A sound financial life begins with having or creating basic documents. Here are some to consider or review if you have them.

In late 2019 the bill passed to keep the government open includes a number of hidden gems. This is one for anyone with a mountain of student debt.

Banks are a necessary tool to navigate our daily financial lives. Unfortunately, there are aggravating practices at many banks that drive us crazy or cost us money. Here are five tips to get more out of your bank and pay less.

To many, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year and also the most difficult time for a budget. Why not save money this season by following some of these easy tips.

Many of the costs associated with responsible pet ownership can be controlled, or at least reduced. Here are a few ideas:

While it is not a good idea to tap retirement accounts prior to retirement age, sometimes it cannot be avoided. What can often be avoided, however, is the punitive 10% penalty for early fund distributions. Outlined here are exceptions to the 10% penalty rule for Traditional IRAs.

Often one person in the household manages the financial affairs. Unfortunately, that means one person will be left in the cold during a divorce or death. If this fits you or someone you know, think about spending some time understanding your financial situation. Here are some ideas.

When you're thinking of refinancing your home mortgage, simply comparing interest rates is not enough. Here are some other factors to consider before you refinance.

Have you recently married, divorced, or lost a spouse? A change in marital status should prompt a review of financial matters, but at such a time it is easy to overlook the details. Here are a few reminders and suggestions.

You can check your credit rating from all three of the major credit reporting agencies for free to insure the accuracy of your report.

The "baby boomers," Americans born between 1946 and 1966, are moving like a wave into their fifties and sixties. Unfortunately, between helping kids and parents, many of them are facing new financial pressures.

The tax law provides a valuable tax-saving opportunity to business owners and real estate investors who want to sell property and acquire similar property at about the same time.

We have witnessed such volatile activity in the stock market in recent years that the old stock selection rules are not always applicable.

Have you ever considered setting up a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP)? Now may be the time to think about doing so. Current tax law makes these plans more appealing than ever. What is a DRIP? DRIPs allow you to build your portfolio by using all or part of your dividends to purchase additional shares...

Selling a stock is an important decision - almost as important as the decision to buy. Unfortunately, while the world is full of buy recommendations, there is very little advice on when to sell. Here are some ideas to consider.

There is no magic to making money by investing. It requires discipline, determination, perseverance, and hard work. Here are some things to consider.

The secret to success in the stock market is to buy low and sell high. Here's a technique that helps you take advantage of the risk of poorly timing your purchases into the market.

When you buy shares of a mutual fund, your money is pooled with other shareholders' money and invested in a portfolio of securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) It is the right investment for you?

While investment clubs provide an opportunity for friends or family to meet, learn about investments, and make money, it's best to treat a club as you would any other business relationship.

As you receive informational tax forms like W-2s and 1099s, you will want to make sure they are correct and received on a timely basis. Here are some tips to make this part of your tax filing experience smooth.

Vendors are not perfect. What should you do when you receive a tax form that is in error?

In some rare cases, making a tax savings move can benefit you in more than one way. This is the case with direct contribution of qualified investments, such as stock, owned more than one year that have appreciated in value.

Using his executive authority, the Treasury Department to begin developing a new retirement savings account option called myRA. Here is what you need to know.

Want to reduce your taxable income using a tax deferred contribution to an IRA but don't have the funds to do so? If you expect a tax refund, here is a technique that may help.

Investors are increasingly uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market. If you're worried about your investments and want to reduce your debts, you're in luck. Debt reduction gives you a guaranteed rate of return often much higher than your savings and investment accounts.

Couples often enter into marriage without having had a serious discussion about financial issues. As a result, they find themselves frequently arguing about money. If you are planning a wedding, here are some steps you can take to get your marriage off to a good financial start.

If you were offered the choice of being paid $100 today or $100 a year from now, you would probably choose $100 today. After all, even at today's low interest rates, your $100 might earn a small return over the next year. This simple example illustrates an important concept: that the value of money changes.

Don't ignore the impact of taxes on your investments. While taxes should not drive your investment strategy, understanding how taxes affect your earnings will help you minimize taxes and maximize your return.

What are you worth? In financial terms it is your net worth. Here is how it is defined and how you can use this information to create a better financial future for yourself.

Building a nest egg to give you a secure financial future doesn't require a degree in economics, just a degree of common sense. Here are nine great rules.

If you want to make a profit by investing in rental real estate, you must be willing to commit more resources than you might think. Here are some things to consider.

If selling a stock or mutual fund to book a loss for your tax return, the Wash Sale rules are worth knowing. For the unaware, this rule could cost you your loss deduction.

The IRS often sees the transfer of funds as a loan, whether there is a loan agreement or not. This also means there is an implied term and interest payment. When the IRS says a transaction is a loan, what interest rate do they use? Enter AFRs. Here is what you need to know.

As a CPA there is a long-term commitment to leveraging financial literacy on your behalf. Here is how you can benefit from this commitment.

Credit card debt can be a lot like fighting a fire breathing dragon. Here are some ideas to help slay yours.

Say "insurance" to most people and auto, health, home, and life are the variants that spring to mind. But disability is a more common occurrence. Do you have the insurance you need?

Properly managed insurance needs can save you money. Here are some ideas.

With smart financial management, graduates can liquidate their college debt in a reasonable time, freeing up cash for other priorities. Here are four tips for paying off loans quickly and efficiently.

Summer is often a time for vacations reunions. But it can sometimes be hard to justify spending the money to take one. Fortunately, with a little planning and ingenuity you can trim the cost of that summer getaway without cutting back on fun and relaxation. Here are a few ideas.

To keep your insurance costs down, don't buy insurance to pay for every small medical bill, auto repair or financial loss. Build a savings account to handle life's small financial inconveniences. Think of insurance as protection against catastrophes. Here are the common types of insurance you should consider investing in.

Fuel for vehicles is one of the biggest expenditures for Americans. Here are some tips for saving money when behind the wheel.

To keep your business solvent through the COVID-19 pandemic, stay focused on the 3 rules of cash.

Give your money more earning and spending power by understanding the time value of money. We explain why getting $1 today is more valuable than getting $1 at some point in the future and how this decision can impact your personal and business finances.

You're starting to feel overwhelmed with debt and you're not sure how to make even the minimum payments on all those accounts. That's when you realize that credit card companies are eager to come to your aid.But before consolidating your debt on a new credit card, ask the following questions.

Careful planning and a little discipline when cruising the supermarket aisles can generate hundreds of dollars in savings. Here are four suggestions for taming your grocery bill.

Every great team needs a great accountant. Here's why.

Looking for a way to tackle insomnia? Read your homeowner's insurance policy. Kidding aside, it's worth the effort. As many families have learned the hard way, failing to evaluate policy details can lead to unanticipated expenses when disaster strikes.

Financial goals make it possible for you and your partner to achieve the things you dream about. Here are three things you can do to create - and achieve - financial goals as a couple.

Deciding when to apply for Social Security benefits can be confusing. It's a decision that can impact your retirement income for decades. Spousal benefits, especially, are easily misunderstood. Here are three questions to consider.

Take a deep breath. Forget about the stuff you can't control: the stock market, interest rates, government programs, the world economy... etc. One of the biggest hazards of retiring into a declining market is "sequence of returns" risk. Nevertheless, you can take steps to cushion the transition even when retirement accounts are performing poorly. Here are four suggestions.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the game, you'll want to make a conscious effort to avoid these three common investment mistakes.

You're in the market for a house. As you think about a 15- or 30- year mortgage, consider these three primary factors.

Documenting your digital assets along with your physical belongings can help ensure your final wishes are honored and your estate is administered correctly. Here are a few items to keep in mind as you compile a list of your digital assets.

Your daredevil kid breaks an arm, the car overheats and the house roof starts leaking. You need cash right away. Should you consider a payday loan?

Living within one's means may seem quaint or old-fashioned, but it's the most tried- and-true way for most people to acquire financial security. Before you take out a loan for that shiny sedan or charge up your VISA card for the latest gadget, ask yourself three crucial questions.

Do you save regularly? If not, you should reconsider. Developing a saving habit is one of the best things you can do for your financial health. Here are three tips to help you get started.

This commonly used tax term is anything but common to most of us. Knowing the basics of basis can serve to lower your tax obligation when you sell property.

The tax code is long and complicated. And, unfortunately, inconsistent on how it handles similar provisions. This is especially true when it comes to early distributions from retirement plans. Sometimes rolling over funds from one plan type to another prior to taking money out of the plan can save you money.

Lending to friends and relatives is a tricky business, and not only because of the stress it can place on your relationships. There are tax issues involved as well.

Year end moves by mutual fund managers often cause tax obligations for their fund owners. These surprises come in the way of 1099 DIV and 1099 B tax forms. Here are some ideas to help manage the problem.

The IRS wants all of us to capture bartering activity as income. Is it really that simple? Here are some tips.