October 2010

A Look at The Average American Income, Earnings and Poverty by Household, Gender and Race

4 comments

The US Census bureau collects and publishes the most timely and accurate income data on an annual basis, which make for interesting reading from a personal finance perspective. Income is primarily earnings from a job, but includes Social Security payments, pensions, child support, public assistance, annuities, money derived from rental properties, interest and dividends. During [...]

Read the full article →

2011-2012 Federal Pay Scale Tables (GS) and No Raise From 2010 Levels As Obama Freezes Employee Pay

113 comments

[Updated : 2012 Pay Tables] Following President Obama’s Federal employee pay freeze, 2011 and 2012 GS tables will remain the same as 2010. This includes the special base rates for GS law enforcement officers (GL) at GS grades 3 through 10. Unfortunately this means that the proposed raises discussed in previous updates below will not [...]

Read the full article →

Gold: A Sound Investment or Overrated?

1 comment

You’ve probably noticed by now that gold, and more specifically skyrocketing gold prices,  is just about the only thing people talk about these days. Buying gold has become the new trend in investing as the “gold-boom” continues. With the stock market looking as risky as ever, bonds at the mercy of impending inflation and savings [...]

Read the full article →

Five Ways to Make Sure You Get the Most Social Security Income at Retirement – And What You Can Do About It Now

0 comments

It’s hard to believe that Social Security has been in existence for over 75 years. During that time, however, it has become an income staple for many Americans, with nine out of ten people over 65 receiving benefits. Although Social Security provides benefits for other than just retirement income, those over age 65 depend on [...]

Read the full article →

Holiday Gifts for Him and Her Across all Ages and Price Ranges

1 comment

It’s almost that time again. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start searching for the perfect gift for those special people in your life. Whether it’s for Mom or Dad, your husband or wife, or your awesome new girlfriend or boyfriend – it’s easier than you think to come up with just the [...]

Read the full article →

2011 Social Security Tax Rate and Witholding – SSI Limits, Coverage, Retirement Earnings and Benefit Base Limit Changes

48 comments

Update – For 2012, the SSA has announced a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (CO LA) ____________ The Social Security Administration has officially released the 2011 Social Security and SSI information against the background announcement that there will be no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase next year. The zero COLA adjustment means the monthly Social Security and [...]

Read the full article →

Understanding Your W2 Employer-Employee Reporting Form For 2010 Taxes Filed in 2011

1 comment

The IRS has just released the 2011 W2 Form which employers use to report employee wages, bonuses and other benefits received during the year; along with taxes (federal, state, medicare and social) that were withheld. It also shows voluntary pre and post tax contributions made to your 401K and company health programs. W2 Changes in 2011 [...]

Read the full article →

How Your Financial Life Will Change After Marriage – 7 Important Money Matters to Consider

0 comments

So you’re getting married? Congratulations! Decisions about churches, colors, the bridal party, and which family/friends to invite often become choices that take center stage but there are other, less glamorous considerations that have a much longer lasting impact. Those considerations involve financial matters. While the most common subject of marital conflict is money, premarital counseling [...]

Read the full article →

15 Year Versus 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgages – How to Determine Which is the Better Option

2 comments

As mortgage rates continue to hover at 30 year lows, many people are wondering whether a 15-year or a 30-year mortgage term is a better option. After all, even though payments on the 15-year option would be higher, the lower interest rates on the shorter term loan are keeping payments, in many cases, at very [...]

Read the full article →

How to Make Money and Succeed as a Freelancer For Hire

2 comments

Like gasoline for an automobile, data is fuel for the internet. Without data (content) the internet is a useless tool, just like a car that runs out of gas. The internet continues to grow and because of that, an increasing amount of content is needed to fuel it – and the economic engine it now [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries