There's good news if you’re concerned about estate taxes. For the next two years (2011 and 2012), the value of your estate that’s excluded from tax is set at $5 million. And the top rate on taxable estates is 35%.
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One day you may find yourself taking care of an elderly parent who is in declining physical or mental health. This can be stressful, both emotionally and financially. On the financial side, there are steps you may want to take to prepare for this situation.
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Mortgage interest rates are at historic lows. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the average interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 4.25% in September, 2010, and the average rate for 15-year mortgages fell to 3.73%. These are the lowest rates in almost 50 years.

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Many of us are living close to our financial limit these days. We pay our bills on time, but there’s not a lot left over. That could be a dangerous situation. If things go wrong, your financial situation can change very quickly from adequate to critical. Without a cash reserve, you could find yourself in serious trouble.
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Working after retirement affects your benefits and taxes People often work beyond the \”normal\” retirement age. Here’s how extending your work life can affect your taxes and retirement benefits.

\”Normal\” retirement age is not a fixed number. For social security purposes, the \”full\” retirement age threshold ranges from 65 to 67, depending on your birth date. However, you can elect to start receiving lower payments as early as age 62, or you can maximize your benefits by forgoing them until you’re 70. Once you reach age 70, there’s no incentive to postpone your benefits further, since you’ll already have reached your maximum.
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