Parents & Children - 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.

Inheriting an IRA--What You Need to Know

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:49:19 EDT

The rules governing inherited IRAs can be complicated. Here are the major issues to consider.

Seniors Are Often Targets of Scams

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:51:50 EST

Anyone can fall victim to a financial scam, but seniors tend to be particularly popular targets. Frequently, fraud perpetrated against seniors is not reported until long after the scam has occurred, usually because victims don't realize they have been scammed or know where to report the scam, or because victims are too embarrassed to admit that they have been taken. Nevertheless, it's important for seniors and their family members to be aware of the signs that may point to a fraudulent scheme, and know what steps can be taken to prevent becoming victims of a scam.

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.

Q & A: Filing the Federal Financial Aid Application

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:09:46 EST

The federal government's Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA, should be filed as soon after January 1 as possible in the year your child will be attending college. The reason is that some federal aid programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so filing the application early ensures your child has the best chance of receiving the most favorable aid package. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the application process.