It’s reassuring to remember that downturns are a normal part of the business cycle. And, just as there are strategies that help businesses thrive during profitable times, there are basic survival tactics that businesses can employ when the outlook is less than rosy. Control Spending Finances should be your fundamental concern when economic conditions are […]
Saving for Two
An employer’s 401(k) plan (or similar retirement plan) can be a good way for people to save for retirement. But what if your or your spouse’s employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,* 69% of private sector workers have access to a workplace retirement plan. Since most people […]
Valuing Your Estate’s Assets
In estate planning, you often come across the term “fair market value.” However, some assets are easier to value than others. The IRS defines fair market value as “the value at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell […]
Diversification: A Tool to Temper Risk
Market volatility is a given in the investment world, so employing strategies to cope with fluctuating market values should be a priority. Diversification — spreading your money among many different investments and investment types — is one such strategy.1 Although you can’t eliminate volatility, diversifying your investment portfolio may help you manage it. A First […]
Tax Tips for Businesses
As a business owner, you should familiarize yourself with your federal, state, and local tax requirements. Understanding what your obligations are will assist you in filing returns and paying taxes accurately and on time. Whatever taxes you are required to pay, you have to be very aware that there are deadlines for remitting them and […]
What Your Last Tax Return Can Tell You About Your Finances
Just as coaches look back at their prior season to identify their team’s strengths and weaknesses, it can be helpful for taxpayers to review their most recent tax return to assess what they did right and what they did wrong when it came to their taxes and overall finances. Your federal income tax return might […]