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I keep hearing from clients that the stimulus package sounds great in concept, but what is in it for them? All of the media attention is focused on bailing out the banks and big business, and I would have to agree that the news is dwelling on rescuing Wall Street and the like. But that being said, the stimulus plan does offer individuals and small businesses more tax credits, reductions and incentives than any that I can remember in my lifetime.

Consider that in the package are tax credits for education, health care, housing and more. There is extended aid for the unemployed and generous concessions for retirees. The plan also includes job programs, debt  

With the down market in 2008, you might have sold off some of your losses. Did you know:

1. You can offset your losses against any capital gains dollar for dollar. In addition, you can write off $3000  

The Trusted Expert Network recently posted an important blog about the new tax bill, signed in December ’08, which waived the 2009 minimum withdrawal requirement on IRAs and other retirement plans for those  

When it comes to making deposits into a 403b or 401k, a typical investor goes on auto-pilot. They make the same decision they did the previous month or quarter, assuming that it’s safer to stick to an old game plan rather than explore new opportunities. But if we have learned anything from this market volatility, it is that to insure growth, you must be proactive, assess your risk tolerance and focus on long term goals.

The first step in accomplishing all of this is to understand your mindset. When making a deposit, are you only thinking about buying the safest investments and parking the money until you have more confidence in the market? Or, or are you an opportunist who is willing to look for the greatest values, knowing that your  

These are the key changes in 2009 for 403b and 401k contributions:

1. The maximum employee contributions go up to $16,500 (unless you are over 50 and then you are permitted to add another $5,500).  This increases the maximum contribution to $22,000.

2. For defined contribution plans, such as the traditional “Keogh” or self-employed plan, the new maximum  

This week a very important update was announced regarding 529 college savings programs. The IRS effectively removed the longstanding limitation of making changes in investment strategies to once a year.  

You know the drill. New Years is approaching and that means making your resolutions to improve on everything that didn’t go as planned. This year, however, we’ve all gotten a huge wake- up call and the need to regroup is far more urgent because our finances were so affected by the economic collapse. In addition, much of what we thought we knew about investing, saving and planning ahead has been redefined. Of course we still have to make sensible decisions, including reigning in expenses, but here are some ideas on how to approach the coming year to help you become more fiscally fit.

Clients keep asking me if there is a silver lining beneath the market turmoil and believe it or not there is not one, but two. Just as the sky high gas prices forced us all to rethink our driving habits and our daily trips, the dramatic downturn in the market has forced us all to rethink our spending habits. Who among us isn’t holding off on expensive vacations and the latest gadgets? And it’s a good thing. By putting the brakes on our excessiveness, we will all be better off by not abusing credit cards and subsequently having more money to save and invest.

(Hint: maximizing your tax refund may be the best investment advice you get this year)

As a financial planner, I have always urged my clients to do their taxes twice a year. And though I’ve grown accustomed to hearing the grumbling about  

We’ve all heard the joke that the stock market has dropped so much in value, 403Bs are now called 203Bs. Unfortunately, it’s no laughing matter and the question on everyone’s mind is, what to do?

I’m happy to tell you that in spite of the economic gloom and doom, there is some great news to report. Effective January 1, 2009, and for the first time in forty years, there are new mandated regulations and reforms that will both greatly expand your investment choices and allow you the flexibility to customize your portfolio with an enticing range of asset allocations.
 

With everyone agonizing over the economic crisis and their personal finances, it could be a good time to attend a seminar that focuses on the newest laws and strategies that affect your investments. The problem is, there are so many different types of seminars, and not all will be worth your time.

Given the daunting political and economic climate, doesn’t it sometimes feel like we are spectators watching an intense football game where everything is on the line and the score keeps changing? We go from cheering (our candidate is up 5 points in the polls) to panicking (the stock market is down 900 points). We go from relief (gas prices are under $3.00 a gallon for the first time in a year) to shock (the quarterly statements arrived and we’d rather not look).
 

Attention TEACHERS: As if you weren’t under enough pressure having the nation’s future in your hands, with the 403(b) plan, you are fast approaching a critical juncture regarding your own future- your financial future.

Are you aware that effective January 1st, 2009, all 403(b) plans will be  

Capitulation sounds like one of those SAT words you can immediately forget after the test, but with the recent economic crisis, it’s a good time to review the meaning. In financial terms, capitulation is when frightened investors lose faith in the market after a period of losses and decide to jump ship en masse. In other words, unable to stomach any further losses, they collectively sell in a panic and look for safer havens.

It seems that every day brings another story about rising unemployment, massive layoffs and more business failures. Not surprisingly, when the economic news is this bleak, it doesn’t just affect those who are out of work. The aftermath of this financial crisis has the potential to be an equal opportunity destroyer, just like the recent Hurricane Ike. Everyone is in its path and the key to survival is planning ahead.

Here are a list of topics we will be examining over the next few weeks that can be included in your personal survival kit. Like the all important flashlight, it will shed light and help keep you out of the dark.: