🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readWhen it comes to gross margins and the American economy, they vary widely throughout the country’s industries. When New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business recently compiled gross margin statistics for January 2019, they found the low end includes the Auto and Truck industry with a gross margin of … Continue reading “How to Make the Most of Margins and Markups”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThere are a number of threats that both retirees and pre-retirees are facing right now when it comes to drawing Social Security benefits. For example, there’s a new scam this year. Seniors are being solicited by callers who claim to be with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The caller says he … Continue reading “Social Security: News, Tips and Trends”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readSummer is here and it’s time for getting out of town. However, you don’t want to set off on the open road without a plan. While there are an endless number of places to visit across the United States, here are a few road trips that are filled with natural parks, … Continue reading “Best Road Trips on a Budget”
🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readOne way to reduce the overhead associated with hiring workers is to make efficient use of technology. According to a recent survey by CompTIA, 73 percent of midsize businesses and 56 percent of firms with fewer than 20 employees say technology is a primary factor in pursuing their business objectives. Budgeting … Continue reading “Small Business Survey: How Are Today’s SMBs Using Technology?”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readTarget Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act (H.R. 1222 – The Pittman-Robertson Act, passed in 1937, imposes an excise tax on the sale of firearms, archery gear and ammunition. Those proceeds are used to fund hunter education programs, land acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat. This new bill allocates a higher … Continue reading “Enhanced Funding for Shooting Practice and Bulletproof Vests”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readMost people associate saving for retirement with tax deferred or non-taxable accounts: 401(k)s, 403(b)s, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, etc. The tax benefits of these types of retirement accounts give individuals advantages over simply investing in a regular taxable brokerage account. Savings for retirement in a standard taxable account can also … Continue reading “When Saving for Retirement in Taxable Account Is a Good Idea”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readPretty much everyone has heard about 401(k) plans, but beyond these – Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) also can be great retirement vehicles. HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts for those with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). The idea is that since those with HDHPs generally have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses, they … Continue reading “HSA Accounts and Their Incredible Long-term Benefits”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readAccording to a March 22 Internal Revenue Service News Release, 2018 federal tax filers might be able to have any penalties for an underpayment of estimated tax removed. This could be possible if they’ve paid at least 80 percent of their 2018 tax obligations through either quarterly estimated payments, income tax … Continue reading “How to Budget for Estimated Tax Payments”
🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readWhile employers have cut back on pensions and their 401(k) plans do not offer the same level of retirement income security, they have stepped up in the area of life insurance. The majority of Americans (68 percent) have a life insurance policy through their employer. In fact, more people get it … Continue reading “Coverage and Tax Considerations For Work-Sponsored Life Insurance”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Yes, tax season is officially over. And you might be kicking back and relaxing, putting off thinking about next year’s taxes as long as you can. However, smart taxpayers know that the more you plan ahead, the better chance you have of reducing the amount you pay next time around. … Continue reading “5 Ways to Get a Jump on Next Year’s Taxes”