A mutual fund’s performance — its total return — can be either positive or negative. In other words, a fund either made or lost money for a measured time period. There are three separate elements that contribute to total return: the distribution of fund income (interest and dividends received on the fund’s investments); the distribution of capital gains; and the rise or fall in the price of fund shares. A… Read More
Frequently Asked Questions About Estimated Taxes
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments can be a nightmare for business owners to determine how much they owe the IRS. Here is our guide for Frequently Asked Questions regarding Estimated Taxes. What are Estimated Taxes? Estimated Taxes are taxes that are paid to the IRS throughout the year on earnings that are not withheld from the federal government. Most people pay these taxes on a quarterly basis. Who pays estimated taxes?… Read More
Is That Financial Aid Taxable?
The college search process is an exciting but time-consuming process. After your child narrows down the colleges of his or her choice, you both have to figure out the issue of paying for tuition and room and board. The reality is that a four-year college education is expensive. The College Board1 reported that the average annual published tuition and fees for in-state students at a four-year public college was $11,260… Read More
Double Taxation: How Small Businesses Can Avoid It in the U.S.
Double taxation is a significant concern for small business owners in the United States. It occurs when the same income is taxed twice: once at the corporate level and again at the individual level when profits are distributed as dividends. This situation can create a financial burden for small businesses, affecting their ability to reinvest profits and grow. Understanding how double taxation works and exploring strategies to avoid it is… Read More
Starting Your Own Business: The Essentials for New Entrepreneurs
Once you have an idea, starting a business can be very exciting, but also daunting. It is important to map everything out before you start to avoid potential pitfalls down the road. Here is a guide to set up your new business for financial success. Know Your Market It is crucial to conduct research on the demographic you are targeting with your business. You should survey these people to determine… Read More
Is the 4% Spending Rule Still Valid?
You may spend the majority of your working years setting money aside in your retirement plan and managing that money through every type of market boom and bust. When you draw close to the finish line, you’ll still have a few important decisions to make. Chief among them will be how much to take from your retirement account each year. You’ll want to ensure that you don’t withdraw too much… Read More