The due date for your tax return is fast approaching and so is the deadline to make a contribution to your IRA or a SEP-IRA if you own a business. Should you make the contribution, save the cash, or pay off some debt? Reasons to Make the Contribution: Let’s assume that you have the extra […]
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How to Prepare for & Prosper from the Next Recession
We are currently in one of the longest economic recoveries ever recorded. That is excellent news, but on the flip side, we are due for a recession. Who knows when that will happen, but there are steps to take to prepare yourself and possibly take advantage of any future downturns: Don’t Live on the Edge: […]
Don’t Worry if the Timing is Not Right to Conquer the World
Ever feel frustrated that your business or your career isn’t going as well as it should? I’m sure that most people feel like this from time to time, but sometimes there are valid reasons for this. Not excuses, as the “success” coaches may call them, but as human beings we have many moving parts to […]
Bad Credit Card Policy?
Some business owners are penny wise and pound foolish with their credit and debit card policies. Even worse some do not even accept credit cards. Here is why you should review your credit card policies: Higher Purchase Amounts: Statistics show that when consumers use a credit or debit card it increases the amount of their […]
3 Ways to Wealth (Almost Anyone Can Do)
Aside from inheriting your wealth, there are 3 main ways to become wealthy over time that almost anyone can do and there really are no secrets. They all depend upon income, savings and investments as follows: Slow and Steady Corporate Route: This is the most common, easiest, and accessible way for most people even with […]
Are Children Really That Expensive?
Virtually every financial article regarding children makes you think that you will go broke if you have children. Between childcare, housing, food, diapers, vacations, clothing, activities, and especially college, they make it seem that you can’t afford to even think about children. The truth is that raising children is as expensive as you make it. […]
Did Your Tax Balance Catch You by Surprise?
What should you do if you file your tax return and then realize that you now have a large liability that can’t pay? First, don’t panic as there are several options for you: Installment Agreement: An installment agreement can be a good option for you, which can sometimes be requested when you file your tax […]
Lower Tax Brackets = Higher Taxes?
The recent tax law changes have lowered the tax brackets starting in 2018, but that does not necessarily mean lower taxes. This is due to the elimination or reduction of items that are no longer deductible. Deductions that have disappeared include, but are not limited to: Personal exemptions: This will have the most impact on […]
Is it Better if I File Separately from My Spouse and Other Common Tax Questions Answered
We receive a lot of questions pertaining to tax and financial matters. Here is a sample of commonly asked questions: Q: Is it better if I file separately from my spouse? A: Usually the answer is no, and the only way to know for certain is to perform an analysis when preparing the tax return […]
Muni Bonds or Taxable Bonds?
Investing in municipal bonds can be a benefit due to the fact that the interest income they provide is generally tax-exempt. In order to realize the full tax benefits of municipal bonds, you have to be careful not to make the following mistakes. Low Interest Rates: Interest income from municipal bonds is usually much lower […]