Dollars & Sense

How to Spend More Mindfully in the New Year

January 02nd, 2019

Mindfulness and meditation can ease chronic pain, anxiety and depression. Now some money experts say awareness tools such as these can help you avoid impulse purchases and create a spending plan that reflects your values.

Foreign Equities

November 29th, 2018

Global equity markets were jolted lower during a violent October filled with geopolitical risk, slowing growth, and questions surrounding rich valuations in the technology sector. Investors were left wondering, “How can I reduce volatility in my stock portfolio?” Enter foreign equities.

How to Donate Wisely and Avoid Charity Scams

November 26th, 2018

When you decide to support a cause you care about, you want your donation to count. Doing some research and planning your giving can help ensure your donations get where they’ll do good. Here are tips to help you plan your donation– and avoid scams.

Get on Track with Managing Your Money

November 26th, 2018

Keeping Spending Under Control During the Holidays

November 26th, 2018

The holiday season is already upon us! Time seems to go by faster and faster, which can lead to panic during the holidays and overspending. We need to manage money well and not destroy the good money habits we have learned.

IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

November 21st, 2018

To make it possible for voluntary retirement savings to keep up with inflation, the various numerical limits embedded within qualified retirement plans are indexed for inflation.

Making a Budget and Sticking To It

November 19th, 2018

Making and sticking to a budget is a key step to getting a handle on your debt and working towards your financial wellness goals.

Charitable giving growing nicely

October 24th, 2018

The nonprofit sector did very well in 2017, according to the June 2018 report issued by Giving USA. Total gifts to charity exceeded $400 billion for the first time, reaching $410.02 billion. Gifts from individuals are the largest component, and were $14 billion ahead of the 2016 pace. All giving sectors grew, as shown in the table below:

The federal estate tax exemption doubled. Now what?

October 23rd, 2018

Put your beneficiaries first.The traditional “hot button” that has motivated people to see their lawyers about estate planning is taxation. Death taxes—inheritance taxes, estate taxes, federal taxes, state taxes—have taken a notorious toll on unplanned estates over the years. With sound planning, that burden can be lightened or even eliminated. In many cases, the tax savings easily cover the cost of the attorney’s fees for creating the estate plan.

Aretha Franklin’s estate plan

September 28th, 2018

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” died in August. Her life and musical legacy were remarkable.