At the start of my tax career, I was like most people: terrified of an IRS audit. But due to the nature of my clients’ activities in real estate partnerships, I had to face audits head-on. (For example, there was the time a client bought a three-building apartment complex in Canada and one of the [...]
Planning for retirement is overwhelming, and figuring out how to manage your retirement investments can be the most daunting part of it all. The days of companies offering full pensions and reliable Social Security support are, unfortunately, a thing of the past. The cost of living is higher, and with continued advances in healthcare, people’s [...]
The economy is continuing to improve, and many people who saved diligently during the recession to pay off debt are now feeling comfortable enough to borrow again for homes, cars, and other big purchases. As a result, U.S. household debt is climbing at its fastest pace in five years. Consumer household debt rose 1.1 percent [...]
When you’re saving money, “splurge” is a bad word. Splurges are often perceived as impulse purchases made outside the confines of a household budget—and that’s something savers are told they should avoid. Not every splurge is bad, however. There are times when it makes sense to spend a little more than you would like. The [...]
When you’re shopping for insurance, it’s important to consider your current stage of life. The coverage you had in your teens may be different from the coverage you require as a senior, so you’ll want to choose an insurance policy that fits your needs. Below are policies you should consider in the different stages of [...]
A diverse retirement portfolio should include stocks. While generally considered high risk, stocks have proven throughout history to yield higher returns than bonds or any other investments. Whether you’re just starting your retirement investing or diversifying your portfolio, there are important things to remember before buying stocks on your own. Hire a professional When purchasing [...]
Your tax bracket determines how much you have to pay in taxes based on your income. In general, the higher your income, the higher your tax bracket, and the more you will pay when filing taxes. How do I determine my tax bracket? If you’re using a tax service, your tax professional should be able [...]
Surprises can be fun, but not when they come in the form of unexpected taxes. When filing your 2013 taxes, be sure to keep an eye out for these four tax curveballs: 1. New tax brackets. There is a new top tax bracket of 39.6 percent, though it appears that it only affects a small [...]
This article was written by guest blogger Eva Rosenberg. It’s one of the tax questions I’ve been asked more than once: Can unpaid taxes affect my credit score? Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, the answer is yes. Once upon a time, a friend quit his job and opened a business. In the first year, he [...]
Last year, housing prices increased more than they had in seven years, and buyers’ markets turned into sellers’ markets overnight. In many cities and towns across the country, this price jump was a result of inventory shortages that forced buyers to compete over the few homes that were available for sale. Will the housing recovery [...]
