November, 2007
Here’s How to Protect Against Job Loss in your Financial Plan
Worried about your employer’s financial future? Start making plans to protect your own finances.
October, 2007
Thinking About Borrowing from Family or Friends? Do It The Right Way.
Often, there’s something very attractive about the idea of obtaining a loan from friends or family.
September, 2007
How Your Personality Affects Your Financial Decision-making
In order to be a successful long-term investor, you need to understand your own attitudes about money.
September, 2007
When Real Estate’s in Trouble, Spruce up Your Home and Finances
With real estate and credit markets in turmoil, what should a homeowner do to protect his or her investment?
August, 2007
Should You Consider an HSA?
The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (TRHCA) that went into effect this year made it a bit easier for both employers and their workers and self-employees to obtain Health Savings Accounts.
August, 2007
Think it’s Time to Tap Your HELOC for an Investment? Get Some Advice First
Just because you qualify for a home equity line doesn’t mean you need to use it, and particularly not as a piggy bank for investment purposes.
August, 2007
Thinking About Going Back to College? Make a Plan First
You’re in your 40s or beyond and you’ve always dreamed of going back to school. The mid-career college plan should be very different from the one you and your parents had in place when you were 18 – and that’s probably a good thing.
July, 2007
An All-Weather Strategy for Real Estate Investing
Despite some positive stirrings in real estate in some parts of the country, it’s wise to take cautious steps when strolling back into an investment property market that was very overheated not too long ago.
June, 2007
Thinking About Private School for Your Kids? The Earlier You Start Planning, the Better
Considering private grammar and high school costs can be a parent’s introduction to a lifetime of saving for a child’s education.
June, 2007
Lenders May Give You a Break on Debt, But Uncle Sam Might Not Be So Forgiving
There’s a good news/bad news story if you’re a borrower in trouble with mortgage debt.
June, 2007
An Annual Insurance Checkup Can Save You Money Without Hurting Your Coverage
As we go through life, our insurance needs can change. It’s wise to review your coverage to make sure that it continues to fit your needs.
May, 2007
Market Volatility Shouldn’t Rattle a Good Financial Plan
2007 has seen tremendous ups and downs in the stock market, and a great deal of uncertainty remains as to the future direction of the economy and the markets. What’s an investor to do?
May, 2007
Adopting a Child Requires a Specific Financial Plan
Adopting a child is a big decision, both emotionally and financially. Depending on your choice of adoption scenario, you're likely to need a financial plan.
April, 2007
Losing Your Inheritance to Uncle Sam – or Others
There are a number of ways for your estate to be lost to your intended heirs. Successful estate planning often requires the advice of a competent professional.
April, 2007
Getting your Kids Involved in Saving for College
The cost of a college education continues to rise. By planning early and involving your child in the process of saving for college, you can provide for their education and give them an opportunity to learn early about managing money.
March, 2007
Most Americans Need to Prepare for Financial Impact of Disability
The possibility of becoming disabled and unable to return to work is quite high for many Americans. One-fifth of this nation's population will become disabled for a year or more before reaching age 65, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). To adequately protect your family against the risk of serious disability, make sure you understand your disability insurance coverage.
March, 2007
How Bunching Can Preserve Your Right to Itemize
With tax deduction phaseouts coming and going, some taxpayers may find it difficult to make full use of their itemized deductions. These taxpayers should consider making the best possible use of their deductions through careful tax planning.
March, 2007
Now Is the Time to Pick Up Low-Cost Life Insurance
Life insurance premiums are continuing to drop. If you have an existing policy, it may be less expensive in the long run to switch your coverage to a new policy.
February, 2007
Tis the Season – Things to Know Before Filing Your Taxes
Now that tax season is in full swing, the IRS and other experts have started to issue tax tips. Consider some of the ways that you can make your tax filing less painful this year.
January, 2007
Getting Fiscally Fit In 2007
Here are eight personal financial resolutions worth pursuing in 2007.
January, 2007
More Tax Changes: The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006
The Tax Relief and Health Care Act offers $45.1 billion in tax breaks and adds more than 200 changes to the Tax Code, extended several tax provisions that were scheduled to expire, resurrected several tax provisions that had already expired and added a few surprises. Here's a quick summary of how the changes may affect your household.
December, 2006
The Ins and Outs of Mortgages and Refinancing
There was a time when mortgages were fairly simple. Today, however, there are more than 200 different types of mortgages, including those with adjustable-rates. Here's a brief primer on what you need to know about mortgages and refinancing.
November, 2006
New law allows IRA owners over 70½ to donate RMD to charity
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows IRA owners age 70½ or older to make direct transfers of up to $100,000 per year from their IRA to a charity. The provision became available for IRA distributions taken after Aug. 17, 2006 and applies only through the end of 2007. The provision allows those who want to contribute some of their IRA funds to a charity during their lifetime to do so without having to add the distribution amount to their income.
October, 2006
A guide to withdrawing retirement assets
A great deal is being written about how much money Americans can withdraw from their investments to fund their retirement years. Recent research points the way to determining which funds to withdraw first.
September, 2006
Making A Home Senior-Friendly
Many older Americans want to age in place: to live in their homes rather than relocate to a nursing home or an assisted living facility. But often, older adults don't have a working knowledge of or access to home- and community-based services that promote independent living. What are some of the provisions that need to be considered in making a home senior-friendly?
