Avoiding Investment Fraud
Posted on May 1, 2012 by bob in Financial
Most investment frauds involve individuals and/or companies who offer investment opportunities without being properly registered (licensed) with the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC). ASC estimates that unregistered people making illegal investment offers account for almost 90% of all crime and convictions for violation of the Alabama Securities Act. About half of the securities violations are committed […]
Financial Planning for Military Families
Posted on March 2, 2012 by bob in Financial
A 20-page booklet featuring financial success stories from service members and their families is available in the River Region from the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC). Recently distributed on military bases, the manual is also available online from the ASC at www.asc.alabama.gov. “We are aware of the fact that military families in Alabama face a […]
Working past 65? What about Medicare?
Posted on March 2, 2012 by bob in Financial
It used to be that people usually retired when they turned 65. But that’s not as true anymore. Many baby boomers are working past what once was the traditional retirement age. One reason is that Social Security now requires you to be at least 66 to collect your full retirement benefits. Retiring sooner means receiving […]
Save on Taxes!
Posted on March 2, 2012 by bob in Financial
Did You Know? – Because of a holiday, the 2012 tax deadline is April 17. – Everyone can do their taxes for free with IRS Free File. – Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is for working families, yet 20 percent overlook it. – Eighty percent of taxpayers get a refund. – IRS2GO is a new […]
Protect Your Investments – Seven Tips
Posted on July 27, 2011 by bob in Financial
Every day our citizens are bombarded with negative news about a continuing national recession and debt problems. Also, interest rates on savings are at a historic low. Here are seven basic tips to help senior Alabamians make more informed investment decisions and protect themselves from securities fraud during turbulent economic times. 1. Check out the […]
Ponzi Schemes Remain a Threat
Posted on May 31, 2011 by bob in Financial
The “Ponzi scheme,” a disreputable strategy named for, and made infamous by, the 1920’s swindler Charles Ponzi, is generally characterized as a bogus financial ploy wherein earlier investors are paid with funds from later investors. Although the Ponzi scheme has been around for nearly a century, state securities regulators continue to uncover new and more […]
Financial Records: What to Keep, What to Chuck
Posted on May 31, 2011 by bob in Financial
Bank statements, credit card bills, canceled checks and other documents can be useful for tax purposes, as proof of a transaction or payment, or for other reasons. But how long should you keep them? Federal tax rules require you to have receipts and other records that support items on a return for as long as […]
Everyone Needs A Will
Posted on May 2, 2011 by bob in Financial, MoneyWise
Not having a will can cost a lot.
