Before you add bonds to your portfolio, you should understand how they work and what variations exist among them. Just as importantly, you need to identify the risks that come with owning bonds and how you can protect yourself from them. Bond Basics Bonds are essentially IOUs, issued by federal, state, and municipal governments as well as by corporations and governmental agencies. They are intended to raise revenue for a… Read More
Saving for Two
An employer’s 401(k) plan (or similar retirement plan) can be a good way for people to save for retirement. But what if your or your spouse’s employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,* 69% of private sector workers have access to a workplace retirement plan. Since most people don’t save for retirement outside of their workplace plans, often only one person in a… Read More
Bookkeeping & Accounting Tips for Small Business Owners
Running a small business is a demanding task, requiring you to wear many hats, from managing operations to marketing and customer service. Among these responsibilities, bookkeeping and accounting are crucial for the financial health and sustainability of your business. While it may seem daunting, effective financial management doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Here are some essential bookkeeping and accounting tips to help small business owners stay organized, compliant, and… Read More
Frequently Asked Questions About Estimated Taxes
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments can be a nightmare for business owners to determine how much they owe the IRS. Here is our guide for Frequently Asked Questions regarding Estimated Taxes. What are Estimated Taxes? Estimated Taxes are taxes that are paid to the IRS throughout the year on earnings that are not withheld from the federal government. Most people pay these taxes on a quarterly basis. Who pays estimated taxes?… Read More
Is That Financial Aid Taxable?
The college search process is an exciting but time-consuming process. After your child narrows down the colleges of his or her choice, you both have to figure out the issue of paying for tuition and room and board. The reality is that a four-year college education is expensive. The College Board1 reported that the average annual published tuition and fees for in-state students at a four-year public college was $11,260… Read More
Double Taxation: How Small Businesses Can Avoid It in the U.S.
Double taxation is a significant concern for small business owners in the United States. It occurs when the same income is taxed twice: once at the corporate level and again at the individual level when profits are distributed as dividends. This situation can create a financial burden for small businesses, affecting their ability to reinvest profits and grow. Understanding how double taxation works and exploring strategies to avoid it is… Read More