Americans with bank accounts in foreign countries are often required to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) with the IRS. In recent years, the U.S. government has been cracking down on violators of this requirement, with an increasing number of foreign countries agreeing to share information with U.S. authorities. In 2013 […]
Archive | 2014
Insurance Considerations when Starting a Small Business
Starting a business can be an exciting milestone. The opportunity to build a business of your own is something most people dream about. However, between startup and success there is a lot of hard work, long hours, and several important considerations to ensure that you get started on the right foot. Regardless of the type […]
Renting vs. Buying a Home: What is My Best Option?
The housing market has been making a comeback over the past year or two, with several markets seeing double-digit price increases year over year. With interest rates still very low compared to historical averages, many Americans are considering buying a home, particularly if the monthly payments are similar to what they are currently paying to […]
Motorcycle Insurance: Enjoy Your Summer Rides Knowing you are Fully Covered
Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner. With the warmer weather comes the desire to enjoy the great outdoors, especially after being shut in all winter. For many, summer means enjoying the freedom and fresh air riding on their motorcycle. Motorcycles are most certainly a great part of the summer fun, but […]
How Owning a Home Can Lower Your Tax Burden
All things being equal, owning a house is generally preferable to renting. If your monthly mortgage payment is about the same as the rent payment for a similar property, then you are building up equity with each mortgage payment you make. In addition, if the housing market in your area appreciates over time (which it […]
Creating a Home Inventory for your Homeowner Insurance
If the day ever comes when you need to file a homeowner’s insurance claim, you will be thankful that you created a home inventory. If you have personal property inside your house that is damaged or stolen, your claim will go much smoother if you have proper documentation. These days, there are more ways than […]
Is Alternate Home Financing Right for You?
With the sharp increase in the number of bankruptcies and foreclosures, a growing number of consumers with poor credit are choosing alternate methods to finance a new home. The most popular way of going around the traditional lender is with a contract for deed. Contract for deed arrangements have been around for a long time. […]
Should I Pay My Self-Employed Taxes Quarterly or Annually?
Most U.S. taxpayers only need to worry about filing a return once a year. However, if you are self-employed or have a regular job with a small business on the side, you may be required to pay your self-employment taxes quarterly. Who needs to file a quarterly tax return: Generally, employers that withhold income, Social […]
