Solving a difficult problem isn’t reserved for only the world’s greatest thinkers. Great creations are simply well-crafted solutions using organized, creative thinking. Here is a four step process so you, too, can become a great creative problem solver! Step 1 – Define the problem This step is the most critical. Albert Einstein once said, “If…

The average credit card balance in America ballooned to $5,910 in 2022. This figure is up 13.2% from the year before according to Experian, and it spells out a worrisome (and costly) trend for consumers. After all, credit card interest rates were on rise throughout all last year and well into 2023, mostly due to…

Taxes can affect many areas of your life. Here are some common situations when you’ll want to schedule a tax review. Something changed in your life. A change in your life could mean significant changes in your tax status. Some of these changes include: Getting married or divorced Retirement A child starting college or an adult…

Getting a bill for an unexpected expense can put a dent in your business’s cash flow. Here are some tips your business can use to handle these unforeseen bumps in the road.   Stick to a reconciliation schedule. Know how much cash you have in your bank account at any given time. This is done by…

Prepare Your Finances for More Interest Rate Hikes Financial experts are bracing for more interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve over the remainder of 2023. Any interest rate revision – either increasing or decreasing – can cause a ripple effect throughout the economy. Accordingly, the Federal Reserve’s actions will probably exert at least a moderate influence…

Higher property tax bills have accompanied the rising market values of homes over the past several years. If your property taxes have reached the stratosphere, here are some tips to knock them back down to earth. What is happening Property taxes typically lag the market. In bad times, the value of your home goes down,…

What everyone is wondering: During tax season, there are a number of areas that generate questions. Here are five of the most common and their answers. But like most things, there can be exceptions, so if in doubt always ask for help. Are my miles earned on my credit card taxable? Taxation of any extras you…

Sleuthing your way through a tax audit by yourself is not the same as fixing a leaky faucet or changing your oil. Here are reasons you should seek professional help as soon as you receive a letter from the IRS:   IRS auditors do this for a living — you don’t. Seasoned IRS agents have seen…

Summertime is often the best time of the year to spend time with family and plan something fun. With the kids out of school, plenty of vacation time accrued at work and a fully funded travel budget, you may even be able to book a getaway somewhere tropical, historic or particularly appealing to your family’s…

Most financial experts suggest keeping three to six months worth of household expenses in savings to help in case of emergency. But with record inflation, that task just got a lot harder to accomplish as virtually every safe place to put your emergency funds will not provide interest rates that keep pace with inflation. But…