Quick – can you tell me your net worth? How about the balance on your credit card (okay, cards)? Your savings account balance? For many folks (okay, face it, most of us) the answer to those questions is only available after a multi-hour session digging through recent statements, online accounts, possibly tax returns, and the like. [...]
Posts from ‘March, 2009’
Many Happy Returns*
I was recently talking with an acquaintance who told me about a friend of his that had not filed a tax return for several years… Now, we all know that burying our head in the sand is no way to deal with *any* problem – but especially this one. Right off the top of your [...]
The Equity-Indexed Annuity
If you’re anywhere near retirement age, or if you’re in retirement, chances are that barely a week goes by without having an Equity-Indexed Annuity (EIA) pitched to you these days… Now, if for some reason you’ve missed out on these pitches (Maybe you’ve been out the country? Don’t have a phone? Don’t read your mail?) [...]
Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers
With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA 2009) comes an additional tax break for First-Time Homebuyers, in addition to the break already available in for homes purchased in 2008. For your 2008 return (being prepared now) you have two different options available if you have purchased a home recently. [...]
Auto Purchase Incentive (from ARRA 2009)
The expanded automobile sales and excise tax deductibility component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA 2009) has caused a bit of confusion. Here’s how it works: If you purchase a vehicle between February 17, 2009 and January 1, 2010, your state and local sales tax may be deductible on your 2009 tax [...]
And if you've come here to learn about queuing waterfowl, I apologize for the confusion. You may want to discuss your question with Lester, my loyal watchduck and self-proclaimed "advisor's advisor".
