Protect yourself from modern-day counterfeiters Finding brand name products at a great price can leave you feeling like you won the lottery, but there are hidden dangers that come into play if the goods aren’t what they seem. Here are some commonly counterfeited items and what you need to know to protect yourself. Commonly Counterfeited…

Consistent with our new year’s theme of starting the new year out on a great financial footing, one cannot overlook planning for your retirement future. Now is a good time to review your alternatives and plan to take full advantage of programs available to you and your family. Here are some ideas. Maximize your employer…

With the new year underway, it may be time to come up with a list of goals and that could make 2024 the most financially rewarding year for your entire family. Your motivation can be nearly anything, from saving for retirement or paying for college. Consider these resolutions that can also provide a financial boost:…

As part of our new year issue, why not include some ideas to help those around us set themselves up for a great financial future. This article focuses on ideas to help create financial savvy children and grandchildren. It’s never too late to impart your wisdom. Here are some age-relevant suggestions to help develop a…

With tax season officially underway, here are tips to make filing your return as stress-free as possible: Gather your tax information for filing. Items you’ll need include W-2s, 1099s, K-1s and other forms you receive from your business, employers, brokers, banks, and others. If you find any errors, contact the issuer immediately to request a corrected…

Tips to Organize your Tax Records January officially launches the tax season. As those tax forms start coming in, here are some tips to help you stay organized to make filing your tax return efficient and with the least amount of potential stress: Gather your tax documents. Create a list of expected tax forms and then…

Government data shows that record inflation from the last few years started to slow down throughout 2023, but much of the damage has already been done. Every bill we pay and purchase we make costs more now, from insurance to clothing, and groceries to household supplies. Here are some tips to spend less to help…

As 2023 winds down, here are some ideas to help you prepare for filing your upcoming tax return: Informational returns. Identify all vendors who require a 1099-MISC and a 1099-NEC. Obtain tax identification numbers (TINs) for each of these vendors if you have not already done so. Shifting income and expenses. Consider accelerating income, or deferring earnings,…

Thankfully it’s not too late to try and minimize your taxes for 2023. If you haven’t scheduled a tax planning session, now is a great time to do so. Here’s how a tax planning session can potentially help your situation: It can make a difference. This is especially true if you have a major event that…