The Financial State of the States
Many state and local governments have struggled with lower tax receipts and large budget deficits — during and after the recession. This article offers a closer look at the financial pressures facing the states and how the methods used to address budget shortfalls could ultimately serve as a drag on the national economy.
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.
The Dynamics That Can Drive Inflation
High unemployment and slow wage growth seem to have kept consumer spending and core inflation from growing very rapidly in the first half of 2011. This article reminds investors to keep the potential risk of inflation in mind, because even modest price increases compounded over time can erode the purchasing power of the assets in their portfolios.
Deciding When to Begin
Waiting until full retirement age (or up to age 70) to claim Social Security may result in significantly higher monthly benefits. At age 62, the earliest age to claim Social Security, the amount received could be only 70% of the benefit received at "full retirement age" (which ranges from age 65 to 67 depending on year of birth).
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