-
The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.
Linus Pauling Categories
Author Archives: Associated Press
Has your 401(k) bounced back? Compare with others
The stock market has been on a tear since it hit bottom two years ago. That’s helped many 401(k) retirement savers recover from the awful experience throughout 2008 and early 2009 when stocks tumbled.
Although 90 percent of all 401(k) investors have at least climbed back to where they were before the recession in 2007, not everyone is quite there yet. Read More
US cities with highest and lowest unemployment
Seasonal layoffs caused unemployment rates to rise in nearly all of the 372 largest U.S. cities in January. Retailers let go of temporary workers hired for the holidays, and construction firms cut workers due to harsh winter weather. National employment data is seasonally adjusted to filter out such variations, but the metro data isn’t. Read More
2 steps for developing a retirement plan
One of the weaknesses suggested in the latest Retirement Confidence Survey is the lack of planning for many workers.
Here are two steps to take to help you get on track Read More
Uneasy economy dashes retirement confidence
Stocks have bounced back but Americans continue to have serious doubts about their retirement security. The percentage of workers who said they’re “not at all” confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement grew to 27 percent from 22 percent in 2010, according to an annual survey of workers and retirees released Tuesday, March 15. Read More
Retirement confidence falls in past decade
Workers are less inclined to describe themselves as very confident about many financial aspects of retirement this year than in 2001. For many of the issues, confidence was improving until the recession set in and confidence waned. Read More
Can computer programs invest better than humans?
Computers make managing money easier. They can remind you when a bill is due, and help you stick to a budget.
With investing, however, emotion often trumps automation. Many exited the stock market in late 2008 when it seemed the Dow might never stop falling. Well, the market roared back, and many anxious mutual fund investors missed out. Now they may be realizing they need a more disciplined approach. Read More
Love vs. debt: How a spouse’s finances affect you
Your fiance still lives with his parents and is buried in student loans.
In the grand scheme of things, the latter likely isn’t grounds for a breakup. But the financial baggage a spouse carries is bound to drag you down too. It doesn’t make for the most romantic musings ahead of Valentine’s Day. But if there are significant assets or debt at stake, it should be noted that roughly 40 percent of marriages end in divorce. Understanding how finances are wed in marriage — and split in divorce — can help ease some worries. Read More
Common tax breaks for families, individuals
The tax code is filled with a total of $1.1 trillion in deductions, credits and exemptions, an average of about $8,000 per taxpayer, according an analysis of tax data from 2009. Last year’s federal deficit was $1.3 trillion.
Among the biggest tax breaks Read More
Tax experts offer tips for preparing returns
With tax season upon us, tax experts are ready with advice.
“Everybody needs to put some effort into understanding what the law is for 2010, how things changed, how things didn’t change,” said Greg Rosica, tax partner at Ernst & Young.
Some pointers:
—Documents. “Get your records in order, get everything together, don’t be in a rush,” said Barbara Weltman, author of tax guides for J.K. Lasser. Needed records include W-2s, 1099s and receipts for charitable deductions Read More
Important numbers for filing 2010 tax returns
Some key numbers you’ll need to know for filing your taxes in 2011:
PERSONAL EXEMPTION:
—Each personal or dependent exemption is worth $3,650.
STANDARD DEDUCTION:
—$11,400 for married couples filing a joint return, and qualifying widows and widowers.
—$5,700 for singles and married individuals filing separate returns Read More
Applying for credit? Expect greater disclosure
Filling out an application for a credit card is a bit like financial roulette; you never know what interest rate you’ll get. Under a regulation that went into effect Jan. 1, at least now you’ll know if you didn’t get the best offer.
The amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires any lender to tell applicants if they’re given less-than-favorable terms because of their credit history. Another regulation later this year will further strengthen the rules on what disclosures are required…read more Read More
Managing your money in January
January is a time for renewal. For many, that means a chance to start — and finish — 2011 with a solid financial plan. To help stay on course, here are some key dates and money matters to keep an eye on in January…read more Read More
Highlights of the tax package passed by Congress
Highlights of the tax package passed by Congress late Thursday, December 16, and sent to President Barack Obama. It would cost about $858 billion; most provisions, which were to expire Jan. 1, would be extended for two years, unless noted.
The package extends:
—Lower rates for taxpayers at every income level. The top rate, on taxable income above $379,150, would stay at 35 percent, instead of increasing to 39.6 percent…read more Read More
FYI: 5 holiday scams to avoid
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for scam artists.
Opportunities to be swindled abound during the holiday season, as frenzied shoppers look to snag the hot new toy or show their generous spirit. To ensure that nobody’s festivities are ruined, the Better Business Bureau is warning shoppers to watch for these common scams…read more Read More
Ranks of millionaire college presidents grow
The club of private college and university presidents earning seven figures is getting less exclusive.
Thirty presidents received more than $1 million in pay and benefits in 2008, according to an analysis of federal tax forms by The Chronicle of Higher Education. More than 1 in 5 chief executives at the 448 institutions surveyed topped $600,000. Most of the pay packages were negotiated before the full force of the recession. But even if the numbers dip slightly in next year’s…read more Read More
