Quick Hits

Last week I wrote as the longshoremen’s strike was getting under way about how some things in business are out of your hands and you must trust that they work themselves out most of the time. This week I can write that it is already over.

This is not an ‘I told you so” or anything, for really it is a wonder that the issues were able to be worked out that quickly before there were any effects – well, before there were really any effects beyond some binge buying of toilet paper, which is apparently what we do now even though the strike would have had no effect on the availability of TP.

So, let’s just call this a brighter start to the week.

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And if you are looking for other bright spots, last week also ended with a jobs reports that said the US economy added more than 250,000 jobs in September. And this comes on the heels of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut that essentially said inflation is under control.

Now, I am not an economist and am certainly not trying to just shower you with gold and rainbows, but these are good indicators that we have been waiting to converge for years. So, we should at least remain not so cynical that we don’t embrace good news when it comes.

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It is not all good news, though, as Hurricane Helene also showed itself recently and left a vicious wake of devastation. That wide swath, though, also is a reminder about how the IRS frequently offers some tax relief for people in disaster situations, pushing back many deadlines for both filing tax returns and making tax payments.

These measures in the aftermath of Helene cover various states, so if you were in an affected area, chances are good that you can receive some relief. This relief often goes well beyond that most publicized disasters, too, as also there was recent relief offered to wildfire victims in Washington. So, if you are ever in an area affected by any such event, it can be worth a check to give yourself a little extra breathing room with deadlines if nothing else.

The complete list of disaster relief guidance can always be found at www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations.

Warmly,

Josh Bousquet
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