I have found a great new resource for people with questions or issues on credit.  Her name is Tracy Becker of   http://www.northshoreadvisory.com/.  Tracy is an amazing wealth of information regarding credit and credit repair and offers a one of a kind service.  She gave me some tips in a conversation I had with her recently.  To improve credit scores, use revolving credit accounts at least once a year for a period of 1 to 6 months.  Inactivity lowers your scores.  Paying your bills immediately ( 10 to 12 days early) will increase your scores within 6 months and applies to all types of credit.  For more tips and a detailed list of services offered, check out Tracy's website.

Lately, I have been answering this question for many people: rates are so low, does it make sense to refinance?  Yes rates are once again at all time lows.  30 year fixed is at 4.25%, 20 year fixed at 3.875% and 15 year fixed is at 3.75% (all rates are approximate and dependent on your credit score).  In my analysis, I take all things into consideration but in particular how much time is left to pay on the current mortgage and what are the closing costs are the most important criteria.  Every person's situation is different---if you are wondering if it makes sense to refinance your mortgage...give me a call.

I realized I neglected to post June market results which is just as well since the market was down all of the second quarter then proceeded to have a good month of July.  So I spared you the bad news and can now talk about good news, which is just how I like it!  Just kidding.  But seriously, I have been watching markets for 22 years now and I don't ever recall the wild swings we have been seeing on a daily basis for the past few months.  If you are watching your portfolio frequently (something I do not condone) you know exactly what I am talking about.

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SmartAboutMoney.org, a non profit organization committed to providing financial education, published a booklet perfect for someone headed to college or maybe someone who has just graduated college and started a career.  The booklet is filled with good old common sense and includes detailed explanations for things like, "How to figure out what your emergency fund should be".  Below is the link for the great read...and pass it along!

http://www.smartaboutmoney.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6TBy%2fQC4vx0%3d&tabid=442&mid=832

 

FROM THE IRS..........

Six Tax Tips for New Business Owners

Are you opening a new business this summer? The IRS has many resources available for individuals that are opening a new business. Here are six tax tips the IRS wants new business owners to know.

  1. First, you must decide what type of business entity you are going to establish. The type of business entity will determine which tax form you have to file. The most common types of business are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and S corporation.
  2. The type of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay them. The four general types of business taxes are income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax and excise tax.

    Read more...

Marie DeCaprio MBA, CFA, CFP®

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