Archive for April, 2009

Why was my personal finance question deleted?

Thursday, April 30th, 2009
personal finance
Stephen T asked:


I asked if people kept a budget and chose a best answer that said some are savers and some prefer to budget. Now I see the question has been removed. There was nothing wrong with the content of the question so I’m curious as to why. Thanks.

Doyle

403B Retirement Plan. Interesting Facts to Bear in Mind

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Despite widespread knowledge of the 401K retirement plan, fewer are aware of the government 403B retirement plan. The 403B plan offers some lucrative potential, and should be invested in if the money can be at all spared.

Government workers such as teachers, school personnel, and librarians are frequently eligible for benefits under 403B. Although eligibility varies, the plan is typically aimed at assisting those in the educational field. Some nonprofits are also eligible for benefits under the 403B plan.

The specifics of the plan can be complicated, but tax exemption acts as the primary draw of the plan.

All contributions made to a 403B are exempt from Federal taxes until retirement. In addition to the savings made on the investment itself, the sum of tax paid is also reduced, as your total pretax income will be lower.

This plan is available to the majority of people in any organization that qualifies under the IRS 501(c)(3) tax provision.

Employers create an agreement with their employees to take out a set amount of their income each paycheck, marking it for their 403B retirement plan.

The contribution is not taxed, and the overall pretax income of the paycheck is also reduced. Despite pretax income reductions, FICA contributions are not reduced, leaving your social security benefits at the same level they would be without 403B.

The contribution is entered into an investment account, where a vendor of the employee’s choosing will ensure a minimum rate of return.

Following the universal availability clause, almost all employees of a 501C eligible organization can invest.

Only those under 20 hours a week, or those already enrolled in a retirement plan can be denied participation.

The elective deferral limit for the 403B plan is $15,500 per year, or 100% of compensation. The investment limit can be raised if the employer makes matching contributions, raising the cap as high as $46,000 or 100% of compensation (the lesser of the two).

The 403B retirement plan is a worthwhile savings that every eligible employee should consider.

The tax deferral status alone makes the 403B plan an worthwhile investment.

Should your employer offer matching benefits, that is all the more reason to start making investments.

If you are worried about the safety of your investment, research fixed annuities. With a fixed annuity program, your investment is guaranteed to maintain a minimum level of growth.

Monthly retirement payments are also guaranteed by fixed annuity insurance programs.

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Can someone recommend a good personal finance software program? I have not seen anything with great ratings?

Monday, April 27th, 2009
personal finance
adirondakdeb asked:


I’m trying to find a good basic financial planning software program that can help me keep up with household accounts and expenses. I would also like to learn about (beginner level) investing. I am looking for a software program or programs that can do this that other people like and have tried successfully. I’ve read reviews of various programs on a few major consumer sites and I find myself more confused than when I started. I need to balance the checkbooks, do taxes, calculate interest, watch regular payments and try some beginning investments. I’d really appreciate any ideas and direction you can point me in. Thank you!

Earl

Can anyone recommend some good real estate investing / personal finance books?

Thursday, April 16th, 2009
personal finance
Thinker Dan asked:


I have read Millionaire Real Estate Investor and Investing in Fixer Uppers. Also, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and currently reading The Richest Man in Babylon. The Four Hour Work Week is next on the list. Any other suggestions?

Stephen

What is the best personal finance magazine focusing on how to spend your money, savings tips, etc?

Monday, April 13th, 2009
personal finance
Kyle asked:


I know that Money and Kiplingers focus on investments and 401k which are good things that I already do, I’m more interested in reading article and tips on other things dealing with money. Thanks.

Joshua