Yearly Archives: 2009

Strange Will Bequests and Estate Plans

Strange

Did you ever think your last wishes were weird or strange?  My mom wants Phantom of the Opera playing at her wake; luckily I talked her out of actually putting it in the Will I drafted for her. My Last Will and Testament has certain provisions for hundreds, if not thousands, of glass coke bottles I have…

Why is Layaway Becoming More Popular?

layaway-sears

Apparently CNBC is finding that more and more people are using layaway, and I just don’t get it! I have no recollection of using layaway, but then again I am only 27, and part of the generation where everyone had a credit card!  The Simpsons even had an episode where Santa’s Little Helper received a…

My Journey to Millions Reallocates his 401(k) After Analyzing his Portfolio

Asset_allocation

Last week I reviewed Morningstar’s Free X-Ray Tool using my own 401(k).  I believe that most people should leave their retirement accounts alone, both in terms of invading it and asset allocation within the account.  I personally take a very balanced, hands off approach to my 401(k), choosing to look at my 401(k), as I…

The IRS Produces Videos for the Deaf in American Sign Language (ASL) to help them Understand Recent Tax Changes

deaf_and_the_blind

When I discussed the best cell phone service for deaf or hard of hearing people I mentioned that my brother was deaf (yes, I know Sign Language).  So, whenever I hear something about deaf life or culture I have more than a general interest.  So, thanks to Kay Bell of Don’t Mess with Taxes for…

Should you Dream about Winning the Lottery?

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Forget your personal/religious feelings when it comes to gambling, or even your view of state sponsored gambling (i.e. the lottery) when it comes to a public policy or as it relates to taxes, it is fun and cheap to play for the slight chance of a win a ton of cold cash. We all know…

Using Morningstar’s FREE Instant X-Ray Tool to Evaluate your Portfolio

morningstar

Despite having my Series 6 and 63, I am not an investment expert, by any means, nor do I pretend to be.  Luckily, there are free tools out there for people like me to allow me (and maybe you lol) to analyze your portfolio and investments. I personally use Morningstar X-Ray Tool* What is Morningstar?…