The Long Ascent of the S&P 500
No one knows what will happen tomorrow on Wall Street. Even the most esteemed analysts can only make educated guesses. As the old saying goes: past performance is not indicative of future results.
Taking a Loan from Your Retirement Plan = Bad Idea
In a recent TIAA-CREF survey, 44% of those who had taken loans from their 401(k) plans said they regretted doing so. Why risk joining their ranks? Look elsewhere for money in a crisis.
The Psychology of Saving
With the right outlook, saving becomes a commitment. With a less positive outlook, it becomes a task, one which is often postponed. If people are asked if they can save 20% of their income, the answer may be a resounding “no” – but if they are asked if they can live on 80% of their income, that may seem reasonable. Read more here.
Financial Documents You Should Keep on File
In your financial life, good organization will help you, your advisors and your heirs. You may use a file cabinet or a few storage boxes, but whatever you choose, here is what should go inside.
Avoiding Common 1040 Mistakes
No one wants to delay their federal tax refund. Filling out your 1040 form correctly is essential. Here are seven common 1040 mistakes which can aggravate both the IRS and the taxpayer.
Getting a Jump on Tax Season
You can file your federal tax return starting January 20. What should you gather up for your CPA? Did you pay for your own health insurance in 2014? If you received any health insurance subsidies, you may want to wait until February to file. Read more here.