Taxes

One of the positive outcomes of this year's budget and debt-ceiling debates is the American people are finally beginning to understand we have significant problems with our major entitlement programs. This article focuses on the implications for Social Security. In it, we briefly review the scope of the problem and several proposed solutions. The changes needed will likely be shocking and outrageous to many, but it's best to understand the situation — and to be prepared.

For most investors during a bear market, the challenge is sitting tight and not taking too much action. But there's one financial move that is tailor made for bear markets: converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth.

Don't file away that tax return just yet! Reviewing the figures on your completed forms can yield important details about your overall financial health.

Even as the tax code gets increasingly complicated, tax preparation and filing is getting easier. Here are a few ways to simplify tax time.

Washington's December tax deal will create a year-long 2% tax cut for most workers. But if you want even more in your paycheck, you just have to ask. Really.

Uncertainty abounds over which tax changes (if any) will take effect on January 1. Here's a rundown of what will happen if changes aren't made — and how it could affect investors.

Many employers are turning to Health Savings Accounts, combined with High-Deductible Health Plans, to hold down company insurance costs. This change can bode well for many employees too, allowing them to save on taxes while building a health care nest egg.

We talk with Ronald Blue & Co.'s top income-tax guru about recent changes that could yield a few pleasant surprises.

Because of changes in the law, 2010 seems like the ideal time for holders of traditional IRAs to convert their accounts to potentially tax-saving Roth IRAs. But the decision of whether to convert or not is more complicated than it may appear.

There's no legal or biblical requirement to pay more in taxes than you have to. By following these strategies, you may be able to trim your 2009 tax bill.

Giving away things you don't need anymore can help you garner some much-needed savings on your income tax bill. And there's free software available to help you figure out what your unneeded stuff is worth.

What will the election outcome mean for your personal finances? It's a bit early to say, but it sure looks like we're headed toward significant changes in taxes and retirement accounts.

I've got a great deal for you. Send me $188 a month, every month, and at the end of the year I'll give it back to you. Without interest. If that sounds like a great deal to you, call our toll-free number immediately to sign up. Sound silly? It's exactly what many people do with their income tax withholding.

If you're a mutual fund investor using a taxable account, you need to be aware of the potential difficulties posed by fund distributions. Fail to account for them properly and you can end up paying far more in taxes than you should. We show you how to avoid this common trap.

Most charitable gifts are pretty simple — you give, the charity receives. But how about a gift with an extra wrinkle — you give, the charity receives, and you get monthly income back from the charity for as long as you live?

We've heard warnings for decades about our growing national debt, yet life seems to go on pretty much as normal. Is the debt really such a big deal? Yes, it is. This month's cover article explains why — and what's at stake for you, your children, and the nation.