November/December 2008

Achieving financial independence if you're a single mom
It's tough enough raising a family on your own without thinking about your own financial future. Still, it's important to prepare financially for what lies ahead -- a child's college education, your own retirement -- because no one is going to do it for you.

Bells and whistles to consider in long-term care insurance
Often, it's the extras that make the car. The same thing is true with long-term care insurance; it's the bells and whistles that can make a good policy great. But not all the extras can add benefits that are cost-effective.

Checking out your charity
If you want to score a tax deduction, it's important to make sure the charity is qualified. Also, it's a good idea to make sure that the charitable organization spends the lion's share of your donation for good works and not administrative expenses.

Estate strategies for the single person
Whether you have many assets or just a few, creating an estate strategy is essential to making life easier for loved ones when you're no longer around.

First steps toward a million-dollar retirement
A million dollars isn't what it used to be, but it's still a lot more than most Americans put away for retirement. What will take you far is a strategy that begins long before you reach retirement.

Four things that may trigger the AMT
To steer yourself away from the AMT -- an alternative tax that disallows many common tax deductions -- keep an eye on certain deductions. A lot of them can trigger the AMT.

Is having a cool million in Retirement possible?
Saving for retirement may not be that easy, but it can be simpler than you think. You'll need some discipline, and you'll have to balance competing financial priorities, but depending on your age, you can accumulate $1 million by following some basic steps.

Life insurance and the single parent
The loss of any loved one is a bitter pill to swallow, but the death of a single parent can have far-reaching financial consequences for children when the parent doesn't have adequate life insurance.

New kiddie tax rules in 2008
Once upon a time, you could shift income-producing assets to a minor child and pay federal taxes at the child's lower tax rates, but that time has largely passed, thanks to Congressional legislation. Know these stricter rules that will first apply for the 2008 tax year.

Retirement plans for the sole proprietor
With a solo 401(k) plan, single-person business entities can get the same tax benefits as larger companies while allowing the owner to work toward a financially comfortable retirement.

Save money four ways this holiday season
Looking to save money this holiday season? There are ways you can leave more money in your pocket.

Single and preparing for retirement
Not every adult opts for the married life. Marital status, however, doesn't change the fact that the impetus to put money away for retirement falls upon individuals' shoulders.

Smart year-end money tips
The end of the year is a good time to give yourself a financial checkup.

Year-end strategies for small business owners
There are steps you can take that may provide both current tax advantages and long-term business benefits. At the same time, you might fine-tune strategies that will help grow your business long into the future.

Year-end tips for your estate strategy
It's that time of year when most effective tax planning comes to a close -- at least for 2008. While you figure out how to take advantage of income-tax deductions, consider revisiting your estate strategy to make sure it is all it was intended to be.