Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Business financial analysis is essential.

     Financial analysis, planning, and forecasting are connected.  These are processes that businesses use to assess their financial health, set goals, and predict future performance. 

     All analysts aren't created equally. Who can perform a complete financial analysis? A Financial Analyst can. This is a broad role that encompasses a variety of financial analysis tasks, including reviewing financial statements, creating financial models, and conducting research.  A Corporate Finance Analyst can.  These analysts focus on the financial health and performance of the entire company. They may be involved in tasks such as financial planning, capital budgeting, and mergers and acquisitions. An Investment Analyst can.   These analysts research and evaluate potential investments for individuals or institutions. They may specialize in a particular industry or asset class.

     Financial analysis involves examining past financial data to identify trends, assess profitability, and evaluate the company's financial position.   They also evaluate a business's financial health and performance by examining its financial statements [Investopedia: Financial Analysis].  Financial analysis involves reviewing a company's income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement to assess its profitability, liquidity, solvency, and overall financial position [Investopedia: Financial Statement Analysis]. 

     By identifying trends in these financial metrics, analysts can gain valuable insights into a company's past performance and its potential for future success.
 
     Financial planning uses the insights gained from analysis to set financial goals and develop strategies to achieve them.   The financial analysis is the platform. 

     After analyzing financial data to assess a company's financial health, financial planning involves setting financial goals and implementing strategies to achieve those goals [Investopedia: Financial Planning]. The financial planning process also helps businesses allocate resources effectively, manage risks, and achieve long-term financial stability.

     Financial forecasting utilizes historical financial data and informed assumptions about future events to predict a company's future financial performance [Corporate Finance Institute: Financial Forecasting]. 

     The financial forecasting process is crucial for businesses as it allows them to plan for upcoming financial needs, identify potential risks, and make informed investment decisions.  

     Financial analysis involves calculating ratios to estimate a company’s performance and trends. There are many terms to refer to analysis techniques.   As an example,  financial statement analysis scans over liquidity ratios, current ratios, quick ratios, profitability ratios, opearating profitibilty ratios, net profit ratios, return on equiry (ROE), return on capital employed analysis, turnover ratios, inventory turnover ratio, receivable ratios, payable ratios, solvency ratios, debt equity ratios, and financial leverage. 


          Formula Examples:

     Current ratio = current assets ÷ current liabilities.

     Quick ratio formula = current assets - inventory

     Operating Profit Ratio Formula = Earnings Before Interest & Tax/Sales

     Inventory Turnover Ratio Formula = Cost of Goods Sold ÷ Average Inventory

     Debt Equity Ratio Formula = Total Debt ÷ Total Equity


     It is important to understand that financial ratios are one of the most important metrics used by finance professionals in analyzing the financial performance of companies. Plus, it helps in understanding the relative performance of two or more companies in the same industry.

     Trend analysis is a type of financial analysis that involves comparing a company’s financial data over multiple periods to identify trends and patterns. For example, this type of analysis identifies whether the company’s financial performance is improving or declining over time.

     Cash flow analysis is a type of financial analysis that involves examining a company’s cash inflows and outflows to assess its ability to generate cash and meet its financial obligations. This analysis identifies whether the company generates sufficient cash to fund its operations and investments.

     Sensitivity analysis is a type of financial analysis that involves examining the impact of changes in key assumptions on a company’s financial performance. This type of analysis helps to identify the most important drivers of the company’s financial performance and the potential risks and opportunities associated with these drivers.

     Financial analysis, planning, and forecasting are tools that work together to steer a company towards a secure and prosperous future. Businesses sequencially make informed decisions about resource allocation and strategic planning (financial planning).  These processes are essential.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Urban Air Pollution combat on the skin.

     Its combat on the skin, because it is fighting to control territorial rights to your once baby smooth skin.  Some of us are veterans in the fight.  You need weapons; defense.  This battle is renewed by urban air pollution.

     Urban air pollution is caused by a variety of human activities.  Transportation leads the pack.  Cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles release harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter into the air.  Industrial facilities aren't as abundant, yet likewise, dangerously pollutant.  Factories and power plants release pollutants like sulfur oxides and volatile organic compounds.  Domestic activities rank at the top, too.  Heating homes with fossil fuels and using certain cleaning products can also contribute to air pollution.  These pollutants cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues.

     Urban air pollution combat on the skin defense.  Load up. Here are three essential skin health products.  

     Cooling gel is your your camouflage from the elements.  This topical product provides a cooling sensation to the skin. It relieves pain and inflammation from sunburns, insect bites, and muscle soreness.

     Next up is Vitamin E.  It is an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E is often found in skincare products as a moisturizer and scar protectant. Vitamin E is typically applied directly to the skin. 

     Last, but not least is water. H2O.  Water is essential for hydration and overall health.  It plumps the skin, and provides elasticity.  Water is best consumed orally for overall hydration and can be used topically as a hydrating mist.

     In short, cooling gel is for pain relief, vitamin E is for skin health, and water is for overall hydration.


         "Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans."  (Jacques Yves Cousteau)


     Exposure to urban air pollution can have a number of negative effects on the skin.  Premature aging.  Pollutants can damage the skin's collagen and elastin.  They're both essential for maintaining skin structure and elasticity. Without them, you'll soon see wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of firmness.  

     Dehydration.  Air pollution can disrupt the skin's barrier function, making it more difficult for the skin to retain moisture. This can lead to dehydration, dryness, and a flaky appearance.  

     Increased sensitivity.  Pollution is a constant barrage of irritation.  The skin becomes sensitive to other irritants, such as harsh soaps and cosmetics. Irritation leads to redness, itching, and burning.  Existing skin conditions are exacerbated.  Air pollution makes acne twice as bad, eczema flourishes, and psoriasis pumps up.


          "Wipe out pollution before it wipes you out."  (Unknown)


     Hyperpigmentation.  There is a pattern.  Pollution triggers the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin overproduction leads to dark spots and uneven skin tone.

     Some pollutants are known carcinogens.  Toxic pollution in the urban environment has increased the risk of skin cancer. 

     Don't trek out alone, and get lost without protection.  Check the specifications.  Grab a couple of popular cooling gel products.  Australian Gold Aloe Freeze Cooling Spray Gel is an aloe vera-based gel that will sooth sunburns and irritated skin. It  contains vitamin E and green tea extract to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.  

     Conceal carry E.  Pick up some vitamin E skin products.  Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Skin Care Cream.  This is a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream that contains vitamin E, aloe vera, and other nourishing ingredients. It's a good option for dry skin, as it hydrates and softens the skin. It’s also very affordable.  Derma E Skin Oil Vitamin E.  This is a concentrated oil that contains a high dose of vitamin E. It moisturizes dry skin, reduces wrinkles, and irritation disappears. It’s concentrated, so little goes a long way.  Ultimately, the best vitamin E skin product for you will depend on your individual skin type and needs. If you have dry skin, you may want to choose a thicker cream or oil. If you have oily skin, you may prefer a lighter lotion or gel. And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose a product that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

     Don't postup without your canteen.  Evian.  Sourced from natural springs in the French Alps, Evian is known for its crisp, clean taste and moderate mineral content.  It comes in various sizes and is readily available.  Lifewater.  This brand is known for its electrolyte-enhanced purified water.  Electrolytes are minerals that help with hydration and muscle function. Lifewater has a slightly sweet taste and comes in a variety of fruit-flavored options.  Essentia.  This brand promotes its high pH level, which some claim can neutralize acidity and improve overall health. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Essentia is purified water with added electrolytes for taste.

     Yes, there is a line dividing urban air pollution as opposed to rural air pollution.  Experimentally proven, urban air pollution is more harmful than rural air pollution. This is because urban areas have higher concentrations of pollutants like traffic fumes and industrial emissions.  Pollutant varieties.  Urban air pollution is dominated by larger particles from vehicle exhaust and industrial facilities. Rural air pollution often contains smaller particles from agricultural burning and natural dust storms.


          "The Chinese have figured out that they have a giant environmental problem. Folks in Beijing, some days, literally can't breathe. Over a million Chinese die prematurely every year because of air pollution."  (46th President of the United States of America, Joseph Biden)


     Rising urbanization, industrialization, and anthropogenic activities are the prominent causes of air pollution in cities globally. Its combat on the skin, because it is territorial rights to your healthy skin.  Win the fight.  Use defense.  Urban air pollution isn't going away.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Auto Insurance Increase 2024

     The trickle down theory can touch anything and everything. 

     In this blog entry, we're looking at the average monthly price of car insurance. Some individuals can remember being able to drive our U.S. roads and highways without including a hefty monetary sum for car insurance. Now, the bill is encroaching on "OMG, is this right?"


     Break out with your A.I., and conduct some research, side by side compare companies, and find bargains.  

     U.S. inflation kicked the auto industry in the rump. Hard.


     Reuters.com quote:
          "Consumer prices in December overall rose 3.4% from a year earlier, the Labor Department said on Thursday in the release of the monthly Consumer Price Index, more than the 3.2% economists polled by Reuters had expected and up from 3.1% in November."


     This rise in cost has set a new insurance precedent over the last half a century.  The trend has no predicted end, either.

     The BANKRATE True Cost of Auto Insurance Report determined the annual cost for full coverage car insurance in 2024 to be $2,543, compared to $2,014 in 2023 and $1,771 in 2022. Paying your annual premium can save you money as opposed to paying monthly premiums. An example of the increase, someone earning a median household income of $74,580 will pay  3.41% of their entire income on auto insurance. 


     The Three Largest Auto insurance companies 2024:

          State farm: $46.7 billion
          Progressive: $38.9 billion
          Geico: $38.1 billion


     Recall, in the old days, when ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE was complementary.  Some companies happily gifted out RENTAL CAR costs, too.

     In the red, white, and blue, each state can vary their rates.  Obviously shop around.  All in all, though.  Expect an increase in policy rates that won't fade.

     Long story short, auto insurance companies have been hit in the pocket.  As their costs have increased, so have the consumers costs increased, too.

     Car insurance companies were getting mashed in the last decade. Collision costs boomed, liability costs zoomed, employees pay popped, medications prescription costs sizzled, body shops off the hizzle, pain compensation costs in court rocketed, and thus we can understand the overall policy premium increases looming in the remainder of 2024.

     Side by side rate comparison sites are great.  The detailed questions in rate comparison questions will take time, though.  Have you had any recent tickets? Are you currently insured? How many drivers are there? And, etc.


     "Copy, and paste. Compare. Rate. Discover. Learn. You will. Yes, use the low policy rate force.  Let premiums guide you, you must." A.I. Yoda


     In reality, 2024, there is simply auto insurance rate increase.

     Government agency issues are taking on unfair and deceptive price practices. State by state issues can make policy prices fluctuate. Insurance company representatives state that, insurers raise costs in response to your risk as a driver, such as where you live and whether you have a teenager on the policy. They also raise rates based on risks beyond your control. Inflation for example.

     Bankrate analyst Shannon Martin shares with Kiplinger
          "Between 2020 and 2024, inflation increased the cost of vehicle parts and labor, car crash fatalities increased by over 10% and we saw a significant rise in extreme weather and vehicle theft claims. All these factors contribute to the high rates we’re seeing today."

     Life events increase your rates.  Adding teen drivers, DUI convictions, 
credit score changes,  at fault accidents, involved accidents, speeding tickets,  and lapse in auto insurance coverages can boost costs significantly. 

     Environmental influence costs-
          Cities with high costs:

          Detroit, Michigan 
          Hutchins, Texas
          Venice,  California 
          New York City, New York
          Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 


      Insurance pointers:

          Shop around.
          Raise your deductible.
          Bundle policies.
          Boost your credit score.
          Enroll in defensive driving. 
          Pay annually versus monthly.

     Inflation in the United States is decreasing, but this hasn't turned the tides on auto insurance rates.  We can, independently, drive better.  Maybe, future rates will follow suit.

     Good luck on the roads, stay cool, drive safely in 2024.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

A.I. based noninvasive THOUGHTS to TEXT technology.

     The development of an AI-based decoder that translates brain activity into coherent text, plots a groundbreaking advancement in non-invasive mind-reading technology. This innovation enables the reconstruction of speech with remarkable precision, leveraging fMRI scans to decode thoughts without the need for surgical implants.

     The technology uses large language model artificial intelligence. OpenAI’s ChatGPT pushed a new way in. These large language models are able to represent, in numbers, the semantic meaning of speech, allowing the scientists to look at which patterns of neuronal activity corresponded to strings of words with a particular meaning rather than attempting to read out activity word by word.

     “For a non-invasive method, this is a real leap forward compared to what’s been done before, which is typically single words or short sentences,” Research Dr. Huth said.  Sometimes the decoder got the wrong end of the stick and it struggled with certain aspects of language, including pronouns. “It doesn’t know if it’s first-person or third-person, male or female,” said Huth. “Why it’s bad at this we don’t know.”  The decoder was personalized. When the model was tested on another person the readout was unintelligible. It was also possible for participants on whom the decoder had been trained to thwart the system.  By thinking of animals or quietly imagining another story, the system was confused.

     Jerry Tang, a doctoral student at the University of Texas at Austin and a co-author, said: “We take very seriously the concerns that it could be used for bad purposes and have worked to avoid that. We want to make sure people only use these types of technologies when they want to and that it helps them.”  

     Professor Tim Behrens, a computational neuroscientist at the University of Oxford who was not involved in the work, described it as “technically extremely impressive” and said it opened up a host of experimental possibilities, including reading thoughts from someone dreaming or investigating how new ideas spring up from background brain activity. “These generative models are letting you see what’s in the brain at a new level,” he said. “It means you can really read out something deep from the fMRI.”  Prof Shinji Nishimoto, of Osaka University, who has pioneered the reconstruction of visual images from brain activity, described the paper as a “significant advance”. “The research showed that the brain represents continuous language information during perception and imagination in a compatible way,” he said. “This is a non-trivial finding and can be a basis for the development of brain-computerinterfaces.

     The system currently is not practical for use outside of the laboratory because of its reliance on the time need on an fMRI machine. Functional MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, relies on detecting small changes in the signals used to produce magnetic resonance images that are associated with neuronal activity in the brain. Functional magnetic resonance finds functions of the brain. Functions such as speech or memory have general locations in the brain, but the exact location can change slightly between individuals.  The scan is safe. The future tech would resemble a shower cap.  The MRI tech is in a capsuled machine that scans the individual, while laying down.

     Researchers think this work could transfer to other, more portable brain-imaging systems, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).  “fNIRS measures where there’s more or less blood flow in the brain at different points in time, which, it turns out, is exactly the same kind of signal that fMRI is measuring,” Huth said. “So, our exact kind of approach should translate to fNIRS,” although, he noted, the resolution with fNIRS would be lower.


    The technology could aid communication for people who are unable to speak due to illness or injury, including stroke or paralysis. It could also enable seamless communication between humans and machines, such as the operation of a bionic arm or robot.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

IRAs 2023


IRAs

     Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).  (IRS)

     The key to IRAs are Start saving as early as possible, and make monthly installments to get compounding effects.  Your IRA is part of the money that you’re setting aside for the future. Pay attention to the taxes on those accounts. Envision your complete portfolio: stocks, bonds, real estate, foreign markets, etc.

     IRAs make your money work for you.  IRAs allow you to make tax-deferred investments to provide financial security when you retire.

     Research different types of retirement accounts.  You can set up an IRA with a bank, or other financial institutions, life insurance company, mutual fund, or a stockbroker.

     Types of IRAs: (CNBC)

     A traditional IRA is a tax-advantaged personal savings plan where contributions may be tax deductible. You must qualify. The 2023 contribution limits are, $6,500, or $7,500 if you’re age 50 or older by the end of the year; or your taxable compensation for the year.

     A Roth IRA is a tax-advantaged personal savings plan where contributions are not deductible but qualified distributions may be tax free. The 2023 contribution limits are the same as traditional. $6,500, or $7,500 if you’re age 50 or older by the end of the year; or your taxable compensation for the year.

     A Payroll Deduction IRA plan is set up by an employer. Employees make contributions by payroll deduction to an IRA (Traditional or a Roth IRA) they establish with a financial institution.  It is probably the simplest retirement arrangement that a business can have. No plan document needs to be adopted under this arrangement. May be eligible for Savers credit. The 2023 contribution limits are, $6,500, or $7,500 if you’re age 50 or older by the end of the year; or your taxable compensation for the year.

     A SEP is a Simplified Employee Pension plan set up by an employer. Contributions are made by the employer directly to an IRA set up for each employee.  Employee is always 100% vested in (or, has ownership of) all SEP-IRA money.  Contributions an employer can make to an employee's SEP-IRA cannot exceed the lesser of 25% of the employee's compensation, or $66,000 for 2023.

     A SIMPLE IRA plan is a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees set up by an employer. Under a SIMPLE IRA plan, employees may choose to make salary reduction contributions, and the employer makes matching or nonelective contributions.  Employer is required to contribute each year.  Contribution matching contribution up to 3% of compensation (not limited by the annual compensation limit), or
2% nonelective contribution for each eligible employee.  Inflexible contributions.

     A SARSEP - the Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan - is a type of SEP set up by an employer before 1997 that includes a salary reduction arrangement.  An eligible employee is an individual (including a self-employed individual) that has reached age 21, worked for the employer in at least 3 of the last 5 years, and received at least $750 in compensation for 2023.

     IRAs offer investment options,  too.  Contributions  to your retirement account are deducted from your taxes.  Although, there are Deduction Limits.  Rollovers have a variety of rates.  Rates also apply to accounts when there isn't a named beneficiary.

     The individual credit offered is the Saver's Credit.  Individuals may be able to take a tax credit of up to $1,000 if they make eligible contributions to an IRA.  Criteria:  Age 18 or older,  not claimed as a dependent on another person’s return, and not a student.

     Saver's Credit amount is 50%, 20% or 10% of account contributions in the year. (Investopedia)

     IRA maximum contributions will allow the most growth in your retirement account.  Investments are smart.  Avoid losses by diversifying, watching fees closely, investing in safe assets and avoiding early withdrawals.  IRAs are FDIC insured with amount limits. Saver's Credit and contributions matching are the standout points in IRAs.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

What Are the Side Effects of a Very Low-Calorie Diet? Is it safe?

     Individuals on a very low-calorie diet for 4 to 16 weeks, at 900 - 1,500 calories per day, report minor side effects such as fatigue, constipation, nausea, and diarrhea.  These conditions usually improve within a few weeks. 

     Gallstones are the most common, serious side effects of very low-calorie diets.

          Gallstone mechanism:

     1. Bile supersaturation.

     2. Nucleation and initiation of stone formation.

      3. Enlargement of the gallstone by accretion.


      There is a triangle of cholesterol, phospholipids, and bile salts.  Progressively: micelles, micelles + vesicles, micelles + crystals, and micelles + vesicles + crystals.

     Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, are stones that form in the gallbladder.  These stones are made up of cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile.  Gallstones are more common during rapid weight loss. When the body experiences a calorie deficit, it starts to break down fat for energy.

      During strict calorie defecits, the liver secretes more cholesterol.  When this secretion is combined with bile, gallstones form.

     Gallstones function to cause major problems if they accumulate into a duct blockage. Intense abdominal pain, jaundice, chills, back pain, shoulder pain, nausea and vomiting result. Pain episodes last from minutes to a couple of hours.  

     In order to avoid gallstone formation during a low calorie diet, stay on a scheduled mealtime.  Avoid fasting. Lose weight slowly as opposed to rapid weight loss. 1 - 2 pounds a week is gradual.  Aim towards fruits, vegetables and grains.  Obesity, and  generally being overweight is bad. Instead of rapid weight loss to maintain shape, stay on a healthy diet, and continue to exercise. (pubmed central)

      Low calorie diet vs keto diet is a popular research topic.  They're similar because of their low calorie weight loss basics.  The diets limit intake differently, though. The keto diet is more restrictive. The low calorie diet is a better alternative because of long term sustainability. Staying on the diet is the key to success.

     In conclusion, low calorie diet is safe and the potential side effects are minor.  The side effects are mostly avoidable, too. The body requires a  balance of foods from different food groups. Providing balanced nutrition, meal satisfaction, on a low-calorie diet is difficult. In addition, consuming as few as 800 calories daily may not give you the energy you need for daily living and regular physical activity.  Steer toward variety, steer away from repetition. 

Saturday, September 9, 2023

To Purchase an EV, or to not Purchase an EV, 2023.


     An EV is defined as a vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being charged from an external source. (IEA.org)

     The choices are extensive in 2023.  Choose wisely.

     Some newer, up to date models have long waiting lists. You can buy a used EV right off the lot, right now, though.

     EVs are the right choice if you want to help the environment by cutting emissions.

     In comparison, combustion engines have more repair costs than EVs. Although, the EV trade off in repair costs hasn't completely been charted, yet.  Mechanics for combustion vehicles are everywhere.  You might go to an EV station to get it repaired and there might be only one EV mechanic.

     EVs began with a bad wrap.  To be nice, the original Prius was very ugly.  Current EVs are more normal and brand worthy.

     The ranked Best Used Electric Cars 2023:
1. Nissan Leaf
2. Tesla Model S
3. Tesla Model 3


     Other EVs 2023:
BMW i3
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Kia Niro EV
Hyundai Kona Electric
Volkswagen e-Golf
Kia Soul EV
Jaguar I-Pace
Ford Mustang Mach-E


     In general, the more range on a single full charge, the bigger the battery, and the higher the price of the car.  The average price, right now, for an electric vehicle is more than $60,000. That’s before incentives, rebates, and tax credits from the state, federal and local government. Tax credits can add up to a $10,000 savings per car, depending on the vehicle and in many cases, a buyer’s income.

     The key to not spending so much money when going used is to make sure the original seller is giving you all of the original charging equipment. It becomes extremely costly to have to purchase new EV charging equipment.  In a sample EV search, the battery specifications weren't listed online. Make sure it is an asking point, and possibly a bargaining point at the dealership. (Consumer reports)

     The range on older EVs tends to be fairly low.

     Ask the sales people if the battery is new. Obtain battery maintenance paperwork. New EV battery replacement is expensive. Basic battery warranties on EVs are more or less than 8 years or 100,000 miles.

     Estimate your needed charge range. As previously, the newer the EV, the longer the range. Is the vehicle for business use?  Is the vehicle for personal use?   Think about the convenience of your access to charging stations. You should have one charging station at home, and you should have other charging stations on your daily route. Charging stations have different levels: one, two, and three. Also, consider the charging speed of your charge station. Are you ready to spend all day sitting there, or would you rather charge your car, all night, at home? You won't miss the ease of access to gas stations until they're no longer an option. Metropolitan cities have a variety of charging stations while some cities don't have any at all.

     EVs are available with top ranges from about 100 miles to more than 500 miles.

     Although the warranty is 8 years/ 100,000 miles, the first 5 years are the best miles in a new EV.  After 5 years, or so, the mileage per charge reduces drastically.

     Area electric charging compatibility inconveniences can become a problem.  Charger locations can be unsuitable. It takes a long time to charge a car.  Depending on the vehicle and the charger, it can take from half an hour to several hours for a full charge. Public chargers don't always work perfectly, the same as gas station pumps.

     Tax credits are available for EV drivers.  Yes, there are nice tax incentives for EV owners. Research state tax credits details.  Make sure that the Make, and Model of your EV dwells underneath the requirements to receive a tax break.

     Some researchers say an EV costs more to use and fill up than it does to fill up a gas powered car.  The cost for a new EV battery can be upwards of $15,000. These statistics can change based on the economy.

     Noticeably, how fun is it to sit for 35 minutes to recharge your car versus 3 minutes to fuel up a combustion car?  Take a guess.


Quick example Used EV Search comparison:

(Google search conducted 9/2023

1) used EV highest price: CarMax.com: 2022 TESLA X $90,998, 8K mi, $799 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), red/white

2) used EV highest price: CarMax.com: 2022 TESLA X $89,998, 52K mi, $1,899 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), white/grey

3) used EV highest price: CarMax.com: 2021 TESLA S Plaid $87,998, 52K mi, $1,099 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), red/white

---
1) used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: 2014 SPARK EV LT $11,599, 52K mi, $799 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), white/black

2) used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: 2015 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC $11,998, 15K mi, $1,099 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), white/black

3) used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: 2014 BMW I3 $15,998, 17K mi, $1,099 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), red/white

---
1) used EV highest price: Carvana.com: 2020 PORSCHE TAYCAN $91,990, 5K mi, $990 shipping, AC electric motor, grey

2) used EV lowest price: Carvana.com: 2023 BMW iX $86,990, 52K mi, $1,490 shipping, 
AC electric motor, grey

3) used EV highest price: Carvana.com: 2022 RIVIAN R1T $72,990, 18K mi, $0 shipping, 
AC electric motor, green

---
1) used EV lowest price: Carvana.com: 2012 NISSAN LEAF $10,990, 32K mi, $1,490 shipping, AC electric motor, white

2) used EV lowest price: Carvana.com: 2014 MITSUBISHI iMiEVi $11,990, 59K mi, $0 shipping, AC electric battery, grey

3)used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: FORD FOCUS $11,990, 28K mi, $1,190 shipping, AC electric motor, white 


     
     In conclusion, an electric vehicle is a nice choice if you have the available funds. Money is always an issue, but in this case, it seems to be the only deciding issue.  Convenience is a heavy trade-off. EVs are quiet and very modern. If you have the money you don't really need the tax credits.  Always research customer comments.  Dealing with climate change, in 2023, is a really good argument in favor of an EV. 

     Test drive at least 3 different EVs.  Check out some comparison videos, too.

     To buy or not to buy an EV, 2023.