Category: Finance / Taxes

If you believe the media pundits (and we are not sure we always do) a liquidity problem has developed in our economy which has tightened the availability of business credit or priced it out of reach for many businesses.  As a result many businesses may… Continue reading →

So your 401(K) is in the tank, your bank is offering 2% for Certificates of Deposit, and the car dealer wants you to pay him to take your SUV in trade.  Is there any place to invest your money which is reasonably safe and provides… Continue reading →

As you approach retirement, the realization that your estate’s assets have limitations set in.  Many retirees are living in homes they own with little or no debt, and the question is: is there a means of living in the residence through the golden years while… Continue reading →

As a business person, what would you rather do: sell goods from the shelf and not get paid for them, or not sell them at all?  In theory the answer is easy, but in practice the issue becomes more complicated.  You rarely know in advance… Continue reading →

  Here is a brief summary of some of the more important federal tax changes for calendar year 2008:   The social security taxable wage base increases from $97,500 to $102,000. The limit for contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA increases from $4,000 to… Continue reading →

In most parts of Pennsylvania there is a 2% transfer tax on real estate transfers, with 1% going to the state and 1% to the local government.  The tax rate is higher in the City of Philadelphia, amounting to 4% of the total purchase price. … Continue reading →

As an increasing number of people are coming into newfound wealth, they are looking for ways to invest it.  The volatility of the stock market during the past few years (especially the bursting of the tech-stock bubble) has caused investors to look for different investment… Continue reading →

In today’s society, estate planning is becoming more sophisticated.  One aspect of this sophistication involves the manner in which a decedent leaves his assets.  An individual may have an interest in a family business that he does not want to pass to his spouse (because… Continue reading →

  Subprime Lending       Subprime lending, also known as second chance lending, is the practice of making loans to borrowers who have a credit history that makes them unqualified for market interest rates. A subprime loan is one that is offered at rates which… Continue reading →

In January 1, 2002, the value of property that will escape federal estate tax increases from the current $675,000 to $1 millon, where it will remain through the end of the year 2003.  For the years 2004 and 2005 the exemption will be $1.5 million,… Continue reading →