How virus affects your investments
Americans already worried about their health are now frightened about their finances. Global financial markets spiraled into bear market territory in record time thanks to the virulent, cross-border spread of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 infection. As the number of U.S. cases surged in mid-March and President Trump declared a national state of emergency, the specter of ... READ MORE
Growing trend in clothes shopping: rent
Renting clothes could be the future of fashion — or it could just be a fad. A growing number of traditional retailers are now offering customers the option to rent clothes for a monthly fee instead of buying them. Bloomingdale’s, Banana Republic and Urban Outfitters are the latest to offer the services. Even footwear chain Designer Brands said it’s considering launching a shoe... READ MORE
Leave grandchildren an annuity as legacy
A trust is one way to leave a legacy, but you’ll need to hire a lawyer to draw it up. And there may be ongoing management fees that will reduce the amount your loved ones will receive. There are simpler, cheaper ways to leave a legacy. For instance, you can buy a cash-value life insurance policy or fund a 529 college savings plan. But one of the best options, an income annuity, is... READ MORE
‘Retirees’ are busier than ever
As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Older adults in Baltimore and beyond are more active than ever, and some are devoting their later years to giving back to their communities. Studies confirm that Americans over 62 are waiting longer than previous generations to retire. What’s more, many who do retire aren’t... READ MORE
What do you know about financial fraud?
Promissory notes and Ponzi schemes are the leading products or schemes that are likely to trap investors in 2020, according to Christopher Gerold, the president of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). Also on the top five list (based on investor complaints and ongoing investigations) are real estate investments, cryptocurrency-related investments, and... READ MORE
How to reduce taxes when giving charity
When it comes to tax planning, there are few more emotionally charged decisions than those around charitable giving. People tend to see their donations as a vital way to give back to society and to feel connected to a broader community, whether it be on a local, national or even spiritual level. The task of deciding where and how to give has become more important, and more complex, as a... READ MORE
Should you or a pro prepare your taxes?
For some people, tax season poses little worry, and the process occurs painlessly. For others, preparing taxes is a stressful situation. Imagine handling numerous W-2s, 1099s, navigating new rules and tracking a laundry list of write-offs related to your business, side jobs, real estate holdings or other income sources. While certainly not impossible to do it yourself (DIY) with the... READ MORE
How online stores trick you into buying
Sale ending soon! Only two left! This is a hot item! If you’ve shopped online, you’ve probably seen those messages. What you may not realize: They’re designed to make you spend more. Online stores have adopted tricks used for years by infomercials and home shopping networks. The only difference now: Online stores are trying to get you to click the buy button. After reviewing... READ MORE
Beware of potential 2020 Census scams
Unfortunately, scams have become a persistent problem when the U.S. Census Bureau does its once-a-decade count of the U.S. population. Here’s what you can expect from the 2020 Census in the coming weeks, and how you can protect yourself from potential scams. Census forms coming soon online pharmacy buy seroquel without prescription with best prices today in the USA In mid-March, you ... READ MORE
A comprehensive guide to retirement
Those who wish to educate themselves about retirement planning have a lot of books to choose from. Most people, however, have the bandwidth to read maybe one or two books on the subject. The challenge becomes how to pick the best comprehensive guide. A good choice is Your Complete Guide to a Successful and Secure Retirement (Harriman House), by retirement planning experts Lawrence... READ MORE
