This holiday season may be a little different than what you remember in years past. Inventories are tighter and fewer late-season sales are expected this year. But don’t let that scare you because we’ve got five strategies to help you make the most out this year’s shopping season: Look beyond the discounts. Pay attention…
With the current economic situation, financial planning and investing are important as ever. Here are three mistakes to avoid if you plan on doing it yourself: Relying on the Out-of-Date Information: It’s hard for DIY books on financial planning and economics to stay up to date, especially during our current economic situation. In attempts to…
It was reported by the Automatic Data Processing firm that employers added 110,000 jobs in October and also made a decrease in job cuts. Small firms led the charge, adding over half (58,000) of the total number of jobs created in October. Medium sized businesses accounted for 53,000 where the largest only added 1,000, creating…
The IRS recently announced it will increase the allowable tax-free money you can contribute to your 401(k) plan in 2012. Pension plans, including 401(k)’s, 403(b)s, Thrift Savings Plan and most 457 plans, will now have a contribution limit of $17,000. The reason behind the $500 increase is because of inflation and a rising cost of…
Pension funding levels are low, but not all hope is lost. There are ways you can fight your draining pension fund. Below is a list of items that you can work on now to save up for retirement. · First of all, do not assume that you don’t need to plan for your retirement · …
Do you want to lower your upcoming tax bill? Start planning ahead now by utilizing the following tactics. 1. Use tax credits from energy-efficient home improvements. Visit energystar.gov for details. 2. Use capital losses to offset gains. 3. Make all retirement moves now. If you want to max out a 401(k), you have until the…
Surprise, Surprise! You can deduct expenses that were paid by someone else. For example, in some cases, you are allowed to deduct medical expenses if they are more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. In one case, a mother paid for her daughter’s medical expenses. The daughter was allowed to count about $25,000…
Many people get routine calls from their credit card issuer. Offers of lower rates, balance transfer opportunities, insurance offers. But when should you be the one to call? Knowing what to look for and when to contact your card issuer can be the best way to stop fraudulent activity and avoid any inconvenience with card…
In the state of the economy, it’s easy to begin thinking about alternative investment strategies. However, there are some that you will be better off not exercising according to Forbes. 1. The stock market is shaky. Do not sell stocks or try to guess what the market will do. 2. Now is not a good…
Social Security payment estimate information is no longer easily attainable. Although, there are some ways to figure how much you will receive once you retire. Below are some ways to help you determine your social security benefit amount. First, look at the average Social Security payment, which is $1,180.08 per month. The highest amount one…
