Charities Face More IRS Filing Requirements

The Internal Revenue Service filing requirements for small charities have changed. A new rule put in place by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 results in certain tax-exempt organizations being required to electronically submit a Form 990-N annually. More »

When a Significant Life Event Occurs, It's Time to Review Your IRA Beneficiaries

Many investors commit a common estate planning mistake with their IRA assets. Unfortunately, the mistake sometimes becomes apparent only after the account owner dies - when it comes time to transfer the IRA to the heirs. For the intended beneficiaries, these mistakes can lead to extended headaches and heartaches. They can also result in a significant tax bill, which ultimately could reduce the portion of the IRA that heirs will receive.
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A Retirement Reality Check: Dispelling the Myths - Part II

Over the past few decades, the concept of retirement has acquired a folklore all its own. One can liken it to a number of urban legends - those tales that become taller each time they are told. As people dream of their own retirement, they often perpetuate the myths and misconceptions they've heard by passing them on to their family, friends and business colleagues. More »

Equity-Indexed Annuities Demystified

There is perhaps no financial product more confusing today than equity-index annuities or EIAs. On the surface, EIAs are somewhat simple. Like most annuities, EIAs are nothing more than a contract between you and an insurance company in which the company promises to make periodic payments or a lump-sum payment to you, starting immediately or at some future time, according to the NASD.
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Fortune Telling - A Look Into the Crystal Ball

I recently looked into a crystal ball, and this is what I saw happening over the next 13 years: More »

Start Planning Now to Avoid Dreaded Alternative Tax

The dreaded alternative minimum tax may soon be coming to a tax return near you - perhaps your own. But don't wait until next spring, when it's too late, to find out whether you're subject to the AMT. Take steps now to minimize or avoid the impact of this tax.
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My Honest Opinion

It's been a pleasure to receive feedback and answer e-mails regarding one of my favorite topics to discuss: Financial literacy. Lately, the questions have become more specific.  A lot of people want to know what the best investments are and how they can get into "the game." More »

The Plight of the First-Time Homebuyer

Rated 5.0 Stars

Today's market can be confusing. There's an article at least once a week in every major publication either about "The Pending Bubble Burst" or "Home Prices Reaching New Heights." One article seems to imply that the market is going to crash, the other makes it seem as though the market is still moving up. More »

How the Falling Dollar May Fall on your Finances

You may have recently read or heard numerous references about the "falling dollar," but not paid them much attention. Perhaps you should. If you travel overseas, invest domestically or internationally, or buy any imported products, the falling U.S. dollar will have an impact on your personal finances.
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Developing Your Estate Plan

You've spent years growing your wealth and building your estate, so it is just good sense to plan to protect your assets and pass them on to your beneficiaries according to your wishes. When you're ready to sit down with your financial professional and develop an estate plan, keep these tips in mind.
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Five Key Cost Factors to Consider when Buying a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy

Buying a long-term care insurance policy is a complicated process involving many decisions about which features are right for you and what price you can afford. Among the many choices will be five key factors with the largest impact on price: your age, daily benefits, inflation protection, benefit period, and the elimination period.
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