A new law lets employers avoid the 6.2% share of Social Security tax on wages paid to new hires who certify they worked fewer then 40 hours in the prior 60 days. That even includes students who didn’t work because they were taking classes. The payroll-tax exemption is available for compensation paid after March 18th, 2010 and before January 1, 2011 to employees hired on or after February 4, 2010.
General Investing Tips Articles
Jun 23
Tax Breaks
The idea of spreading your investments into many asset classes that rise and fall independently throughout market cycles has been considered a safe and sure move to make sure your assets are protected. So if any one basket falls, the other basket should keep your portfolio intact. That sounds good, but then there was 2008 to date, that keeps us all of wondering what to do. But using the financial crises to conclude that diversification is pointless because stocks, bonds, and other assets will move in tandem forevermore is a misreading of recent history.
Jun 23
Economic Outlook
We’re Back!
Just when it appeared that the economy was strengthening, some old bugaboos from 2008 and 2009 found their way back to the US. The Obama Administration’s home purchase tax credit program ended in April, as did the mini-housing recovery. Once again we have to pay attention to foreclosures and the risk of home prices sliding. Four quarters of small gains in employment came to a halt in May. Even though employment is a lagging indicator — it doesn’t recover until several quarters of economic growth — the end to nascent job gains will hurt still-negative consumer confidence. Indeed, a small boomlet in retail spending by consumers petered out in the Spring. And, recent stock market volatility reminds investors of recent events they would rather forget in 2001 and 2008. Is this time different, or are we destined to relive the bad old times?
Having an organized approach to financial records can remove much of the stress associated with living. We all play many roles, each with a trail of paper attached.
What to keep
Knowing what keep by separating your papers by your need to use them, keeping short-term items together and a longer term items together.
Getting a second opinion can help you to confirm that your investments are on track. It can also help you reduce risk and improve your return before it’s too late. A second opinion can determine whether or not your investment portfolio is designed as efficiently as it can be to achieve your goals. Read more…
Nov 11
The 403b Advantage
The 403(b) was established in 1958 by the federal government to encourage employees in certain tax-exempt organizations to establish retirement savings plans. The name 403(b) refers to the relevant section in the Internal Revenue Code.
Author: Christopher H. DeVoe CFA
Economists are creatures of habit: we love a normal business cycle. You know, the kind that start out when consumers, aided by a little Government pump priming, get out from under the covers and spend a little more money, then businesses find their inventories are a bit too lean and they order a little more from manufacturers, who then call a few more employees back to work, etc. This makes it easy — you look at past economic cycles, increase your forecasts for economic growth a little each quarter and, voila, the economy recovers in a year and a half to two years. The positive feedback loop of more spending causing more hiring, then more spending, then more hiring, builds on itself. Recession over!
Savings bonds are not necessarily the most glamourous of investments. However, they can certainly provide a stable return in a volatile market. But when should you consider redeeming a savings bond?
Theft and unauthorized use of your personal information can destroy your credit and ruin your reputation. Here are some tips to help safeguard your identity:
- Shred financial documents and mailings with personal information before tossing them in your garbage. The garbage is a great source of information for identity thieves.
Social security payments become available to some taxpayers at age 62. Tempted to take those benefits right away? Before jumping in with both feet, discuss the timing with your financial professional.