Libertarian 101
We only want freedom, plain and simple
Are you tired of the duopoly and feeling like the government doesn’t care about you? The truth can be spun any way you like but we can all agree that we’ve been feeling alienated by either or both parties for the last 2 decades. The problem we have with government intervention is that you can’t argue with the government if they mess up a project. Sure, you can file complaints and try to get them addressed but you’ll likely fail. The best solution for bad service is competition and the government isn’t something that can be competed with because they can drive down any cost they want and you still have to pay for it.
Being a libertarian means you are looking for a small government (because we don’t need a government that doesn’t have any competition to keep it lean) and freedom of choice over one’s life. You are a free citizen of the United States and you deserve every right to Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness. The role of government should only be to protect its citizens from forceful threats (Foreign and Domestic). We want to open the markets to true capitalism and to let the markets be driven by the customers. Regarding the freedom of choice over one’s life, as Libertarians, we want you to have total control over your life. If you want to be LGBTQ+ or to enjoy marijuana? As long as you don’t violate the non-aggression pact, feel free. America is a melting pot of all cultures and all cultures are welcome with our party. You won’t find real libertarians being racist jerks as it violates our principles that everyone should be free all the time.
Being a libertarian also means extremely small government. Take our roads and public education as a perfect example. The government works to build our roads (the same ones) over and over again in order to maintain their budget. If they don’t use the funds provided to them, they get allocated elsewhere. Couple the budget keeping mindset with the short-term view of any politician and you will continue to get a poor product that fails to serve the community that is paying for the service. If the community was allowed to contract a private (non-governmental) service, they can choose to keep the company under contract or release them! Education has the same issue! We have schools that are not keeping up with the needs and educational requirements of our students. If you could, as a community, remove a school because they are not doing a good enough job, that provides the needed incentive for education to grow and keep up with the world.
How do we pay for these services? Well… if the government isn’t responsible for the services, you will pay less in taxes. Imagine not having to pay 20-30% of your salary to the government anymore since they won’t waste your money rebuilding a freeway for the 15th time. Property taxes won’t be collected anymore because the local governments will only be responsible for ensuring the NAP isn’t violated. The best method for keeping the government open would be an increased sales tax to replace the income taxes. In this way, you will only be paying taxes when you choose to purchase something.
The best way I’ve heard to explain why we have a problem with taxes. Right now, you are getting taxed for making money, spending money, eating, owning a home, owning a vehicle, getting married, performing recreational activities. Every time you turn around, the government is wanting to know how they are getting paid.
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New Bilt Cards Exclude Tax Payments, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and More
In an era where credit card perks and rewards often define consumer choices, Bilt, a relatively new player in the rewards credit card space, is making waves. The Bilt Mastercard has been praised for its unique offering: the ability to earn points on rent payments without transaction fees, something nearly unheard of in the credit card world. However, recent updates to the card’s terms have raised eyebrows, as certain payment categories—including tax payments and popular online marketplaces—are now excluded from earning rewards. This change, while not entirely unexpected, represents a shift in Bilt’s strategy. Here’s a closer look at what this means for users, why it matters, and how cardholders can adjust their spending strategies. Understanding Bilt’s Original Appeal Bilt entered the credit card market with a bold promise: allow renters to earn rewards on a recurring expense that traditionally offered no benefits. Most credit cards charge fees for paying rent via third-party platforms, but Bilt waived these, allowing cardholders to earn points toward travel, fitness, and other perks. Beyond rent, Bilt had positioned itself as a card that could compete in everyday spending. Early users enjoyed points accumulation on dining, travel, and select online purchases, making the card a versatile option for those looking to maximize rewards without paying high annual fees. The combination of no-fee rent payments and a decent points system made Bilt particularly attractive to younger professionals and urban renters who often see rent as their largest monthly expense. What’s Changing: Exclusions Explained Recently, Bilt updated its terms, and certain transactions no longer earn rewards points. The key exclusions now include: Tax Payments – Payments made toward federal, state, and local taxes through the IRS or third-party platforms will not earn rewards. eBay Purchases – Online auction and marketplace transactions are excluded from earning points. Facebook Marketplace Transactions – Payments made for goods sold or purchased via Facebook Marketplace are also excluded. Other Specified Categories – Certain peer-to-peer payment platforms, digital wallets, or non-traditional marketplaces may fall under the exclusion list. These exclusions appear aimed at reducing the risk of “gaming” the rewards system. For example, some users may have previously tried to convert taxable payments into points or exploit marketplaces to generate rewards at low cost. By cutting off these categories, Bilt protects its rewards pool while nudging users toward traditional spending categories. Why Bilt Made These Changes Credit card issuers regularly adjust their rewards programs to balance user benefits with financial sustainability. While this might feel like a downgrade, it is a common industry practice. Bilt’s exclusions likely serve several purposes: Financial Risk Management: Large-scale rewards redemption on tax payments or online marketplaces could increase the company’s exposure. Encouraging Core Spending: Bilt wants users to spend on categories that align with their strategic partnerships, like travel, dining, and fitness. Fraud Prevention: Peer-to-peer and marketplace transactions often carry higher risks of fraud or chargebacks. Excluding these categories helps mitigate potential losses. By narrowing the earning categories, Bilt ensures its rewards system remains sustainable while still offering benefits in other areas that appeal to its target demographic. How This Affects Bilt Cardholders For existing users, this change means some spending that previously earned points will no longer qualify. Tax payments, which can be substantial, and online marketplace transactions are common ways some cardholders maximized points. The good news is that the card still rewards rent payments, a feature that continues to set Bilt apart. Additionally, purchases in restaurants, fitness, travel, and select partner merchants still earn points, meaning everyday discretionary spending remains valuable. Cardholders can adapt in several ways: Separate Spending Categories: Use Bilt for rent and traditional spending, and another card for taxes or marketplace purchases. Plan Rewards Strategy: Focus on high-reward categories to offset the excluded spending. Track Transactions: Regularly monitor which purchases earn points to avoid surprises. These strategies allow users to continue making the most of Bilt’s rewards without losing the benefits of everyday spending. What This Means for the Credit Card Market Bilt’s exclusions are not unusual when compared to other major credit cards. Chase, American Express, and Citi frequently adjust bonus categories and exclusions to maintain profitability and avoid reward exploitation. However, Bilt’s model is still distinctive. Most cards don’t offer points on rent at all, and Bilt continues to cater to urban renters and younger professionals, a demographic often underserved by traditional credit card rewards programs. In a competitive rewards landscape, Bilt’s focus on rent and lifestyle perks—like fitness and travel rewards—helps differentiate it from mainstream credit cards. While some exclusions may disappoint users, the overall value proposition remains strong for its core audience. Key Takeaways Bilt remains unique: Rent payments still earn points without fees, a feature few cards offer. Exclusions are targeted: Tax payments, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are excluded to protect the rewards ecosystem. Cardholders can adapt: Using multiple cards for different spending categories ensures optimal rewards accumulation. Market positioning is strategic: Bilt continues to appeal to younger renters who prioritize lifestyle rewards and travel perks. For anyone considering Bilt, it’s important to weigh the value of rent-based rewards against the limitations on other transactions. If your primary goal is to earn points on rent and everyday discretionary spending in eligible categories, Bilt still offers a compelling choice. For those who frequently pay taxes with a credit card or shop heavily on online marketplaces, a supplemental card may be necessary. Final Thoughts The new exclusions on Bilt cards highlight a tension in the credit card world: balancing generous rewards with financial sustainability. While some users may be disappointed, the core advantage—earning points on rent without fees—remains untouched, preserving the card’s unique appeal. Bilt is evolving, as all credit card programs do, but its focus on lifestyle and rent rewards ensures it continues to fill a niche that traditional credit cards have largely ignored. By understanding the exclusions and adjusting spending habits, cardholders can still make Bilt a valuable tool in their financial toolkit. In the end, the Bilt Mastercard proves that even in a crowded credit card market, innovation—especially around everyday expenses like rent—can offer meaningful benefits to the right audience, despite necessary limitations in some spending categories.
By Muhammad Hassanabout 14 hours ago in The Swamp
How, Too
Many people wonder how, too. You are not alone, and I am an expert. I will teach you how, too! First, you need to remit a small application fee and fill out an application describing the nature of your financial situation and how often payments will be made, as this will have great bearing on how well I teach you how, too.
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