
Editor’s Note: This post was originally part of our 2014 April Fools’ Prank. And because we think the ’90s are all that (and a bag of chips), we decided to update it for all you present-day readers. Keep on scrolling to keep the angsty/sparkly dream alive ;)
1. UNIF Mary Jane Platform ($190): A seven-and-a-quarter inch platform? Now that’s what we call Scary (Spice).
2. Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Platform ($122): Do you even have to ask if we’re in love with these heart-speckled t-straps? The answer is, DUH!
3. Shelly’s London Mint Blue Lace Up Ankle Boots ($113): We just can’t pass up a pastel sneaker platform. Plus, this minty blue color is all that.
4. YRU Chariot White Rainbow Platform Sandals ($98): We’re, like, basically wiggin’ out over these holographic rainbow sandals. Can a platform get any more perfect?
5. Jeffrey Campbell Kao Platform Mule ($150): Slip into your next wear-everywhere platform. Don’t forget to accessorize with your fave Claire’s toe ring!
6. ASOS HEIGHTEN Heeled Sandals ($95): Posh Spice eat your heart out! These buckled pumps are primo for date night.
7. Yes Werque Bubble-Tread Platform Sandal ($120): The cushioned bubble soles on these two-toned sneakers make this pair perfect for stompin’ around the mall.
8. Jeffrey Campbell Slippery Pool Slide Sandal ($170): Our fave slip-on sandals get a sky high makeover we’re totally buggin’ over.
9. ASOS JUMANJI Lace Up Shoes ($76): Take a lesson from TLC and rock these hot pink lace ups with a pair of baggie overall shorts. It’s a style choice you won’t regret.
10. ASOS AIRPLANE Chelsea Ankle Boots ($104): Pair these ‘60s-style Chelsea platforms with flower power-patched shorts for a modern take on the throwback look.
11. BC Footwear X Della I Got It Wedge Sandal ($70): Look like the total Betty you are in these plush patterned platforms. Fishnets are a MUST.
12. Miista Rachel Buckle Sandal ($170): Yeah, the pearly blue upper is phat. The mint sole is dope. But the clear buckles clench it.
13. ASOS HYPERACTIVE Heeled Sandals ($141): These shimmery nude platforms get a glam makeover with studs and rhinestones. So major.
14. ASOS SMARTIE Mid Heels ($57): Channel your inner Baby Spice with these darling platforms. Bonus points for completing the look with a pastel sun dress and pigtails.
15. ASOS AIRPLANE Chelsea Ankle Boots ($104): Cheetah print platforms? Scary Spice would give you the high kick of approval ;)
16. Jeffrey Campbell Vacay Strappy Flatform Sandal ($110): Talk about an insanely wearable sandal. We bet you could even bust out the Macarena in these puppies!
17. Shelly’s London Mish Woven Star Sandals ($160): The seether is neither black nor white, but these peep-toes sure are. Their woven detail is da bomb.
18. Jeffrey Campbell Dolla Platform Sneaker ($75): Yes, these high tops are so money.
19. Jeffrey Campbell Baretta Platform Sandal ($140): These are THE sandals to wear to your dream vaycay on MTV’s Spring Break. They’re sure to grab Jesse Camp’s eye — wave big if you end up on TRL!
20. JC Play by Jeffrey Campbell PYT Platform ($88): These gilttery sneaks would sparkle just as bright on the feet of any Ginger dudette.
BONUSUNIF Nobody Platforms ($175): Shut up! These tie-dyed platforms add a whopping TEN inches to your height. They might go down in history as the coolest shoe around (watch out jelly sandals!).
Which pair of platforms are your must-haves? Tell us in the comments below.
Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
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Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
Kobu Agency for Unsplash
You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures