Financial Planning
Death by Comparison
Most of us are familiar with the negative impact stress has on our health. We are also familiar with the common causes of stress: troubled relationships, busy schedules, demanding work environments, etc. New research shows an additional cause of stress related to money: relative socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status can be measured two ways. We can…
The $80 Billion Voluntary Tax
Taxes are due soon. But there’s one tax that gets paid all year long. Brian shines some light on its dark repercussions.
HSA: A Healthy Way to Save
One of the most underappreciated tools in tax planning is the Health Savings Account (HSA). The HSA was created in 2003 as a way to provide tax benefits for Americans who want to set aside funds for future healthcare expenses. There are many benefits to having an HSA besides helping pay for medical services. They…
Clearing Up Tax Refund Confusion
As if tax refunds weren’t already a misunderstood area of personal finance, politicians and media outlets are adding unnecessary anger and confusion to them. Tax refunds are really quite simple. If you overpay funds to your state or the US Treasury, you are entitled to a refund upon filing your taxes. Refunds are not a…
Miracle on the Hudson
January 15th marked the tenth anniversary of the successful ditching of US Air flight 1549 in the Hudson River. Coordinated teamwork allowed the flying skills of Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles to bring the virtually powerless plane to rest on the flowing waters, just outside Manhattan. Skillful crew coordination with the flight…