Beyond Angry Birds: Using Technology for your Finances

In addition to providing news, entertainment and access to social networking, mobile devices and apps can also make tracking your investments and the financial markets more convenient than ever before. Though this is good news for those who are interested in learning more about how their investments perform, be careful not to let these tools guide your financial decisions.

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Last Minute Tax Tips:

Although I never recommend waiting until year end to start tax planning, before you slide into “holiday mode,” there are a number of steps you can take before year end to save money. Here are some last minute tax tips to consider:

•Higher education expenses: Depending upon your adjusted gross income (AGI), taxpayers can claim up to $4,000 of deductions for college tuition and fees. In addition, up to $2,500 of credits are available for higher education expenses, if you qualify.

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The Key to Your Best Credit Card Deal? Have a goal.

The stacks of credit card offers in your mailbox haven’t been bigger lately just because banks have regained their appetite for lending — they’ve also sweetened their introductory rates and have started offering more kinds of rewards. To make sure you get the best of them, spend some time comparing offers with the following ideas in mind.

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Women and Retirement: Myth vs. Reality

Are you dreaming of a leisurely retirement enjoying a second cup of morning coffee, or is a sunrise round of golf more your speed? Either way, you’ll need to know the facts so you can guide your retirement dreams with realism.

 

Historically the road to retirement hasn’t been smooth for many women. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that 17 percent of all elderly, single women live in poverty. With today’s longer life spans, this figure has the potential to rise. By recognizing the following myths for what they are, you can take control of your financial future and help improve this startling statistic.

 

Myth #1 – Social Security will take care of me in retirement.

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Watch Out for Scams

Scams to take your money are operating all the time and Croton residents are not immune to the problem. Croton Police want you to call them if you encounter one or even if you just think you encounter one. It is not an inconvenience and your information can be useful in alerting other Police Depts. and also in monitoring or catching the perpetrators.

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Education Tax Credits and Deductions

For parents and students trying to manage college bills and student loan payments, the federal government offers education-related tax benefits. The requirements for each are different, so here's what you need to know.

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How Secure Is Social Security?

If you're retired or close to retiring, then you've probably got nothing to worry about--your Social Security benefits will likely be paid to you in the amount you've planned on (at least that's what most of the politicians say). But what about the rest of us?

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Important Questions to Ask Aging Parents

Remember "the talk" your parents initiated (maybe) with you many years ago? Well, now it's your turn to sit on the opposite side of the table. If you're the adult child of aging parents, it's important to open up a conversation about their future needs and wishes. The best time to do so is when your parents are relatively healthy and active. Otherwise, you may find yourself making critical decisions on their behalf in the midst of a crisis--without a road map.

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Ten Tax Benefits for Parents

Did you know that your children may help you qualify for some tax benefits? Here are 10 tax benefits the IRS wants parents to consider when filing their tax returns this year.

1. Dependents In most cases, a child can be claimed as a dependent in the year they were born. For more information see IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.
   
   
2. Child Tax Credit You may be able to take this credit on your tax return for each of your children under age 17. If you do not benefit from the full amount of the Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit. For more information see IRS Publication 972, Child Tax Credit.

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Congratulations! You've adopted a child

Your family is growing, and so are your expenses. Fortunately, the federal government offers some financial assistance. If you adopt a child, you may be able to claim a tax credit for qualifying expenses you paid.Further, certain amounts reimbursed by your employer for qualifying adoption expenses maybe excludable from your gross income.

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