by Kristine McKinley | Jun 26, 2009 | Financial Planning
The weather’s great, so staying inside with your finances probably doesn’t sound like a very entertaining option. But a midyear review of your taxes, retirement and spending issues can be far more valuable than the rushed attempt most people make at the...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 21, 2009 | Financial Planning, Investing, Personal Finance, Retirement
It’s hard to say what 2009 will look like. While there are still several concerns (the housing market, rising unemployment, etc.), there will also be considerable government intervention to help improve the economy this year, both in the U.S. and worldwide. So...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 17, 2009 | Investing, Personal Finance, Retirement
After watching their 401K balances shrink up to 40% in 2008, many people are wondering if they should change their allocation to include more “safe” investments, or if they should move completely to “safe” investments then move back into the...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 14, 2009 | Taxes
The IRS has announced that brokers may furnish certain composite annual tax reporting statements by Feb. 17, 2009, without penalty. The notice provides that the new February due date established under a recent law change to provide Form 1099-B information to customers...
by Kristine McKinley | Jan 12, 2009 | Retirement
Finally some good news for retirees… Social Security benefits are being increased 5.8% for 2009. This is the largest increase in more than 25 years! This increase will boost the average monthly Social Security retirement check from $1,090 to $1,153. Even more...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 12, 2008 | Featured Post, Taxes
I know many people were hoping this would pass for 2008 rather than 2009, but I guess late is better than not at all. Congress approved legislation this week that will provide some relief to Americans over 70 1/2 who have suffered significant losses in their IRA...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 2, 2008 | Taxes
A new tax law in 2006 allowed homeowners to claim credits for purchases that make their homes more efficient. This law was originally only for purchases or improvements made in 2006 and 2007, but has been extended by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 1, 2008 | Taxes
Despite widespread stock market losses in 2008, several mutual fund companies have announced that they will make capital gain distributions to shareholders in mid-December. This is a double whammy to investors because shareholders who hold mutual funds in taxable...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 1, 2008 | Taxes
Update: The Tax Relief Act of 2010 extends the ability to donate your RMD to charity for both 2010 and 2011. For more information, please read “Yes You CAN Donate Your 2010 RMD to Charity”. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows IRA owners age 70 1/2...
by Kristine McKinley | Dec 1, 2008 | Featured Post, Taxes
December’s a busy month with holiday preparations, but it’s not too late to focus on last-minute tax savings. Consult with your tax professional to see if these might work for you: Do an AMT sweep: One of the reasons why it’s wise to consult a tax...
