Now that the financial independence, retire early (FIRE) movement is growing more mainstream, you can’t throw a rock without hitting someone who thinks the whole thing is a bad idea. And there are legitimate criticisms of the concept, from the fact that most people — especially minimum wage earners and those earning below the median […]
ESL Investments CEO Eddie Lampert’s attempt to gain control of Sears Holdings’ (NASDAQOTH: SHLDQ) remaining assets for pennies on the dollar may have run into its biggest obstacle yet. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., the federal government’s pension insurer of last resort, filed documents this week with the bankruptcy court opposing Lampert’s bid. The PBGC, […]
The number of 401(k) Opens a New Window. millionaires fell precipitously in the fourth quarter of 2018, amid increased market volatility after December registered as the worst month for stocks Opens a New Window. since 1931. The amount of individuals with at least $1 million in their 401(k) savings account Opens a New Window. declined […]
ACHIEVING FINANCIAL freedom doesn’t have to be a goal reserved for extreme personal finance obsessives. Instead, individuals can use this financial concept as motivation to boost savings, reduce spending and create a financial safety net. Financial independence is often associated with the FIRE movement, which stands for financial independence, retire early. In this movement, practitioners […]
Stop browsing the travel sites for late-winter getaways. Stop eyeing up new 72-inch televisions or the lease on a new car. If you’re one of the tens of millions in line for a big tax refund check this season, there’s one other step you should think about taking before you spend a dime: Review Form […]
This is the first year the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will affect taxpayers’ returns, but the new tax law doesn’t mean they need to run to their nearest accountant. There’s a fine line between filing your own taxes and seeking a professional’s help. The wrong move could lead to an inaccurate return, a call […]
Tax-filing season started this week — and some taxpayers might be in for an unpleasant surprise. Some 21% of taxpayers could be “underwithheld” this year, meaning their employer didn’t take enough money out of their paychecks to cover their tax obligations, according to the Government Accountability Office. The report, which was based on a Treasury […]
Individuals and businesses use credit cards every day. Both earn rewards points that make paying for needed items easier. But if you’re a business owner, your business credit card has expenses and fees attached to it. Thankfully, some of those expenses and fees are tax deductible on your business taxes—including the credit card interest. Some business […]
For many folks, alcohol is a big part of entertaining. It’s also a big part of office life. From parties to after-work cocktails, avoiding alcohol in a work setting is almost as tricky as avoiding it in a social one. And while many employees celebrate the presence of alcohol in their work lives, others find […]
Early Birds Should Be Careful Have you been waiting patiently to file your taxes? If so, you’re in luck. The 2019 tax season is now underway. January 28, 2019, was the first day that the IRS would accept tax returns for the 2018 tax year, either electronic or paper copies. (You can mail in paper […]
Insurance companies sell annuities as a way to provide a guaranteed retirement income to people who don’t have a traditional pension plan. But look at the fine print, and you’ll see why you should be cautious about this long-term investment vehicle. Here are three reasons annuities may not be the best choice to fund your […]
Recent market volatility might have some doctors worried — especially those who are nearing retirement. But if you’ve done everything right, says one financial advisor for physicians, your retirement plan should be correction-proof as you near the close of your career. W. Ben Utley, Certified Financial Planner and President of Physician Family Financial Advisors, says there […]
