S05.E16: Skeletons In The Closet

[Darknight]

Nova can still be adopted. She's only what? 13months

[SPLAIN]

Nova can still be adopted. She's only what? 13months

She already has been adopted. By April.

 

Snark aside, just because a child is young, it doesn't mean it is easy for a parent to give up that child. Speaking as an adopted child, I am amazed how some people think it is just so easy to place a child for adoption. It is not like giving away a pet that no longer suits one needs.

 

As it is, they didn't even cut ties with Carly. They have visits with her and contact with her through letters and emails. With Nova, they have almost the same scenario playing out. The only difference is, they can dump their kid at April's and then pick her up when they are ready to play house and family.

[WhosThatGirl]

As it is, they didn't even cut ties with Carly. They have visits with her and contact with her through letters and emails. With Nova, they have almost the same scenario playing out. The only difference is, they can dump their kid at April's and then pick her up when they are ready to play house and family.

 

I've come to thinking lately that Catelynn and Tyler don't know what parenting is, I'm going to try and explain this and it might not make sense but here's what I think. Also let me preface this by saying that while I am saying both Tyler and Catelynn, I think it shouldn't be for Tyler as much as it is for Catelynn, only because Tyler's mom was very much there in his life, so none of this should apply, but here's my thinking. I don't think they know how to be parents because growing up, obviously they didn't have wonderful role models of parents, obviously and then they gave up their baby and constantly use the term that they are parents to her because they see her every once in a while. They view this as parenting. Flash to when they have a kid, they think it makes sense to drop their kid off whenever, because it's probably how they think they are parents. 

 

Someone said in the last page that it sucks that these girls get money for just being lucky enough to get pregnant and make more money than any of us will probably ever see and sometimes I think that when watching this show; it's not fair that because in high-school, these girls got pregnant and were lucky enough (I don't know if "lucky" is the right word, but it does fit that it got them on a reality tv show, so..)  when MTV was casting for a show and they will be able to buy new houses and cars and yet, normal people struggle to make ends meat and yet also it feels like none of these girls have learned a damn thing. And then other days I'm happy that my whole life isn't broadcasted on national tv and therefore people don't see all of my choices and my life being out in the open and talk about them and twitter them and their whole life is in a tabloid. It's so strange how sometimes I'm happy and other times I'm a little mad because I think the show did give these girls wonderful chances to do more than what they ended up doing with their lives. All of them could have gone to college and finished and yet.. I think the only one who did was Maci? It just.. it makes me sad. I get that for them, this tv show money is a fast reward and none of them back in the first couple seasons were thinking long term, saving money for a better reward system but I wish their families had stepped in because one day this show will end for good and the teen mom cash is going to end too. 

Edited February 6, 2016 by WhosThatGirl

[leighroda]

She already has been adopted. By April.

Snark aside, just because a child is young, it doesn't mean it is easy for a parent to give up that child. Speaking as an adopted child, I am amazed how some people think it is just so easy to place a child for adoption. It is not like giving away a pet that no longer suits one needs.

As it is, they didn't even cut ties with Carly. They have visits with her and contact with her through letters and emails. With Nova, they have almost the same scenario playing out. The only difference is, they can dump their kid at April's and then pick her up when they are ready to play house and family.

thats a good point, I hadn't really thought about it but you could say that the way they parent Nova, by dropping her off at every whim is perhaps how they saw Carly's adoption... I don't necessarily mean that literally, but it's no secret that they had the impression they would be more involved with Carly, maybe they thought they would be the ones Brandon and Teresa dropped Carly off with when they had a date night or something. I recognize that is completely delusional...but if the shoe fits...

[Snarky McSnarky]

Someone said in the last page that it sucks that these girls get money for just being lucky enough to get pregnant and make more money than any of us will probably ever see and sometimes I think that when watching this show; it's not fair that because in high-school, these girls got pregnant and were lucky enough (I don't know if "lucky" is the right word, but it does fit that it got them on a reality tv show, so..)  when MTV was casting for a show and they will be able to buy new houses and cars and yet, normal people struggle to make ends meat and yet also it feels like none of these girls have learned a damn thing.

 

All of them could have gone to college and finished and yet.. I think the only one who did was Maci? It just.. it makes me sad. I get that for them, this tv show money is a fast reward and none of them back in the first couple seasons were thinking long term, saving money for a better reward system but I wish their families had stepped in because one day this show will end for good and the teen mom cash is going to end too. 

In a 60 MInutes interview, Jay Leno talked about the entertainment business.  He said, "You're paid a lot of money, but eventually one day you're going to get screwed.  People complain that they got screwed, and I tell them, 'Yea, but remember that big pile of money you were paid?'"

 

It appears most of the Teen Moms have not set aside much of the money they're being paid.  That is unfortunate because none of them live in areas that offer much in the way of opportunities for women with high school educations and no work experience.  There may be difficult times ahead, and, like Amber has already said, they're going to look back and realize how much money they pissed away.  I think the only parent that actually provided financial advice was Chelsea's father.  She went to a trade school, got a job (albeit part time), purchased a house, and managed to stay away from silly extravagances like ever-changing shiny new SUVs fitted with every option available.

[CofCinci]

It appears most of the Teen Moms have not set aside much of the money they're being paid.

Most didn't even set aside money for taxes!

[FozzyBear]

Most didn't even set aside money for taxes!

I sort of don't fully understand how that happens. I get that they are likely getting their yearly income in just a few checks and that could skew the withholdings, but are they not having anything withheld? Are they considered independent contractors instead of employees?

[evilmindatwork]

I've come to thinking lately that Catelynn and Tyler don't know what parenting is, I'm going to try and explain this and it might not make sense but here's what I think. Also let me preface this by saying that while I am saying both Tyler and Catelynn, I think it shouldn't be for Tyler as much as it is for Catelynn, only because Tyler's mom was very much there in his life, so none of this should apply, but here's my thinking. I don't think they know how to be parents because growing up, obviously they didn't have wonderful role models of parents, obviously and then they gave up their baby and constantly use the term that they are parents to her because they see her every once in a while. They view this as parenting. Flash to when they have a kid, they think it makes sense to drop their kid off whenever, because it's probably how they think they are parents. 

 

Someone said in the last page that it sucks that these girls get money for just being lucky enough to get pregnant and make more money than any of us will probably ever see and sometimes I think that when watching this show; it's not fair that because in high-school, these girls got pregnant and were lucky enough (I don't know if "lucky" is the right word, but it does fit that it got them on a reality tv show, so..)  when MTV was casting for a show and they will be able to buy new houses and cars and yet, normal people struggle to make ends meat and yet also it feels like none of these girls have learned a damn thing. And then other days I'm happy that my whole life isn't broadcasted on national tv and therefore people don't see all of my choices and my life being out in the open and talk about them and twitter them and their whole life is in a tabloid. It's so strange how sometimes I'm happy and other times I'm a little mad because I think the show did give these girls wonderful chances to do more than what they ended up doing with their lives. All of them could have gone to college and finished and yet.. I think the only one who did was Maci? It just.. it makes me sad. I get that for them, this tv show money is a fast reward and none of them back in the first couple seasons were thinking long term, saving money for a better reward system but I wish their families had stepped in because one day this show will end for good and the teen mom cash is going to end too. 

Sadly I am currently interviewing for attorney jobs in which I'll be paid less than these girls. Granted that part of it was self-inficlted by going to the public interest route but the point still stands. 

[Snarky McSnarky]

I sort of don't fully understand how that happens. I get that they are likely getting their yearly income in just a few checks and that could skew the withholdings, but are they not having anything withheld? Are they considered independent contractors instead of employees?

That is correct.  "Bookout’s appearances as a cast member on Teen Mom were paid out as an independent contractor which means she didn’t have taxes directly deducted at the time and was responsible for filing her own — which she clearly didn’t, and now owes a total of $78,308.63."

 

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2014/06/maci-bookout-irs

 

If the above article is correct, and her TAXES from 2011 were almost $80K, these women are being paid a whole lot of money.  I doubt that she made too much from her personal appearances at high schools, so it must be from MTV.  Apparently, she recently paid it off, along with a smaller lien filed in 2014:

 

http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/teen-mom-maci-bookout-tax-debt-reality-star-pays-80k-federal-liens

Edited February 6, 2016 by Bella Roche

[ktwo]

That is correct. "Bookout’s appearances as a cast member on Teen Mom were paid out as an independent contractor which means she didn’t have taxes directly deducted at the time and was responsible for filing her own — which she clearly didn’t, and now owes a total of $78,308.63."

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2014/06/maci-bookout-irs

If the above article is correct, and her TAXES from 2011 were almost $80K, these women are being paid a whole lot of money. I doubt that she made too much from her personal appearances at high schools, so it must be from MTV. Apparently, she recently paid it off, along with a smaller lien filed in 2014:

http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/teen-mom-maci-bookout-tax-debt-reality-star-pays-80k-federal-liens

God, it is so frustrating that Maci of all people, who had what looked to be a standard middle-class upbringing like Chelsea's, didn't have people around her who had enough sense to tell her she needed to pay taxes and/or to get an accountant. The financial illiteracy in this country is around the bend. Edited February 6, 2016 by ktwo

[FozzyBear]

God, it is so frustrating that Maci of all people, who had what looked to be a standard middle-class upbringing like Chelsea's, didn't have people around her who had enough sense to tell her she needed to pay taxes and/or to get an accountant. The financial illiteracy in this country is around the bend.

I once knew a woman who sincerely believed that you didn't have to pay taxes until you were 18. It takes all kinds. Although I agree that's it's odd in Maci's case. I can see it with Caitlynn and Amber, but you think Maci's parents would have taken her to an accountant during her 16 & Pregnant episode.

[StatisticalOutlier]

 but you think Maci's parents would have taken her to an accountant during her 16 & Pregnant episode.

 

I thought they got paid almost nothing for 16&P, and the gravy train didn't start until Teen Mom.  I think it's alluded to in posts about how Catelynn and Tyler couldn't have known they WOULD have the money to raise Carly if they chose to keep her, because of the still-unknown Teen Mom.  Although seeing how they're doing it now that they do have the money, adopting Carly out was still probably the best thing for all involved, but you know they have to have major "If only I'd known"s about that. 

[Maharincess]

I think I read in the Teen Mom Confidential book (shut up!! Somebody held a gun to me and MADE me buy it and read it. I swear!) that they got $2000.00 for 16 and Pregnant.

To some of them, I'm sure at the time that was a whole lot of money.

[GreatKazu]

 

I thought they got paid almost nothing for 16&P, and the gravy train didn't start until Teen Mom.

 

Just did some checking.

 

16 & Pregnant debuted in June 2009. Catelynn's segment was filmed in May 2009 when she was in her ninth month of pregnancy and eventually gave birth to Carly. Teen Mom debuted in December 2009. Filming took place for TM in August or at the latest, September 2009. I seemed to have read that it was in July 2009 that MTV decided to spin-off Teen Mom. That means it was at least two months after giving up Carly when they were committed to doing Teen Mom. It also means 17 year old Maci, a minor, also signed up to do TM. Maci turned 18 years of age in August 2010 which is when she likely received her first MTV check. From what I understand from reading about the girls and their tax problems, they are issued one check a year. They are paid as independent contractors.

 

God, it is so frustrating that Maci of all people, who had what looked to be a standard middle-class upbringing like Chelsea's, didn't have people around her who had enough sense to tell her she needed to pay taxes and/or to get an accountant. The financial illiteracy in this country is around the bend.

You are assuming people didn't talk to her. This is the girl whose grandmother has been pushing her to get married for the longest time. At least, that is what Maci has said on camera a few times. It might be just another excuse she uses to justify why she pushed and pushed her boyfriends into marriage. Maci may have been talked to by her parents about her finances after the TM money started rolling in, the question is, why didn't Maci listen to them? Probably because like most young people, they think they have it all under control. By the time they hit 18 years of age, as much as a parent, grandparent or any adult tries to guide them, in the end they are going to do what they want to do. Maci

 

Maci claims there isn't any "glamorous piles of money" in her life. Maci does claim she is "doing well" by promoting products on Twitter and Instagram. She is doing so well in fact, that she plans on being a "social media specialist". How many dream jobs does that make? Didn't she want to be a journalist and then a radio personality or something like that? http://starcasm.net/archives/322685

Edited February 7, 2016 by GreatKazu

[WhosThatGirl]

I mean, obviously, parents can only do so much once the child turns 18 but I still wish these girls had had more guidance with their money or if they had guidance, I wish they had listened. 

 

I don't know if Maci's grandmother is pushing her to get married, I think more or less her grandmother wanted her to be married before getting pregnant and also, the fact that it's now on tv that she has two kids from different fathers probably doesn't make her grandmother happy. But also, this is the image Maci gets presented with her narrative, out of the girls on this incarnation of the show, Maci's the most stable one with the stable parents-who stopped wanting to be on this show last season, even though previous seasons they were featured pretty heavily. It's why when she's going to shotgun a beer, she says all, "don't put this on tv! My grandmother won't like it!"  The narrative for Maci is that she's good. I mean, that's probably not the right word for what her narrative is trying to be, but..it's the only one I can think of. The other three have had different story arcs, Maci has always been more or less the same and boring because nothing really happens to her. What I mean is, Maci has always had the less tragic arc. I think her biggest problems have been when a boyfriend breaks up with her or if she should move to Nashville that one year.

 

Maci changes her dreams to what is possible in the shortest amount of time. She did want to be a journalist originally. And she was doing a radio show during the start of last season? And now a social media specialist. Also, clothing t-shirt owner as well. 

[Darknight]

She already has been adopted. By April.

Snark aside, just because a child is young, it doesn't mean it is easy for a parent to give up that child. Speaking as an adopted child, I am amazed how some people think it is just so easy to place a child for adoption. It is not like giving away a pet that no longer suits one needs.

As it is, they didn't even cut ties with Carly. They have visits with her and contact with her through letters and emails. With Nova, they have almost the same scenario playing out. The only difference is, they can dump their kid at April's and then pick her up when they are ready to play house and family.

I know it's not easy. But clearly Caitlnn and Tyler don't care for or about Nova. They don't do shit everyday and they can't parent their own kid but can leave her with April who isn't all that reliable. Maybe they need some parenting classes and serious therapy

I once knew a woman who sincerely believed that you didn't have to pay taxes until you were 18. It takes all kinds. Although I agree that's it's odd in Maci's case. I can see it with Caitlynn and Amber, but you think Maci's parents would have taken her to an accountant during her 16 & Pregnant episode.

I believed this too until I got my first job.

[Tatum]

One minor nitpick- Great Kazu: Maci was born in 1991. She turned 18 in August of 2009. She was 16 and a junior in high school when she got pregnant in early 2008 and 17 by the time she gave birth in October.

As far as the dollar amount, was the $80K just for one year, or did they only catch her in 2011 and that related to income received 2009-2011? Also, IRS penalties and interest for underpaying are STIFF. It wouldn't surprise me if at least a quarter of that, if not half, was penalties and interest, not the actual taxes due.

[Sounditout]

Just now watching this episode, I am always the last one to the party lol!  I have only gotten about 1/3 of the way in but I need to say that Farrah is such a horrible person she incites a rage in me I never knew I had.  If I ever had the displeasure of being in the same room as her I would take my chances on any punishment I might receive and beat the crap out of her.  The pleasure of punching her in her smug, bitchy face would far surpass any fines, jail time, etc. that may come my way.  I am not a violent person at all but this girl deserves to be put in her place.  How in the world she has gone this long without a severe ass beating is beyond me.  Ok now that is off my chest I can continue watching!

[GreatKazu]

One minor nitpick- Great Kazu: Maci was born in 1991. She turned 18 in August of 2009. She was 16 and a junior in high school when she got pregnant in early 2008 and 17 by the time she gave birth in October.

 

Yeah, I posted the same thing. I think you are confused with my comment about Maci being a minor. Maci turned 18 in August of 2009, but when MTV signed up the girls to do Teen Mom, she was still 17 years old because it was announced in late June or early July that Teen Mom would be a new show and the participants had already been signed on to do the show. Maci was just shy of her 18th birthday when she was signed on so technically, she was still a minor.

 

FYI Maci has a brother named Matt.

 

 

As far as the dollar amount, was the $80K just for one year, or did they only catch her in 2011 and that related to income received 2009-2011? Also, IRS penalties and interest for underpaying are STIFF. It wouldn't surprise me if at least a quarter of that, if not half, was penalties and interest, not the actual taxes due.

I would guess it is for the period between 2009-2011. I don't think Maci would pay taxes for two years and not the third.

 

 

I mean, obviously, parents can only do so much once the child turns 18 but I still wish these girls had had more guidance with their money or if they had guidance, I wish they had listened.

Yes. Well, some people are better at listening than others. Maci rubs me as the type who thinks she has it all under control and she pretty much does what she wants. Some never listen while others eventually listen to their parents.

[Tatum]

I did some rough calculating using a 2009 federal tax table. Assuming maximum penalties were assessed, along with interest, at bare minimum the taxes due (had she filed and paid timely) were around $55,000. For that to be the amount due for one year of taxes, her adjusted gross income would have to be around $200,000. But if she was caught in 2011, at most that could be through 2010, so I am guessing 2 possibilities- either she didn't pay taxes in 2009 or 2010, or she received payment for both season 1 and season 2 in calendar year 2010, so $200,000 is technically for two seasons. That may also include bonuses- that cameraman that outed these people as filthy assholes said that they get a bonus if the viewership is a certain number.

[qtpye]

Maci claims there isn't any "glamorous piles of money" in her life. Maci does claim she is "doing well" by promoting products on Twitter and Instagram. She is doing so well in fact, that she plans on being a "social media specialist". How many dream jobs does that make? Didn't she want to be a journalist and then a radio personality or something like that?

 

 

So the Teen Mom on this show want to be a social media specialist journalist plastic surgeon house flipper social worker.  Yet, among these women only two managed to get an Associate's Degree in six years, one only got her GED because she went to prison. and the other barely passed High School.  This is with almost unlimited money and resources at their disposal.

 

My daughter also wants to be a cowgirl ballerina princess super hero doctor when she grows up...however, she is only three years old.

Edited February 8, 2016 by qtpye

[Elizabeth9]

Sadly, I think Catelynn and Amber are what they are going to be when they grow up.

[CofCinci]

So the Teen Mom on this show want to be a social media specialist journalist plastic surgeon house flipper social worker. Yet, among these women only two managed to get an Associate's Degree in six years, one only got her GED because she went to prison. and the other barely passed High School. This is with almost unlimited money and resources at their disposal.

My daughter also wants to be a cowgirl ballerina princess super hero doctor when she grows up...however, she is only three years old.

Farrah is a vile human being -- but I wanted to add that she's the only one to each a bachelors degree (Bachelors of Culinary Management). She also continues to take online classes through Pace University's Lubin School of Business. Farrah sets goals and makes them happen. Why she can't goal set to be a better human?

[Tatum]

Farrah has a bachelors? I thought it was a certification? Mind blown.

[MaddyMaeboxerbabe]

Farrah has an associates degree in culinary management not a Bachelors.

[CofCinci]

Her linkedin and a few articles state she earned the bachelors.

[Tatum]

I checked it out. Her LinkedIn account does say bachelors. However, an interview dated 2013 says she has started earning her bachelors, and her LinkedIn account lists the dates attended as 2011-2013. Given Farrah's dubious relationship with the truth, I'm more inclined to believe that from 2011-2013 she took online coursework that would count towards earning her bachelors, but has not actually earned the degree. Just my guess though.

[qtpye]

If Farrah has earned her bachelors, then good for her.  She is the most ambitious of the Teen Moms, though she is probably the one with the most educated parents, with the exception of Maci.

 

However, I can not help but think if it were true that we would be bombarded in social media with pictures of Farrah in her cap and gown getting her degree.  After all, Farrah is no wilting flower when it comes to gloating about her accomplishments

 

We probably would also be treated to another "leaked sex tape" called Backdoor Teen Mom II: The Coed Edition.

Edited February 8, 2016 by qtpye

[Snarky McSnarky]

I'm not buying this LinkedIn bullshit.  People can say anything they want on that website.  She entered this info when she was supposedly attending, and hasn't bothered to update (correct) it.  Good luck getting a Doctorate in Finance from any school but a diploma mill.

 

Pace University - Lubin School of Business
Bachelor's degree, Accounting and Auditing
2013 – 2015
Leading to a doctorate in finance.

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahabraham

Edited February 8, 2016 by Bella Roche

[CofCinci]

She's honest about her food service jobs though. Not sure what to think. Farrah is nuts.

[Tatum]

I'm not buying this LinkedIn bullshit.  People can say anything they want on that website.  She entered this info when she was supposedly attending, and hasn't bothered to update (correct) it.  Good luck getting a Doctorate in Finance from any school but a diploma mill.

 

Pace University - Lubin School of Business

Bachelor's degree, Accounting and Auditing

2013 – 2015

Leading to a doctorate in finance.

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahabraham

 

If you look underneath each heading, she has the number of courses taken. Accounting and auditing is three courses, culinary management is one course, and her associates is 2 courses.

 

Farrah speak- she took a certain number of courses within each major field that would count towards a bachelors. I don't for one second believe she has two bachelors degrees, one from the Arts Institute of Florida and one from Pace University, in two completely unrelated fields.

 

It sounds to me like she's enrolled in three different colleges over the course of the last 7 years and has completed 6 classes in that time. Now I don't even think she's completed her associates after taking a closer look at her Linkedin page.

[Elizabeth9]

I don't even think she was in Florida long enough to complete that program

[MaddyMaeboxerbabe]

She also belonged to the Thi bata kappa society. And that is what??

[Elizabeth9]

She also belonged to the Thi bata kappa society. And that is what??

A sorority porn?

[MyPeopleAreNordic]

She also belonged to the Thi bata kappa society. And that is what??

Believe it or not....

I think she *means* Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community college students from when she earned her associates at Metropolitan Communtiy College (the only degree which I believe she earned).

[lilmarysunshine]

A sorority porn?

Thigh beta kappa? lol

[The Mighty Peanut]

He commented that because Carly is tall (like him) that she will be manly and unfeminine. He then parodied a deep manly voice and said "Hi, I'm Carly" to describe her walking into a room when she gets older.

What a fucking asshole. I hope she becomes a supermodel at 18 and doesn't give him any money when he takes credit for her height then.

[lilmarysunshine]

I see more movement and vigor from the people on that TLC show My 600 Pound Life.

 

I am sorry, I keep reading comments about April's addiction. I could have sworn that she kicked her addiction and was doing pretty damn good. Did I miss something? Comments about the welfare of Nova seem to indicate April is back to her old ways but I am pretty sure she is clean.

 

*dying at that first line*

 

April might be clean but I don't think I'd totally trust her to have my baby that much. She's had many years of poor choices and shitty parenting and not so many of clean choices. Plus I think she and Butch were beyond awful to Catelynn when she placed Carly and a part of me will never forgive her for that. That is when motherhood really matters and not only was she not there for her, she continually kicked her when she was down.

[DoctorWhovian]

Thigh beta kappa? lol

 

Aye Eta Kappa?