Corb7 International January 24th, 2024 Newsletter

International Business 

Publisher's Note

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

Do the Rich Pay Their Fair Share of Tax?

Tax season is almost here.

-------

Tax Day in the United States is quickly approaching, and it is always an inauspicious date.  Every April 15th, millions of otherwise upbeat and proactive citizens wait until the very last minute before submitting to the inevitable long arm of the taxman.  Entire cottage industries of tax attorneys and Certified Public Accountants owe their very existence to this date.  

And now, on top of everything else, in the United States if you make over $400 thousand per annum, you are a tax cheat and pretty the epitome of evil.  I must have missed that in my college econ classes.  Isn’t that what everyone is supposed to strive for?   Oh well, one should never let the facts get in the way of a political opportunity.

Politics aside, I would like to ask one specific question.  Since we keep hearing from US politicians in Washington DC - that “the rich must pay their fair share,” what exactly is that number?  Pretty simple question, right?  Why then does no one ever want to answer it and give an exact figure?  Perhaps it is because the answer does not fit their narrative. Of course, the next logical question would be what do the wealthy pay now?  What percentage of the national tax do they pay?  It is a simple question to research, and the answer may surprise most. To that end, we offer the sources and quotes below:

Taxfoundation.org:

In 2020, (representing some of the most complete recent data) taxpayers filed 157.5 million tax returns, reported earning nearly $12.5 trillion in adjusted gross income (AGI), and paid $1.7 trillion in individual income taxes.

The average income tax rate in 2020 was 13.6 percent. The top 1 percent of taxpayers paid a 25.99 percent average rate, more than eight times higher than the 3.1 percent average rate paid by the bottom half of taxpayers.

The top 1 percent’s income share rose from 20.1 percent in 2019 to 22.2 percent in 2020 and its share of federal income taxes paid rose from 38.8 percent to 42.3 percent.

The top 50 percent of all taxpayers paid 97.7 percent of all federal individual income taxes, while the bottom 50 percent paid the remaining 2.3 percent.

Please Click Here

Forbes:

Going back as far as 2015 Forbes Magazine offered similar data. "The top One Percent in America earns at least $480,930 per year, according to IRS data that compiled earnings/taxes paid from 2015. While that One Percent of Americans makes about 20% of all dollars earned in America, they pay 39% of all taxes paid to the American government."
 
Please Click Here

The difficulty is that you will also see article after article on how the wealthy are tax cheats and hide their money from tax collection.  Obviously, they have access to the best accountants and tax attorneys to avoid tax (legal).  Plus, the assertion of being super wealthy at $400,000 per year in New York, Florida or California is doubtful.   

Nevertheless, the claims of fraud get pretty thin when pointing to specifically to tax evasion (illegal).  We just do not see proof of this on a massive scale, hard data points in the opposite direction and when it does occur seems to be a one-off.  Why then is it a political talking point?  A logical conclusion (and one we offer) is that the rich are an easy target for political gain.  The irony (or hypocrisy) of this rhetoric is that most national politicians seem to easily fall into that demonic one percent – even on a government salary. 

Now, how does that happen?

For more content regarding international business, motivation &  lifestyle,  
please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com

---

International Business 

Business Psychology

Healthy Ways to Handle Stress

A critical skill for entrepreneurs.   

-------

Stress affects people of all ages. The symptoms of stress can be extremely unpleasant, as participants in a study released earlier this year by the Statistic Brain Research Institute and the American Institute of Stress who reported experiencing physical symptoms of stress admitted to feeling fatigue, headache, upset stomach, and muscle tension, among other things.

Among those who reported feeling physical symptoms of stress, 77 percent admitted to feeling those symptoms regularly, citing job pressure and money as the primary causes of their stress. How men and women handle stress can impact both their immediate and long-term health, as stress has been linked to a host of problems and ailments, including sleep dysfunction and heart disease. Many people cope with stress in unhealthy ways, which may only exacerbate the effects of stress on the body. Certain methods of handling stress may work for some people but not others, but the following are a few healthy ways to combat stress.

· Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Many adults turn to alcohol at the end of a stressful day, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that relying on alcohol to cope with stress may only create more problems down the road, and those problems will only increase your stress levels. In addition, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes that alcohol and caffeine can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

· Rely on a support network. Coworkers, family and friends have stressful days, too, and such confidantes can help you handle stress in healthy ways. The ADAA recommends men and women dealing with stress let their support circle know how they can help relieve stress. Many people simply need to talk to someone after a stressful day, which can feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Let your support network know you're there for them when they experience stress as well.

· Get daily exercise. Exercise pays a host of dividends, not the least of which is relieving stress. At the end of a stressful day, get some exercise instead of pouring yourself a drink or indulging in an unhealthy meal. When the body is physically active, the brain secretes endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that make you feel good. Regular exercise also helps you get a fuller, deeper sleep, which can be disrupted by stress.

· Eat a healthy diet. Diet also can affect how your body handles stress. Certain foods can tame stress. For example, oatmeal can boost levels of a calming chemical known as serotonin in your brain. That calming effect can make it easier to cope with stress. Other foods may help strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C, for instance, may help curb levels of stress hormones such as cortisol while simultaneously strengthening the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish such as salmon and tuna, may help prevent surges in stress hormones while also protecting against heart disease and depression, two serious conditions that studies have linked to elevated stress levels.

Healthy ways to handle stress can help men and women who are stressed out ensure that stress is not compromising both their immediate and long-term health. 

---

International Business 

Cross-Border Business 

St. Kitts & Nevis Economic Citizenship

A defensive tool for uncertain times.  

-------

St. Kitts and Nevis offers an economic citizenship program, allowing individuals to acquire citizenship through investment. This typically involves making a significant financial contribution to the country, such as through the purchase of real estate or a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund. Keep in mind that details may vary, and it’s advisable to consult official sources or legal experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

A dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. 

Location:  200 miles SE of Puerto Rico. 
Capital City:  Charleston
Population:  52,000
Language Spoken:  English
International Time:  EST
Airline Service:  Air BVI, American Airlines, American Eagle, Carib Aviation
Currency:  Eastern Caribbean dollar
Type of Government:  Constitutional Monarchy with Westminster style parliament. 

Video Presentation  

---

International Business

Business Etiquette

Vocal Fry to Rising Intonation

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette 

Common Annoying Speech habits.  

-------

Have you ever been in conversation with someone and the only thing you remember about it are the annoying speech habits you heard?  Habits such as uptalk, growling, and overuse of the word "like" are common, and very distracting.

No matter how often you try to avoid it, when something irritates you, a judgment is automatically formed.  This is particularly true in communication.
 
When we converse with someone, the purpose is to gather information, find common ground, or create understanding.  And it is each communicator's responsibility to convey ideas and words in such a way that the other person can grasp them.
 
Unfortunately, conversations do not always progress this smoothly.

Individual Expression

While we may speak a common language, the manner in which we express our words is as individual as each of us.
 
One current expression is the lilt of the voice at the end of a sentence, sometimes making a statement sound like a question.  Uptalk, as this is known, may be trendy, but also conveys a lack of confidence in what you are saying. 
 
You may also hear conversations relayed in this manner: "And I was like, 'You should really try the red dress because it's like, a power color and will, like, make a statement.'"

Why not try, "So I told her, 'You should really try the red dress.  Red is a power color and will make a statement at this event.'"

And then there's vocal fry & rising intonation, explained here . . .



(Click on the above video for a funny look at "Vocal Fry")

Avoiding Annoying Speech Habits

For the most part, how you express yourself depends on your confidence level, subject knowledge, and current social trends.

Using lessons learned as a speech teacher, I advise being mindful of the need for vocal variety in your speech.  Variety of tone and inflection is pleasing to your listeners.  It helps you come across as one who has something to say, and also ensures you make a good impression socially and professionally.

When you speak, voice nuances, such as tone, help express your thoughts and feelings as well as affect how you are perceived by others.  You likely already know that body language speaks just as prominently as your voice.  Vocal qualities such as volume and tempo are also a part of non-verbal communication, as is vocal inflection.   

Metacommunicative competence is descriptive of your ability to adjust non-verbal language to the needs of various situations encountered.   Being conscious of how we come across to others is something we’re all working to get better at.

Hearing annoying speech habits such as uptalk and growling can help you be more mindful of your own speech habits and mannerisms that might interfere with effective communication.  But be careful, both of these irritants seem to have a viral effect.  As much as I find it annoying, after I’ve been around a group of uptalkers, I find myself uptalking!

As a high school speech and communication teacher and debate coach, a main goal was to help students aim for vocal variety rather than monotone speech so that they, as the bearers of the messages they were conveying, would be perceived as clear-headed, confident, and worth listening to.  

Today as an etiquette educator I hope to encourage you to be the best versions of yourself, and to speak to the need of awareness in how you come across to others.  Awareness of oneself as a deliverer of messages who will be judged competent, or less so, by others is important.

Listening and Acceptance

Being upbeat and positive, not interrupting when others are speaking, and being a good listener will improve your communication any time you converse with someone.
 
Yes, other people's habits can be annoying, but etiquette calls us to rise above our annoyances.  You can choose to listen, or not, but always avoid embarrassing someone by judging her speech habits in the presence of other people. 

And if you choose to mention to someone that her uptalk, growling, or repetitive interjections of the same word are annoying and do not offer a positive impression, make sure you know her incredibly well and can present your opinion in a caring, loving manner. 

Everyone has feelings that are hard to express diplomatically, and annoyance is one of them.  Being "etiquette-ful" means that you are able to be genuine and express your authenticity while being mindful of the thoughts and feelings of another person.  

---

International Business   

Investment Strategies  

Switzerland's Sportrader Group AG

An interesting stock to follow.  

-------

Sportradar AG is a multinational corporation with headquarters in St. Gallen, Switzerland, that collects and analyzes sports data. Sportradar provides services to bookmakers, national and international sports federations, and media companies.   It employs more than 2,300 full time employees across 19 countries around the world. This Swiss based company powers some of the highest-trafficked media sites, fantasy sports apps, innovative brand activations and sports analytics platforms. We thought it noteworthy since both Michael Jordon and Mark Cuban reportedly previously taken positions equity positions this company.  

Sportradar Group AG
Symbol: SRAD
Traded on NASDAQ
52 Week Range:  $8.08-15.56
Yesterday's Close:  $11.60

Michael-Jordan-Assumes-Advisory-Role-with-Sportradar

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions. 

---

Lifestyle    

Fitness & Health

How to Design the Perfect Home Gym

Limited space can be overcome. 

-------  

Exercise is often a social activity, but in after the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have found themselves still training at home. People exercise for many different reasons. Exercise can improve one's appearance, reduce the risk for illness, alleviate stress or anxiety, and even help pass some time.

Building a home fitness room has never been a more timely project, and such a project can continue to provide rewards. Here's how to successfully stock a home gym without killing your bank account.

· Find a dedicated space: A home gym will be limited by the amount of space that can be devoted to workouts. Possible fitness room locations include a spare bedroom, a garage, a basement, or an enclosed patio. Measure the space so you can pick and choose equipment that will fit. Leave some floor space empty for movement exercises or mat activities.

· Keep the space bright: Darkness can sap energy levels, so invest in mirrors and adequate overhead lighting to make the space inviting. Natural light can make the exercise area more enjoyable.

· Consider the flooring: New flooring can protect against damage and make an area more conductive to working out. Rubber mats can offset echoes and reduce the noise of running on a treadmill or setting down heavy weights.

· Use space-saving equipment:  A home gym space will likely not be as expansive as the space inside a traditional fitness center. Thankfully, many activities do not require a lot of space or equipment. Classic exercises like squats, lunges, push ups, and sit ups require little gear but still produce results. Figure out which equipment you like the most and invest in two or three key pieces. Dumbells of various weights, a medicine ball and a yoga mat can be all you need to create a versatile, effective workout. A TRX system and a door-mounted pull-up bar also are great space-saving options.

· Have a TV hookup: A home gym may benefit from a smart TV that you can use to stream workout videos or catch up on the latest news while running the treadmill or using the stationary bike.

A home gym is beneficial year-round and can be an asset even if you have a gym membership.

---

Lifestyle

Spirits & Cuisine  

Best Potato Chip Ever!

A unique addition to your winter gatherings.  

-------

From St. Louis, Missouri The Billy Goat Chip Company may produce the best chips you’ll ever taste! We certainly have become fans of their product. If you share our weakness for potato chips, then this is the product for you. Great website and easy to order online too...

The Billy Goat Chip Company
3136 Watson Road
Saint Louis MO 63139
United States
Phone: 1-314-353-4628

Their Story
 
To Order Click Here

---

Lifestyle

Leisure 

Social Media for Couples Over 50

It's not just for kids anymore.  

-------  

Perhaps due to the popularity of social media among a generation of young people who grew up with it, platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are often associated with people born in the 21st century. However, a recent study from the Pew Institute found that 65 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 used Facebook and 68 percent used YouTube.

Social media is often on the receiving end of negative attention, but it's also a potentially valuable tool that can help men and women over 50 stay connected with their communities. That's not always so easy for adults who no longer have children at home. And as its name suggests, social media can help users connect with others who share their interests. Such connections also can be hard to make for adults over 50.

Adults over 50 may be more comfortable with social media now than they were a decade ago, but it's still a good idea to brush up on basic security measures that can help men and women protect their privacy as they utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

· Protect your personal information: No social media user has the right to access your personal information, including your address, date of birth or other data unique to you. Avoid interacting with anyone who requests personal information, employing the function to block such users from connecting with you when possible. It's also important to keep information about travel plans private. For example, sharing details of an upcoming vacation can serve notice to potential criminals that no one will be in your house, making it a potential target for burglars.

· Aim for quality, not quantity, when building social media networks. Avoid accepting friend requests from individuals you don't know. Cyber criminals often gain access to victims via social media, so limit your social media network to people you know and trust.

· Turn off location information: The technology behind social media is impressive and even makes it possible to determine where users are when they tweet or post to other platforms. But many users, especially those concerned about their privacy, don't want to share location information with anyone, much less strangers. Turn off location information and routinely double check to make sure it's still turned off.

· Discuss privacy concerns before posting to social media: Social media isn't for everyone, and some people may not want photos of themselves or their children posted to platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Prior to posting pictures or information about other people, confirm that they're OK with you doing so.

Adults over 50 are engaging with social media. But no matter how comfortable users become, it's still best to keep various social media safety protocols in mind. 

---

Lifestyle

Travel

Traveling to the Amalfi Coast

Italy / Amalfi Coast - Monastero Rose.  

-------

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, known for its picturesque landscapes, colorful cliffside villages, and rich cultural heritage. Some notable towns along the coast include Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. Visitors are drawn to the region’s beautiful beaches, charming architecture, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. 

Perched on the cliffs between the villages of Amalfi and Positano, is a refurbished 17th-century monastery, which is now a five-star hotel and a Michelin starred restaurant delivers a majestic venue for solitude. Essentially in ruins not long ago, it has been respectfully restored and offers the visitor magnificent landscaping and unmatched views of the coastline.  Perhaps best of all, it provides its guests a reprieve from the tourist filled streets, which are common to the Amalfi Coast. 

Without question one of the finest hotels in the area, this boutique hotel hosts outstanding amenities and delivers superb service. We recently toured and dined at the Santa Rosa and look forward to a return visit.  If privacy and scenery are high on your wish list, we highly recommend this hotel and the Amalfi Coast. 

Click Here for a tour

---

Business Services

Business Acquisitions  

Corb7 International, Inc.
Think Seven Continents, Think a World of Opportunity!

"Challenging Traditional Thought to Gain Elite Performance"

The Ultimate Vehicle for Uncertain Times!

Profit, Privacy & Asset Protection. 

Owning a Swiss Trust Company offers several unique benefits, including financial privacy, asset protection, and flexibility in wealth management. Swiss jurisdiction is known for its stability and well-established financial system. However, it’s crucial to consider legal and regulatory aspects, as well as seek professional advice to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.


Swiss Trust Companies Immediately Available:

* 50-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - AVAILABLE
Established in the year 1974
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland

* 23-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - AVAILABLE
Established in the year 2001
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland 

For a Complimentary Consultation:

Call +1-310-415-3545 
or 
Email: contact@corb7.com 


Corb7 International, Inc.
a Business Advisory & Publishing Firm
www.Corb7.com