Financial Focus

Provided by Sara Frank-Hepfer

 

Many of the women we see portrayed in movies and on television are independent, wealthy, and confident, with great digs, a closetful of designer clothing, and high-powered careers.

 

 

Tax season has finally arrived and it is super exciting to know that you will soon, if you haven’t already, be receiving a great amount of funds. Many of us have a lot of plans on how we are spending our money. Some plans consist of purchasing things we want and need; vacations, new cars, homes, expensive clothes, jewelry, and much more.

 

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Content Agency

 

  CreditCards.com has released a sobering report indicating that 13 million Americans have committed financial infidelity. That is, they have hidden a bank or credit card account from a spouse or partner.

 

By Porsche Miles-Grant

By A.J. Gross

 

The Internal Revenue Service will soon use private debt collectors to collect unpaid back taxes.  This new tax collection provision was included in the new highway funding bill that passed in December.   Included in the new law is the authorization for private debt collectors to make “robocalls” or “robotexts” to collect unpaid IRS taxes.  The use of robocalls may make it easier for scammers. 

Provided by Sara Frank-Hepfer

 

To ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death, end-of-life planning is essential. But when it comes to organizing your personal and financial affairs, it can be difficult to know where to start. The following checklists are designed to guide you through the planning process. 

By Jill Schlesinger

By A.J. Gross

 

Did you buy a Powerball ticket when the jackpot was an estimated $1.5B?  I sure did.  Like most people, I figured out how to spend the money:  retire immediately, new house, new car, exotic vacations, and financially help close family and friends.  In my head, I was set for life and it felt good.  Until I found out I didn’t win.  Well, I knew I wasn’t going to win but it was fun to dream about it.  

 

“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s LOVE and concern for each other.” -Millard Fuller 

 

Do you love the community that you reside in? Are you concerned for the community you reside in? 

Provided by Sara Frank-Hepfer

 

Retirement is a life-changing event. After spending years looking forward to it, many people aren’t sure what to do with themselves when retirement finally arrives. Without the everyday routine and social outlet that work provides, it’s easy to feel a little lost. Preparing for the inevitable changes that retirement brings can help you make a smooth transition into this new stage of life.