Early IRA withdrawals before age 59 ½ incur penalties, but two exemptions exist: the school exemption for higher education expenses and the first home exemption for down payments. Withdrawals must be used for qualified exemptions within 120 days to avoid penalties. An IRA early withdrawal is the act of removing funds from an existing individual […]
Depreciable life is the number of years an asset is likely to be used, with a percentage of the asset’s initial value treated as a tax accounting expense each year. Tax agencies publish tables of allowable depreciation life for common assets, but some accountants deduct the value of an asset most in the early years […]
A good egg is a reliable, trustworthy, and supportive person who doesn’t have a big ego. They are emotionally strong and don’t create obligations. Rotten eggs are manipulative and self-serving. The terms are metaphors based on the idea that first impressions can be deceiving. A good egg could be something you order for breakfast, but […]
“Have a go” means attempting to achieve something, often after others have failed. It implies the person may not succeed. Idioms like this provide shorter, more folksy ways of saying things. “Try” is used when someone is unlikely to achieve their goal but will valiantly try anyway. “Try it” has the same meaning. “Have a […]
The number of single women, or “freemales,” who choose a solitary lifestyle and value friendships over romantic relationships, is on the rise. Reasons for this choice vary, but some cite a desire for a free lifestyle or a preference for a solitary life. The growing number of freemales may be linked to the divorce rate, […]
Anabolic steroids are used by athletes to enhance performance, but their use has spread to schoolyards across the US. The drug can cause severe health problems, including cardiovascular disease, tumors, stunted growth, and psychological effects. It can also lead to infertility and physical disfigurement. Parents, educators, and sports institutions should educate adolescents about the dangers […]
Archaeology jobs can be carried out by professionals with various backgrounds, including academia, museums, government agencies, and private companies. Volunteers are also widely used in the field and in the laboratory. There are several different archaeological works, that is, works carried out to carry out an archaeological investigation. Some of these jobs are done by […]
Clone funds replicate the structure and performance of an index or similar fund using derivatives. They were once popular for generating income for retirement plans but are now less common. Clone funds can be insured at a lower price than mutual funds, but restrictions now limit their use in retirement and investment packages. The clone […]
A catch line is a short phrase or slogan used by companies for advertising and branding purposes. It should capture the consumer’s attention, summarize the essence of the company, and encourage them to buy goods or services. Catch lines are usually short, catchy, and easy to remember, and can reflect a company’s image or goals. […]
Verbal adjectives are verbs used to modify nouns, behaving like adjectives with tense attributes. They usually end in “-ed” or -ing”. They can be paired with objects and act as nouns. Not all words ending in “-ed” or -ing” are verbal adjectives, and irregular verbs have different past participles. More commonly called a participle in […]
Coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses in a compound sentence. The seven coordinating conjunctions in English are remembered with the mnemonic FANBOYS. Each conjunction adds a different meaning to the sentence. They are often preceded by punctuation, such as a comma. Examples include “and” indicating equal importance, “but” indicating exception, and “so” indicating consequence. When […]
The term “buffoon” can refer to a clown or jester who entertained people in the Middle Ages, but can also be used to describe someone who is foolish or clumsy. The term originated from the Italian word “buffare” and was borrowed by the French. Buffoons had to walk a fine line between being funny and […]
Symbolism and allegory both use symbols, but not all stories with symbolism are allegories. Symbols represent abstract ideas or people, and some have become clichés. Allegories are complete stories with every character, action, object, and setting as a symbol. Many are intended for ethical instruction, and some use obvious character names. Religious writings often use […]
A kindred spirit is someone who shares beliefs, values, or interests with another person, forming a relationship or association between them. Age, gender, and race do not prevent such a relationship, which can exist between larger entities such as groups and organizations. The term can also apply to animals. Also known as a soul mate, […]
Leukopenia, a decrease in white blood cells, can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite, and infections. It can also lead to anemia, menorrhagia, stomatitis, and mental health issues. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Leukopenia, a decrease in the total number of white blood cells in the body, is often the result of another […]
Lead inspectors test for lead-based paint hazards in homes and buildings, using an XRF analyzer. They follow HUD guidelines and submit reports to owners or agencies. Abatement may be necessary, and clearance tests are required after remediation. Homeowners and rental property owners may also request inspections. Licensing requirements vary by state. A lead inspector’s primary […]
Truck driver insurance covers legal liability and cargo, and can also insure the truck itself. It’s important to consult an expert to determine required and advised coverage. Rates vary based on experience, driving record, and areas of operation. Comparing policies and plans is recommended. Truck driver insurance is a form of vehicle insurance that covers […]
Private sector industries are not controlled by the government and are divided into industrial, commercial, and agricultural categories. Industrial companies produce goods, while commercial companies sell goods and services. Agricultural enterprises grow or harvest produce. These three types of industries often work together to provide consumers with a product. The term “private sector industries” refers […]
“Mare’s nest” is a phrase used to describe a messy or complicated situation, but its original meaning referred to a false discovery or hoax. Over time, the meaning shifted to confusion and then chaos. The modern meaning may be influenced by the term “rat’s nest” and popularized by authors like Agatha Christie. A mare’s nest […]
Jungian archetypes are figures or roles based on the concept of archetypes within the collective unconscious, proposed by Carl Jung. There are four main figures: shadow, self, anima, and animus, and other archetypes are assigned to those around them. Characters in literature often represent these archetypes. A Jungian archetype is a figure or role based […]
