
Whether or not you should refinance your mortgage depends on current interest rates, the added cost of getting a new loan, the type of loan you already have, and other factors. Perhaps you have a loan with terms you can't live with over the long term. Here's a rundown of points you should consider before deciding to refinance.
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Many people equate home ownership with security -- and the associated tax advantages that come with it. Buying a home can provide financial benefits but they are not guaranteed. To make the most of the tax benefits, it's important to keep good records and understand the rules. Read on for details that could prove invaluable.
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One reason why so many mortgages end in foreclosure is that the borrowers got involved in loans they didn't understand or adequately evaluate. There are many possible ways to combine the terms of a mortgage. If you don't know how those terms work together, you could end up with a loan you can't handle. Keep reading to learn some important considerations before signing on the dotted line.
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If used correctly, a home equity loan can be a key part of your overall strategy. The value of your home minus your existing mortgage, can serve as collateral for additional borrowing. But before agreeing to a home equity loan, it's critical to understand the the details and the risks. Here's a rundown of what you need to know.
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Your home is probably your most valuable financial asset and your mortgage may be your largest debt. Consequently, it makes sense to periodically examine your existing mortgage and potential mortgage options. If you're thinking about refinancing, address the issue from these four points of view.
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You've probably heard the names Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tossed around in association with mortgages. But do you know how do these government-sponsored organizations affect the home buying industry and the economy as a whole? Knowledge is power, so take a few moments to understand Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
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BizActions has the accounting and business content you need to build long-term relationships with your prospects and clients. From the most basic to the most complex real estate transactions, BizActions’ CPA email newsletter content will educate and inform your clients. Our real estate writers provide individuals, developers, real estate brokers, property managers, corporations and partnerships the answers to their questions about real estate matters. Learn more about BizActions’ industry-specific content and CPA e-newsletters by scheduling a strategic Return On Marketing Investment review or call us at 866.240.8477 ext. 100.
Asset allocation is how you divide your investment portfolio among stock, bond and cash investments. It can serve as a logical starting point for your investment strategy. Individuals should base their asset allocation on their time horizon and risk tolerance. Here is a quiz and some guidelines to help you evaluate your situation.
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If you are looking for an investment that is free of federal (and possibly state) taxes, check out municipal bonds. Before acting on this idea, however, it's important to understand the risks, as well as the potential payoff. You should also take a look at what professional ratings agencies say about the bonds you are considering. Read on for details.
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The information you need is out there. You just have to figure out what it all means when you find it. Only when you understand how your portfolio compares to the overall market can you begin to feel confident in the decisions you've made and those you should make in the future. This article gives you some insights into stocks, interest rates and inflation prices.
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Income taxes are part of everyone's financial life and no one likes to pay more than absolutely required. Understanding how the tax laws apply to your investments can help you make wise decisions from both an investment and tax point of view.
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The Internal Revenue Code includes tax-exemptions specifically designed to help municipalities raise capital for large, expensive projects. Those tax-reducing benefits not only help your city build stadiums and airports, they can help your portfolio grow too. But it's prudent to compare municipal bonds before you buy. This article can help you understand the after-tax yield on taxable and tax-exempt bonds.
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Do you invest in companies that offer dividend reinvestment? It can be a powerful tool for building wealth over time and it operates virtually on auto pilot. But like all investing options, there can be benefits and potential downsides. Keep reading to learn more about letting your investments grow -- while you are busy living -- with a dividend reinvestment plan.
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BizActions has the investing and business content you need to build long-term relationships with your CPA firm’s prospects and clients. Our CPA email newsletters can include content that helps your clients enhance their business’ profitability and growth and develop solutions that are practical and technically sound. Our professionally-written articles provide comprehensive, flexible strategies that address the issues affecting your clients’ businesses. Learn more about BizActions’ niche content for CPA e-newsletters by scheduling a strategic Return on Marketing Investment review or call us at 866.240.8477 ext. 100.
With some advance planning, you may be able to minimize your income tax liability. The sooner you take action, the better. Congress never stops tinkering with the tax code and there's no way to know what will happen next. But you can think through some steps to help control your tax bill. Continue reading for important information.
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Making a gift of stock or other assets to a family member is one way to plan your estate. It's also a good way to share your wealth while you're still around to enjoy the giving. Tax law treats "gifting" favorably -- up to a fairly generous limit. The related tax rules can be complex, so before giving away your assets, get a basic understanding of the rules.
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The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) was not intended to affect a vast number of taxpayers, but over time, that's what happened. Today, it is estimated that more than 3 million people are subject to it. Because each taxpayer's situation is unique, there is no easy answer to the question: Who will owe AMT and who won't? For a rundown of what could trigger AMT, continue reading.
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Charitable giving in America is substantial. Hundreds of billions of dollars are given each year, even when the economy is rocky. The emotional satisfaction of a supporting a cause is a big part of the motivation for giving. But our tax structure also encourages giving by allowing tax benefits for donations to qualified charities. (There are some sophisticated ways of giving to your favorite causes that are complex in nature and should be done under the guidance of your tax professional.) Here are the basics of charitable giving.
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Death touches every family. So although no one wants to deal with it, it is a topic that needs to be addressed. Don't avoid the discussion too long or you could subject your family to more stress than necessary at a difficult time. Here are eight steps to consider and talk over with key family members. It will help minimize the turmoil when you or another loved one passes away.
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If you're looking for a way to reduce your estate now, consider the gifting option. It can save estate tax while letting you watch the recipients enjoy the money without creating income or gift tax issues for them. The annual gift limit currently is a generous $13,000 for each recipient. Keep reading for more details on how to take full advantage of gifting.
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BizActions has the income tax and estate planning content you need to build long-term relationships with your prospects and clients. The professional writers who publish content for our CPA email newsletters have accounting experience and provide timely and helpful articles that guide and provide strategies for effective estate and gift planning in addition to income tax tips, legislative updates and tax minimization strategies. Learn more about BizActions’ income tax and estate planning content and CPA e-newsletters by scheduling a strategic Return on Marketing Investment review or call us at 866.240.8477 ext. 100.
For the best results after you retire, consider all of the options at your disposal. Don't limit yourself to your company's retirement plan or your IRA. Widen your scope a little and check out retirement tools like fixed annuities. They can be part of your total financial strategy, but they are not for everyone. Here are the details.
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A financial plan is not complete until you consider life insurance to protect your family after you die. You want to protect loved ones against the financial consequences of your death. What type of policy is best for you? Should you buy term life insurance or cash value? Read on for some of the factors to evaluate.
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It's important to have a life insurance policy, but how the policy is owned and paid for are also critical details. Take time now to make sure that the life insurance proceeds will be paid out as you expect so that there will be less confusion when a loss occurs.
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Do you really know all you need to know about your car insurance? There are many variables that could greatly affect your ability to recover from damage or pay for damage you cause. Keep reading to find out some common auto insurance terms as well as ways to reduce the cost of your coverage.
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Individuals and families often believe they are fully protected with the insurance they have, only to suffer a loss and find out their policies do not go far enough. That's where an umbrella policy may come to the rescue. Keep reading to learn more about this kind of coverage.
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In case of a fire or break-in or other disaster, you may be covered by insurance for what you lose, assuming you have a homeowner or renter policy. But to be compensated, you must know what you lost. After a disaster, you may not notice all that is lost. That's why you need to inventory your possessions now.
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BizActions has the insurance and business content you need to build long-term relationships with your prospects and clients. The insurance articles that you could include in your CPA email newsletters will help your clients evaluate their insurance coverage for life, disability income, long-term care, health, automobile, homeowners and personal liability. Establish your role as a trusted advisor and go-to resource with a BizActions CPA enewsletter. Learn more about BizActions’ industry-specific content and CPA e-newsletters by scheduling a strategic Return on Marketing Investment review or call us at 866.240.8477 ext. 100.

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Kids have a lot of "wants" even at a young age, so they need to understand spending, saving and value. Talking with your children about money shouldn't be daunting. Here are some points to address in conversations with your kids, along with ways to present information they need to know.
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Parents who want to transfer assets into the names of their minor children can use custodial accounts. These accounts may be used to save for college or other purposes. Before deciding to establish a custodial account, learn what the financial implications might be. Read on to gain some insight.
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Are you familiar with the "Kiddie Tax?" It's a law enacted to prevent adults from transferring large amounts of income to their children in order to bypass normal taxation. If you think the Kiddie Tax may apply to your child's income, consult a tax adviser to handle this complex issue. Here are the basic rules.
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What is one financial fact you can probably count on? The cost of putting your kids through college will likely go much higher in the years to come. Starting early can make all the difference. Here's a rundown of what you can expect in terms of the future college costs, the value of higher education to your children, and how your savings can grow over time.
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How do you know if the investment strategy you have in place for your child's future is the right one? If the funds are to grow enough to give your child options when it comes time for college, you need to find the right mix of risk and return, while incorporating flexibility. Keep reading for some guidance on the factors you need to consider.
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If you've got children headed to college, you are probably concerned about costs. Some of your saving options are custodial Accounts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and qualified tuition programs. Here is a rundown of these options, along with some of the tax implications involved.
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BizActions has the accounting expertise and content you need to build long-term relationships with your prospects and clients. Our CPA email newsletters give you the option to include articles that address the unique challenges facing families, such as saving and paying for college, paying the Kiddie Tax, opening an IRA for a teenager and how divorce affects a couple's finances. Learn more about BizActions’ industry-specific content and CPA e-newsletters by scheduling a strategic Return on Marketing Investment review or call us at 866.240.8477 ext. 100.
Don't be worried at the prospect of filing your first tax return. Americans have been facing the annual chore for nearly 100 years. There are abundant resources to help you through the process. Here is some basic information.
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Home ownership is a goal most people have at some point. Owning a home can bring a sense of satisfaction that is unmatchable. It can also bring financial rewards, although this isn't as certain as it once was. Before you begin your house hunt, educate yourself about what is involved in finding, purchasing and owning a home.
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Getting your first job is exciting, but some of the details can be overwhelming. Don't let the paperwork worry you. In most cases, it's part of a routine process you'll probably do several times over the course of your lifetime. To get an idea of what you can expect, keep reading.
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It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying your first car. Keep in mind that the important thing is to get the right vehicle and one you can afford. Don't be sidetracked by the looks of cars and the emotion of the deal. Do your homework, know what you can pay and what you need in terms of transportation. Be willing to stand firm when it comes to negotiating. For some more car-buying wisdom, keep reading.
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Taxes can be confusing, but they have to be paid on nearly all income. If history is any guide, you can expect the tax laws to continue to change and probably get even more complex. Familiarizing yourself with the basic rules can save you a lot of time and frustration -- especially when the mid-April deadline rolls around each year. Here is a rundown of how the federal tax system works.
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College costs are rising faster than inflation and they are predicted to continue going up. As a result, you may want to start thinking about funding your children's college costs now. If you have children, the sooner you start thinking (and ideally saving), the easier the future will be.
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BizActions has the CPA newsletter content you need to build long-term relationships with your prospects and clients. Our email newsletter content will help your clients navigate the complex financial world, such as handling a retirement plan distribution when changing jobs, buying a first car or home, planning for major purchases, and more. Learn more about BizActions’ industry-specific content and CPA e-newsletters by scheduling a strategic Return on Marketing Investment review or call us at 866.240.8477 ext. 100.
How comfortable you are in retirement will likely depend on how you supplement your company retirement plan, combined with your Social Security benefits. That's where an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) comes in handy to fill in the gaps. Here are the basics you need to know about IRAs and how they fit into your overall strategy.
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It may seem unusual for a teenager to have an IRA. But this is an investment that can start a pattern of savings that could change the accountholder's life. The combination of time and tax advantages can be enormous if handled properly. Keep reading to learn the basic rules for opening and maintaining an IRA, regardless of age.
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Originally, only taxpayers below certain income amounts could convert a standard Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a Roth IRA. But thanks to a change in tax law, those limitations have been lifted. If you are wondering if a conversion might benefit you, continue reading to get the details. Then, contact your tax adviser for help making this important decision.
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How much will you need to retire? The answer is individual. Whatever the amount, accumulating funds is not an easy task. You'll likely need a combination of retirement funding tools. Keep reading for information on some options.
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Social Security has been a political hot topic for a long time, and politicians keep tinkering with the possibilities. But for many retirees, Social Security is not merely a political issue, it is the foundation of their retirement funding. To find out more about what you can expect to receive from Social Security, keep reading.
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It's easy to get so wrapped up in meeting today's financial obligations that you fail to prepare for your golden years. That's a huge mistake. Not only are you missing the value that time adds to your savings, but depending on the plan your employer offers, you could be leaving benefits on the table.
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BizActions has the retirement planning content you need to build long-term relationships with your prospects and clients. From the most basic to the most complex retirement planning strategies, BizActions’ CPA email newsletter content will educate and inform your clients. We provide articles for your accounting e-newsletter that help people navigate the most prevalent issues faced with qualified plans, including 401(k), profit sharing, SEP, SIMPLE, money purchase, defined benefit, and ESOPs. Learn more about BizActions’ retirement planning content for CPA e-newsletters by scheduling a strategic Return on Marketing Investment review or call us at 866.240.8477 ext. 100.
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