The federal government implements new rules to fight tax dodgers. As of July 1, 2014, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is in effect. FATCA requires something new of foreign financial institutions: they must now report any assets held by American citizens, U.S. “persons,”...
How will Wall Street fare if interest rates climb back to historic norms? Rising interest rates could certainly impact investments, the real estate market and the overall economy – but their influence might not be as negative as some perceive. Why are rates rising? You can...
Is Wall Street out of control? Main Street and Wall Street are abuzz over Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt, the new book from Berkeley-based journalist Michael Lewis (author of Moneyball and The Blind Side, London School of Economics graduate and former bond salesman). Flash Boys...
A plague at the heart of the Internet. Anyone who ventures online should be aware of the risks posed by Heartbleed, the biggest threat to Internet security in at least a couple of years. All Internet users need to respond to its reality. What is it?...
Take steps so criminals won’t take vital information from you. America is enduring a data breach epidemic. As 2013 ended, the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics released its 2012 Victims of Identity Theft report. Its statistics were sobering. About one in 14 Americans aged 16 or...
George Washington didn’t want to be king of America, even though some of his peers felt the new nation should be ruled by a monarch; as the first President, he led the country for eight years with a modesty and character that were in stunning...
How good a year was it for the economy? Statistics tell the tale. Was 2013 a terrific year for stocks? Absolutely. The good news wasn’t limited to Wall Street, however: the employment rate fell, the economy revved up, home prices rose and inflation pressure was minimal. Bulls...
The FOMC authorizes a minor reduction in bond buying starting in 2014. December 18 turned out to be T-Day: the day on which the Federal Reserve finally tapered QE3. In making the move, the Fed acknowledged an improving economy; Wall Street quickly and enthusiastically applauded its...
WEEKLY QUOTE“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.”- Michael Jordan WEEKLY TIP If your business is past its inception stage, it isn’t too early to think about an exit strategy. You want to tackle this task...
A summary of what you need to know. Medicare Open Enrollment has arrived. The open enrollment period for 2014 runs from October 15-December 7, 2013. This is not only a period where you may enroll for the program, but also switch providers for your comprehensive health...