by Kristine McKinley | Mar 26, 2007 | Uncategorized
There was a very good article on the AMT tax this morning on CNN Money’s website. It basically talks about how the AMT is supposed to keep the rich from paying too little tax, but since the AMT rules have never been adjusted, it’s middle income Americans...
by Kristine McKinley | Mar 6, 2007 | Investing, Personal Finance
You’re probably aware that the stock market fell 400 points last week. How did you handle the drop? Did you panic and sell, or did you hold tight? Market cycles are normal and should be expected. You shouldn’t allow your emotions to influence your...
by Kristine McKinley | Feb 14, 2007 | Personal Finance, Taxes
Be careful if you are preparing your own tax return this year; there are several tax deductions, credits and other provisions that are NOT listed on the tax forms. The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 was passed in December 2006, after the IRS completed and...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 21, 2007 | Uncategorized
I am frequently asked for good resources to learn more about investing. Morningstar.com is one of my favorite resources to learn more about investing. The Morningstar Classroom offers over 172 courses on investing. Topics cover stocks, bonds, mutual funds and...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 10, 2007 | Taxes
Do you have a home office? Do you know if it qualifies for the home office deduction? The IRS has actually relaxed it’s position on home office in the last few years, so you may qualify, even if you didn’t previously. To qualify for the home office...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 9, 2007 | Uncategorized
In the last few weeks, I’ve talked about why you should have an emergency fund, and how much you should have. Today I want to talk about where to keep your emergency fund. If you’ve followed the guidelines (3 to 6 months of living expenses, or $1,000 if...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 6, 2007 | Taxes
A bill has been introduced into the Senate to repeal the AMT tax this week. If you’re not familiar with AMT, it is the Alternative Minimum Tax, created to keep higher income taxpayers from paying too little income tax. Unfortunately, the AMT has never been...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 20, 2006 | Budgeting and Saving, Insurance, Personal Finance
Just ran across the article 50 Ways to Cut Health Care Costs on CNNMoney’s website. As fast as health care costs are rising, I think it’s a good idea to educate yourself about your health care costs and how to cut them. #3 Pay up front, in cash...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 16, 2006 | Budgeting and Saving, Debt Management, Personal Finance
I noticed that a payday loan store moved into my neighborhood recently, then I looked around and realized there are several in my area. This made me wonder… how profitable are these payday loan places, that they are popping up on every street corner? I’ve...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 15, 2006 | Personal Finance, Taxes
Uncle Sam is now going to help you pay your mortgage insurance premiums! Mortgage insurance is typically required when home buyers purchase a new home with less than 20 percent down. The newest tax legislation allows taxpayers to deduct premiums paid for...
