As important as determining when to retire is determining where to retire. There’s no escaping the fact that your retirement destination will determine how much you’ll need to pay in taxes, what your living costs will be, and what kind of health care options you’ll have. There are many factors that contribute to retirement planning, […]
As tax season approaches, you may have questions about filing your federal, state and business taxes. Below are a few tips to help you get prepared. Be organized An accountant’s time is money, so the longer it takes him to sort through your disorganized records, the more he will charge you. Collecting your tax documents […]
The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to reset your finances and work towards a more profitable and productive year. Here is a financial checklist with 12 money steps that will help provide a solid start to a new year. Review your financial goals If you have pre-determined financial goals (such as […]
A white picket fence surrounding a house with 2.4 children, a dog, a cat, a station wagon. This is the American dream. But owning your own home might not be so dreamy as you approach retirement. In fact, since 1990 homeownership has been decreasing among 55- to 64-year-olds, a trend which experts suggest is likely […]
Some see early retirement as the kiss of death, but one study has shown this to be a myth. Retiring early can actually lengthen your life. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that for men over 54, retiring early meant that they were 42% less likely to die during the following five […]
According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, an individual’s credit score measures his or her likelihood of repaying debts. Credit scores range between 300 and 850 points. Higher credit scores indicate that a borrower is less risky and more likely to make on-time payments. In many cases, credit scores are used to determine […]
As a homeowner, one of your top priorities is protecting your most valuable asset: your home. Homeowners insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding your property, belongings, and financial well-being. While sticking with the same insurance provider may seem convenient, it’s essential to periodically evaluate your options. Switching insurance providers can offer significant benefits and […]
Inflation is a constant threat to the economy. In peak inflationary times, its effect on the cost of living can be brutal. You can expect an increase in the price of your essentials, including food and groceries when demand significantly exceeds supply. With a family to feed on a limited income, you have no option […]
During a financial challenge, a hardship loan may be an option you should explore. A hardship loan can be any money that is borrowed during difficult times, including a personal loan, equity financing, or a loan from a family member or friend. There are safe ways to borrow; however, taking on debt may add to […]
Put simply, a 401(k) plan is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Through these plans, you can save money towards retirement on a tax-deferred basis, which means you don’t pay federal or state income taxes on your savings or their investment earnings, until you withdraw the money at retirement. Since most people’s taxable income is lower […]
