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Personal Finance
Health Savings Accounts: Are They Just What the Doctor Ordered?
Most HSAs allow you to contribute through automatic transfers from a bank account or, if you're employed, through an automatic payroll deduction plan. Are health insurance premiums taking too big of a bite out of your budget? Do you wish you had better control over...
Five Keys to Investing for Retirement
Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you have some investing experience or...
All About Credit Scores
It's difficult to imagine functioning in today's world without credit. Whether buying a car or purchasing a home, credit has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Having easy access to credit goes hand in hand with having a good credit score, so it's...
Are My Social Security Benefits Subject to Income Tax?
A portion of your benefits may be subject to income tax if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), plus one-half of your Social Security benefits, exceeds specific limits. Your MAGI equals: Adjusted gross income (or the adjusted gross income of you and your spouse...
Are my student loan payments tax deductible?
Your actual student loan payments aren't deductible, but the interest portion might be, thanks to the student loan interest deduction. In 2022, the maximum deduction is $2,500. You don't need to itemize to claim this deduction. To qualify, you must meet a few...
Charitable Giving
Charitable Giving Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy cannot only give you great personal satisfaction, it can also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the amount of taxes...
Watch Out for These Common Tax Scams
While tax scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they can take place anytime during the year. If you see a scam, be sure to report it to the Internal Revenue Service at irs.gov, the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov,and/or your local police department.
Understanding Your Credit Report
Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It's used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So if you're about to apply for credit, especially for something significant like a mortgage, you'll...
Trust Basics
Whether you’re seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. For more information, consult an experienced attorney.