2012 Roth IRA Review and Contribution Limits
The old or traditional Individual Retirement Accounts or IRAs came on the investment scene with the enactment of the Employee Retirement Security Act (ERISA) in 1974. These individual retirement plans provided a reduction in taxable income, the IRS doesn’t tax the growth on the monies while they are accumulating, however upon withdrawal, all amounts disbursed… Read More »
Traditional IRA Review and 2012 Contribution Limits
Individual Retirement Accounts or IRAs came on the investment scene with the enactment of the Employee Retirement Security Act (ERISA) in 1974. These individual retirement plans provided a reduction in taxable income, but contribution maximums were only $1,500 per year then. To further enhance IRAs, the IRS doesn’t tax the growth on the monies while… Read More »
Capital One Credit Card Woes
The credit card industry, within the last few years, has come under closer oversight and regulation. Dave Ramsey in his Financial Peace University class lessons of Dumping Debt and Credit Sharks in Suits has been particularly critical of the bad behavior and sometimes illegal practices of credit card companies. Just last week Capital One Financial… Read More »
Higher Bank Yields
Interest rates continue to plummet for borrowers, with mortgage rates dropping below 4% for 30 year fixed, and less than 3% for shorter term mortgages like 15 year plans. Conversely investors continue to see interest rates drop for their investments and savings accounts. For conservative investors and those wanting to put emergency savings in a… Read More »
Future of the Federal Estate Tax
The Federal Estate Tax is the tax paid on assets that transfer at death. The current top rate is 35%, but it could increase to 55%, reverting to the 2001 tax rules if Congress doesn’t continue the lowering of tax of the Bush Administration. The current tax only applies to estates of $5,000,000 or larger, but… Read More »
Before You Bargain Hunt
Before You Bargain Hunt, Consider This… Everyone is looking for a way to save money. Companies are taking advantage of this by promoting their best “bargains” to the fullest and people are scouring thrift shops for a used version of anything they need. However, not all bargains are created equal. There are some things that… Read More »
Low Cost Smartphone Alternatives
Good article in the Wall Street Journal about some good alternatives to the expensive full featured smartphones. Those on an extremely tight budget may want to avoid these all together, and stick with a regular phone to save themselves high monthly data usage bills, unless they really need one for business. The monthly savings could… Read More »
Knowing where to make your cuts
Guest post by Georgia Dalsum Budgeting – Knowing Where to Make Your Cuts If you’re struggling financially, cutting your expenses is the first step toward regaining financial control. With less money going out, more money can go toward your necessary expenses to catch up and solidify your financial ground. But where do you make your… Read More »
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Class is Awesome
Best selling author, nationally syndicated radio financial expert, motivational speaker, and creator of Financial Peace University financial education class Dave Ramsey is an amazing guy with a great institution. Operating under the Lampo group in the Nashville Tennessee area, Dave has grown his company over the last 20 years employing hundreds of people serving millions… Read More »
Retailers to Avoid
Retailers are a dime a dozen so I can be choosy who I decide to deal with. Here are the top things that turn me off and others that attract me to do business with them: Retailers to Avoid Those that make big claims that they always have the lowest price. I never trust this… Read More »
