Debt, Credit, and Honoring the Favor
What does debt mean to you? You might view “debt” as a dirty word, accompanied by the shackle of interest rates and missed payments. But you might view “credit” differently. Credit is seen as a financial tool, and a good credit score as something to be nurtured and coveted. We treat them as distinct financial [...]
The Rise of Consumer Credit and How to Manage Your Own
How often do you use a credit card? Perhaps you even use more than one. In today’s economy, the small rectangle of plastic (or metal) in your wallet is more than just a tool for buying groceries; it is a gateway to a complex financial ecosystem. To truly understand credit cards, we have to look [...]
The Gift of Certainty: Repurposing Inherited Assets to Solve Your Future LTC Concerns
Inheriting an IRA from a parent or a loved one is a bittersweet milestone. On one hand, it represents a lifetime of hard work and a final gift of love. On the other, it often comes on the heels of a deeply exhausting season. If you’ve recently lost a parent, you might have spent the [...]
Tax Season Alert! A Less-Stress Tax Filing Checklist
Tax season can sometimes bring a mix of anxiety and a long list of action items, but it doesn’t have to! And you don’t have to be an expert on the tax code or a senior accountant to have a smooth filing experience. The secret ingredient is organization. By gathering your documents early, you can [...]
A History of Modern Credit and Why It’s Important Today
You’re probably familiar with credit in your everyday life. Many Americans have credit cards, use them for everyday expenses, and (most) try to act responsibly to increase their credit scores. But where did it all come from? How did “credit” come about? And why is it such a prevalent part of our daily lives? The [...]
Celebrating National Credit Awareness Month
March is the start of spring, which means the chilly weather is subsiding, the days are getting longer, and you might even begin planning your summer plans. But March is also National Credit Awareness Month. While cleaning out your gutters or planting seeds might be on your to-do list, this month serves as a vital [...]
A History of the Sales Tax
Before we take a peek into the past to see how sales tax became a part of our lives, let’s define our terms. Sales tax is a tax on the sale or exchange of an item or service and is usually paid by the consumer or purchaser. It is a source of revenue for state [...]
How Home Sales Are Taxed: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Selling a home is a significant financial event, and understanding the tax implications can help homeowners protect their profit and avoid unexpected liabilities. When you sell your residence, the gain you realize may be subject to capital gains tax, but in many cases, favorable tax rules can help reduce that tax burden. Let’s take a [...]
