Lessons from a Perilous Year
In retrospect, 2011 was a formidable year for catastrophes. Small businesses can be hit hard when extreme weather or a natural disaster causes damage or forces a temporary closure. This article considers the importance of adequate insurance protection and ways to help reduce uninsured losses.
Managing Cash When Interest Rates Are Low
It's generally a good idea to keep three to six months of income in an emergency fund, but where should cash be kept when interest rates are low? This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and money market funds.
Investing in the Future
Due to the fiscal struggles of state governments, in-state tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities rose dramatically for the 2011-12 school year. The cost of private institutions also continues to increase. This article presents information on the cost of a college education and how a 529 plan may be a helpful savings vehicle.
New Opportunity Under the Federal Gift Tax
The 2010 Tax Relief Act raised the lifetime gift-tax exclusion to $5 million. This means it could be a good time to make the most of tax-free gift transfers. If so, it's important to understand the annual and lifetime gift exemption limits, as well as which gifts might not be subject to them.
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