Tax deductions, also known as tax-deductible expenses or write-offs, offset costs accrued by taxpayers in earning money. They appear on a tax return as amounts that can be deducted from gross income, reducing taxable income and the amount of tax owed. Deductions can be above or below the line, and can be standard or itemized. […]
Greyfield land is underutilized and often includes outdated or poorly maintained buildings. Developers see it as an opportunity to create profitable sites that fit community needs. Redevelopment can revitalize underprivileged communities and maximize land use while generating high land tax revenues for cities. Greyfield land is estate or underutilized land, typically producing much less revenue […]
Redundant pleonasms can emphasize or clarify meaning. Syntactic pleonasms, like the word “that” in English, are grammatically unnecessary. Pro-drop occurs in languages like Spanish where pronoun subjects are often dropped. Another purpose of redundant pleonasms might be to use them for emphasis. For example, planning ahead may be considered pleonasm because planning usually happens before […]
Sociology studies human interaction from families to civilizations, with a focus on analyzing and applying sociological information to solve societal problems. The sociology of criminal justice evaluates factors leading to crime and tools to prevent and punish it, including cultural approaches and social debates. Sociologists study the roots of crime, including factors like dysfunctional family […]
Gross profit is revenue minus cost of goods sold, while net profit is gross profit minus overhead costs. Net income is a more accurate assessment of a company’s earnings. Profitability is evaluated by reducing costs and increasing profits through cost of goods sold and overhead. A company’s earnings determine its value, especially for shareholders. An […]
Functional residual capacity (FRC) is the volume of air that remains in the lungs after normal expiration. FRC can be affected by conditions such as emphysema and obesity. It is measured using gas dilution techniques and whole-body plethysmography and is used to evaluate lung function. Functional residual capacity (FRC) is the volume of air that […]
The assistant restaurant manager works under the guidance of the manager and may hire, train, and supervise employees, manage finances, inspect the restaurant, and handle customer complaints to ensure customer satisfaction. The assistant restaurant manager performs a job quite similar to the manager but does so under the guidance and direction of the manager. This […]
Downgrading is a reduction in loan interest rates, offset by a payment called discount points. These points reduce the interest rate by a percentage of the loan amount, but most rebates are temporary. Rebates are beneficial for both borrowers and lenders and are often used for home loans. Downgrading refers to a reduction in the […]
Businesses must pay expenses, known as overheads, which can consume all income and drive a company into debt. Tracking gross and net income is important for setting prices and reducing costs. Overhead costs vary and can be classified by accounting methods. A business may receive a sum of money, but it’s not likely that all […]
“Bread and circus” refers to cheap entertainment used to distract people from problems. It was first mentioned by Roman poet Juvenal, who criticized the Roman Empire’s handouts of grain and lavish entertainment. The term implies people are easily distracted and critical of government mismanagement. It can be used as a yardstick for a healthy government. […]
Philosophical theology applies philosophy to theological concepts, bridging the gap between philosophy of religion and systematic theology. It seeks to use logical or empirical means to prove or disprove the feasibility of doctrines such as trinitarianism. Critics argue that it does not address the practicalities of religion and does a disservice to the intrinsic mystery […]
Forward interest rates are used to hedge against potential changes in interest rates on financial instruments such as loans, bonds, and options. The calculation includes a liquidity premium, short-term real yield, and expected inflation. Graphing forward interest rates produces a forward curve, which is used to evaluate the time value of money. Historical data shows […]
Cardiac hypertrophy is the enlargement of the heart muscle, often caused by high blood pressure. It can be dangerous and lead to heart function-related deaths. However, mild hypertrophy in pregnant women and athletes is usually not harmful. Symptoms include shortness of breath, decreased ability to exercise, dizziness or fainting, and heart palpitations. Cardiac hypertrophy refers […]
Transformational coaching addresses all aspects of an individual’s life, using positive psychology, motivational strategies, and spiritual belief systems to empower individuals to focus on positive experiences and achieve their goals. Meditation and journaling are often used to cultivate personal awareness and set positive goals. Honesty and positive language are critical for progress. Transformational coaching is […]
Financial coaches help clients achieve financial goals, but may lack formal financial education. Fees vary and may be charged per session or month. There is little scientific evidence on the effectiveness of financial coaching. Financial advisors set goals and offer encouragement, but may not have the same educational background as financial advisors. The cost of […]
Monitoring the money stock is important for economic policy makers and financiers to predict changes in the economy. Monetary aggregates, such as M1 and M2, measure the money stock, with M2 being the broadest. Changes in the money supply can affect inflation and price levels, as seen in Germany after World War II. The money […]
Dialectology studies language variations, including pronunciation, word choice, and spelling. It defines dialect as mutually intelligible and considers political and social factors. It can reveal historical and societal changes and is useful in teaching. Dialectology is a study of language that focuses on understanding dialects. It is part of a larger group of studies called […]
Case-based reasoning is a problem-solving method that involves using past experiences to develop solutions for new problems. It is based on analogy and is relevant to human decision making and computer reasoning technology. The four stages of case-based reasoning involve recalling past problems, adapting solutions, testing the new solution, and committing it to memory. This […]
Tax-exempt bonds include municipal bonds and Treasury bonds. Municipal bonds are issued by local or state government agencies and can be general obligation or income bonds. Treasury bonds are issued by the US government and are considered risk-free. Bond ratings range from Aaa to D, with D being in default. Call provisions allow for tax-free […]
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are different diseases that primarily affect the legs, but share some symptoms. PAD is caused by fatty deposits narrowing the arteries, while RLS may be linked to heredity and often has an unknown cause. Both can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. Peripheral artery disease […]
