The U.S. Savings Bond Tax Trap
Investments, Taxes Eric Hagen Investments, Taxes Eric Hagen

The U.S. Savings Bond Tax Trap

Did you buy U.S. Savings Bonds decades ago? Or did your parents or grandparents purchase some for you? If so, take a look at them before April 15 rolls around. Your bonds may have matured. That means they are no longer earning interest, and it also means you need to cash them in.

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Eric Hagen Eric Hagen

Can the Market Ride Through the Greek Debt Crisis?

When Greek government officials told Reuters Monday that the nation could not make its €1.5 billion loan repayment to the International Monetary Fund on June 30, the Dow plunged 350.33, the S&P 500 43.85 and the Nasdaq 122.04 while the CBOE VIX rose 36%. The Dow closed under its 200-day moving average. The big three stabilized Tuesday while investors braced for more turbulence

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Getting a Jump on Tax Season
Taxes Eric Hagen Taxes Eric Hagen

Getting a Jump on Tax Season

You can file your federal tax return starting January 20 - IRS filing season will start right on time in 2015, and there is wisdom in filing your 1040 well before April 15. You can get it out of the way earlier, and if you e-file, you can put yourself in position for an earlier refund.

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The Markets Wild Swings
Investments Eric Hagen Investments Eric Hagen

The Markets Wild Swings

During this past trading week, volatility ruled Wall Street. In fact, stocks either fell or rose 1.5% or more on three consecutive trading days. That had happened only 54 times since 1928.  What prompted these ups & downs? Several factors...

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Taking Taxes Into Account When Saving & Investing
Taxes Eric Hagen Taxes Eric Hagen

Taking Taxes Into Account When Saving & Investing

How many of us save and invest with an eye on tax implications?  Not that many of us, according to a recent survey from Russell Investments (the global asset manager overseeing the Russell 2000). In the opening quarter of 2014, Russell polled financial services professionals and asked them how many of their clients had inquired about tax-sensitive investment strategies. Just 35% of the polled financial professionals reported clients wanting information about them, and just 18% said their clients proactively wanted to discuss the matter.

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Medicare Enrollment Options for 2014-2015
Eric Hagen Eric Hagen

Medicare Enrollment Options for 2014-2015

Key Medicare enrollment periods are approaching. This fall and winter, there are three periods in which Medicare beneficiaries can either enroll or disenroll in forms of coverage.

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