Saturday, January 29, 2011

January 2011 Accounting Newsletter

1. TEN FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
Each year on January 1, millions of us make resolutions to change our lives in the coming year. Losing a few pounds and quitting smoking are some of the most common New Year's resolutions. This year, how about making a pledge to improve your finances?
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15228

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2. TAX TIME QUESTIONS FOR YOUR CPA
Last year, individuals who qualified for tax refunds got an average of $2,887, up 8 percent from the previous year. While there's no guarantee that you will receive a refund, there are steps you can take now that could not only potentially lower your tax bill, but also enhance your overall financial situation. http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=15229

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3. HOW TO SELECT A PROFESSIONAL TAX PREPARER
According to the Internal Revenue Service, 60 percent of Americans use the advice of a tax preparer or tax software when filing their taxes. If you decide to pay someone to help you prepare your tax return, it is important to choose that preparer carefully.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15230

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4. TEN TIMELESS RULES OF INVESTING
There are tried-and-true investing rules, regardless of the market’s volatility. Here are ten that can help you experience long-term growth that will result in many happy returns.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15105

December 2010 Accounting Newsletter

1. ANNUAL FINANCIAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE COMING IN JANUARY
The annual "Do It Herself: A Journey to Financial Freedom" conference for women is being held on Saturday, January 29, at Caldwell College. Conference topics include Investing, Organizing Financial Records, Estate Planning, Budgeting, Smart Debt Management and more.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/resources/event.cfm?eventid=81

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2. SMART WAYS TO SAVE MONEY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holidays are a joyous – and potentially expensive – time of year. However, gift giving doesn’t have to empty your wallet if you follow these simple tips. http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=15155

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3. SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT
In October, the Social Security Administration announced that there will be no cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries in 2011. What can distressed retirees do to maximize or compensate for stagnant Social Security checks? A New Jersey CPA shares his insights in the latest NJSCPA financial literacy podcast.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15161

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4. TRIM YOUR TAXES BEFORE YOU DECK THE HALLS
April 15 seems so far away when you're pulling the holiday decorations out of storage. But doing some quick planning now could potentially lower your tax bill and give you something to be extra thankful for next spring. http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15154

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5. REMINDER: 2011 FINANCIAL FITNESS CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE
The New Jersey Society of CPAs is offering its 2011 Financial Fitness Calendar. This FREE calendar is an easy-to-follow resource guide, complete with handy tips and tools for improving your financial health. Request your free copy today! http://www.moneymattersnj.com/resources/calendar.cfm

November 2010 Accounting Newsletter

1. 2011 FINANCIAL FITNESS CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE
The New Jersey Society of CPAs will be releasing its 2011 Financial Fitness Calendar later this month. This FREE calendar is an easy-to-follow resource guide, complete with handy tips and tools for improving your financial health. Request your free copy today!
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/resources/calendar.cfm

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2. TIPS FOR CUTTING COMMUTING COSTS
Commuting can be an expensive proposition. Follow these tips to minimize the cost of getting to and from work.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15084

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3. CONVERTING TO A ROTH IRA: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Roth IRA conversions have been a hot topic this year. New rules have made 2010 the first year that there is no income limit for Roth IRA conversion eligibility. As such, many taxpayers have access to a Roth for the first time. How do you know if converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is right for you? http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=15087

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4. CHOOSING BETWEEN AN FSA AND AN HSA
Health care expenses take a big bite out of many family budgets. There are tax-advantaged options to help pay for medical or prescription costs, so it’s important to understand your options for lowering those costs. http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=15085

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5. LOWERING YOUR TAX BILL WITH HOME OFFICE DEDUCTIONS
The country’s economic downturn has created a new legion of entrepreneurs who are working from home after losing a job. Many will consider using their home office as a tax deduction for the first time, but caution is essential. http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=15086

October 2010 Accounting Newsletter

1. BATTLING BANK FEES
What are the most common bank fees assessed to customers and can they be avoided? This month’s podcast features a wealth of personal banking advice.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15042

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2. FIVE SIGNS YOUR DEBT IS OUT OF CONTROL
Everyone runs up a little credit card debt, right? That's what many people tell themselves to justify carrying heavy loan amounts, but the fact is that undisciplined spending and poor credit management are serious problems that must be addressed. Here are five signs that show your debt and spending are out of control. http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=15047

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3. WHAT CONSUMERS CAN EXPECT FROM FINANCIAL REFORM
In July, President Obama ratified a new financial regulatory reform bill that will have an impact everywhere from Wall Street to Main Street. While many of the law's provisions will not take effect immediately, consumers should be prepared for changes in the credit arena and elsewhere. Here's some perspective on what you can expect.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=15046

September 2010 Accounting Newsletter

1. MAKING WISE CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Whether you are considering making a donation to the Pakistan flood relief effort or any other charity, you need to know which charitable organizations are most worthy of your donation - and whether they are legitimate. Listen as a CPA discusses charitable giving, from organizational research to tax implications, in the latest Financially Fit podcast.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=14962

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2. DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A CONTINGENCY PLAN
A natural disaster or a family crisis could happen at any time. September is National Preparedness Month; take this opportunity to create an emergency file, or a contingency plan, to lessen the anxiety of a crisis.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14996

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3. FIVE TAX TIPS FOR RECENTLY MARRIED TAXPAYERS
If you recently got married or are planning a wedding, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind. However, there are some important steps you need to take to avoid stress at tax time.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14956

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4. ANNUITIES AS AN INVESTMENT OPTION
Financial products have the potential to be downright confusing, even to the most well-informed investor. This podcast sheds light on annuities as a viable investment option.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14975

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5. TOP DEDUCTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Running your own business can be an exhilarating and challenging experience. Among the many challenges (and opportunities) you face will be figuring out which deductions you qualify for when tax time comes around. Here are some tips on dealing with deductions.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14982

August 2010 Accounting Newsletter

1. CONVERTING TO A ROTH IRA
2010 is a pivotal year for Roth IRA conversions - but is it right for you? This podcast offers advice on conversion eligibility and answers to commonly asked questions about this hot topic.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=14908

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2. GET HEALTHY, SAVE MONEY!
There are obviously many good reasons to maintain good health, but did you know there are some great financial reasons to do so, as well? http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14938

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3. PROCRASTINATION AND YOUR FINANCES
Given the current economic environment, many consumers approach finances with a sense of foreboding. Because procrastination can actually cost money, here are a few tips on how to keep from procrastinating on financial issues. http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14931

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4. WHY YOU NEED A HOME INVENTORY
Would you be able to list all the contents of your home if you had to? Most people could not. A home inventory can help you determine what needs to be replaced - and facilitate the insurance process - if you are the victim of a burglary, fire or other disaster.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14939

July 2010 Accounting Newsletter

1. SECRETS TO A MORE AFFORDABLE VACATION
Have you made reservations for your summer vacation or, like many, are you postponing it until 2011? Here are some ideas to help you lower the cost of a vacation to fit your budget and still get priceless memories your family can share for years to come.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=14872

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2. BUY VERSUS RENT: WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU?
Common wisdom holds that in the long-term, it's always better to buy a home than to rent. However, given the changes in how people work and live over the last 20 years, buying is not necessarily better than renting. A New Jersey CPA shares his insights in the latest NJSCPA financial literacy podcast.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14880

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3. SMART WAYS TO USE YOUR TAX REFUND
If you were fortunate enough to get a tax refund this year, here's advice on some of the best ways to use it.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14878

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4. NEW CREDIT CARD RULES AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO YOU
Did you know there are new rules governing the fees and penalties that credit card companies can charge you? Find out why the changes are important, and learn some tips for managing credit cards.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14877

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5. SEVEN WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES
Although it may not seem like it, food costs are still one of the most flexible areas in many families' budgets. While you may have little control over your mortgage or day care costs, you can probably save money on groceries. Start saving with these tips.
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/7-ways-to-save-money-on-groceries-1.aspx

May 2010 Accounting Newsletter

1. FIVE SMART MOVES FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT
Thinking about giving your home a much-needed facelift? You’re not alone. But which home improvements deliver the best return on your investment (ROI)? Here are the five smartest home improvements you can make based on ROI.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=14746

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2. GETTING A TAX REFUND? IT'S A GOOD TIME TO TUNE UP YOUR FINANCES
If you’re receiving a tax refund this year, think carefully before spending it. Now’s a good time to review your entire financial situation and make adjustments to keep you on track for the rest of the year.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14779

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3. TEACH YOUR KIDS HOW TO SAVE AND STAY ON TOP OF THEIR MONEY
Nearly three quarters of young Americans are ill-equipped to make sound financial decisions. Investing time to teach your kids some basic financial rules like these can help them realize a more secure future.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14747

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4. CLUTTERED CLOSETS MAY HARBOR TAX DEDUCTIONS
Spring is a perfect time to clean out your closets and garage. If you give your gently used clothing and household items to charitable organizations, make sure you don’t discard valuable tax deductions with your donation.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=14778