Recent Legislation - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Understanding "Sequestration"

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:02:28 EST

If you like political drama, you're in luck. It seems like just yesterday the news was filled with references to the fiscal cliff. Now, coming to theaters everywhere, is "sequestration." Look for more political confrontation to unfold as sequestration gets under way.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:32:04 EST

The new year started with some political drama, as Congress passed legislation on January 1, 2013, to prevent the country from going over the "fiscal cliff." The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) permanently extends a number of major tax provisions and temporarily extends many others. The legislation also temporarily postpones major automatic spending cuts that were scheduled to take place at the beginning of the year. Here's what you need to know.

What health-care provisions are effective in 2013?

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:31:43 EST

What health-care provisions are effective in 2013?

Read the Answer »

On the Precipice: The "Fiscal Cliff"

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:45:13 EST

Year-End Investment Planning and the Fiscal Cliffhanger

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:01:00 EDT

Investment planning at the end of 2012 revisits issues that have complicated the planning process for the last two years--tax cut extensions and spending cuts designed to reduce the U.S. budget deficit. Uncertainty about both and whether they will lead to what's been called a "fiscal cliff" in 2013 is likely to affect year-end investment planning yet again.

Speculating on the Future of the Federal Estate Tax

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:14:42 EDT

What's the future of the federal estate tax? All we know is that no one knows for sure; it's all speculation. So, let's take a look at what could happen. There are five possibilities: (1) Congress could extend current tax law (commonly referred to as the "Bush tax cuts"); (2) Congress could do nothing, essentially turning the calendar back to 2001; (3) Congress could compromise, agreeing on something between the 2001 tax rules and the rules that apply in 2012; (4) Congress could enact new estate tax reform; or (5) Congress could repeal the estate tax altogether.

Mid-Year Reality Check: Covering Your Bases in Uncertain Times

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:14:03 EDT

Imagine playing a complicated game, but the rules of the game are changing, and the new rules have yet to be announced. That's what income tax planning is like this year. In fact, if there was ever a year to spend some quality time with your financial professional, this is it. Here are a few items to discuss.

Market-Moving Indicators for Monitoring Europe

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:22:21 EDT

If you've struggled to make sense of the ongoing European debt debacle, you're not alone. It's difficult even to keep track of all the pieces of this financial Rube Goldberg puzzle, let alone understand how they can influence one another.

Election Year Tax Talk: Deciphering the Terminology

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:56:50 EDT

This year's election chatter is sure to include a healthy dose of tax talk. To keep up, here are five terms you should know: the “Bush tax cuts,” alternative minimum tax (AMT), the “Buffett rule,” value added tax (VAT) and flat tax.

How Europe Affects Your Portfolio

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:31:07 EST

When a possible default on Greek sovereign debt becomes headline news, a lot of people find themselves wondering, "How can the problems of a country so small and so far away create such turmoil in the world's financial markets?" What's happening in Europe is probably affecting your portfolio right now, regardless of the quality of your holdings or how well diversified you are.