How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
Between 30 percent and 60 percent of taxable property has an inflated assessment, which may lead to higher property tax bills. Moreover, typically fewer than 5 percent of taxpayers dispute their assessment.1 For homeowners who think their local government may have assessed their property’s value too high, there are ways to appeal and potentially win […]
When Does Your Personal Car Become a Commercial Vehicle?
For small business owners, the line between the personal and their business can be a bit hazy at times. Yet, when it comes to a vehicle that may be used for personal and business-related reasons, it’s important to know how your auto insurer is expected to define what constitutes commercial use. If you own a […]
Understanding the Basics of Medigap Policies
Medicare coverage can be a critical component for living a healthy life in retirement, as well as for maintaining your financial independence during these years. Yet, as important as it is, Medicare does not cover the full range of healthcare expenses you may experience in your golden years. To fill the holes that exist in […]
Preparing for the Expected
As Teddy Roosevelt once observed, “Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the unique challenges that come with aging. As we age, the potential for cognitive decline increases, […]
Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement
Many of us grew up with the concept that making regular, periodic contributions to our retirement account was a sound investment strategy. The idea was that, in a fluctuating market, regularly investing a set amount would enable an individual to buy more shares when prices were low and fewer shares when prices were high.1 Does […]
Mastering Mobile Lingo
Building Your Legacy
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. Shannon L. Alder The desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a gift to the future, the benefit of which you may never witness, nor […]
What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?
Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they’re not just for college anymore – added to the tuition eligibility are K-12, private and religious schools. These funds can also be used for four and two-year colleges, trade schools, graduate […]
Personal Finance Calendar
Write down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals. Update your personal net worth to account for any significant changes in the past year. Double-check your employer-sponsored retirement plans. When determining how much to contribute, […]
Building a Solid Financial Foundation
When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean? To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid foundation. It means that you have the “pillars” in place that are designed to support your […]