Creating Financial Goals as a Couple
Financial goals make it possible for you and your partner to achieve the things you dream about. Here are three things you can do to create – and achieve – financial goals as a couple: Start talking sooner rather than later. Finances can be hard to talk about. People sometimes feel guilty about debt or […]
Cash or Accrual? What’s the Difference?
When you start a business, you have many decisions to make. One of those is the method of accounting your business will use for reporting income and expenses on your tax return. It is an extremely important decision. With few exceptions, the method you choose can only be changed in the future with the IRS’s […]
Deciding on a 15- or 30-year mortgage? Consider these factors
Deciding on a 15 or 30 year mortgage? Consider these factors – Monthly Payment, Total Interest, and flexibility.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is one of the core tax terms used by Federal and many State taxing authorities. So, what is it and why is it important?
Forced to Withdraw from Retirement Accounts?! What you need to know
Retirement Accounts – Did you know the government forces us to take money out of those accounts once we reach retirement? It’s called the required minimum distribution (RMD) rule. Here are some tips you should know about RMDs well before you reach retirement age.
What’s New in Taxes in 2021
In addition to the planning changes in tax benefit phaseouts and other cost of living (COLA) adjustments, here are changes to the tax code for 2021. For Individuals Tuition and Fees Deduction eliminated. This oft-expired tax break is now permanently closed. Lifetime Learning Credit phaseouts increase dramatically. To help reduce the impact of the elimination […]
Understand the Time Value of Money
If you were offered the choice of being paid $100 today or $100 a year from now, you would probably choose $100 today. After all, even at today’s low interest rates, your $100 might earn a small return over the next year. This simple example illustrates an important concept: that the value of money changes […]
Switching Jobs? Here Are Several Options for your 401k
Suppose you’re switching jobs if you were furloughed because of the pandemic or you’re simply searching for greener pastures. If you have a 401(k) from your soon-to-be former employer, you must decide what to do with your retirement account when you leave. Here are your four options: Leave the money in your previous employer’s pension […]
Help! My Stimulus Payment is Wrong or Missing!
Millions of Americans already received their economic impact payment. But what if you’re still waiting or you got a check, an electronic payment or a debit card with an incorrect amount? Here are some common scenarios why you may not have received your payment and what you can do. Your payment was sent to a […]
Five Big Tax Mistakes
Every year taxpayers are hit with tax surprises that could be avoided if they just knew the rules. Here are five big ones that are easy to avoid with some simple planning. Mistake #1. Withholding too little. This results in a tax surprise when filing your income tax. Don’t be too hard on yourself if […]