Employed - 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.

10 Tips for Last Minute Tax Filers (2012)

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:34:15 EDT

10 questions and answers from the American Institute of CPAs to help you with any last-minute uncertainties you may have as the deadline for filing your 2011 individual income tax return approaches.

Election Year Tax Talk: Deciphering the Terminology

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:56:50 EDT

This year's election chatter is sure to include a healthy dose of tax talk. To keep up, here are five terms you should know: the “Bush tax cuts,” alternative minimum tax (AMT), the “Buffett rule,” value added tax (VAT) and flat tax.

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.

Investing in a Low Interest Rate Environment

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:57:20 EST

Low interest rates create a dilemma. Do you accept a low return because you feel you must protect your principal? Or do you take on greater investment risk in order to try for a higher return? Here are some factors to consider in trying to balance those two concerns.

Planning for a Career Change

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:02:10 EST

A higher salary. More job security. Doing what you love. Fewer hours. More travel. Changing careers can be rewarding for many reasons, but career transitions don't always go smoothly. Your career shift may take longer than expected, or you may find yourself temporarily out of work if you need to go back to school or can't immediately find a job. Planning for the financial impact can make the transition easier.

Keeping Market Volatility in Perspective

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:33:52 EST

When markets are volatile, sticking to a long-term investing strategy can be a challenge. Though past performance is no guarantee of future results, it might help you keep the ups and downs in perspective to see how recent market action compares to previous market cycles.

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.