Archive for posts by Kent Irwin

The following are good articles from other personal finance blogs that I follow: 57 Avoidable Tax Mistakes from Wise Bread Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules, How to Get Money Out Early from Five Cent Nickel Four Tips to Negotiate Medical Bills from Moolanomy.com How Important is a Budget? from All Financial Matters Feeding Your Family, 7 Steps… Read More »

We have not heard the end of the story of the trans-American pipeline to bring Canadian oil sand derived crude though a 1,700 mile pipeline, that Obama rejected yesterday (1/18/12). Conservationists are celebrating, since they believe the negative environment consequences of the line and special process to remove the oil from the sands. It seems… Read More »

Billionaire David Rubenstein today made a $7.5 million donation to repair the Washington Monument, damaged from last summer’s earthquake, the government will pay the other $7.5m.

 The Ernst and Young Tax Guide for 2012 listed 50 of the most easily overlooked deductions. You may want to purchase this large book or look at what is listed on their website.  Also see IRS.gov for a list of highlights and Whats Hot. My list will touch on a few of them that I… Read More »

I like to cook, and my wife says I’m pretty good at it. I have to admit I have watched a few cooking shows like Paula Deen, Rachael Ray, and Steven Raichlen’s Barbeque U. These shows provide good ideas for putting dishes together, use of ingredients and spices. However I seldom use the recipes, either because… Read More »

The Indiana legislature is battling over putting the Right to Work referendum on the ballot. Right-to-work laws exist ins 22 states, which prohibit agreements between labor unions and employers that make membership, and union dues a condition of employment. What this means to worker’s personal finances in the short run is having to pay mandatory… Read More »

A very important part of personal financial planning is tax planning. As you prepare for tax season, here some general things to consider:  Be aware of the different types of taxes: Many people are not aware of the different types of tax systems that we have. The following are the most common systems that may affect you…. Read More »

Pensions are a little rare today, so rare most people don’t really know how they work.  Pensions also known as Defined Benefit retirement plans, pay someone a percentage of their income when they retire, based upon age, years of service, wage history and the design of the plan.  Millions of people still have them, typical… Read More »

A few days ago I was talking to a friend who was out of work, and considering several great opportunities. This reminded me that there are really many ways to earn an income today, and many financial experts believe in the years to come more people will have several income streams at the same time…. Read More »

A marriage counselor friend of mine recently said that only 25% of households in some areas are made up of single people and traditional nuclear families of once married couples with their own children. The other 75% of households make up the rest of unmarried couples or remarried couples following separation, divorce or death, with children… Read More »