Tuesday 7th, February 2012 06:24 AM
February 2012 - 2011 Tax Season Considerations
You don’t want to pay more in taxes than you have to. That means taking advantage of every deduction and credit that you’re en- titled to, and recognizing potential oppor- tunities to save. It also means staying on top of deadlines, and avoiding mistakes that could prove costly down the road. So, here are some things to keep in mind this filing season. ... Read More...
January 2012 - Making Financial Resolutions? Look Back at Last Year
Each new year brings the chance for a fresh start, and the opportunity to improve your financial picture. As you make financial resolutions for 2012, looking back at what happened last year can help you make some positive changes this year. ... Read More...
December 2011 - The Problem with DIY Estate Planning
As the number of Internet websites and software packages have quickly multiplied, along with the many books and stationery store kits that have always been available, do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning is on the rise. ... Read More...
November 2011 - Why Does Europe Affect Your Portfolio?
When a possible default on Greek sovereign debt becomes headline news, a lot of people find themselves wondering, "How can the problems of a country so small and so far away create such turmoil in the world's financial markets?" ... Read More...
October 2011 - The Debt Ceiling and the Road Ahead
The Budget Control Act of 2011 left all sides with plenty to argue about for the rest of the year. In addition to gradually increasing the debt ceiling, it's intended to bring down the federal budget deficit by an estimated $2.1 trillion over the next 10 years ... Read More...
July 2011 - Tax Advantages of Homeownership
Although tax considerations probably aren't the motivating force behind most home purchases, the tax advantages associated with homeownership are significant enough that they may factor into the decision process. Here's a quick review of federal tax benefits available ... Read More...
June 2011 - Life Insurance Policy Loans: Tax and Other Implications
As the owner of a life insurance policy, you can generally borrow the policy's cash surrender value and use the proceeds for any purpose. Before you take a policy loan, be sure you understand the implications of the loan ... Read More...
May 2011 - Inflation or Deflation: Watching for Warning Signs
There's been much debate in investing circles over the last year about whether inflation or deflation represents a more likely threat to the future of the U.S. economy. With a recovery that's still tentative compared to previous recessions, measures ... Read More...
April 2011 - Rising Interest Rates: The Downside of Economic Recovery
Over the last several years, investors have grown accustomed to historically low interest rates. Ever since the Federal Reserve Board's target fed funds rate--the rate at which banks lend to one another--hit a high above 19% ... Read More...
December 2010 - Paying for Long-Term Care During Retirement
You may have spent a good part of your working years planning for a financially secure retirement. But many issues can arise during retirement that can impact your financial health as well as your quality of life. For instance, the cost of medical expenses ... Read More...
October 2010 - Year-End Investment Planning Is More Challenging in 2010
If you don't normally review your investments at the end of each year, 2010 might be a good time to start. And if year-end investment planning is already part of your routine, you might want to pay special attention this year. Why?... Read More...
September 2010 - In-Service Withdrawals from 401(k) Plans
You're probably familiar with the rules for putting money into a 401(k) plan. But are you familiar with the rules for taking your money out? All 401(k) are not the same... Read More...
August 2010 - Avoiding Probate: Is It Worth It?
When you die, your estate goes through a process that manages, settles, and distributes your property according to the terms of your will. This process is governed by state law and is called probate... Read More...
July 2010 - Will You See Higher Tax Rates in 2011?
The year was 2001. The top marginal federal income tax bracket was 39.6%, and the tax rate that applied to most long-term capital gains was 20%. Then the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 arrived... Read More...
June 2010 - What You Should Know About Inherited IRAs
The rules governing inherited IRAs can be complicated. This article covers the major issues... Read More...
May 2010 - Tax Benefits of Conservation Easements
A conservation easement (also called a conservation covenant or restriction) is an encumbrance on privately held real estate that prohibits the development of that property in perpetuity. Read More...
Due to technical problems, no April newsletter was distributed.
March 2010 - Ten Financial Terms Everyone Should Know
Understanding financial matters can be difficult because of the jargon used. Becoming familiar with these ten financial terms may help make your financial picture clearer.Read More...
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