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It Is Not How Much You Make, It Is How Much You Keep

You probably have heard this phrase before and it is true. “It is not how much you make, it is how much you keep.” That is the truth. If you make $100,000 a year and you spend $100,000 a year you will not get ahead. If you spend more than you make, or spend everything you make, you cannot get ahead. Life is about being happy. Spending money and having stuff does not bring happiness. Research from the San Francisco…
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Six Keys to More Successful Investing

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic principles that may help you invest more successfully. Long-term compounding can help your nest egg grow It’s the “rolling snowball” effect. Put simply, compounding pays you earnings on your reinvested earnings. The longer you leave your money at work for you, the more exciting…
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Can You Avoid a Layoff?

You may be a dedicated employee who has worked for the same employer for many years, yet you still may be susceptible to getting laid off. Sometimes getting laid off is inevitable, but rarely does a company lay off all of its workers. Usually, it retains those who are most valuable and offer the greatest benefit, sometimes at the least cost. Fortunately, there may be some things you can do to make the decision to lay you off a little…
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The Stimulus Package – What You Need to Know

On Friday March 27, 2020 Congress approved the $2 Trillion Stimulus Bill in response to COVID-19 to assist tens of millions of American households that are being affected by the virus. Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding this Stimulus Bill that we have compiled: Stimulus Payments Q: How large would the payments be? A: Most adults would get $1,200, although some would get less. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment would be an…
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Shopping for an Annuity

Although many insurance companies offer annuities with the same (or at least similar) features, that doesn’t mean that all products and all companies are the same. As with all financial products, you should shop around and compare. Here are some things to consider when shopping for annuities. Financial stability Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and A. M. Best all rate insurance companies for financial stability and customer satisfaction. When purchasing an annuity, it is best to consider buying only from companies…
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Trust Basics

Whether you’re seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility–many types of trusts exist, each designed for a specific purpose. Although trust law is complex and establishing a trust requires the services of an experienced attorney, mastering the basics isn’t hard. What is a trust? A trust is a legal entity that holds assets…
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Investing in Stocks

Businesses sell shares of stock to investors as a way to raise money to finance expansion, pay off debt, and provide operating capital. Each share of stock represents a proportional share of ownership in the company. As a stockholder, you share in a portion of any profits and growth of the company. Dividends from earnings are paid to shareholders, and growth is realized by the increase in value of the stock. Stock ownership also generally gives you the right to…
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End of 2017

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to consider strategies that could help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your current tax situation. This is particularly true for year-end planning. You can’t know where to go next if you don’t know where you are now. So take a break from the usual fall chores and pull out last year’s tax return, along…
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Auto Accident Checklist

An automobile accident can be a confusing and stressful event, but being prepared can help you remain calm. It’s important to know what to do immediately after an accident and what to do in the days following. Immediately after an accident Pull off the road if the accident is minor. If the accident is serious and there are injuries, or if you believe there will be a dispute as to who’s at fault, don’t move the vehicles Call for police…
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Understanding IRA's

An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) is a personal savings plan that offers specific tax benefits. IRAs are one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to you. Even if you’re contributing to a 401(k) or other plan at work, you should also consider investing in an IRA. What types of IRAs are available? The two major types of IRAs are traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Both allow you to contribute as much as $5,500 in 2017 (unchanged from 2016)….
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