It’s Summertime – Time for a Midyear Financial Checkup
The weather's great, so staying inside with your finances probably doesn't sound like a very entertaining option. But a midyear review of your taxes, retirement and spending issues can be far more valuable than the rushed attempt most people make at the end of the year-or when it's too late at tax...
Making Safer Investment Decisions in 2009
It's hard to say what 2009 will look like. While there are still several concerns (the housing market, rising unemployment, etc.), there will also be considerable government intervention to help improve the economy this year, both in the U.S. and worldwide. So what should you do in 2009 to make...
Should You Move to “Safer” Investments?
After watching their 401K balances shrink up to 40% in 2008, many people are wondering if they should change their allocation to include more "safe" investments, or if they should move completely to "safe" investments then move back into the market later. Here's what Walter Updegrave with Money...
1099-B Forms Delayed This Tax Season
The IRS has announced that brokers may furnish certain composite annual tax reporting statements by Feb. 17, 2009, without penalty. The notice provides that the new February due date established under a recent law change to provide Form 1099-B information to customers also applies to other tax...
Social Security Benefits Increase 5.8% for 2009
Finally some good news for retirees... Social Security benefits are being increased 5.8% for 2009. This is the largest increase in more than 25 years! This increase will boost the average monthly Social Security retirement check from $1,090 to $1,153. Even more good news... for the first time...
Seniors Get a Tax Break in 2009 – Congress Suspends RMD
I know many people were hoping this would pass for 2008 rather than 2009, but I guess late is better than not at all. Congress approved legislation this week that will provide some relief to Americans over 70 1/2 who have suffered significant losses in their IRA accounts. The bill will...