Skip to content
Trusted Answers From Licensed Business Professionals

Recently, notices were sent to American Express cardholders describing the new benefits of the Lost Wallet Protector Program (formerly Credit Card Registry). Let’s explore this program, the cost, & if it’s worthwhile. Read More.

Share |

We’ve reviewed the most viewed tax and financial articles of 2011. Find out what you missed this past year. Read More.

Share |

Are Credit Card Balance Transfers A Good Idea?


It seems that almost every day we receive an offer in the mail from a credit card company willing to transfer our balance risk-free, at a 0% annual percentage rate (APR). At first glance, you're probably thinking that this is just another way for the credit card company to make more money off of you. But, there may be some very compelling reasons to move forward with this offer. .
-or-
Share |

How are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) Taxed?


You may be surprised to learn that not every ETF is taxed the same as the structure and components of the fund dictate the taxation. .
-or-
Share |

The Best Days and Ways to Buy Your Household Items

TGI Thursday? Prices on household goods such as food, clothing, and electronics can vary not only by season but also by weekday. It makes a difference what day – and even what time – we buy our household products. So what are the best days to buy soups, sweaters and scanners? Read More.

Share |

While you don't have to go into panic mode if you've been late on a credit card payment or two, it's also not something you should take lightly. Depending on how far behind you are, it could impact the interest rate you pay for your credit card purchases, and ultimately take a toll on your credit score. .
-or-
Share |

cost-basis-reporting-1099-b
You may have received a notice recently from your financial institution or broker dealer indicating that they will begin reporting the cost basis for all "covered transactions" to both you and the IRS on form 1099-B. This means that any stocks and ETFs purchased this year will include a cost basis which is intended to make it easier for you to calculate your capital gains tax. But, this also means that electing the appropriate type of cost basis method will be so much more important than in the past. The days of coming up with a cost basis out of thin air are over .
-or-
Share |

term-or-whole-life-insurance
Life insurance can be a complicated topic, just because there are so many different permutations. The two overarching categories are permanent life insurance and term life insurance, and there are a number of variations from there. Before you buy life insurance, you should first determine how much life insurance you need, and a number of websites, such as the non-profit LIFE Foundation (www.lifehappens.org), provide a life insurance calculator. .
-or-
Share |

Should I Switch to a No Fee Bank?

new-banking-fees

Back in August, we wrote a piece entitled, “The New (Reduced) Debit Card Swipe Fees Are Coming to Retailers,” highlighting the consequences for the Federal Reserve voting to reduce the amount of debit card interchange swipe fees banks could charge retailers. Just as we had expected, big banks rolled out all sorts of new debit and checking account fees to recoup some of the losses. However, because of the backlash they received from major social media campaigns including a designated bank transfer day, the banks recanted. So, with all the noise and the potentials for other fees in the future, should you consider switching to a no fee bank? Read More.

Share |

What Happens to My Profit Sharing Plan if I Get Fired?


pension-plan-when-fired
Many companies offer employees either a 401(K), profit-sharing plan or other type of defined contribution plan to tie employee interests to the success of the company. Benefit plans also happen to be the second largest asset that most employees accumulate during their lifetime; second to a home of course. Yet, employees often know very little about their rights and the terms of their plans. Especially, in the case of being laid off or fired. .
-or-
Share |