|
| |
Newsletter 2009
|
• |
December |
|
| |
How Social Security Affects Your Retirement
When contemplating retirement, you may be counting on Social Security benefits to provide you with a basic level of income. However, the age at which you choose to retire is an important part of the equation. There are also other issues to consider,... 
|
• |
November |
|
| |
Applying for Federal Aid for College
When thinking about funding sources for your children’s college education, you may assume your family earns too much to qualify for Federal grants, loans, and work-study assistance. However, families with higher incomes are frequently eligible,... 
|
• |
October |
|
| |
The Basics of Financing Your New Home
If you’re in the market for your first home or are looking to buy again after not owning for three years, Congress is providing an incentive—the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit. If you qualify and buy a home after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009, you could receive,... 
|
• |
September |
|
| |
Ten Tips for Creating an Effective Estate Plan
Whether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details that can undermine the effectiveness of your plan. But, there are also ways of ensuring that your plan is effective. Below, are ten common estate planning,... 
|
• |
August |
|
| |
What You Need to Know About Financial Fraud
America’s older generation grew up in a different world. It was customary to be friendly, courteous, and trusting. Today, these exemplary standards of conduct can get older individuals into trouble. Con artists, offering a variety of too-good-to-be-true investment “deals,” are banking on the willingness,... 
|
• |
July |
|
| |
Understanding Interest Rates
When discussing bank accounts, investments, loans, and mortgages, interest is an important concept to understand. Interest is the price you pay for the temporary use of someone else’s funds; an interest rate is the percentage of a borrowed amount,... 
|
• |
June |
|
| |
Strengthen Your Ability against Disability
Of course, you value your assets. But how much do you spend to protect them? Most of us have automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, and possibly, additional coverage for particularly valuable items or collections. While your assets may be worth a great deal,... 
|
• |
May |
|
| |
New Legislation May Affect Your Retirement Savings
As a result of the recent economic downturn, you may have seen your retirement savings accounts lose significant value over the past year. In order to counter these losses, Congress passed the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008. Among other provisions that were designed to help struggling pension plans,... 
|
• |
April |
|
| |
Protecting Your Financial Information in Cyberspace
Consumers are conducting financial transactions in cyberspace more and more frequently. Consequently, they may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other online risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety in cyberspace, much can be done to understand and minimize your exposure.... 
|
• |
March |
|
| |
Insurance: A Method for Managing Risk
An unexpected occurrence, such as a death, disability, or other personal loss, is certainly not something for which you can easily plan. Yet, the financial ramifications can be staggering—not only to you, but to your family, as well. Therefore, it is important to make a personal risk management plan part of your overall financial.... 
|
• |
February |
|
| |
Is a Roth 401(k) Right for You?
Since it first became available in 2006, many employers have added the Roth 401(k) to their benefits packages as a retirement savings option. A Roth option, which is available for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), as well as sponsoring 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, may be appropriate for some individuals, depending on their circumstances. So, is a Roth 401(k) right for you? Let’s take a closer look.... 
|
Newsletter 2008
|
• |
December |
|
| |
Savings Tips for Young Adults
Young adults today face a variety of challenges in their quest for financial independence. Some of these obstacles are similar to those faced by previous generations, while others are unique to the times. If you are a young adult, here are five financial tips to help you manage your money and prepare for your future... 
|
| |
|
|
• |
November |
|
| |
Customizing Life Insurance With Policy Riders
When most people think of life insurance, the first question that usually comes to mind is, “How much do I need?” However, there are other aspects of life insurance policies that provide important benefits and are also worthy of consideration... 
|
| |
|
|
• |
October |
|
| |
Ideas for Year-end Tax Planning
As you manage your taxes at year-end, one important, constant goal should be to reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI), which equals your gross income (salary, investment earnings, etc.) less your allowable deductions and exemptions... 
|
| |
|
|
• |
September |
|
| |
What Your Children Should Know About Your Finances
Many parents may find it un- comfortable, or may believe it is unnecessary, to inform their children about their personal matters. Yet, preparing your family helps everyone feel better about your financial and health care wishes, and it can ease the decision-making process in many important areas.... 
|
| |
|
|
• |
August |
|
| |
Estate Planning: Not Just For The Wealthy
Many people think estate planning is necessary only for those with sizable estates. However, even small estates require smart planning to protect loved ones. Here are some important steps you can take now to ease your family’s emotional and financial burden... 
|
| |
• |
July |
|
| |
Insurance Protection for Dual Income Families
As we move further into the 21st century, the idea of the “traditional” American family has changed. The dual income family— with husband and wife each maintaining separate careers and contributing to the financial success of the household—has now become commonplace... 
|
| |
• |
June |
|
| |
Economic Forecasts: Understand the Basics
When weather forecasts turn out wrong, we usually can make alternate plans that have little consequence in the larger scheme of life’s events. In contrast, when economic forecasts disappoint, the consequences may be more significant. Nevertheless, making decisions about your financial future involves some guesswork, and an educated guess... 
|
| |
• |
May |
|
| |
The Reality of Early Retirement
An early retirement is usually on everyone’s “wish list.” A relaxing lifestyle in a warmer climate or the pursuit of a hobby or personal interest typically characterizes the vision of what retirement is all about. If you’re considering an early retirement, you may be asking yourself, “How do I do it?”... 
|
| |
• |
April |
|
| |
Creative Insurance Solutions for Today's Mature Family
One of the more flexible and creative products to enter the insurance arena within recent years is survivorship life insurance. Often referred to as last-to-die or second-to-die, this life insurance policy insures two individuals yet provides only one death benefit payable at the death of the second insured. In many instances, survivorship life insurance may be less expensive than a single life insurance policy on one of the insureds... 
|
| |
• |
February |
|
| |
Tax Tips From The IRS
Even with the best intentions, filing taxes often becomes an event that is put off until the very last minute. For those who are not accountants, tax laws can be confusing, leaving many unsure of what they may deduct and how they should file. However, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)¹, the process can be simpler than you may think. Here are ten tax tips direct from the IRS designed to make your filing easier than ever.. 
|
| |
• |
January |
|
| |
Money Management THOUGHOUT LIFE STAGES
On your way to developing and maintaining good financial health, you know you must accumulate emergency funds for a rainy day. A good financial plan often begins with saving three to six months’ worth of income and progresses into developing the capacity to meet your personal financial goals in the short term, as well as the long term.. 
|
Newsletter 2007
|
| |
• |
December |
|
| |
Retirement Planning: ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE NOW
Does your retirement seem light-years away? While it may appear a long way off, you owe it to yourself to look toward the future and begin giving some thought to what you can do today to help ensure a bright retirement tomorrow. Although time may be on your side.. 
|
• | November |
|
| |
Education Funding WITH A COVERDELL ESA
If you're thinking about ways to fund your child's education, the federal government has provided an incentive-the Coverdell Education Savings Account (Coverdell ESA), formerly known as the Education IRA. Contributions are not deductible, but tax-free withdrawals can be made when used to pay for eligible education expenses.. 
|
• |
August |
|
| |
To Buy or Not to Buy: THE LEASING ALTERNATIVE
Automobile leasing is more popular than ever, but many people still hesitate to enter into a lease. This may be because there are so many factors to consider that it seems easier to buy. Under the right circumstances, leasing an auto can save you considerable money, and even taxes. No one can tell you which option is better without knowing your particular situation, but these factors may impact your decision. 
|
• |
July |
|
| |
Retirement: A COMMUNITY AUDITION
Ahouse once filled with the constant, clamoring sounds of a growing family has grown silent. Family visits have become few and far between. The silence seems deafening. If these thoughts seem familiar, maybe you and your spouse have outgrown a home you once considered to be too small. 
|
• |
June |
|
| |
The "What" and "Why" BEHIND ESTATE PLANNING
many individuals put off planning their estates. For some, this is due to the misconceptions that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy or that it only involves tax planning, which can be done "later." For others, it's because they simply have a difficult time contemplating death-a perfectly natural reaction. 
|
• |
May |
|
| |
Interest Rates Affect Your FINANCIAL SITUATION
when discussing bank accounts, investments, loans, and mortgages, interest is an important concept to understand. In financial terms, interest is the price paid for the temporary use of someone else's funds, and an interest rate is the percentage of a sum borrowed that is attributable to interest. 
|
• |
April |
|
| |
Shielding Your Finances FROM DISASTER
Recent catastrophic events, ranging from natural disasters to terrorist attacks, have clearly demonstrated that the homes and livelihoods in which Americans have invested over many years can be wiped out in a matter of hours. Once displaced, many victims of disasters struggle to get back on their feet financially. 
|
• |
March |
|
| |
Becoming a Financially SAVVY SINGLE PARENT
Raising children without a partner is an enormous challenge-emotionally, physically, and especially financially. Overwhelmed by the work involved in earning a living and caring for children, single parents can sometimes feel they will never be able to break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. 
|
• |
February |
|
| |
Ten Ways to STRETCH YOUR MONEY
we all want more money. Many of us would also like to work less. While this may seem like a dilemma, there may be a solution. The best way to increase money without increasing your hours is to avoid excess spending in the first place. 
|
• |
January |
|
| |
Financial Aid FOR COLLEGE
If you or your children are considering college, you may be wondering how you will pay the challenging costs of education. For many families, tuition may be covered by a financial aid package. This often includes grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study placements. 
|
|
| |
|
|
Newsletter 2006
|
| |
• |
December |
|
| |
Entrepreneurship and the NEW RETIREE
For more and more retirees, retirement signals not the end of a career, but rather the beginning of a new phase—entrepreneurship. Many baby boomers view retirement as an opportunity to start a new chapter in life, and they hope to use their hard-earned skills and knowledge to create their own independent businesses. 
|
• |
November |
|
| |
Estate Planning for LIFETIME PARTNERS
There have been some distinct changes in the American cultural and sociological landscape in recent years. Among them is the increasing number of unmarried couples living together. This trend has spawned some difficult and complex estate planning challenges for the individuals involved. 
|
• |
October |
|
| |
Understanding the CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
The highs and lows of the economy affect people and markets in a variety of different ways. While some sectors of the economy are thriving, others may be sluggish. One economic indicator used to gauge the state of the American economy is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the rate of inflation in the U.S. 
|
• |
September |
|
| |
New Tax Credits for FUEL-EFFICIENT CARS
Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, you may be eligible for a tax credit if you buy or lease a fuel-efficient vehicle in 2006. The new incentives for purchasing hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles are more generous than the deductions they replace. 
|
• |
August |
|
| |
Maintain a Healthy: CREDIT REPORT
Your credit report is an accumulation of information about your bills and loans, your repayment history, your available credit, and your outstanding debts. These reports are typically used by lenders when deciding whether or not to accept a loan or credit application. 
|
• |
July |
|
| |
Subtract Inflation: AND IT ALL ADDS UP!
Some people remember the "good old days" when gasoline prices were as low as 25¢ per gallon. Some even recall when a can of soda cost 15¢. The fact is that prices tend to rise over time—sometimes steadily, and sometimes not so steadily. If you were asked to define "rising prices," you might answer with one word: inflation. 
|
• |
June |
|
| |
Financial Strategies: SECURING YOUR FUTURE
Developing financial strategies is a lot like planning a vacation. It sometimes feels like you need to take care of a million details. But whether you’re visiting a remote tropical island or planning a modest weekend getaway nearby, choosing a destination and dreaming about all the wonderful things you’ll see and do can be a lot of fun. 
|
• |
May |
|
| |
Life's Milestones: AND YOUR LIFE INSURANCE Maintaining a life insurance policy that meets your coverage goals is a lifelong process. Before you put that policy in a drawer to gather dust, you must remember that life insurance needs change when you reach life's various milestones. In order to help ensure your coverage continues to meet your needs and stays current, you must review your policy on a regular basis throughout the years. 
|
• |
April |
|
| |
Tax Audits: CAUSE FOR CONCERN
For many taxpayers, the words "tax audit" can produce feelings of anxiety. It may put you at ease to know that in fiscal year 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS, 2006) actually audited less than 1% of all tax returns. So, why all the concern? Not knowing the factors that can trigger an IRS audit often contributes to high levels of anxiety. 
|
• |
March |
|
| |
New Economic Realities for TODAY'S YOUNG COUPLES
For today's young couples, the route to a secure future may be looking a lot different from the way it once appeared. Their incomes may be less certain compared to previous generations, and the demands on their financial resources are greater. In addition, rapidly evolving technology will likely require many individuals to change or reposition their careers more than once during their lifetimes. 
|
• |
February |
|
| |
Graduating WITH A LIGHTER LOAD
Many families may find they must borrow at least some money to help pay expenses for their college-bound teenagers. Student loans can provide a significant share of a student's total financial aid package. Although college graduates often find themselves entering the job market burdened with thousands of dollars in college loan debt, a federal program may help ease that burden by offering attractive terms and rates. 
|
• |
January |
|
| |
Building a Strong FINANCIAL FOUNDATION
Today, many individuals are finding themselves concerned about saving for retirement or a large ticket item, such as a child's education. If you are among this group, now may be the best time to pull together your financial affairs. It's never too early to begin, and the sooner you start, the better. Here are five steps you can take to help put yourself on the right track: 
|
|
| |
|
| |
Newsletter 2005
|
| |
• |
September |
|
| |
Stretching IRA WITHDRAWALS
For some traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) holders approaching the mandatory distribution age (April 1st of the year after the year they attain age 70½), their primary concern may be stretching their account assets over their lifetimes and those of their spouses. 
|
• |
August |
|
| |
Estate Planning BASICS
Estate planning is not solely a matter of saving dollars and minimizing taxes. The process of planning your estate inevitably also raises some difficult emotional and personal issues. For starters, it forces you to face the unpleasant fact of your own mortality; you are trying to plan for a time when you won’t be around to make decisions. 
|
• |
July |
|
| |
Surviving the Loss OF A LOVED ONE
One of the most trying experiences in a person's life is the loss of a loved one. During the grieving process, you may also feel stress associated with needing to make many important financial decisions. In order to feel secure, you need to know that your loved one's affairs will be properly managed. 
|
• |
June |
|
| |
Overcoming a Retirement SHORTFALL
Are you worried about the current state of the Social Security system and how its future may affect your retirement income? It’s important to take a long, hard look at your current savings approach to help ensure you’ll be able to compensate for this, or any other, retirement income shortfall. 
|
• |
May |
|
| |
Dual-Income Families— MAKING IT "WORK"
As we move further into the 21st century, the idea of the "traditional" American family has changed. The dual-income family—with husband and wife each maintaining separate careers and contributing to the household's financial success—has now become commonplace. 
|
• |
April |
|
| |
The Power of LEGAL PROTECTION
Without the proper legal, financial, and health care protection, you may be at risk should you become incapable of directing your own affairs. Advance directives are important planning tools that can set forth your preferences in the event an accident or illness impairs your ability to make decisions. 
|
• |
March |
|
| |
Retirement Planning: ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE NOW
Does your retirement seem light years away? While it may appear a long way off, you owe it to yourself to look toward the future and begin giving some thought to what you can do today to help ensure a bright retirement tomorrow. 
|
• |
February |
|
| |
A College Education— HOW TO FUND?
College tuition costs keep increasing on a yearly basis with no apparent end in sight. With the average cost at private colleges exceeding $24,000 per year (Source: Trends in College Pricing—2003, The College Board), the projected cost of educating today’s newborn is staggering. 
|
• |
January |
|
| |
To Buy or Not to Buy: Exploring The Leasing Option
Automobile leasing is more popular than ever, but many people still hesitate to enter into a lease. Why? Maybe because there are so many factors to consider that it seems easier to buy. Under the right circumstances, leasing an auto can save you considerable money and even taxes. 
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| |
 |
| |
| Termco.com |
1333 N Northlake Way, Suite G, Seattle,
WA 98103 |
Email: info@termco.com
Phone: 1-800-588-1251 |
|
| |
|