The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, referred to by some as the "bailout bill," or, as others prefer to call it, the "rescue plan," was recently enacted in an attempt to stabilize the turmoil in the U.S. economy. While a great deal of attention has been focused on the true bailout … [Read more...]
Emergency Fund
In times of crisis, you don't want to be shaking pennies out of a piggy bank. Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you're protected when a financial emergency arises. One way to accomplish this is by setting up a cash reserve, a pool of readily available funds that can help you … [Read more...]
How to get a free copy of your credit report
Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit bureaus. To get your free annual report, you can contact each of the three credit bureaus individually, or you can contact one … [Read more...]
2009 contribution limits announced
On October 16, 2008, the IRS issued news release IR-2008-118 announcing cost-of-living adjustments to dollar limitations for pension plans. Items addressed for 2009 include: Elective deferrals * The annual elective deferral limit for 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, SAR-SEPs, and the … [Read more...]
College Board releases 08/09 cost figures
Public colleges (in-state students): * Tuition and fees increased an average of 6.4 percent * Room and board increased an average of 5.2 percent * Total average cost for 2008/2009 is $18,326 Public colleges (out-of-state students): * Tuition and fees increased an average of 5.2 percent * … [Read more...]
Tax Credits and Deductions for Higher Education
What are the tax credits and deductions relating to higher education? There are two education tax credits--the Hope credit and the Lifetime Learning credit--that provide some relief to families in the midst of financing their children's college education. There is also a federal income tax … [Read more...]
October 2008 Newsletter
View our October 2008 Newsletter. … [Read more...]
Free Seminar — Are You Saving Enough for Retirement?
Where: Keller Public Library (640 Johnson Rd., Keller, TX) When: Monday, December 1, 2008, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Limited Space. Reservations Recommended. Call (817) 743-4840 to reserve your seat. Take a realistic look at your progress toward a secure retirement. Get the tools to build a solid … [Read more...]
FDIC limits changed as of October 3, 2008
October 7, 2008 The bail-out bill that passed congress last week included a provision to increase the FDIC coverage limits from $100,000 to $250,000 per individual per bank. This increase went into effect immediately, but it's important to note that it's only valid through the end of 2009. … [Read more...]
Ask the Planner at The Dallas Morning News
October 6 - 12 was National Financial Planning Week. In recognition of this week, Pamela Yip at The Dallas Morning News hosted an "Ask the Financial Planner" session through call-in and chat on Sunday, October 6. I participated in the chat session, and we answered questions on annuities, … [Read more...]