Home Owners - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Hidden Taxes: What Is Your True Cost?

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:49:07 EDT

We are pretty well aware of the taxes we must pay as U.S. citizens; income taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and gift and estate taxes, to name a few. We can easily see these taxes on our pay stubs, tax bills, and sales receipts. But there are other taxes imposed on us that you may not be aware of. They are "hidden taxes."

Total Tax Insights Calculator

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:19:43 EDT

Where you live, what kind of car you drive, how you shop – all can have a significant impact on the taxes you pay. All told, there are more than 20 types of taxes – some that may surprise you – and knowing which you pay and how much you pay can affect not only your current financial picture but your future plans as well.

Pay Down Debt or Save and Invest?

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:57:03 EDT

There are certainly a variety of strategies for paying off debt, many of which can reduce how long it will take to pay off the debt and the total interest paid. But should you pay off the debt? Or should you save and invest? To find out, compare what rate of return you can earn on your investments versus the interest rate on the debt. There may be other factors that you should consider as well.

Four Money Mistakes You Might Be Making

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:48:54 EDT

Three years after the economic crisis led many Americans to re-evaluate their financial picture, economic uncertainty is still the norm. While there's little you can do about the shaky economy, you can help stabilize your own finances over the long term by evaluating what you're doing right, and wrong. There's no guarantee, but avoiding these four money mistakes may help you survive and ultimately thrive in any turbulent economy.

Retirement Plan and IRA Limits for 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:22:16 EST

Many retirement plan and IRA limits are indexed for inflation each year. Here are some of the key numbers for 2012.

2011 Tax Season Considerations

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:14:50 EST

You don't want to pay more in taxes than you have to. That means taking advantage of every deduction and credit that you're entitled to, and recognizing potential opportunities to save. It also means staying on top of deadlines, and avoiding mistakes that could prove costly down the road. Here are some things to keep in mind this filing season.

Debt Payoff Strategies

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:58:17 EST

In these uncertain economic times, you may be thinking of reducing your debt load. There are a number of strategies for paying off debt that you might consider. However, before starting any debt payoff strategy (or combination of strategies), be sure you understand the terms of your debts, including any penalties for prepayment.

The Problem with Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:18:35 EST

As the number of Internet websites and software packages have quickly multiplied, along with the many books and stationery store kits that have always been available, do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning is on the rise. The one-size-fits-all fill-in-the-blank forms that these sources provide may be attractive to some individuals because they cost a fraction of what attorneys typically charge. But is saving a few dollars worth the risk and potentially high cost of doing things incorrectly?

Do You Need Flood or Earthquake Insurance?

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:44:43 EDT

We'd like to believe that disasters caused by floods or earthquakes are rare. But as we have seen with the recent natural disasters in the United States and abroad, the impact can be financially devastating. If you were to fall victim to a natural disaster, could you pay for the damages out-of-pocket? Will your homeowners insurance provide adequate coverage? Could any of us depend on the government for assistance? Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage directly caused by either floods or earthquakes.

Should I take out a home equity loan to pay for my child's tuition?

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:46:06 EDT

Should I take out a home equity loan to pay for my child's tuition?

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