What kind of relief will it offer? Big news, but will it make a big difference? On February 9, the Justice Department announced it had struck a settlement approaching $26 billion with the major U.S. mortgage servicers. This is the biggest multi-state settlement of any kind...
Little details worth paying attention to as April approaches. Every year, the IRS institutes big and little changes – and some don’t get as much notice as they should. This year is no exception. Here is a rundown of some of alterations and asterisks affecting taxpayers...
President Obama’s envisioned tax reforms could hurt wealthy retirees. On Capitol Hill, a rough consensus is starting to emerge: a feeling that the corporate tax rate should be reduced to help U.S. firms stay globally competitive. At the same time, President Obama’s 2013 federal budget proposes...
How does the President want to modify tax rates? The wealthiest taxpayers could be hit hard if the tax hikes in President Obama’s 2013 federal budget proposal become law. The good news is that the tax changes outlined by the President in mid-February may be softened...
WEEKLY QUOTE“In times of rapid change, experience could be your worst enemy.”- J. Paul Getty WEEKLY TIP If you are getting married and want to buy a home, consider setting up a wedding registry that collects money specifically for a down payment. WEEKLY RIDDLE What item binds two people yet touches...
The frenzy is building. Should you care? Anticipation is high. Facebook filed an S-1 form with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, taking its first big step toward going public. It aims to raise $5 billion through its upcoming IPO. Some of the details...
The economy grew 2.8% in Q4, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Our economy is reasonably healthy… or is it? By the initial estimate of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, America’s fourth-quarter GDP was +2.8%, not bad, but not what economists anticipated.1 How could the best...
WEEKLY QUOTE“A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.” - David Brinkley WEEKLY TIP When it comes to couples and money, a plan is better than an assumption. Discuss your financial goals together and stick to the...
WEEKLY QUOTE“If you would be loved, love and be lovable.”- Benjamin Franklin WEEKLY TIP As your retirement progresses, your retirement strategy should be reviewed in light of budgeting and inflation concerns and the current financial climate. WEEKLY RIDDLE A lone pine tree stands on a cliff. The wind is blowing from the...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” - Robert Louis Stevenson WEEKLY TIP Spending and value should go hand in hand. Reduce or forego spending money on things that don’t bring you much value. WEEKLY RIDDLE It has no crown, yet when the chips...