On Your Mind... Tax Prep, Cancer-Causing Pizza, and Asset-Based Care
It's a good problem to have...
With hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the world, our inbox is constantly full. That means we struggle to find time to answer all the questions you submit.
To remedy this (and try to make a dent in our inbox), we're digging right into some questions today.
If you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future issue, send it to the Health & Wealth Bulletin team at feedback@healthandwealthbulletin.com.
Now, let's get into this week's Q&A...
Q: With all the different options, do you have a preferred software for tax filing? – R.L.
A: There are a lot of options for filing your taxes, R.L. Two of the most popular services are TurboTax and H&R Block. Lots of financial websites and magazines rank these two at the top of their lists in terms of accuracy and simplicity. Both offer online help from a tax professional if you need it (for an additional fee). But only H&R Block has in-person services, if that's important to you.
Some folks find TurboTax easier to use, while H&R Block is a few dollars cheaper. I personally used TurboTax for years until my taxes became too complicated to do on my own.
But you may not need to hire an accountant or buy pricey software for this year's tax season... That's because many Americans qualify for free tax preparation and filing.
First, the IRS offers the Direct File service in 25 states to qualifying taxpayers who earned less than $200,000 in W-2 wages and $1,500 in investment income. You may have heard about Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency targeting Direct File for deletion, but it's still working for at least this year.
Should you need in-person help, the IRS offers assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ("VITA") program. If you have an adjusted gross income of $67,000 or less or are disabled, you can get free help from VITA's tax preparers.
In addition, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly ("TCE") program offers free tax help to people aged 60 and older. And it specializes in pensions and retirement questions. Check here to find the closest locations for both services.
Veterans get benefits, too. In addition to VITA, active-duty servicemen and women can use programs like TaxSlayer Military or TurboTax Military. You can learn more about your options right here.
Finally, check out the IRS's Free File program for a list of tax-prep providers offering free federal and state (or discounted state) filing for those who qualify.
Q: Doc... There was a morning news show today on CBS where they talked about a great pizza restaurant in Connecticut. They make wood fired thin crust pizza that is blackened but not burnt on the bottom. I know you've written about the carcinogens that are created from cooking and especially from overcooking. Is it possible to blacken something without burning it? If so, how does one tell the difference? And if so, is blackened food ok to eat considering carcinogens? Thanks. – J.T.
A: Thanks for the great question, J.T.
Roasted, charred, or burned food puts you at the greatest risk from three harmful chemicals...
The first is called heterocyclic amines ("HCAs"). These chemical compounds form in meat (including poultry and fish) when amino acids combine with sugars released during cooking. Typically, HCAs form only at high temperatures when frying, roasting, and grilling. But there's some evidence that longer cooking periods (think 12-hour barbecues) also produce them.
The second, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ("PAHs"), are much more prevalent in meats that have been barbecued than cooked another way. That's because PAHs form when fat drips down into the heat source and turns to smoke. That smoke contains PAHs... and it seeps into the meat (ever seen the smoke ring on ribs or brisket?). Think about how tasty grilled and barbecued food is – that's all from PAH-filled smoke.
The third, advanced glycation end products ("AGEs"), form in meats when their proteins and sugars are heated and start to brown. This browning is what gives meat its distinct flavor when grilled, broiled, roasted, seared, or fried.
HCAs, PAHs, and AGEs damage the DNA in our cells. Damaged DNA sometimes creates cells that grow and divide uncontrollably, causing cancer. Even worse, these chemicals can accumulate over time.
That's why I've warned readers before to be very careful when grilling... Cooking meat at a lower heat and offsetting these chemicals by loading up on antioxidant-packed foods are two simple ways to help lower the risk.
Now, a fourth chemical called acrylamide forms when foods are roasted, baked, or fried at high temperatures. Some common foods that contain acrylamide are potatoes, coffee beans, almonds, cereal, and pizza (like that nice charred pie at your local pizzeria). You're also exposed to it through cigarette smoke.
But good news... If you're getting acrylamide through food, current research shows little to no risk of the chemical causing DNA mutations. Two separate reviews of human studies found no strong links between the dietary intake of acrylamide and increases in instances of breast, endometrial, ovarian, or colorectal cancers.
So be careful when you're grilling your hamburgers, but don't worry so much about your pizza.
Q: Doc, some time ago you shared information on asset-based care. I don't remember if it was in a Retirement Millionaire issue or a Health & Wealth Bulletin. When I search for asset-based care on the website nothing comes up. Could you please tell me where to find it? – G.R.
A: Our full report on asset-based care (a type of long-term-care product) is available for Retirement Millionaire subscribers to read here. If you're not already a subscriber, click here to sign up today.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? We're going to profit as America's infrastructure gets a big upgrade.
- Something different: Don't forget to "spring forward" this weekend.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
March 7, 2025