Employees often have too much of their employer’s company stock in their 401(k) or other retirement plan. Employees feel they know their company best, overlooking the risks of having too much of an investment in any one company, including their own. (more…)

The new Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 contains several key provisions affecting individuals and business owners. Here\’s a brief summary.
(more…)

Time is running out on moves you can make to reduce your 2009 tax bill. Some actions to consider right now:

(more…)

As the end of 2009 approaches, a significant opportunity awaits many individuals.  Beginning in 2010, taxpayers will be able to convert their traditional IRA (and funds that have been rolled over from a qualified plan) to a Roth IRA, regardless of their income level or filing status. What’s more, the tax on the taxable income generated from a 2010 conversion may be deferred until (more…)

Credit card fraud has been around since the advent of credit cards, but the thieves have advanced with technology. At first, crooks used low-tech maneuvers like robbery, dumpster diving, or mailbox crashing to steal cards, statements, and merchant receipts. Although still popular, these methods are being eclipsed by (more…)

If you run a business, you probably make many different kinds of purchasing decisions. You might buy some items infrequently and only one at a time (for example, computers). At the other extreme,
there are probably (more…)

Staying out of debt is simple, but it’s not easy. It requires fortitude. It means foregoing impulsive purchases in exchange for long-term financial freedom. Staying out of debt requires that you deny cravings, at least temporarily, for the “must-have” stuff that beckons from every (more…)

The IRS recently issued a news release reminding taxpayers to take advantage of the tax breaks provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the stimulus law passed earlier this year. (more…)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the economic stimulus law passed earlier this year, included a number of tax-saving opportunities for businesses. Because some of these tax breaks are available for a short time only, the IRS is urging small businesses to (more…)

This is a good time of year to review and rebalance your investment portfolio.  Although the recent market volatility has been disastrous for many investors, there may still be some year-end moves you can make that will cut your 2009 taxes and increase your after-tax returns. As you identify investments to buy and sell, keep the following tax implications in mind: (more…)