Couples - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

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.

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.

Women and Estate Planning

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:44:49 EST

They say men are from Mars and women are from Venus, but is this true when it comes to estate planning? Absolutely. And because women often find themselves in such different circumstances than men, it is even more crucial for them to educate themselves about estate planning, and consult an experienced estate planning professional.

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.

Making Financial Resolutions: Look Back at Last Year

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:05:25 EST

Each new year brings the chance for a fresh start, and the opportunity to improve your financial picture. As you make financial resolutions for 2012, looking back at what happened last year can help you make some positive changes this year.

New Year's Financial Resolutions

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:38:48 EST

Should old finances be forgot, and never brought to mind? It may be a new year, but your financial decisions of the past are still here. The beginning of the year is a great time to sit down and evaluate your spending: past , present and future. Here are a few tips and tools to help you start 2012 on the right financial foot.

Qualified Charitable Distributions Qualify for RMDs

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:23:46 EST

If you're an IRA owner who must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) in 2011, you can avoid some or all of the resulting income tax liability by donating a portion of it to charity. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD), also known as an IRA charitable rollover, can not only save you income taxes, it can help minimize your taxable estate and fulfill your philanthropic desires. Through December 31, you can make tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to qualified charities. Here are the details.