As you’ve probably realized by now, your paycheck is just a little smaller than it was in 2011 and 2012. For two years, we had the privilege of paying 2 percent less into our Social Security accounts to help stimulate the economy, but that benefit was eliminated for 2013. So what does that mean for [...]
In January of this year, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA). It affects filing taxes for 2013. The good news is that couples earning less than $300,000 ($250,000 singles) won’t face many hits. But folks earning more than this threshold will be hit with substantially higher taxes. Let’s look at a [...]
Many of us are working hard now with hopes of a future that includes a relaxing retirement. But a funny thing happens once you retire from your job—you can get bored. Plus, you might find that your retirement savings aren’t enough to keep up with the post-retirement lifestyle you want. A part-time job can help [...]
Prior to marriage, most couples take part in some kind of premarital counseling. Unfortunately, that counseling often does not cover one of the most stressful aspects of marriage—money management. Money can be a major source of arguments in even the best relationships. The good news is that some preemptive planning can avert these kinds of [...]
you don’t seThe reason to look for a new job may be obvious: You resent going to work every day; you don’t feel like anyone appreciates you; e a future at your company; you hate your boss; or you spend lots of time at work surfing the net or checking Facebook. There may be more subtle [...]
January is a good time to make an appointment with your financial planner—or find one if you don’t already have one—to make sure your retirement plan is growing in the right direction. Fee-only financial planner Brent Perry, CFP®, of Piedmont Financial Advisors, LLC, in Indianapolis, Ind., suggests asking your advisor these five retirement questions during [...]
What does the coming year promise for residential real estate investing? Will it be a good time to try your hand at buying a foreclosure and renting it out? Will rising home values be a positive or negative factor? Where will the best markets be for investors? For investors, who account for one out of [...]
As another new year begins, you likely have goals to better yourself and your family. In light of an unpredictable economy, however, you also should set retirement goals. While resources may occasionally be tight, there is no reason why you should be caught off guard when it’s time to retire. Follow these five simple resolutions [...]
Some schools and colleges are cutting fees and tuition to attract students, but education costs are still high. When I went to college, my tuition and fees averaged about $500 per year plus another $500 for books. Today, you’re looking at 10 times those costs—or more. Financial aid is critical to help cover those costs. [...]
Why does the gathering of tax records seem to be such a difficult and onerous task? One year, we had a client who simply could not get us the amount of her mortgage interest payment until the afternoon of October 15 —by which time our office was closed for tax season. The good news is [...]
