—it’s almost a systemic flaw—is that I didn't have any real way to increase that base amount by voluntarily paying higher contributions; instead, the amount is strictly mandated by the IRS. When I reached out to ask if there were any workarounds, the suggestion I received was to perhaps put more into a 401(k)☕.
Anyway, I don't want to turn this into an OT—that's a whole different saga for a separate document—so thank you once again for the help. 👍
brisktinker15 said:Mind if I ask what kind of business we're talking about here—something you can't just run as a sole proprietorship and have to set up as an LLC instead?
Tutoring children. According to the most recent regulatory updates—though back when I first registered my business, it likely could have been handled as a simple sole proprietorship—it's changed. Now, if you're tutoring adults, you're fine, though you won't be issuing official certifications; however, if the target audience is children, the law dictates it must be structured as an LLC.
I really appreciate you getting back to me so quickly with such an incredibly thorough response!👍
Regarding the question of whether skipping salary payments actually makes sense—I was specifically thinking about those "lean" months where there’s virtually no revenue coming in—and I wondered if one could simply opt out of taking a paycheck during those stretches (I believe I read somewhere that this is a legitimate option). My assumption, though I could be mistaken, is that those zero-income months wouldn't even factor into the calculation for maternity leave benefits; after all, why would a $0 payout drag down the overall average?
I am well aware that managing the books for an LLC is a much more labyrinthine process than what I’ve dealt with previously, which is exactly why I intend to hand everything over to a seasoned professional. Up until now, I’ve operated as a sole proprietor under the simplified tax rules—much like a small contractor in the States—where the bookkeeping was almost trivial enough to handle myself. Back then, I only had to maintain basic records since the taxes were paid upfront via a flat rate, so there was no need for complex filings. But now, stepping into this more intricate territory, I realize these matters truly require someone with specialized expertise.
Thanks again for everything!
In my line of work, there has been a sudden shift in the regulatory landscape—it’s one of those bureaucratic pivots that catches you completely off guard—and now it turns out that the specific activity I handle most frequently, which, mind you, accounts for the lion's share of my revenue, is required to be registered as an LLC. To make matters worse, the officials at the local administrative office were... let's just say they weren't exactly the welcoming, helpful types one might hope for during such a transition. It was quite a discouraging encounter, frankly. Because of that, I am turning to this community in hopes of finding some clarity—if anyone could be so kind as to provide some insight on the following questions, I would be immensely grateful:
It’s worth noting—and this is a point that often causes quite a bit of unnecessary confusion during tax season—that a small business doesn't necessarily have to register for sales tax if its annual revenue stays under the $85,000 threshold. It's a bit like how certain local zoning laws only kick in once a property reaches a specific size; until you hit that mark, the extra layer of administrative oversight simply isn't required. $0.00 Annual revenue—that’s what we’re talking about here, isn't it?
I’ve been scrolling through various forums lately—which I know isn't always the most reliable way to gather intelligence—and I’ve run into some incredibly conflicting information regarding the transition from a sole proprietorship to an LLC. It has left me wondering: is there actually a legitimate way to facilitate this "transition," or am is it more practical to simply wind down the current business and start a brand-new LLC from scratch? To be perfectly honest—and I say this with all due sincerity—it doesn't seem particularly logical to go through the motions of closing one entity just to open another; it feels unnecessarily convoluted. However, after navigating the complexities of doing business here in America for several years now, I have come to the realization that in the US, absolutely anything is possible—no matter how much red tape you have to cut through.
The projected costs for establishing a new LLC would likely sit around $20,000 in initial seed capital—not to mention the various incorporation fees and administrative overhead required to get everything officially off the ground. $1667?
(notary public, It appears there might have been a slight oversight or perhaps a momentary lapse in transmission—your message seems to have come through as a fragment. I find myself staring at these few characters, wondering if they were meant to be a shorthand for a larger inquiry or if perhaps the connection flickered just as you were composing your thought. Much like a radio signal fading out over the Rockies before you can catch the full broadcast, I am left grasping at the context. Please, do feel free to elaborate; I am quite eager to understand the substance of what you intended to convey.
The creation of a custom seal—you know, that official, tactile mark of legitimacy—is one of those processes that seems straightforward on the surface, yet carries such profound weight once you dive into the nuances of design and legal standing. It isn't merely about stamping ink onto paper; it is about establishing an identity, a certain gravity, much like how a signature functions, but with that added layer of institutional permanence. When I think about the meticulous nature of crafting a seal, I am reminded of the way a master craftsman might approach woodworking—every line must be intentional, every curve must serve a purpose, and any slight deviation can compromise the entire integrity of the piece. One must consider the iconography, the typography, and even the physical medium used for the impression itself. Are we talking about a digital watermark for a modern corporation, or perhaps a traditional wax seal for something more... classical? There is a specific discipline required here. You have to balance the aesthetic requirements with the functional necessity of being recognizable and difficult to forge. It’s a delicate dance between art and authority. If you are looking to embark on this particular journey, I would suggest approaching it with a great deal of deliberation—don't rush the conceptual phase. Much like drafting a complex contract or designing a logo for a major firm in Chicago, the foundational decisions you make now will dictate the longevity of the mark for years to come. $50,
The concept of a zero-balance account—it’s a curious thing, really—is something one shouldn't simply overlook or dismiss as a mere technicality. It sits there, staring back at you from the digital ledger, representing a void that is both literal and, in many ways, symbolic of a certain kind of financial precariousness. One might compare it to a dry well in the middle of a drought-stricken valley; the structure remains, the bucket is still there, but without the vital resource, the entire mechanism becomes quite useless. I find myself reflecting on how we perceive these empty spaces in our accounts—whether they are temporary pauses in the flow of capital or more permanent indicators of a systemic imbalance. It is a delicate matter, requiring a measured approach to ensure that such a vacuum doesn't pull everything else down with it. $27
The matter of court fees—it is a concept that often feels rather opaque to the average citizen, isn't it? One might think of it as a sort of administrative entry fee required just to step foot within the halls of justice—much like how one might pay a processing fee when filing paperwork with the IRS or a small service charge when dealing with a major firm like JPMorgan Chase. It is essentially the cost associated with the machinery of the legal system itself. While we often focus on the larger legal battles or the high-profile arguments seen on television, there is this underlying, granular layer of bureaucracy—these specific costs meant to cover the very mechanics of the judicial process—that remains ever-present. It’s a necessary, if somewhat tedious, component of the American legal landscape. $133
I suppose I should probably mention that there’s been some news circulating in the papers lately—the kind of thing you see drifting through the headlines of the New York Times or even just scrolling past on your feed during a quiet morning. It feels like one of those moments where everything starts to shift, much like how a sudden change in interest rates at the Federal Reserve can ripple through an entire neighborhood before anyone even realizes their mortgage might be feeling the squeeze. There’s a certain weight to these announcements, isn't there? A sense of gravity that demands a bit more than just a passing glance. One can't help but wonder about the long-term implications—much like pondering whether a single policy tweak in Washington D.C. will eventually reshape the landscape of the entire Midwest. It's all quite substantial, really. $300 I am honestly quite uncertain—though I suppose one could argue it's a matter of debate—whether such a thing is strictly mandatory.
There is also mention—if I recall correctly—of some sort of formal filing with the Secretary of State’s office regarding the registration of business entities. It reminds me a bit of those bureaucratic hurdles you encounter when trying to get a small startup off the ground in a place like Delaware or even just dealing with the local clerk in a mid-sized city—all that paperwork required just to prove you actually exist in the eyes of the law. $18The registration of a business entity—specifically, the formal filing required to establish a legal interest in a commercial enterprise—is a process that requires a certain level of... well, let's call it meticulousness. It isn't merely about filling out a form; it is about defining one's footprint within the American economic landscape. Much like how one might carefully map out a hiking trail through the Sierras before even setting foot on the dirt—ensuring every turn is accounted for—registering a stake in a business demands an equivalent level of foresight. One must navigate the various filings with the US Chamber of Commerce and ensure all documentation aligns with federal standards. It is a deliberate act of legitimization, a way of saying to the world, "I am here, I am organized, and I am operating within the bounds of the law." It is, quite frankly, the foundational bedrock upon which any serious venture must be built. $2.00 Regarding those fees from the Census Bureau—I have been sitting here wondering if they actually carry any legal weight, or if they are just one of those "optional" suggestions that people feel pressured to pay. Are these charges truly mandatory, or is there some wiggle room involved?
Now, let’s look at this from a structural standpoint—it’s a bit of a technical nuance, isn't it? Under the current framework here in the States, an owner of an LLC doesn't necessarily have to be an employee of that specific entity—which means they aren't strictly required to pay payroll taxes through that firm if, say, they are already covering their social security and tax obligations through a separate full-time position elsewhere. It’s a common setup for consultants or people running side businesses while working a corporate job. However—and this is where the logic gets a little more intricate—does there actually need to be a designated employee on the books for the company to function legally? It’s a question of operational necessity versus regulatory requirement. In many cases, if the business is small enough or purely passive, you might find yourself in a gray area, but generally speaking, the law expects some form of active management or labor to justify the entity's existence. It’s much like how a ship needs a captain to navigate, even if the person who owns the vessel isn't the one physically pulling the ropes.
The crux of the matter—and I want to be quite precise here—is that I am looking into adding my husband as a co-owner. Since I am currently on maternity leave—which, naturally, means my small business is also effectively on hiatus while I focus on health and rest—I am unable to actively manage operations at this moment. It really comes down to a strategic question of timing, much like deciding whether to launch a new venture during an economic lull or waiting for a market surge. If it is legally feasible for a company to operate without any active employees on the payroll, then our intention would be to incorporate as an LLC immediately. However, if the regulations require active employment, we will simply bide our time and wait until my maternity leave concludes before making the official move.
So, when we dive into the actual mechanics of running an LLC—those operational costs can be quite a labyrinthine affair, really—one often hears people tossing around figures like a "300" corporate tax rate, which is... well, it’s a bit of a simplification, isn't it? Much like how one might describe a complex legal brief by saying it's "just paperwork"—it misses the nuance entirely. In the United States, the cost structure for an LLC involves several layers. You have your federal income taxes, of course, but then you have to account for state-level obligations too—depending on whether you're operating out of, say, Delaware or Texas, those requirements shift significantly. Then there's the matter of payroll taxes, social security contributions, and various local licensing fees that seem to pop up like weeds in a summer garden. It isn't just one single number you can point to; it's a moving target—a constellation of fiscal responsibilities that requires constant monitoring. One cannot simply look at a single figure and assume they understand the full weight of the overhead. $167 It occurs to me—though perhaps it is merely a passing reflection—that we have reached that inevitable annual milestone once again. It is that time of year. One might compare it to the predictable arrival of the autumn harvest or the seasonal recalibration of a fine timepiece; there is a certain rhythmic inevitability to these yearly cycles that demands our attention, even if we initially attempt to overlook them in favor of more pressing matters. $18 Let me see if I have captured the full scope of the situation—it’s easy to overlook those smaller, creeping costs that eventually add up to a significant drain on one's capital. To recap my understanding: we have the monthly membership dues for the US Chamber of Commerce, the various payroll taxes and employee benefits, the sales tax (assuming the business is registered within the system), and that final, rather stinging 20% annual corporate income tax. Did I miss anything, or is that the complete list of burdens?
How much does accounting actually cost? For my small business—back when I was running things on a smaller scale—it used to hover around... $333 Annual figures plus sales tax—I’d venture to guess we’re looking at a slightly higher sum here.
As an employee working under a standard LLC structure—which, let’s be honest, can feel like navigating a labyrinth sometimes—I am looking to apply for maternity benefits. My understanding is that the amount I receive is tied directly to my salary level... is that correct? Furthermore, does it matter if the salary was officially processed through payroll? I assume it was, of course, but one can never be too careful when dealing with these bureaucratic intricacies.
I trust I have been sufficiently clear in my explanation—and, of course, I would like to extend my sincere thanks in advance for any insights or responses you might be willing to share.👍
northernbear16 said:But how are you planning to handle the costs? $833Between health insurance and Social Security, plus everything else... I heard it could be anywhere from $1,400 to $1,700. A friend mentioned it used to be closer to $1,700, though maybe they lowered it slightly to $1,400 recently.
Also, if you apply to the unemployment office afterward, you might not qualify for benefits, or at least that period won't count toward your eligibility. It counts toward your retirement, sure, but not for unemployment... or for example, maternity leave wouldn't factor into the average calculation for women.
It’s just a complete mess...
Anyway, let me know, and thanks.
☕☕
Step inside, let me give you a real-world example—I’m currently running my own small business while on maternity leave. The kicker is that these benefit payments have absolutely nothing to do with what you actually earn; instead, they are based on the monthly taxable income base that the government sets for you at the start of the year. This rarely works in your favor—it's great when you're trying to keep your tax contributions low, but it's incredibly frustrating when you're actually relying on things like disability pay or maternity benefits.🙄
Richard Lewis16 said:Look, I’m not running a small sole proprietorship
I’m operating under an LLC, which means I’m paying dues to $19, the American Chamber of Commerce
It’s not even about the new updates—though I heard there might be some news regarding the sheet metal industry—it’s more about the fact that I’m footing the bill for things I never actually see the benefit of
Just imagine if you were charging people for a service, but then you never actually delivered on it
How much longer do you think anyone would stick around doing business with you? (Unless, of course, you were running some kind of shady pyramid scheme😬 )
I completely hear where you're coming from—honestly, I'm just as frustrated by the mountain of useless fees I have to swallow, and the American Chamber of Commerce is right at the top of my list.
Richard Lewis16 said:You’re asking me?
I pay an accountant to handle everything, and they take care of all my online payments—it’s honestly the cheapest way to go—plus they keep all my books and records organized right there
And don't think those big firms like Deloitte are any better; they’ve got their own little systems and ways of doing things too
Does anyone else actually get any kind of newsletter from the Chamber of Commerce? I specifically asked them to at least mail me something since I’m paying them fees just to have my business license to sell my gear, but I haven't received a single thing yet
Anyway, my absolute favorite line items on my tax forms have to be the forestry levy and the tourism tax, because every time I see that charge for the forests, I get this sudden, monthly urge to just head out into the woods and saw down a tree on some remote ridge...
The Chamber sends me those useless little newsletters about once every quarter, and believe me, you aren't missing much. It feels like such a waste of paper, truly. In two whole years, I’ve managed to find exactly one article that was remotely interesting. They might be the most overpriced publications in America, considering I pay $108 every quarter just to receive them. Some people might disagree, but personally, I find them completely worthless. Then again, maybe someone in hair styling or auto body repair finds something useful in there—but I only started this small business because I didn't know where else to fit in
