Author: Kelly Larson

Investing in Bonds

Kelly Larson

Bonds may not be as glamorous as stocks or commodities, but they are a significant component of most investment portfolios. Bonds are traded in huge volumes every day, but their full usefulness is often underappreciated and underestimated. Why invest in bonds? Bonds can help diversify your investment portfolio. Interest payments from bonds can act as a hedge against the relative volatility of stocks, real estate, or precious metals. Those interest payments also can provide you with a steady stream of…
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The Building Blocks of a Financial Legacy

Kelly Larson

When it comes to your finances – as it is with many things in life – it can be good to revisit the topic to keep up with changes or to simply refresh your memory every now and again. April is Financial Literacy Month, a time dedicated to brushing up on the building blocks of all things financial. This is also a great opportunity to educate family members, both young and old, on the basics and the subtleties of managing…
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Understanding Investment Terms and Concepts

Kelly Larson

Below are summaries of some basic principles you should understand when evaluating an investment opportunity or making an investment decision. Rest assured, this is not rocket science. In fact, you’ll see that the most important foundation on which to base your investment education is simply good common sense. Don’t be intimidated by jargon. Don’t worry if you can’t understand the experts in the financial media right away. Much of what they say is jargon and is actually less complicated than…
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Retirement Plans for Small Businesses

Kelly Larson

As a business owner, you should carefully consider the advantages of establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Generally, you’re allowed a deduction for contributions you make to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. In return, however, you’re required to include certain employees in the plan, and to give a portion of the contributions you make to those participating employees. Nevertheless, a retirement plan can provide you with a tax-advantaged method to save funds for your own retirement, while providing your employees with a…
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Dealing With Divorce

Kelly Larson

Divorce can be a lengthy process that may strain your finances and leave you feeling out of control. But with the right preparation, you can protect your interests, take charge of your future, and save yourself time and money. You certainly never expected divorce when you cut the wedding cake–you and your spouse planned on spending the rest of your lives together. Unfortunately, the fairy tale didn’t work out, and you’re headed for a divorce. So where do you begin?…
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Choosing an Income Tax Filing Status

Kelly Larson

Selecting a filing status is one of the first decisions you’ll make when you fill out your federal income tax return, so it’s important to know the rules. And because you may have more than one option, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each. Making the right decision about your filing status can save money and prevent problems with the IRS down the road. The five filing statuses and how they affect your tax liability Your filing…
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Types of Insurance

Kelly Larson

Each day, you face a variety of risks–risks to your life, your health, and your property. Although you can’t eliminate many of these risks, you can take steps to guard against resulting financial losses. That’s where insurance comes in. If your coverage is sufficient, insurance can provide financial security to you and your loved ones. Many types of insurance coverage are available–here’s a brief overview of what’s out there. Life insurance Life insurance provides funds for your surviving loved ones…
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Credit Traps for the Unwary

Kelly Larson

It’s hard to imagine functioning in today’s society without access to credit. However, you need to be careful not to fall victim to some of the pitfalls associated with it. Revolving credit can make it hard for you to pay off debt Credit cards allow you to spend money you don’t currently have, and to repay what you’ve spent over time instead of all at once. When you use a card, the balance you owe increases, and your remaining available…
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Valentine’s Day Done the Charitable Way

Kelly Larson

When you think of Valentine’s Day, what comes to mind? Is it cozying up with your loved one on a park bench, plunging face-first into boxes of assorted chocolates, or classrooms of children exchanging much-sought-after cards and candy? Although the traditional ways we celebrate love on Valentine’s Day are longstanding – with Valentine’s cards outdating Hallmark itself – many of them don’t have a lasting effect on our lives. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Instead, why not…
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Creative Ways to lower the Cost of College

Kelly Larson

Even with all of your savvy college shopping and research about financial aid, college costs may still be prohibitive. At these prices, you expect you’ll need to make substantial financial sacrifices to send your child to college. Or maybe your child won’t be able to attend the college of his or her choice at all. Before you throw in the towel, though, you and your child should consider steps that can actually lower college costs. Although some of these ideas…
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