Tax and Finance Savvy New Years Resolutions

The New Year has begun and it is a time when people all over the world set goals or resolutions for themselves. Lots of people join gyms or decide to start a new diet, but in addition to resolutions that are good for your health, I think it is a good idea go with a few that are good for your wallet. Here are my favorite tax and finance savvy New Years resolutions.

Don't Wait until April to Think About Taxes

Most Americans wait until March or April to start worrying about their taxes. However, I recommend making a short term goal to start working on your tax return this month, and try to get it filed some time in February. That way you can get your refund nice and early, and also avoid crowded tax preparation offices if you are going to seek professional help for your return.

Stay on Top of your Tax Planning

You shouldn't let the whole year go by without thinking about taxes again. By staying on top of your tax planning throughout the year then you can help keep your liability as low as possible. Also, you can prevent being faced with an unexpected tax bill next April.

Give More of your Time to Charity

In addition to donating your unwanted household items, which all will result in a tax deduction, why not give more of your time to charity this year? Since the recession began many nonprofit organizations have been struggling, and by spending a few hours volunteering won't cost you anything out of pocket. Additionally, if you do have to purchase supplies, or drive while volunteering then you can deduct these expenses.

Don't Rely on Credit

Cutting back on credit cards is always a good New Years resolution. In fact, in 2010 fewer Americans used credit then in years prior. Now is a great time to jump in on the trend. Instead of relying on credit try to make a strict budget and use your ATM card instead of your Visa or MasterCard.

Live a Greener Year

These days there are plenty of incentives to living a greener life. In addition to helping the planet you may also be able to qualify for a federal tax credit. For more information on which purchases qualify, check out EnergyStar.gov.

Start Planning for your Retirement

It is never too early to start planning for your retirement. If you do not already have an account, then make it a resolution to start an IRA or 401(k) in 2010. If you already do have a retirement account, then you could make it a goal to max out on your contributions.

Save for a Rainy Day

These days many Americans are struggling to pay their bills. However, if you can afford to do it, then try to begin setting aside money from each of your paychecks. You never know when a rainy day will hit, and you will be better equipped to deal with it if you have a little extra money set aside.

15 Things You Shouldn't Be Paying For

In the past few years, many Americans have been forced to tighten their personal budgets. However, as this article from Yahoo! Finance there are a lot of things you are probably paying for that you do not necessarily need to. You can find a snippet of their article below, or read the full text here.

So much money and energy is wasted on things we could get for free. If you're into new, shiny things and collecting stuff, this is not for you. But if you want less clutter in your life and want to keep more of your money, then check out these 15 things you shouldn't be paying for.

Basic Computer Software -- Thinking of purchasing a new computer? Think twice before you fork over the funds for a bunch of extra software. There are some great alternatives to the name brand software programs. The most notable is OpenOffice, the open-source alternative to those other guys. It's completely free and files can be exported in compatible formats.

Your Credit Report -- You don't have to pay for your credit report. You could sign up for one of the free credit monitoring services online to get a quick look at your credit report. You just have to remember to cancel the service before the end of the free trial. Or you could do one better and visit www.annualcreditreport.com, the only truly free place to see all three of your credit reports for free once a year.

Cell Phone -- The service plan may be expensive, but the phone itself doesn't have to cost a thing. Most major carriers will give you a free phone, even a free smart phone, with a two-year contract.

Books -- There's a cool place in your town that's renting out books for free: the library. Remember that place? Stop by and put your favorite book on reserve. And if you don't feel like getting out, visit www.paperbackswap.com and find your books there (small shipping fees apply).

Why Are Weddings So Expensive? Historians Find the Answer

From WalletPop.com:

The modern American couple starts life with a heavy financial burden: In a big city like Chicago, the average wedding costs between $22,500 and $37,500. Yet in the 1930s, it was cheap, costing around $400. There's no question that wedding prices are out of control. What went wrong?

I went to the Chicago History Museum, where historians have figured out how it happened.

Timothy Long is the costume curator of the museum, which (surprisingly) is thought to have the second-largest fashion collection in the world. Decades of wealth have found a repository in the museum's stacks, including the paperwork from the legendary Marshall Field's department store, which dates to the mid-19th century and was the king of the world's department stores for generations.

While poring through the museum's holdings, Long realized something important about the modern wedding: It became a massive, ostentatious production around the time the retail pioneers at Marshall Field's decided to turn the ceremony into a consumer event for Chicago's high society.

If you want to blame someone for how much weddings cost in our society, the paperwork points to Marshall Field & Company. For example, it was the first store to implement a gift registry for brides, which encouraged friends and family to make expensive public purchases on the couple's behalf. It created low-cost knockoffs of high-fashion garments so women of every income could imitate the rich. Also, in the name of luxury and convenience, it also designed a system that took couples under its wing to sell them a range of other expensive accouterments that proved their place in society, including flatware, linens, and catering.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Home from Foreclosure

Many U.S. homeowners are in foreclosure or desperately trying to prevent their home from being foreclosed upon. Maybe they have missed a couple of mortgage payments and they just aren’t sure what to do next. www.federalreserve.gov has posted five 5 tips to protect your home:

1. Don’t ignore your mortgage problem. If you are unable to pay--or haven’t paid--your mortgage, contact your lender or the company that collects your mortgage payment as soon as possible. Mortgage lenders want to work with you to resolve the problem, and you may have more options if you contact them early. Call the phone number on your monthly mortgage statement or payment coupon book. Explain your financial situation and offer to work with your lender to find the right payment solution for you. If your lender won’t talk with you, contact a housing counseling agency. You can find a list of counseling resources at NeighborWorks and on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) website or by calling (800) 569-4287.

2. Do your homework before you talk to your lender or housing counselor. Find your original mortgage loan documents and review them. Review your income and budget. Gather information on your expenses, including food, utilities, car payment, insurance, cable, phone, and other bills. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your lender, contact a housing or credit counseling agency. Counselors can help you examine your budget and determine the options available to you. They may also advise you about ways to work with your lender or offer to negotiate with your lender on your behalf.

3. Know your options. Some options provide short-term solutions/help, while others provide long-term or permanent solutions. You may be able to work out a temporary plan for making up missed payments, or you may be able to modify the loan terms. Sometimes, the best option may be to sell the house. For information on different options, visit HUD’s website or Foreclosure Resources for Consumers for links to local resources.

4. Stick to your plan. Protect your credit score by making timely payments. Prioritize bills and pay those that are most necessary, such as your new mortgage payment. Consider cutting optional expenses such as eating out and premium cable TV services. If your situation changes and you can no longer meet your new payment schedule, call your lender or housing counselor immediately.

5. Beware of foreclosure rescue scams. Con artists take advantage of people who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and who face foreclosure. These con artists may even call themselves “counselors.” Your mortgage lender or a legitimate housing counselor can best help you decide which option is best for you. For tips on spotting scam artists, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website, Foreclosure Rescue Scams. Report suspicious schemes to your state and local consumer protection agencies, which you can find on the Consumer Action Website.

Please see my blog entry and video on the same topic, Other Options than Foreclosure here.

Is the 401(k) dead?

Are 401K plans still a good investment vehicle and an adequate way to prepare for retirement? Money Magazine’s Ask the Expert sheds some light on the issue. Here are some of the concerns people have:

• participants aren't particularly adept at investing their contributions
• account balances can get whacked hard during market setbacks
• turning one's 401(k) stash into a lifetime income is a major challenge

However, Mr. Updegrave, who is also the author of “How to Retire Rich in a Totally Changed World: Why You’re Not in Kansas Anymore,” points out that no one has a better alternative. He explains that we might be better off if companies stuck with the check-a-month pension plans that have disappeared in recent decades. Or, maybe we would do better if the government stepped in and guaranteed a retirement check on top of our Social Security. What are your thoughts on these ideas?

No matter what you think, use whatever vehicle you have to save for retirement. If all you can do is contribute to your employer sponsored 401(k)—make a date for yourself in the future and advantage of investing pre-tax dollars and gaining free money in the form of an employer match.
Lastly, Updegrave makes an important recommendation for older adults: You will want to protect your money from downturns in the stock market as you get older by shifting some assets to the less volatile assets like bonds and cash. Take the time to do it.

Read the full article here. Let me know your thoughts on the 401 (k) on Facebook or Twitter.

Spring Cleaning for your Finances

Tax season has come and gone and spring is here in full force. During these transitional weeks many people take on extra spring-cleaning duties. However, in addition to cleaning out your garage, or spending hours getting your yard ready for a huge pool party, I recommend taking a few minutes to clean up your finances.

Clean out your Filing Cabinet

The IRS recommends you keep copies of all tax returns, however additional tax related documents – such as W-2s, 1099s, and receipts – do not need to be kept more then a few years. You can clear up some room in your filing cabinet by shredding any documents that do not need to be kept. You should also think about getting rid of any documents that can be replaced such as credit card and bank statements you still have from previous years.

Review your Credit Report

All taxpayers are allowed one free credit report per year. While doing your spring cleaning it is a good idea to request a copy of your credit report to make sure there are no mistakes or unfamiliar activity. It is better to address these issues sooner then later and if you have not reviewed your credit report recently, I highly recommend doing so as soon as possible.

Create a Plan for your Debts

Debt is a serious problem for millions of Americans, but it does not have to be. By taking the time to establish a plan to deal with your debt, you will see that it does not have to ruin your life. Start paying off credit cards with the highest interest rates, and if your debt is seriously out of control you might want to consider a debt settlement program.

Consolidate Accounts

If you have more than one banking account then you might want to spend some time consolidating your accounts. Unless you have a banking account for your business you probably do not need multiple checking and savings accounts. It can be very difficult to manage your money, and plan a path to get out of debt when you have dozens of bank statements to review. However, by consolidating your accounts you can keep better track of your finances, and depending on where you do your banking you can take advantage of additional features such as online bill payments.

Track your Spending and Start a Money Calendar

If you find yourself scratching your head at the end of every month wondering where all of your money went then you might want to track your spending a little better. Keep a receipt from every purchase you make, and after a few weeks you should have a pretty good idea of where your money is going. It can also be helpful to create a money calendar listing days that you get paid, and due dates for important bills.

Automatic Savings

Most banks will allow you to setup automatic transfers to your savings account, and this can be a great way to help build up an emergency savings. Even if it is only a $10 or $20 reoccurring transfer it can still help you get in the habit of saving money for a rainy day. Just make sure that your savings account is not charging a high monthly fee.

Prepare for Next Tax Season

It is never too early to begin preparing for next tax season. By keeping a close eye on your tax liability, credits, and deductions, you can avoid having to owe the IRS next April. It is also a good idea to create a new folder in your filing cabinet so that you can keep all of your tax related documents in one safe place. Finally, you might want to adjust your withholdings if you substantially over or underpaid on your taxes last year.

8 Do's and Don'ts For Your 401k

From MSNMoney.com:

When it comes to saving for retirement and building a portfolio to last a lifetime, most Americans are way behind the eight ball -- and the nine ball and just about every other ball on the pool table.

More than 54% of Americans report that the total value of their household savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary homes and any defined-benefit plans, is less than $25,000, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute's annual Retirement Confidence Survey. What's worse, 27% have less than $1,000 in assets. Just 11% have more than $250,000 set aside.

Yes, those figures include Americans young and old, those just heading into the working world as well as those about to check out of it. But in the main, Americans need to modify their savings and spending patterns to have any hope of enjoying a standard of living to which, rightly or wrongly, they've become accustomed.

It's not rocket science, at least not according to experts. Here are some nest egg do's and don'ts from Hewitt Associates and Merrill Lynch.

1. Participate in your plan

If you're lucky enough to have a 401k at work, contribute to it. That will greatly improve your financial well-being, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, which recently introduced a new tool designed to monitor and score the "financial wellness" of 401k plans in general and, by extension, the employees who participate in them.

The new tool looks at four plan-participant behaviors: saving, investing, setting and monitoring retirement goals, and nest-egg preservation. Not surprisingly, savings and investing behavior -- which represent 80% of the overall score -- are the primary drivers of financial wellness.

21 Best Money Tips Ever

Earlier today a colleague sent me a link to this story with 21 money and finance tips from different financial experts from around the country. As I always say, sound financial advice is always worth listening to, so I have listed a few of my favorite tips below for all of my readers to consider. Be sure to check out the full list of 21 tips at MSN Money.com.

3. Teach independence

Joline Godfrey

CEO of Independent Means, which teaches financial literacy to families and children

Raise your children to make a job, not just take a job. If they don't know how to create a plan, they'll always be beholden to someone else.

4. Retire your debt before you retire

Jane Bryant Quinn

The dean of personal-finance columnists and author of "Making the Most of Your Money Now"

Best advice I can give: Many people are now going into retirement with debt. So how about this for an old-fashioned idea? Pay off your mortgage before you retire if you want financial safety and security. There is bankruptcy among people in their seventies and eighties who had a lot of debt that they couldn't carry when the paychecks stopped.

Best advice I ever got: In the mid-1970s I met Vanguard founder Jack Bogle, who was calling up reporters to get them to write about an index fund. I had lunch with him, and he showed me studies and materials, and I said, "This can't be true -- actively managed mutual funds have always dominated."

But I took his stuff with me and called him a few times about it, and suddenly a light went off. And of course since then an S&P 500 index fund, over time, has done better than managed funds.

A Financial Report Card, Right in Your Tax Return

In today’s tough economic climate most Americans are confused about their finances, and it can be difficult to determine where you stand financially. However, as New York Times author Jan Rosen explains, your tax return can offer several clues to help assess your finances. Check out a snippet of her piece below.

MOST of us would like an answer to this question: Am I on the royal highway toward realizing my long-term financial goals — building up savings for the children’s education and for retirement, for example — or am I bumping along a back road that ends far short of my goals?

Your tax return can provide clues for answering that question. So, before filing away a copy of your 2009 return, spend some time reviewing it. Even if you want professional advice, you should still review the return first. “The client who gets the best advice is often the one who raises the best questions,” said Sidney Kess, a New York tax lawyer and certified public accountant. He and two other accountants who specialize in personal finance offered pointers for going through the return, the topics to consider and the questions to ask.

INVESTMENTS. Look at Lines 8 and 9 of the 1040 for interest and dividends, and, if you have more than $1,500 of either, look at the attached Schedule B. Line 13 will show net capital gains or losses with the details of your trades reflected on Schedule D.

If Schedule D showed only gains, take it as a warning sign, said Lyle K. Benson Jr., who heads his own firm, L. K. Benson & Company in Baltimore, adding, “Harvesting losses is an important part of good planning.” Often investors do not want to sell losers, feeling a stock will surely bounce back. But a capital loss could offset a capital gain, making the gain tax-free, and the money that was recognized in selling losers could be reinvested, perhaps more productively, he pointed out. Net losses of up to $3,000 can offset ordinary income with any excess carried forward to future years.

Many tax professionals expect tax rates to rise, and if they do, harvesting losses can become even more valuable. President Obama has proposed raising the rate on long-term gains — those held more than a year — to 20 percent for most taxpayers, and under present law the top rate for ordinary income next year is to rise to the 2001 top of 39.6 percent.

Continue reading at NY Times.com…

Get Money Out of Your IRA Early. No Penalty. No Problem.

From MoneyWatch.com:

As April 15th approaches, CBS MoneyWatch is publishing daily tax tips. See the full list here, and be sure to check back frequently for the latest advice from our experts.

When it’s time to take money out of your 401(k) or IRA, the magic number is 59 ½. That’s the age at which you can withdraw money from a retirement plan without handing the IRS a 10% bonus on top of the regular taxes you will owe. Everyone knows that, right?

Judging from the mail I get, everyone does indeed. But what not everyone knows is that the age 59 ½ rule has more loopholes than Tiger Woods’ marriage contract. For most practical purposes, the penalty-free retirement age in a 401(k) is 55, and it can be lower still for an IRA. Early retirement, medical emergencies, job loss, early retirement, college education, a home purchase-all qualify as exceptions that can make your retirement money more available than you thought.

Here’s how it works:

Separation from service after age 55 (401(k) only) your 401(k) money becomes yours without a penalty if you leave your job after age 55. It doesn’t matter whether the departure was your idea or your employers’, or whether you permanently go fishing at that point or find another job the next day. You just need to “separate” from your employer.

Yes, you still have to pay regular income taxes on the money you pull out, but you’d owe those no matter when you took the money. Just be careful not to roll the money over into the 401(k) at your next job (if there is one) or into an IRA. Either move would put you back on the penalty track.

Tips to Find Affordable Health Care

It is no secret that millions of Americans go with out health insurance because of high cost, and with the ongoing unemployment problems many families simple cannot afford coverage. Fortunately, MSN Money.com put together this helpful article with tips on how to find affordable health care. You can find a few of their tips below, but be sure to check out the full article at MSN Money.com.

If you're uninsured and seeking stopgap medical care before you find coverage again, you can triage your way to better health by understanding the trade-offs of several care options, experts say. A retail clinic, urgent care facility or community health center may be a suitable fit, depending on the severity of your medical need and your personal preferences.

A broad spectrum of care is available, from the limited offerings of a retail clinic to the high-end capacity of an emergency department, said Ateev Mehrotra, a policy analyst at Rand and a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

"They're all places you don't need an appointment, there's open extended hours, and they're there to treat people who can't get in to see their regular provider," Mehrotra said.

If you have a regular doctor you'd like to keep seeing but fear you can't pay full price because of lost coverage, give the doctor a chance to work out a charity care arrangement, payment plan or possible treatment changes to lower costs, said Dr. Lori Heim, the president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, who practices in Laurinburg, N.C.

Most doctors will try to work with patients to ensure their continuity of care, she said. "Physicians also value that personal relationship that develops."

Taxes and Identity Theft

Last week, the RDTC Tax Help Blog posted a new article on tax related identity theft. You can find a section of the article below, or click here to view the full text.

Now that tax season is here, people across the country are worrying about getting their tax return prepared and filed with the IRS. However, there is another issue that taxpayers have to worry about: tax-related identity theft. Fortunately, you can prevent becoming an identity theft victim by following a few instructions. The good news is, even if your identity is stolen the IRS will work with you to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

Increased Risk

A few years ago, Nina Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate made the startling revelation that between 2004 and 2007, the number of tax-related identity theft problems rose by 644%.

Erroneous Returns or Stolen Refunds

If you get a notice from the IRS indicating that more than one return was filled using your social security number (SSN), you will want to contact them immediately to find out if you are a victim of identity theft. Using erroneous returns, thieves can obtain refunds from the IRS in your name, a common tactic used by tax scammers. The IRS will work with you to resolve the problem, but it is important to contact them as soon as possible.

Continued at RDTC.com…

Top 10 Money-Savvy New Year’s Resolutions

Now that 2010 has begun, people across the country will make pledges to change or alter their behavior in the New Year. However, instead of making a resolution to visit the gym more often or reduce your sugar intake, why not focus on taking control of your finances? I often encourage friends and family members to setup money-savvy New Years resolutions, and this year I decided to share my advice with all of my blog readers as well.

1. Shop Smart

The average family in America spends $700 or more per month on food, much of which goes to waste. This year how about making a resolution to eat out less or save money on food by planning your meals in advance and buying in bulk. If you enjoy eating lunch out with coworkers every day, then you might consider making a resolution to only eat lunch out once a week.

2. Do Not Be Lazy

No one likes to admit it, but laziness can cost you a lot of money. I am talking about that overdraft fee you had to pay for not depositing your paycheck right away or that late fee you had to pay a few months ago for forgetting to send your rent in on time. This year, take a more proactive approach to life and you will be surprised to see how much easier it is to manage your finances. By keeping your bills organized, balancing your checkbook, and keeping a budget, you can take control of your money.

3. Cut out Credit

These days credit cards are so common that people do not think anything of using them on a regular basis. However, this is dangerous, and can cost you thousands of dollars per year in interest. Instead, why not make it a resolution to pay with cash or your ATM card unless absolutely necessary.

4. Quit Something Pricey

Are you ignoring a habit that is costing you a lot of money? Whether it is smoking, shoe shopping, or even gambling, many of us have at least a few pricey habits. By making a resolution to cut out your bad habit, you can find yourself saving quite a bit of money this year. Some might not even need to be quit all together. If your indulgence is getting expensive cocktails with dinner then you might try making a drink at home before you go out. On the other hand, if your pricey habit is buying lots of electronics then you could make it a resolution to reduce your spending.

5. Pick up Good Habits

While dropping a few habits that waste money, you should also think about picking up a few that will help you manage your finances. It could be something as easy as turning lights off when you are not home, or something more severe like making charitable contributions on a regular basis, which can help lower your taxable income.

6. Dump Debt

For some of us, making regular monthly payments to reduce a debt has become a common part of life. However, making low or minimum payments will keep your debt alive for years to come. Instead, make it a resolution this year to dramatically reduce your debt. Make payments of as much as you can afford, and pay off bills with the highest interest rates first. Then, next year you can celebrate with less or possibly no debt.

7. Make Time for Banking

If you find yourself frequently over drawing your checking account, or are often shocked to find you have less money in your bank account than previously thought, then you might want to make a resolution to spend more time managing your bank account. Try setting aside ten or twenty minutes every few days to check your accounts online, or balance your checkbook.

8. Prepare for your Future

If you do not already have a retirement account setup, then finally opening one should be at the top of your list of potential resolutions. Depending on the type of retirement account you select, it could also help lower your tax bill for 2009 and years to come.

9. Stay Tax Savvy

Although most Americans wait until March or April to start worrying about their taxes, this is definitely not a good financial strategy. There are plenty of ways you can stay on top of your taxes, and keeping a low tax bill is a year-round process. Keeping documents organized, and staying up to date on the latest tax laws is a great resolution that can certainly help you keep your finances in check.

10. Retrain Yourself

No matter how many tips you read and think you will follow, after a few days or weeks, there is always a possibility that you will fall back in to your old habits. In order to avoid this common resolution problem, you need to completely retrain yourself when it comes to money. Instead of wasting your extra money on an expensive evening out, put some of it into a retirement account or donate it to a qualified charity. If you commit, then you will see staying money-savvy in 2010 is actually easier then you might assume.

10 Tips on Mortgages for 2010

From MSN Money:

More than three years into a painful housing crash, the real-estate market has sent recent -- albeit tentative -- signs of stabilization. Home sales have increased, inventory levels are down, and price declines have become less precipitous.

Along with more-affordable home prices and a tax perk from Uncle Sam, attractive mortgage rates -- which remained near 5% as of late December -- have been a driving force behind this development. The availability of low mortgage rates will play a decisive role in the performance of the 2010 housing market as well.

To help consumers better understand the requirements and costs they will face as they shop for a home loan next year, U.S. News spoke with a handful of housing market experts and compiled a list of 10 things to know about getting a mortgage in 2010.

1. Lending standards

The steep run-up in home prices during the first half of the decade was fueled in large part by breezy lending standards. Some bankers handed out loans without down payments or documentation requirements.

But when the housing bubble popped and those loans became massive losses, banks began raising lending standards for borrowers of all stripes. And with the labor market continuing to erode -- the unemployment rate topped 10% in October -- and mortgage delinquency rates setting records, there is no reason to expect credit requirements to loosen in 2010.

Continue reading at MSN Money.com…

Why It May Pay To Convert to a Roth IRA

From the Wall Street Journal:

Investors and financial advisers are preparing to take advantage of a new tax law that makes it easier to gain access to Roth IRAs—even if it means breaking a sacrosanct rule about Roth conversions.

Starting, Jan. 1, the $100,000 income limit disappears for converting traditional individual retirement accounts and employer-sponsored retirement plans to Roth IRAs, one of the biggest changes on the IRA landscape in years. Roths, of course, have long been viewed as one of the best deals in retirement planning; after investors meet holding requirements, virtually all withdrawals are tax-free.

Just how many investors will make the leap is unclear. Converting to a Roth can be expensive; it requires paying income tax on all pretax contributions and earnings included in the amount converted. What's more, financial advisers have long argued that converting makes sense only if an investor can pay the tax from funds outside the IRA itself - an admonition that seemingly limits the strategy to the very wealthy.

That said, some financial advisers say growing numbers of their clients are leaning toward a Roth conversion, even if they have to tap their traditional IRAs to pay the taxes. The primary reasons: new, contrarian analyses of taxes and conversions—and a desire to gain more control over nest eggs in the years ahead. With a traditional IRA, investors must begin tapping their accounts after reaching age 701/2, which increases taxable income. With a Roth, there are no required distributions, giving retirees more flexibility in managing their investments and cash flow.

Holiday Gift Advice for Employers and Employees

Last week the Roni Deutch Tax Center – Tax Help Blog posted a season entry with holiday gift advice for employers and employees. Since there is so much confusion over presents and holiday bonuses from employers I wanted to make sure and share this informative article with my readers. You can find a snippet of the entry below, or checkout the full text at the Roni Deutch Tax Center – Tax Help Blog.

Seasonal Presents for Employees

As the holiday season swings into full force, it has become very common for employers to give out presents to their employees. For the most part, employees will not have to worry about claiming the value of these gifts on their tax returns unless it is a cash bonus. Additionally, employers can write off these expenses if they meet certain restrictions.

The Intent of Giving

In the case of Duberstein v. United States, the Supreme Court determined that the common law understanding of the term "gift," is different than the business tax related definition. The court found that some gifts given by employers were often intended to reward past performances or serve as incentives for future performance. In order to be excluded from payroll taxes a gift given by an employer must be made generously with "respect, admiration, charity or like impulses."

De Minimis Fringe Benefits

According to the Internal Revenue Code Section 132(e)(1), a de minimis fringe benefit is "any property or service the value of which is so small as to make accounting for it unreasonable or administratively impracticable after taking into account the frequency with which similar fringes are provided by the employer to the employer's employees." In plain English, a de minimis benefit is a gift given by an employer that is not subject to payroll taxes and is a deductible business expense.

Turkey, Ham, or Gift Basket Rule

You may have heard of the turkey, ham, or gift basket rule when it comes to taxes on employer provided presents. Essentially, non-cash holiday gifts of property given to an employee will not need to be considered part of an employees wages and will therefore not be subject to payroll taxes. The Federal tax code even allow for items such as flowers, books, gift baskets, etc. to be given to employees. The IRS asserts however, that these gifts must be of a "low fair market value," but does not provide any clear rules on what that monetary limit is.

Continued at RDTC.com…

Top 10 Tips to Getting the Best Bargains on Black Friday

Tomorrow is one of the most popular shopping days of the year, with stores all across the country offering discounts on all types of products. However, before you head out tomorrow morning be sure to check out the following 10 tips for getting the best bargains from About.com.

1. Check Out the Ads

Your local Thanksgiving Day newspaper will be stuffed like your Thanksgiving turkey with ads, coupons, and circulars. This will be your number one source to local Black Friday savings. It will also help you organize your day to maximize savings, since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific. Example: Receive an extra 10 percent off if you shop before 11 a.m.

2. Do Your Research Before Friday:

If you are hoping to scoop up a deal on Friday on a big-ticket item, go ahead and get your research out of the way as soon as possible. A bad product is a bad deal no matter how cheap it costs. Being knowledgeable about the products you want to buy will help you avoid being sucker-punched with loud advertising for poor products. About.com is chocked full of buying advice on a wide variety of products from professionals who have the knowledge to help you make good decisions.

3. Compare Prices:

Utilize price-comparison Internet shopping sites such as PriceGrabber.com to assist you in comparing product prices. Compare the "options" included with the product. Some retailers will low-ball the advertised price on a stripped down product, and then you will be charged extra for the necessary parts that will make the product perform as expected. A good example of this is often seen with super low-priced computer printers that come without the cable (cord) or printer ink.

4. Look for Early Bird Shopper Discounts:

The Early Bird Shopper will be the real winner on Black Friday. Stores offering early-day shopper specials usually run the deals from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and with no "rain checks," which means once they run out of the products, you are out of luck. Scanning the ads and routing your trip based on your buying priorities will be important with the time-sensitive deals that will be offered.

Continued at About.com…

Beyond Skills and Smarts: Thriving in the New Economy

Last week one of my favorite blogs, The Glass Hammer posted a very interesting article by Liz Cornish on how to thrive in today’s tough economy. You can check out a section of the entry below, or click here for the full text.

It’s been a tough and frustrating year for financial professionals. Watching other smart, motivated people lose their jobs is sobering. Increased regulation is forcing many institutions that were playing by the rules to endure shrinking margins and panicked customers. It’s like being grounded because your sibling broke curfew. As the economy shifts and uncertainty prevails, what should women in finance do to ensure their own future?

First, congratulate yourself. You’re a motivated woman in the right industry. Sure, there will be changes and disruption, but finance is here to stay. As Patty Vantuhl of Bank of America noted, “There will always be a financial world. Names and players will change. But people will always need a way to store, access, invest, leverage and keep track of their money.” If you were in the newspaper publishing business, this would be a very different article.

So you’re in the right place, right career. Now what? What will it take to thrive in the new economy?

Ivanka Trump's Business Advice for Women

Ivanka Trump, daughter of famed entrepreneur Donald Trump, was on Good Morning America today and offered useful business advice to women across the country. ABCnews.com did a write up of her advice and posted the video of her interview on their site. Check out a few of her tips below, or head over to ABCnews.com to watch the informative video.

Trump, 27, the author of "The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life," sat down with ABC News' Cynthia McFadden and a roundtable of four businesswomen spanning three decades of experience.

The participants were Larisa Terkeltaub, a 26-year-old first-year business student at New York University's Stern School of Business; Joanna Billings, 25, a structural engineer; Gai Spann, a 41-year-old travel agency owner; and Tracey Andrews, a natural specialty foods saleswoman in her 30s.

From how to make it as an assertive woman in business to how to gain financial backing in a tough economic climate to how to get the message out, the women talked candidly about what has changed since their parents' generation and how all can have their own "trump card," even if their father isn't Donald Trump.

The first topic up for discussion was business experience. Terkeltaub asked Trump what experience is necessary to become a successful entrepreneur.

While Trump first acknowledged that experience is obviously still very important, and "you can't fake it," she then explained that the best thing the inexperienced can do to help themselves is to ask intelligent questions of those around them.

Even though Trump concedes "there's a fear that it exposes that inexperience," in reality asking advice and learning from coworkers prevents young people from making more serious mistakes.

Top Foreclosure Alternatives

Every day it seems like I hear a new report about the economy. Some claim the recession is easing, with real estate values leveling and home sales actually increasing in some areas. However, for every good report I see, there are just as many asserting the opposite. Personal bankruptcies are at the highest level they have been at in years, and unemployment rates continue to climb.

Whether or not the economy is improving, one fact remains the same: families all over the country are struggling to make their mortgage payments. Depending on your unique financial situation (the value of your home, changes to your income, missed payments etc.) foreclosure may not be your only option. The Federal government has gone to great lengths to help homeowners across the country stay in their homes, and as you can see from the article below, there are a handful of different approaches you can take to avoid foreclosure. Some, you can do yourself, while others you might want to hire a professional to handle.

Pay Delinquency

If your financial situation changed quickly, and you missed a payment or two before landing back on your feet, then do not worry. Lenders are legally required to reinstate your loan if you pay off the delinquent amount. If you can borrow the money from a friend or family member then you can easily avoid foreclosure. You could even take out a small personal loan to pay off the delinquent amount. In addition, your retirement plan may allow you to take an early withdrawal in order to avoid foreclosure. Be sure to speak with your bank or financial planner to find out which method would be best for you.

Refinance

If you are current on your loan (meaning you have not missed any payments) then you may be able to refinance your loan before going into delinquency. Depending on your current interest rate, and the amount you owe on your loan versus your home’s value, you could greatly reduce your monthly payments.

HUD Partial Claim

If your loan is FHA insured then it may be possible for your lender to receive a one-time payment from the FHA Insurance Funds to cover your loan’s delinquency. However, before you get excited remember that in these tough economic times thousands of homeowners are requesting this type of assistance.

Payment Plans

If you recently lost your job, or had a reduction in pay, and missed a few mortgage payments then you may be able to negotiate a repayment plan with your lender. This is where you make your usual mortgage payment, plus an amount of the total delinquency amount. Repayment plan terms can be as short as a month or two, and as along as a year, and at the end of the term you would have paid off your total delinquency. Afterwards, your mortgage payments will go back down to the original amount. Depending on your lender, you may have to submit a full financial disclosure, and possibly even a good faith payment upfront to begin the plan.

Loan Modification

A loan modification will allow you to negotiate more favorable terms to your current loan, without having to begin foreclosure proceedings. You may be able to negotiate a reduction to your interest rate, or even a direct reduction on the principal amount of your loan. Although you can attempt to negotiate directly with your loan company, it might be in your best interest to hire a professional if you are serious about modifying your loan. Lawyers and loan modification companies have experience dealing with lenders and can often reach a better settlement than you could have on your own.

Local Assistance Programs

Depending on what city or state your property is located in, you may be able to take advantage of a local assistance program. For example, the state of Pennsylvania offers a program known as Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance where families facing foreclosure can receive emergency funds to help keep their homes. Before beginning foreclosure proceedings, be sure to do research about local assistance programs to see if there are any that you might be able to take advantage of.

Pre-Foreclosure Sale

If you lost your job or are experiencing a long-term reduction in your income, then you may need to work with your lender to set up a pre-foreclosure sale. This means selling your home at a reduced price in order to avoid being forced into foreclosure. Although this option can be somewhat damaging to your credit, it can get you out of your loan so that you and your family can begin to settle your financial troubles.

Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure

A last resort to avoid foreclosure is known as a dead-in-lieu of foreclosure. In this situation, you are basically giving your house back to the lender. Although this may sound like a terrible idea to some, it is actually quite a bit less harmful to your credit score than a foreclosure.