Economics Finance

It is often very dangerous to make blanket statements that apply to large geographical areas. The 2007-2009 period, however, can be said to have been a brutal one for the real estate market in general. This might create a property tax readjustment for those who are clever.

Property taxes are used to fund most local financial needs. This includes city or county governments, the police, firemen and so on. Most of the costs are noble, but there is little denying that rates have become incredibly burdensome to homeowners in most of the country. As rates rise, you and your neighbors undoubtedly grumble more and more about paying them.

The last few years has seen a real estate market that can only be described as being in free fall. While some pockets of the country remained stable or even grew a bit, most areas saw home values plummet like a rock dropped from roof. It was quick. It was brutal. A lot of people got hurt. As these prices have spiraled downward, the issue of property taxes should have popped into your head. Simply put, did you home drop far enough in value to result in lower ones if an assessment was done? If so, opportunity is knocking. Continue reading ‘A Unique Property Tax Adjustment Idea’ »

If you have debt and you are looking for a way out, consolidating your credit card debt should be your first step. Having your debt all in one place makes it easier for you to see what you owe and to monitor your progress. There are a few ways you can do this, but not all of these methods are desirable.

Debt consolidation loans are one method of consolidating your debts. However, it is not something I would recommend. Most of these loans are secured with your home. This means home ownership and good credit are necessary. And that is assuming you can find a lender willing to finance a home equity line of credit right now. The big disadvantage is what can happen if you cannot make your payments. You could be faced with foreclosure. Continue reading ‘Consolidate Credit Card Debt – Beginning the Journey Towards Debt Freedom!’ »

Having the status of Chartered Accountants we are often faced with resolving the financial affairs of clients passing away suddenly.

If plans for economic management have not been put in place, this can cause solemn problems for those left behind. Here’s a straightforward checklist that can help. It’s our responsibility to ensure we do these things before we die:

1. Record the name of your bank account numbers and passwords. Keep this information confidential. Put it with your lawyer or your accountant or better still, both professionals. Ensure that the document is only to be opened and read upon your death.

2. Record a written message to your spouse or family, your lawyer or your accountant. Stipulate the steps that should be taken on your passing. For instance, does someone owe you some money which hasn’t been recorded in say your financial statements but which you want collected on your death? Continue reading ‘Do You Have a Financial Game-Plan For When You Die?’ »

Does the thought of doing your own taxes leave you feeling flustered before you even begin? You’re certainly not alone if you feel overwhelmed, but a little knowledge and some helpful tips can help you to prepare your own tax return while keeping your hard earned money where it belongs – in your pocket!

5 Reasons to Prepare Your Own Tax Return

1. You’ll save money! Tax professionals charge substantial fees. Many of them also charge per form, even if you only used one line on that form! Tax software products have made the process much less pain-staking, and are available at a fraction of the cost of professional services.
2. Maintain privacy by keeping your personal information just that — private. You can protect yourself by limiting the amount of people who have access to your information.
3. Gain valuable insight into your finances. You will learn a lot through the process, as well as through yearly comparison.
4. You spend time gathering all of the information and paperwork anyway; including the time spent in and around your tax preparer’s office.
5. You can complete your tax return at your own convenience, day or night. Also, you will not have to wait at the discretion of your tax professional’s calendar. Tax software will also allow you to save your progress if you need to do it in portions. Continue reading ‘Save Money – Prepare Your Own Tax Return’ »

The great Boomer migration is underway. What am I talking about? The Boomer migration refers to all the Baby Boomers that are starting to retire. Part and parcel to retirement is the payment of social security benefits. The money is not huge, but it can help out. The question for most Boomers is whether they have to pay taxes on it.

For years and years, you’ve been paying into social security with every paycheck. The government thanks you for doing so! While saving for your retirement, you also gave the federal government a pool of money to borrow from to pay for other things. Alas, that is a subject for another article. Now that you are retiring, it is time to reap the benefit of all those payments. Continue reading ‘Retirement Primer – Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Social Security Benefits?’ »