FED effective rate rose by
+4.14% and overall effective rate including state, SS, Medicare all taxes paid out of check-refunds... rose 3.54%. Reason being, I essentially went out of business. Filing status change, and itemized deduction went to standard... Made a little more income but AGI really only went up 1.17%...
so yes I am unfortunate lol. I'd rather have a tax problem then an income problem.
Add insult to injury, MegaCorp pulled all raises for 2019...so far....that *might change.
Since we are still accumulating and working with a young family, it seems counter intuitive. I consider myself working middle class (the economic engine of the countries growth, GDP and ability to reduce the deficit), but I just got taxed...whereas my DF who only claims SS and Pension, got a nice little tax break while his investment accounts grow until RMD. So the rich get richer on the back's of the middle class, you're welcome pops, I'll keep payin in my share
I still have goals though, Max 401ks, 5k in broker, 1500 in HSA, 1500 in 529 and if there is any room dump some in Roth. This journey is tough and real.