While the idea of retirement has changed, certain financial assumptions haven’t. We’ve all heard about the “new retirement”, the mix of work and play that many of us assume we will have in our lives one day. We do not expect “retirement” to be all leisure....
A look at some financial changes & the opportunities they may present. Every year brings some financial change, so here are some relevant changes relating to investment, tax and estate planning for 2012. Retirement plans. 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plan annual contribution limits rise slightly to $17,000,...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe WEEKLY TIP If you’re thinking about selling a business, consider contacting a business broker, one that represents companies similar to yours. It may make finding an appropriate buyer easier. WEEKLY RIDDLE What is worn by the foot...
WEEKLY QUOTE“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”– Eleanor Roosevelt WEEKLY TIP It may be a good idea to make your 2012 IRA contribution at the start of the year, rather than waiting until the tax filing deadline of the following year. That way the contributed...
Two federal tax reform proposals could make them less attractive. Our federal government needs to reduce its massive deficit - and among the many revenue-generating ideas being discussed in Congress, two in particular could have disturbing consequences for employees saving for retirement. There is no need to...
What do you do when an account owner passes away? If your loved ones have invested, saved or insured themselves to any degree, you may be named as a beneficiary to one or more of their accounts, policies or assets in the event of their deaths....
WEEKLY QUOTE“Life is an adventure in forgiveness.”– Norman Cousins WEEKLY TIP If 2012 is a year in which you start a business, remember three essentials to have on hand: an emergency fund, a year’s worth of operating capital and the support of your spouse or partner. WEEKLY RIDDLE They are sometimes stomped...
Benefits increase for 2012. Ideas for reform are numerous. Social Security gets its first COLA since 2009. As moderate inflation has made a comeback, the federal government has decided to boost Social Security benefits by 3.6% for 2012. This means an average increase of $39 per...
The 2011 changes will be followed by more in 2012 and 2013. Have you bought any stocks this year? Before you sell any of them, remember that the IRS implemented new tax basis reporting rules for equities on January 1, 2011. Under the new rules, you...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.” – Peter Ustinov WEEKLY TIP About to do some holiday shopping? Try keeping your credit cards at home. The interest you save can be a financial gift to yourself. WEEKLY RIDDLE A man leaves home and makes three left turns. He comes home...