Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we will receive an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It was Thanksgiving 2017 and I was having an investing conversation. During the conversation, I tried to explain the dangers of “return… Continue reading Return Chasing
The A1C is the number that a diabetic uses to determine how well they’re doing managing their diabetes. Over time, a diabetic who consistently runs a high A1C, they face significant health risks. By checking their A1C regularly, diabetics can track how well they’ve been managing their diabetes over time. When I read about J.… Continue reading My Financial A1C
[As with anything tax-related, see my disclaimers.] Despite complications to my taxes, I have personally found the financial benefits of participating in employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) to outweigh the cons. What’s an ESPP? In a nutshell, ESPPs give employees the opportunity to buy company stock directly from the company at a discount. Employees choose… Continue reading A Tale of Two ESPPs
[As with anything tax-related, see my disclaimers.] Every year I learn something new when I complete my taxes. This year was no different. A Seventeen Year-Old Is Not a Child The first thing I found out this year was that my oldest, who turned seventeen in 2019, no longer qualifies for the Child Tax Credit.… Continue reading Taxes – 2019 Edition
[As with anything tax-related, see my disclaimers.] Reviewing the 2017 changes to the federal income tax laws brought me back to a conversation I had years ago with a coworker, who I’ll call Jason. Jason suggested that alternating between taking the standard deduction and itemizing my deductions could reduce my taxes. Come again? To understand… Continue reading Bunching Charitable Contributions For Lower Taxes
It’s that time of the year when offers to lock in natural gas rates show up in my mailbox. The offers usually employ fear driven marketing, preying upon consumers’ fear of paying too much in utilities and of “unexpected” charges. The offers typically refer to the local utility with terms like “unpredictable”, “unexpected”, “gambling” and… Continue reading Locking in Natural Gas Rates
We’re barely into 2020 and already my goal to simplify our family’s financial picture is being challenged. I find myself tempted to open another bank account. What?!? Bank error in your favor, collect $600 Let’s back up a bit. Last year when we were preparing for our family DIY study abroad to Spain, we opened… Continue reading Are Banking Signup Bonuses Worth It?
[As with anything tax-related, see my disclaimers.] In 2013, I found out that I’d contributed too much to my Roth IRA during 2012. Our income had exceeded the income phase-out for Roth IRA contributions. It wasn’t until I was doing my taxes that I found out that I’d contributed too much during 2012. Time to… Continue reading Contributing Too Much To A Roth IRA
[As with anything tax-related, see my disclaimers.] The other day at work, I was discussing the advantages of converting traditional IRA money into a Roth IRA with a coworker. I’ve always been of the opinion that if my marginal rate is the same today as in the future when I withdraw the money, then it… Continue reading Should I Convert to a Roth IRA?
Fees make me grumpy. Given how much financial providers attempt to hide or obscure fees, I’m guessing I’m not the only one. Fees bite into my future retirement and are paid regardless of whether my investments do well or not. Investment Fees The first fee in my 401(k) plan that makes me grumpy is the… Continue reading 401(k) Fee Drag
