It’s just two days until your 2007 income tax return is due. I hope you’ll have the pleasant surprise in the form of a refund instead of a tax bill. Add your tax refund to the tax rebate you’ll receive in May (February 17 column) and it’s likely to be a tidy sum. Have you […]
10 Best Uses for Your Tax Refund
Does a Non-Deductible IRA Make Sense?
This is the last week before the April 15th deadline for contributing to an IRA account for calendar year 2007. Last week, I discussed how to choose between a deductible Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. If you missed the article, go to www.welchgroup.com and click on ‘In The News’, then click on ‘Stewart’s Weekly […]
What’s Best: Roth or Traditional IRA?
With the April 15th deadline looming, you have a decision to make. Should you invest in a Traditional IRA or would you be better off investing in a Roth IRA? Remember that your investment in either must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2008 for a 2007 contribution. In making your decision, let’s look […]
Doom & Gloom…What’s Next?
The government-engineered bailout of Bear Stearns this past week underscores how concerned our government is about the fragility of our financial markets and the economy. This is the first time since the Depression that our government has stepped up to rescue an individual company in such a dramatic way. The origin of the present crisis […]
Don’t Become a Victim of Identity Theft
Within the past six months two clients have become victims of identity theft. Thieves have become particularly adept at cybercrime…using the internet to steal your money. In one case our client received an internet message complete with perfect bank logo and a message indicating there had been some possible illegal activity in his account. The […]
Retirement Crisis in America
The worker saving rate for retirement is less than 20% of what is needed to meet retirement goals. Couple this with a Social Security system that is expected to be bankrupt in 2040 and we are truly facing a retirement crisis of mega proportions. Not only are millions headed for a dreary and stressful retirement, […]
Do You Really Want To Be A Trustee?
Last week I discussed potential issues for people who act as an executor of the estate of a deceased family member or friend. Whereas an executor’s role may last six to twenty-four months, trustees often have the job for decades. It can be a mammoth responsibility requiring many hours of dedicated service as well as […]
A Stressed Economy Yields Opportunity-Part II
Last week, I discussed the fallout resulting from the subprime debacle which first surfaced last summer. We reached a financial and economic tipping point earlier this year and only decisive action by Congress and the Federal Reserve averted a crisis. Noting that we are not out of the woods yet and things may get worse […]
When You Are Asked To Be An Executor
When my firm reviews wills for our clients, we often find that an individual, typically a family member or close friend, has been appointed the executor of the estate. Certainly, being asked to serve as executor of someone’s estate is an honor…indicating a level of trust and confidence in your abilities to carry out an […]
Money Strategies for Your Home – February 24, 2008
Money Strategies for Your Home – February 24, 2008 Stewart H. Welch III, CFP, AEP Founder, The Welch Group, LLC February 24, 2008 Money Strategies for Your Home February 24, 2008 For many people, their home is their single most valuable asset. Often, assets other than the home are modest, consisting of a small pension, […]