You can use the bits and pieces of information that matter most to you and put together a nice spreadsheet that reflects your knowledge...and as your knowledge increases, build onto it accordingly.There are even plenty of free Apps out there that are simply to use BUT you still have to understand what to put in to them, why you are filling in that field and then be able to decipher the results it kicks out to you.I believe that's the point here...there is a time and place for "tools" to enter into the picture, but to use such tools without the knowledge behind you can result in false hope and potential unwanted consequences.Leaving all Bias and Prejudice aside, I trust everyone could agree that learning how to use something first is better than winging it just because it's there to have...no?

So I wouldn't give up and change your taxes or other strategies until you have "pounded" the payment! 

My advice, if you read or listen to that stuff, is take it with not a grain of salt but a pound and don't implement anything without your attorney reviewing what may likely be a creative financing mess.

They are what I refer to as shiny objects of distraction".There's a famous expression for this, "Penny wise, pound foolish", or this one, "Stepping over dollars to pick up a penny".

If you own rentals, using a program like TurboTax is, IMHO, being penny wise and pound foolish.

If you allow dogs under 25 pounds, you have to decline someone who has a dog that's 25.5 pounds or the applicant you denied because they have a 100 pound Great Dane can sue for discrimination.So far we have not had any issues with allowing dogs.

She would routinely go to the pound and get the sickest animals to take home a give a "loving home" for the last month's of their lives.Be forewarned...they are called crazy cat ladies for a reason!

I said I sure was so he we walked over to one of the big steel roll up doors and pounded on it a couple of times and told someone inside to open the door.

I am a broker who has seen to often penny wise and pound foolish.  

With month to month, I can just terminate the lease if they upset me.Giving someone the first month free and then trying to impose terms is a lot like pounding your head on the wall and then complaining it hurts.