Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include: If…..
Read MoreMom-and-pop businesses have held a special place in the hearts of American consumers since the beginning of retail commerce in the USA. These family-owned, small businesses were America’s backbone before…..
Read MoreA strategy for improving your spending and saving habits will pay dividends Credit card debt is a major problem in the United States. According to the Consumer Federation of…..
Read MoreThere are no great secrets where tax planning and tax cutting are concerned. The principles around which all tax-cutting strategies revolve can be reduced to six basics: Income splitting. Taxes…..
Read MoreWhat is business tax planning? When starting a business, you must consider a number of tax-related issues. Although business tax planning is a complicated area, it is essential to understand…..
Read MoreIn today’s volatile stock market environment, tax efficiency management is used to harvest losses and adjust assets in portfolios. For example, when an investor is reaping long-term gains, paring losses…..
Read MoreWith tax season coming to an end, it’s the ideal time to use this year's tax return to help update your financial plan. If you’re in the group of one…..
Read MoreWhen choosing someone to help you prepare and file your taxes, you may be wondering exactly what criteria you should consider. How do you find someone to forge a professional…..
Read MoreRegardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your…..
Read MoreTax preparation tools and products continue to evolve even more quickly than the federal tax code itself. Which tax prep tools are worth the hype, and which may be passed…..
Read MoreWomen's History Month has its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed and authorized a resolution and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7,…..
Read MoreYou're ready to buy an insurance policy, but you feel a bit uneasy embarking into the insurance world. After all, the language can be technical, and you're wary of insurance…..
Read MoreWe all want more money, and many of us would like to work less, as well. This may seem like a dilemma, yet there is a solution. One way to…..
Read MoreFebruary is Wise Health Care Consumer Month, designed to help consumers understand more about their health care costs and options. But with about one in four emergency room (ER) visits…..
Read MoreCelebrated on November 19th, Women's Entrepreneurship Day was established by Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) in 2013 to bring awareness to the hundreds of millions of women and girls living…..
Read MoreAs the call continues to come for following through on support of minority-owned businesses,[1] many are wondering how they may lend their support to black businesses. Whether through direct investment…..
Read MoreCommon sense tips to help children, teens and other vulnerable groups The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is helping families, teens and senior citizens learn about the continued importance of…..
Read MoreWhat is investment tax planning for stocks? Investment tax planning for stocks takes advantage of the tax rules with the goal of achieving the best after-tax return on these investments.…..
Read MoreThe first step to improving your finances is to get organized. These top Amazon finds can help you create a monthly budget, plan your spending, and safely store your important…..
Read MoreCommon sense tips to help children, teens and other vulnerable groups The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is helping families, teens and senior citizens learn about the continued importance of…..
Read MoreWhat is investment tax planning for stocks? Investment tax planning for stocks takes advantage of the tax rules with the goal of achieving the best after-tax return on these investments.…..
Read MoreThe first step to improving your finances is to get organized. These top Amazon finds can help you create a monthly budget, plan your spending, and safely store your important…..
Read MoreTips for being proactive in safeguarding your identity and your credit score Identity theft is a serious crime, with increasingly greater numbers of consumers being affected every year. As…..
Read MoreYou’re an entrepreneur and you’re not looking back. You’ve opened your own business, whether alone or with other partners, and you’ve found some success. You’ve hired employees, or not, depending…..
Read MoreBalancing work and family is a highly personal endeavor, and there is no magic formula. It takes planning and resolve, and you'll need to make choices along the way that…..
Read MoreA list of things to consider as you think about year-end charitable donations With its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of…..
Read MoreThe fourth quarter holidays are often seen as one of the prime times to take out your checkbook — not only do many charities put in extra efforts helping others…..
Read MoreJust what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time out from the…..
Read MoreWe all want to gift our loved ones something special for the holidays. But even if your heart says give, your wallet could be saying otherwise. It’s a challenge to…..
Read MoreWhat are business life cycles, and what is their relationship to business planning? Generally, businesses pass through three stages before reaching the final stage of decline. The time it takes…..
Read MoreMany of us set resolutions every New Year’s Day. But if your resolution is too broad or doesn’t have a deadline, it is much easier to abandon or forget it.…..
Read MoreFinancial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial…..
Read MoreTips for being proactive in safeguarding your identity and your credit score Identity theft is a serious crime, with increasingly greater numbers of consumers being affected every year. As…..
Read MoreIt may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2022 finances…..
Read MoreWhen it comes to saving for retirement, women may have extra challenges, even those with a higher-than-average income. For retirement planning, CNBC reports that women save less than men. The…..
Read MoreBasic estate planning is something that everyone should do, regardless of your age, marital status, the value of your assets, and if you’re a parent or not. According to a…..
Read MoreToo many focus on immediate needs versus saving for retirement American workers find it difficult to save for retirement because their distant financial needs tend to take a backseat to…..
Read MoreAs a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less…..
Read MoreHave you ever made a purchase that has thrown your monthly budget off-kilter? Or maybe you’ve put financial restrictions on yourself that push you away from spending on things that…..
Read MoreWomen own nearly 20% of the businesses that employ people in the United States, and countless more women run their businesses without employees. There are over one million women-owned firms.…..
Read MoreToday, women have more financial responsibilities than ever before. How will your family or loved ones manage financially if you die? Whether you are single, married, employed, or a…..
Read MoreWhat is a fixed annuity? Fixed annuities are long-term savings vehicles used mostly for retirement or as a safe holding place for accumulated money. Interest rates are credited by the…..
Read MoreMore women are working and taking charge of their own retirement planning than ever before. What does retirement mean to you? Do you dream of traveling? Pursuing a hobby? Volunteering…..
Read MoreWhat is it? In general A community foundation is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit charitable organization that fulfills the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Generally, a community foundation…..
Read MoreWe’ve all heard this advice before: if you want to save money, you need to cut back on spending. However, it’s not always so easy. Identifying senseless spending in the…..
Read MoreBeing an educator requires expertise and that you stay current on developments in your field. However, that level of ongoing attention can make it difficult to find the time to…..
Read MoreInvesting involves setting goals for the future and weighing the risks and potential rewards associated with a wide variety of investment opportunities. If you are a new investor, this might…..
Read MoreAbout 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Many of these disabilities are serious enough to impact a person’s daily life.1 There may be financial benefits available…..
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context,…..
Read MoreElectric car supplies are running out – and could drastically slow down the journey to net-zero The road map to replacing old fashioned carbon emitting cars with electric vehicles is…..
Read MoreAlmost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also…..
Read MoreEvery woman needs to balance her financial past with her financial future Traditionally, women have been the caretakers of both the older and younger generations of their families. But…..
Read MoreA life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner.…..
Read MoreFive key questions to ask yourself about fixed and variable annuities While fixed annuities are generally considered to be conservative instruments, variable annuities are investments with the growth potential necessary…..
Read MoreWomen are successful professionals, business owners, and knowledgeable investors. At some point in their lives, women may have to manage their own finances due to divorce, widowhood, or remaining single.…..
Read MoreIf you have always thought estate planning was just for those nearing retirement or already retired, think again. If you own a home, it is important to have a plan…..
Read MoreWhether your child was just born or is heading toward high school graduation, a 529 savings plan may help you put aside funds to pay for college expenses without paying…..
Read MoreUsing statistical correlations can help refine your investments and manage risk The turmoil in the markets in the first few months of 2022 has demonstrated the benefits of diversifying your…..
Read MoreThere was a time that retirement meant, for many people, sitting in the sun in a southern retirement community along with a host of fellow retirees. However, today retirement means…..
Read MoreMost businesses thrive on the ingenuity and dynamism of a few key people. In order to retain their best employees, business owners often devise attractive benefit packages that make it…..
Read MoreAccording to a study by the National School Supply and Equipment Association, 99.5% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies.[1] Being a teacher is a fulfilling job but…..
Read MoreApril brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it…..
Read MoreWhen helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money…..
Read MoreAre you worried about the current state of the Social Security system and how its future may affect your retirement income? It’s important to take a long, hard look at…..
Read MoreAlthough women make up nearly half the labor force, on average, women still tend to earn less than their male counterparts even in like positions and with like skills. In…..
Read MoreAt the foundation of your financial well-being lies your behavior Here is a statement that is bound to cause you to raise your eyebrows: Your long-term financial success may…..
Read MoreThe Federal Reserve plans to unwind its bond borrowing since inflation has hit the highest level since 1980. While interest rates will stay near zero, for now, the Fed will…..
Read MoreAre you one of the many American consumers currently asking yourself, “How can I better control my use of credit?” Consumer debt in the United States totals in the billions.…..
Read MoreThis year's National Consumer Protection Week is March 6th through March 12th. It's a time to educate people about their rights as consumers and how to make informed decisions about…..
Read MoreRetirement planning is a primary reason for long-term saving, and when people think about retirement, finances are often the focus. However, it is important to also look at the nonfinancial…..
Read MoreAn emergency fund is like a life preserver, it can keep you afloat when the unexpected happens and prevent you from moving backward financially. No one likes to think about…..
Read MoreFebruary is Black History Month, which is a time to celebrate achievements by those of Black or African American heritage and recognize their central role in United States history. While…..
Read MoreRegardless of age, we all value our independence. We like to come and go as we please, running errands, going grocery shopping, and driving to appointments. But what happens when…..
Read MoreLooking for longer-term market trends that might shape the next few years Let’s be honest for a second: the DJIA, the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and the Russell 2000 all delivered…..
Read MoreIdentity theft runs rampant during tax season Here’s what to know and how to protect yourself. Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information…..
Read MoreWhile most people find the notion of creating a budget about as appealing as cleaning out closets, most would agree that the result—a well-crafted and useful budget—is worth the work…..
Read MoreRegardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your…..
Read MoreGetting ready for retirement is both exciting and daunting. While you are likely looking forward to the enjoyment and relaxation that retirement may bring, you are also cautious about ensuring…..
Read MoreEntrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. A wise entrepreneur considers their potential exposure before leaping into a new business venture, moving forward…..
Read MoreThere is no one-size-fits-all answer, but tactical shifting might make sense Wise investors alter their approaches as market cycles shift, from bull to bear to something in between. A consistent…..
Read MoreTax planning can be more advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities may exist for you to minimize tax liability, which could leave…..
Read MoreWith the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a…..
Read MoreFor some, 2021 has flown by—and as we approach the last quarter of the year, it's a good time to begin planning for the next one. Year-end planning is especially…..
Read MoreTalking about the end of life or possible tragic events is not something people naturally want to do, but it is important. To have your wishes honored and to create…..
Read MoreEntrepreneurs may entertain thoughts of achieving success, inspired by those companies that seem to spring forth fully grown overnight. But, it is important for business owners to ask at the…..
Read MoreMany people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance…..
Read MoreIs it memory loss due to the aging process or the early onset of dementia? Initially, cognitive changes can be subtle and challenging to diagnose. As a result, it can…..
Read MoreMore consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the…..
Read MoreSmall businesses face many problems related to their size, capital, and capability, and for women-owned small businesses, the challenge is sometimes even greater. The good news is there are many…..
Read More“I have nothing to wear,” said the person who has an overflowing closet of clothes. “It’s on sale,” said the person who only buys from fast-fashion brands. If these phrases…..
Read MoreOrganization, efficiency and discipline can be considered as three primary steps of financial planning. Organization is knowing where your money comes and goes. An efficient portfolio means working towards a…..
Read MoreThe business landscape is continually changing—technological advances, corporate downsizing, restructuring, and telecommuting have reshaped the marketplace. Although these improvements and modifications have a great impact on our working environment, perhaps…..
Read MoreSeptember 22nd is American Business Women's Day, and it may be the perfect day to celebrate women who have surpassed the glass ceiling and gone on to be leaders and…..
Read MoreSometimes a 401(k) loan makes sense, but there are a lot of considerations Tapping your tax-advantaged retirement savings seems like a desperate financial move (because it is), yet also a…..
Read MoreWhether you manage a trust for someone else, are the beneficiary of a trust, or are thinking of creating a trust, you probably have some questions about the "best practices" of…..
Read MoreMerrill Lynch recently released the results of a comprehensive survey on women and financial wellness, with some surprising observations.1 The top financial regret for the women surveyed was that they weren't…..
Read MoreStagnant wage growth, rising inflation and low interest rates are real issues The idea of retiring at age 65 with a gold watch and a fully-funded retirement account is a…..
Read MoreAs of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1] For these non-profit organizations where every penny has a purpose, having…..
Read MoreOn May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, which carries almost half of the East Coast's fuel supply from Texas to New Jersey, shut down operations in response to a ransomware…..
Read MoreIn July 2021, nearly 40 million U.S. families are set to begin receiving $250 or $300 per month in child tax credit payments through the end of the year.1 But what…..
Read MoreIn today’s economy, offers of an early retirement buyout for a current employee or a pension buyout directed at a former employee are becoming common as companies look for ways…..
Read MoreThe American Families Plan and what it might mean for investors Will the policies of the Biden Administration have a negative or positive impact on the stock market? A…..
Read MoreThe American Rescue Plan Act and what it might mean for investors Will the policies of the Biden Administration have a negative or positive impact on the stock market? A…..
Read MoreWhile presidential policies matter, policies never move markets uniformly Will the policies of the Biden Administration have a negative or positive impact on the stock market? A prevailing view –…..
Read MoreSocial Justice investing is commonly linked to Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), which is investing to do good for others. Now, as COVID-19 continues to shape our societal values, clients are…..
Read MoreIt is human nature to seek advice when things aren't going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Often, people seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock…..
Read MoreWhen you die, what will happen to your retirement plan benefits? In general, your retirement plan benefits pass to the beneficiaries you designate on the plan beneficiary designation form. Your…..
Read MoreWomen can experience more challenges saving for retirement than men, and unfortunately, COVID-19 has added even more challenges. According to Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report Women and Retirement: Risks…..
Read MoreToday’s women are more educated and have more significant job opportunities compared to previous generations. Despite more women in the workforce than ever before, women still experience considerable pay disparity…..
Read MoreSending a child to college for the first time can be a stressful transition for any parent. Even though your child is legally an adult (or almost an adult) by…..
Read MoreBecause you've worked hard to create a secure and comfortable lifestyle for your family and loved ones, you'll want to ensure that you have a sound financial plan that includes…..
Read MoreA key goal of investing for retirement is making sure you save enough to make your money last throughout your lifetime. On this score, women may need to save more…..
Read MoreTeachers don't just punch a time clock and log hours at their jobs. Instead, they invest a lot of time and make a significant emotional commitment to shaping the lives…..
Read MoreEqual Pay Day is dedicated to symbolizing and raising awareness of the gender pay gap in most countries throughout the world.[1] The first year of observation was 1996 and was…..
Read MoreOne of the biggest challenges for any new business involves maintaining liquidity and consistent cash flow. Many entrepreneurs take only a minimal salary—if any at all—during the first few years…..
Read MoreThe ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they leave their jobs. Many public school workers, in different positions,…..
Read MoreWhat Should Women Entrepreneurs Do to Thrive in the COVID Era? With COVID rocking the employment landscape for job-seekers, some women have taken this opportunity to reinvent themselves and…..
Read MoreBy Pamela Zedick, CFP® Did you know that estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy? Estate planning is important for anyone with assets, including checking and savings accounts, real estate…..
Read MoreBy Pamela Zedick, CFP® Like most things in life, my path to becoming a financial advisor had plenty of twists and turns. I knew I wanted a career in finance…..
Read MorePamela Zedick, CFP® There are a lot of things you don’t want to gamble with in life, like your retirement savings, your income, or your health. Unfortunately, many Americans take…..
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