There’s no doubt about it—going through a divorce can be an emotionally trying time. Ironing out a divorce settlement, attending various court hearings, and dealing with competing attorneys can all weigh heavily on the parties involved. In addition to the emotional impact a divorce can have, it’s important to be aware of how your financial…
Is your debt-to-income ratio out of control? In today’s Marietta Daily Journal Bil Lako, CFP®, explains where you want to be and provides tips on how to lower that ratio. Read the Article This article is for demonstrative and academic purposes and is meant to provide valuable background information on particular investments, NOT a recommendation to…
Medicare Part B Premiums According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), most people with Medicare who receive Social Security benefits will pay the standard monthly Part B premium of $135.50 in 2019. However, if your premiums are deducted from your Social Security benefits, and the increase in your benefit payments for 2019…
In today’s digital world, massive computer hacks and data breaches are common occurrences. And chances are, your personal or financial information is now susceptible to being used for credit fraud or identity theft. If you discover that you are the victim of either of these crimes, you should consider placing a credit freeze or fraud…
Tax reform eliminated the deduction for casualty losses but did retain a deduction for losses within a disaster area. With the wild fires in the west, hurricanes and flooding in the southeast and eastern seaboard we have had a number of presidentially declared disaster areas this year. If you were an unlucky victim and suffered…
1. Pausing Your Career to Care for Children First, women frequently step out of the workforce in their 20s, 30s, or 40s to care for children—a time when their job might just be kicking into high (or higher) gear. It’s a noble cause, of course. But consider this: A long break from the workforce can…
As it does annually around the end of the year, the IRS has announced the 2019 optional standard mileage rates. Thus, beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (or a van, pickup or panel truck) are: 58 cents per mile for business miles driven (including a 26-cent-per-mile…
You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. You are also entitled to a free report if: A company has taken adverse action against you, such as denying you credit, insurance, or employment (you must request a copy within…
The IRS recently announced that the tax credit for purchasing the popular Tesla is being phased out and that the credit will drop to $3,750 after December 31, 2018, and will drop again to $1,875 after June 30, 2019. Then, the credit will no longer be available for a Tesla after December 31, 2019. But…
Consider these four tips to help make the financial impact of the transition easier. 1. Do Your Homework Before you quit your current job, make sure that you clearly understand the steps involved in a career move, including the financial and personal consequences. How long will it take you to transition from one career to…
