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  • What is VPN and Why Do You Need It?

    Posted Date October 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 5 min readThe rise in the number of data breaches reported every other day has become a major concern – even to the ordinary internet user. As a result, we have all become aware of the need to maintain privacy while online. One of the measures promising to keep you safe on the internet is the use of a virtual private network (VPN). But before rushing to install one of the many VPNs available, it’s important to understand what a VPN is, why you need it, if it is foolproof and other ways to stay safe on the... View Article

  • Debt Relief for Military Service Members, Veterans, Family Farmers and Small Business Owners

    Posted Date October 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readSmall Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (HR 3311) – Scheduled to take effect starting in February 2020, this new law offers small businesses more agreeable terms when filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy status. The bill gives owners: More time (90 days) to file a reorganization plan with easier rules for extension The ability to retain ownership of the company even if debts are not paid in full A new formula for debt payments based on projected disposable income over three to five years Reduced red tape through the appointment of a “standing trustee” (instead of a... View Article

  • IRS Releases New Projected 2019 Tax Brackets and More

    Posted Date September 8, 2019 Posted Time 12:17 am Published in

    IRS Releases New Projected 2019 Tax Rates, Brackets and More Bloomberg recently released projected tax rates, brackets and other numbers that apply to the 2019 tax year (the IRS will release the official numbers later this year). Note, these are NOT the numbers that apply to the 2018 taxes you file in 2019, but to the income and activity that occurs during the 2019 tax year that starts January 1, 2019. A big part of the IRS’s consideration in formulating 2019 numbers is the inflation index. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) replaced the normal Consumer Price Index with... View Article

  • The Five Key IRS Rules of Taxation for Lawsuit Settlements

    Posted Date September 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readComing out on the winning side of a lawsuit as a plaintiff can be a gratifying feeling, especially if there is a financial settlement involved. There is likely a sense of both relief and vindication. Unfortunately, far too often people are in for a shock when they realize that they must pay taxes on the award. You can even be taxed on your attorney fees! However, a little tax planning can go a long way, especially if you do it before the settlement is finalized and the award is substantial. Below are the five key rules... View Article

  • Payroll Management Tips

    Posted Date September 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readWhen it comes to an employer’s responsibility for non-exempt workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are many requirements businesses must follow related to payroll. In one example, there are strict regulations on what information employers must document for each non-exempt worker. While there’s no requirement on how the information is recorded, there are three main categories. Personal details: This should include the employee’s name, complete address, Social Security number, date of birth and gender. Job details: This must include the worker’s job description and hours clocked in each day and week. Pay details:... View Article

  • Lost Inheritance: How To Find a Deceased Parent’s Assets

    Posted Date September 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 5 min read If you have a relative who recently died and left you in charge of his or her finances, you are not alone. You probably have colleagues at work in the same boat. A neighbor or two (or 10) and even your millennial yoga teacher might very well be working through a quagmire of wills, probates and assets nobody can find. You are definitely not the only one. The internet has made it much easier to keep track of our checking, savings and investment accounts. But the elder generation generally missed out on the convenience of... View Article

  • 5 Money-Saving Ideas for Back-to-School Shopping

    Posted Date September 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readJust when you’ve finished spending a bunch on swimsuits and stuff for grilling out, summer’s over and it’s time for the kids the head back to school. How did this happen? Here are some ways to cut expenses while shopping for all those inevitable, seemingly never-ending things that the season demands. Create a Budget This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning and well worth it before you enter headlong and breathless into the frenzy of a superstore. Make a list of the things you need before you leave the house, then let your... View Article

  • The Rise of Biometrics Security and Why You Should Take Precaution

    Posted Date September 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 6 min readBiometric technology has been on the rise as it promises to make the authentication process more secure and convenient. Unlike passwords and key cards, biometrics are something you will always have, can’t share and can’t forget. This makes the biometric approach convenient and at the same time it has lower password management costs. Biometrics also are said to be difficult to steal or hack; difficult, but not impossible. Any technology can have loopholes that can be exploited, and that’s why you need to understand it well and take precautions if you decide to use this approach.... View Article

  • Extending Medicaid Funding, the Debt Limit, Membership into the American Legion, and Support For 9-11 Victims, Law Enforcement Officers, and Breastfeeding Moms

    Posted Date September 1, 2019 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readSustaining Excellence in Medicaid Act of 2019 (HR 3253) – This bill authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 2024 and makes changes to several Medicaid programs and funding mechanisms. Some of the provisions include allowing state Medicaid fraud control units to review complaints regarding noninstitutionalized patients; temporarily extending Medicaid eligibility to protect against spousal poverty for recipients of home and community-based services; repealing the requirement for drug manufacturers to include the prices of authorized generic drugs when determining the average manufacturer price (AMP) of brand name drugs; and excluding manufacturers from the definition of “wholesalers” for purposes... View Article

  • 2017 vs. 2018 Federal Income Tax Brackets

    Posted Date February 8, 2018 Posted Time 12:16 am Published in

    Single Taxpayers 2018 Tax Rates – Standard Deduction $12,000 2017 Tax Rates – Standard Deduction $6,350 10% 0 to $9,525 10% 0 to $9,325 12% $9,525 to $38,700 15% $9,325 to $37,950 22% $38,700 to $82,500 25% $37,950 to $91,900 24% $82,500 to $157,500 28% $91,900 to $191,650 32% $157,500 to $200,000 33% $191,650 to $416,700 35% $200,000 to $500,000 35% $416,700 to $418,400 37% Over $500,000 39.60% Over $418,400   Married Filing Jointly & Surviving Spouses 2018 Tax Rates – Standard Deduction $24,000 2017 Tax Rates – Standard Deduction $12,700 10% 0 to $19,050 10% 0 to $18,650 12%... View Article

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