Teaching Children About Budgets
Teaching children about the concept of money can be a simple lesson with a lifetime of benefits.
Using the Gift Tax Exclusion in Estate and Income Tax Planning
By using the Gift Tax Exclusion in your estate and income tax planning, you can give up to $12,000, per resident, per year, free of gift tax. This tax rule allows you to ensure the financial security of your family and loved ones. For more information about how to take advantage of a gift-giving program, read this C.P.A Insight.
IRA Contributions for High-Income Earners
For most high-income earners, the decision to make an IRA contribution is a personal one. One significant benefit of contributing to a Traditional IRA is the tax-deferred growth; however a significant drawback is the growth portion of future distributions is taxed as regular income. For the benefits and drawbacks of IRA contributions for high-income earners, read this Financial Strategy.
Credit Freeze
Legislation in Georgia has made credit freezes an effective and economical way to curb identity theft. Credit freezes lock your credit records so that no one other than you can establish new credit in your name. For more on credit freezes and how they differ from fraud alerts, read this Financial Strategy.
Types of Growth Mutual Funds
While all mutual funds generally work the same with an adviser managing underlying investments, mutual funds can have very different objectives and can vary in risk, diversification and types of underlying investments. For more information on the different types of growth mutual funds and how they compare to each other, read this Investment Strategy.
Child Care Tax Breaks
If you pay for child-care expenses so that you may work, you may be eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income tax return. The credit can be up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses, depending upon your income. For more information on this tax credit and the limitations on the credit, read this C.P.A. Insight
Exchange-Traded Funds
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is similar to an index mutual fund, but trades like a stock on an exchange. ETFs have many advantages over traditional mutual funds, but may not be for every investor. To learn about the advantages and disadvantages of investing in ETFs, read this Investment Whys.
Identity Theft
Your identity can be stolen in many obvious places, such as businesses you patronize, your mailbox or directly from you. It is virtually impossible to eliminate the risk of identity theft. For more information on how thieves may potentially obtain your information and how you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim, read this Financial Strategy.
Housekeeping for Your Business Records
Housekeeping for your business may sound out of place, but it is something that can be beneficial to your business. Keeping tidy information and records should improve your business’ efficiency. For a detailed look at the information a business should keep on hand, what should go to storage and what should be destroyed, read this C.P.A. Insight.
Section 529 Prepaid Tuition Plans
One of the many ways to pay for a college education is a Section 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan. This plan allows you to lock in tuition at the current rate. One caveat to this plan is that it is considered a parental asset, causing a dollar-for-dollar reduction in financial aid eligibility. For a detailed comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of a prepaid tuition plan, read this Financial Strategy.