Thursday, 29 of July of 2010

Tax tip: Donate to Haiti by March, deduct in 2009

Roger Graham and Jared Moore, professors of accounting at Oregon State University, remind It’s Only Money that certain cash contributions for Haiti earthquake relief can be deducted on your 2009 return, even though you gave them in 2010.

The new law requires the contributions be made after January 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, for the relief of victims in areas affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti. You must itemize deductions to claim the credit.


Must Have Shoes When Traveling to Mexico!

Mexican Insurance Store:Mexican Auto Insurance Blog Review Current Mexico Travel Tips andCompare Best Quality Mexico Insurance Quotes Online in minutes!

Mexico Vacation Packing: Shoe Checklist. Often overlooked, shoes are one of the most important clothing items Mexican travelers will need. Formal dinners, water activities and hikes in Mexican rainforests will all require travelers to pack a separate pair of shoes. Also needed with these different shoes are various types of socks. Since most people will be walking many miles during their vacation, purchasing socks made from 100% cotton or those containing moisture-wicking fabric will help keep travelers feet dry.

Full Article…


New York Times’ Article on the Disability Insurance Odds

A recent article in The New York Times on Disability Insurance takes an amused look at the sources behind the numbers used to explain how important disability insurance is to the American worker. But hidden behind this lighthearted discussion are some very real facts – the average person who becomes disabled rarely has the resources to maintain their pre-injury or pre-illness lifestyle. And that’s where disability insurance comes in.

Reporter Ron Lieber gets serious about how insurance companies attempt to limit your ability to make a claim. He touches on only one of the many strategies that we see on a regular basis: any occupation versus own occupation issue.

Full Article…


Small Business Start Up Loans

While the current economy has made starting a small business harder than ever, many people are considering venturing out on their own. A job loss or fears regarding job security may push a thought into action, but regardless of the motivation, learning how to access the funds to start your own small business is a critical first step. Where to get small business start up loans may depend upon how much you need, your credit, and what you intend to do.

The first place to start if you are considering a small business loan is sba.gov. The Small Business Administration offers resources for new entrepreneurs, including information about start up loans and financing.

Full Article…


Credit cards: Know your rights, know your rates

A week from today, the federal Credit CARD Act kicks in, promising to alleviate the pain these slick pieces of plastic have become.
 
U.S. credit card use, 2007 Families with a credit card: 73 percent

Families with a credit card balance: 46 percent

Average balance per card-carrying family: $7,300

Increase in average balance since 2004: 30 percent
Source: Federal Reserve Board Survey of Consumer Finances

Outstanding revolving debt:

The nation’s total balance of revolving debt, almost all of which is on credit cards, shrunk 9 percent year-over-year in December, adjusted for inflation. Full Article…