Should I refinance my home to pay down credit card debt?
It?s possible that a home equity loan might be a better option than a refinancing. Although all of the interest payments in such a refinancing should be tax deductible, the…Click to Continue »
View ArticleDecision to stop taking Social Security benefits a tough one
Determining whether to stop taking Social Security benefits depends on a lot of assumptions. A new rule was enacted in 2010 concerning the repayment of Social Security benefits.Click to Continue »
View ArticleFor those short on cash, gift annuities good way to help charities
Charitable gift annuities are structured and managed by the charitable organization and typically have low minimums. Such a gift fulfills a desire to help and provides you with fixed payments…Click to...
View ArticleBailey Act allows certain state workers to avoid state taxes on retirement...
The 1998 court ruling resulted in certain benefits being exempt from state income tax if the retiree had five or more creditable years of service as of Aug. 12, 1989.Click to Continue »
View Article“U” step bonds offer good returns, but read the prospectus and know...
Such bonds are called U step notes because the bonds start out at a relatively high interest rate then step down before rising again as they approach maturity. They are…Click to Continue »
View ArticleHiring an estate planning attorney key to administering estate after death
The executor of the estate will need to identify and value assets and debts and a final income tax will need to be filed.Click to Continue »
View ArticleDoes Duke-Progress reverse stock split mean its time to sell?
The two utilities have announced a 1-for-3 reverse stock split as part of their merger that will increase the price per share and reduce the number of shares outstanding.Click to Continue »
View ArticleMany ways beyond just donating money to help a friend in need
Donating money is nice, but there are other ways to help out a friend or family member in need. One option is a Deeming Waiver that is helpful to families…Click to Continue »
View ArticleSorting out when to apply for Medicare Part A and Part B
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance and in most cases Part A is free. In most cases it makes sense to take Part A even if you are still working…Click to Continue »
View ArticleSmall business owner wants to know: Buy or lease?
Before buying a building to house a small business, owner needs to consider more than just the sale price.Click to Continue »
View ArticleSeveral issues to consider when deciding whether to buy back retirement years
You can't transfer your retirement funds to your spouse without tax consequences unless you die. You could borrow from your 401(k). If the plan allows, you are limited to borrow…Click to Continue »
View ArticleHiring an attorney for estate planning is the wise move
Unless your situation is extremely simple, its recommended that you hire an estate-planning attorney to, at the very least, review the documents you have completed with any estate-planning software...
View ArticleEven teens working that first summer job must pay the tax man
Almost everyone is required to pay income taxes on earned income. Once you file a tax return if you paid more taxes then you owe, you will receive a refund…Click to Continue »
View ArticleNew reverse mortgage may be ideal for some seniors
The federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM Saver, allows you to establish a credit line but not draw on it until funds are needed. You can choose when…Click to Continue »
View ArticlePending changes would alter college savings options
Unless Congress acts to extend the attractive benefits of the Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA) they may expire at the end of 2012. Due to this possibility, some providers will…Click to...
View ArticlePension decisions can’t be made in a vacuum
Before you decide in what form to take your retirement benefits you need to look at all your obligations and your life expectancy.Click to Continue »
View ArticleSocial Security disability benefits versus retirement benefits
When you are receiving Social Security disability benefits and reach full retirement age, nothing will change except your benefits will be called retirement benefits rather than disability...
View ArticleRefinancing now offers significant savings for qualified homeowners
The process requires a lot more paperwork than in the past, but with the low interest rates this is a great time to refinance.Click to Continue »
View ArticleTo avoid Ponzi schemes, follow a few simple rules
When evaluating potential investment opportunities, it's important to perform due diligence. And remember: the old adage "if it sounds too go to be true, it probably is" works every time.Click to...
View ArticleThink twice before raiding IRA to pay off mortgage
Taking a large lump sum from your IRA to pay off your mortgage or for any other reason can be costly. You will owe federal taxes on any amount withdrawn…Click to Continue »
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