60 http://www.prwebpodcast.com A Top 30 Stream of IMPACT COMMUNICATIONS Press Releases (in MP3 format) via PRWeb podEditor@emediawire.com (PRWeb) podMaster@emediawire.com Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:11:33 -0700 IMPACT COMMUNICATIONS http://www.prweb.com/prwebrss.gif 130 49 http://prwebpodcast.com Copyright PRWeb International, Inc. en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss A Top 30 Stream of IMPACT COMMUNICATIONS Press Releases (in MP3 format) via PRWeb A Top 30 Stream of IMPACT COMMUNICATIONS Press Releases (in MP3 format) via PRWeb podEditor@emediawire.com PR Web PRWeb no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/9/prweb1311434.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/9/prweb1311434.htm When the Dow Industrials announced a 6.3 percent loss in June, its worst June performance since 1930, analysts declared that investors had officially entered Bear territory. A few months into this new reality and some of us are still wondering, What now? Mike Flower, an independent financial professional with Financial Principles in Fairfield, says that the oft-heard advice "stay the course" doesn't mean that investors should literally do nothing. Flower and nine fellow registered representatives affiliated with Securities America, Inc., one of the nation's largest independent broker/dealers, have developed 10 Smart Moves for Investors to Consider in a Bear Market. [PRWeb Sep 16, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/9/prweb1311434.htm Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:19:00 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com Mike Flowers Investing and the Bear Market: Consortium of Financial Professionals Gives Advice on Ten Smart Moves to Make in a Bear Market 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1104004.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1104004.htm The average price of a gallon of gasoline nationally having now surpassed $4.00, is almost a dollar higher than it was a year ago. One of the culprits: the skyrocketing price of oil which continues to reach record highs. In fact, experts say that, generally, for every dollar increase in oil prices, gas prices increase by 2.4 cents a gallon. With this kind of pain at the pump, it may be time to develop some long-term survival strategies to deal with high gas prices. Don Patrick, managing partner of Integrated Financial Group has five tips to help deal with the pain at the pump. [PRWeb Jul 22, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1104004.htm Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:02:37 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com www.GasBuddy.com to help you pinpoint the cheapest gas near you." Drive to conserve fuel Patrick advises consumers to tune-up cars regularly, keep tires properly inflated and reduce the amount of stuff in the trunk and backseat of the car. "Another way to conserve fuels is to drive within the speed limit on the highway as engines operate most efficiently in the 55 to 60 miles per hour range," says Patrick. "You'll also save fuel by braking or accelerating gradually." Patrick also suggests that instead of running the air conditioning constantly, it's most efficient to run it at faster speeds but roll down the windows when stalled in traffic. Choose public transit Cities from Boston to Los Angeles are reporting increased numbers of people using mass transit. In fact, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTAA), Americans took 2.6 billion trips on public transportation in the first three months of 2008, 85 million more trips than the same period last year. Not surprisingly, the Federal Highway Administration has reported that the vehicle miles traveled on our nation's roads declined by 2.3 percent in the first quarter. "Many people in larger cities consider taking public transportation, but don't really see the tangible benefit," says Patrick. "There is a great website that shows exactly how much you can save by taking public transportation at www.publictransportation.org." Reduce your carbon foot print Patrick advises that people try to bicycle or walk whenever possible. In addition to saving on gas, the decision is a healthier move. The editors of Bicycling magazine report that they see big changes in urban centers that may be the beginning of a far-reaching pro-cycling movement. "Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to carpool," says Patrick. "In addition... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1104004.htm]]> Donal Patrick Five Tips for Dealing With Pain at the Pump: Financial Professional Helps Consumers Conserve Gas and Money www.GasBuddy.com to help you pinpoint the cheapest gas near you." Drive to conserve fuel Patrick advises consumers to tune-up cars regularly, keep tires properly inflated and reduce the amount of stuff in the trunk and backseat of the car. "Another way to conserve fuels is to drive within the speed limit on the highway as engines operate most efficiently in the 55 to 60 miles per hour range," says Patrick. "You'll also save fuel by braking or accelerating gradually." Patrick also suggests that instead of running the air conditioning constantly, it's most efficient to run it at faster speeds but roll down the windows when stalled in traffic. Choose public transit Cities from Boston to Los Angeles are reporting increased numbers of people using mass transit. In fact, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTAA), Americans took 2.6 billion trips on public transportation in the first three months of 2008, 85 million more trips than the same period last year. Not surprisingly, the Federal Highway Administration has reported that the vehicle miles traveled on our nation's roads declined by 2.3 percent in the first quarter. "Many people in larger cities consider taking public transportation, but don't really see the tangible benefit," says Patrick. "There is a great website that shows exactly how much you can save by taking public transportation at www.publictransportation.org." Reduce your carbon foot print Patrick advises that people try to bicycle or walk whenever possible. In addition to saving on gas, the decision is a healthier move. The editors of Bicycling magazine report that they see big changes in urban centers that may be the beginning of a far-reaching pro-cycling movement. "Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to carpool," says Patrick. "In addition... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1104004.htm]]> 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1046754.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1046754.htm Although the Roth IRA celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008, it's still underused relative to traditional IRAs, according to financial professional Brett Ellen, Founder of American Financial Network. A May 2008 report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) revealed that of the $2.5 trillion invested in individual retirement accounts in 2002, $2.3 trillion was in traditional IRAs, representing more than 90 percent of all IRA assets. Roth IRAs accounted for just over 3 percent of all IRA assets. [PRWeb Jul 1, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/7/prweb1046754.htm Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:19:40 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com Brett Ellen Understanding Roth IRA Accounts: Financial Advisor Helps Investors Make Informed Decision About Rolling Retirement Accounts to Roth IRA 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/6/prweb1009174.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/6/prweb1009174.htm According to Jim Coleman, an independent financial advisor, while headlines fuel debate over whether the Fed has made the right decision, there's a more immediate concern for investors. "Investors should be asking themselves whether the Fed's traditional tools need re-tooling to fix the current financial crisis and restore market confidence, or do they need to make unprecedented moves of their own?," inquires Coleman. Coleman says that rather than matching one extreme move with another, investors should follow time-tested strategies to guide you through what is an extraordinary period in market history. Coleman offers four tips to make sure investors are reacting rationally to the Fed's economic policies. [PRWeb Jun 17, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/6/prweb1009174.htm Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:41:52 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com Jim Coleman Investing in Ben Bernanke's World: Financial Advisor Gives Four Tips to Manage Investments in Light of Federal Reserve Moves 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/5/prweb955004.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/5/prweb955004.htm The average individual investor holds portfolios comprised of stocks, bonds and cash. Today that places many investors in a quandary: while bonds are often a safe haven when the stock market outlook is uncertain, bonds usually do not do well when inflation increases, precisely the economic conditions we now face. According to David Kaiser, a Denver-based independent financial professional, investors would be smart to look at where institutional investors, like foundations and trusts, turn during times of market volatility. [PRWeb May 27, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/5/prweb955004.htm Thu, 22 May 2008 17:52:39 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com Dave Kaiser Recession-Proofing An Investment Portfolio: Financial Professional Highlights Advice Investors Should Heed in Turbulent Markets 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb802634.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb802634.htm Most Americans who invest in stocks know that market volatility and stock price fluctuation are normal and to be expected. But according to financial professional Chanie Schwartz, they also need to understand that maintaining a diversified portfolio is important. "The old adage 'don't put all your eggs in one basket' is still good advice," Schwartz says. "Anyone in doubt should ask an Enron employee." [PRWeb Apr 9, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb802634.htm Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:47:04 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com Chanie Schwartz Portfolio Diversification Can Minimize Stock Market Risk: Financial Advisor Urges Investors to Unwind Highly Concentrated Stock Positions 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb730733.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb730733.htm As any investor knows, investing in the stock market over the past year has been like riding a roller coaster - with some gut-wrenching drops like the Dow's 326-point slide in late January 2008 followed by highs, like the 298-point rise the same day. That roller coaster ride has tested even the most stoic of investors, but those with a professionally prepared, long-term financial plan most likely have fared better than most do-it-yourself investors. [PRWeb Apr 8, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb730733.htm Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:35:23 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com Arthur Cooper Keep a Cool Head When Markets Get Volatile: Financial Advisor Offers Three Tips to Help Investors Deal with Stock Market Conditions 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb803174.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb803174.htm President of Sportsmen Dream Financial, David Zumbusch, has been highlighted in a national publication for his knowledge of conservation easements, a financial planning strategy benefiting land owners. [PRWeb Apr 8, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb803174.htm Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:38:43 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com www.sportsmendream.com. About Dave Zumbusch and Sportsmen Dream Financial Dave Zumbusch is an independent financial planner and investment advisor representative with Securities America Advisors. As founder of Sportsmen Dream Financial in Buffalo, MN, he concentrates on helping sportsmen and their families attain personal financial objectives by educating them on matters related to risk tolerance, market exposure, long range planning, and individual circumstances that might affect their financial well-being. With so many pressures and choices today, Zumbusch believes an independent, objective approach is the way to manage money and improve the financial decision-making process. Committed to a high standard of fiduciary excellence Zumbusch earned the CFP mark of distinction from the CFP Board of Standards. Zumbusch is also a member of the Financial Planning Association, the largest organization of professionals dedicated to championing the financial planning process. Visit www.sportsmendream.com for more information about Mr. Zumbusch and his company. # # #]]> Dave Zumbusch National Publication Features Local Financial Planning Professional: David Zumbusch's Love of the Outdoors Has Led to Planning Knowledge in Conservation Easements www.sportsmendream.com. About Dave Zumbusch and Sportsmen Dream Financial Dave Zumbusch is an independent financial planner and investment advisor representative with Securities America Advisors. As founder of Sportsmen Dream Financial in Buffalo, MN, he concentrates on helping sportsmen and their families attain personal financial objectives by educating them on matters related to risk tolerance, market exposure, long range planning, and individual circumstances that might affect their financial well-being. With so many pressures and choices today, Zumbusch believes an independent, objective approach is the way to manage money and improve the financial decision-making process. Committed to a high standard of fiduciary excellence Zumbusch earned the CFP mark of distinction from the CFP Board of Standards. Zumbusch is also a member of the Financial Planning Association, the largest organization of professionals dedicated to championing the financial planning process. Visit www.sportsmendream.com for more information about Mr. Zumbusch and his company. # # #]]> 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb823744.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb823744.htm The traditional employer-sponsored retirement plans that provided for parents' and grandparents' golden years are a distant memory, leaving many Americans unprepared for retirement. A recently released special report by Kelly Moyers, Ed.D, MBA and Danielle Norton, MBA candidate entitled "Taking Charge of Your Financial Future" reviews the status of the American worker's retirement planning and explores promising new developments in enhancing financial literacy and achieving retirement security. [PRWeb Apr 8, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/4/prweb823744.htm Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:05:08 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com http://www.MeritRetirementAdvantage.com. ###]]> Rick Kent Special Report Urges Americans to "Take Charge of Their Financial Future" http://www.MeritRetirementAdvantage.com. ###]]> 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb779104.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb779104.htm In a keynote presentation at this year's FPA Business Solutions conference held March 3-5 at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago, Illinois, Julie Littlechild, President of Advisor Impact, presented new information based on a survey of 1000 investors. There are implications for both investors and the advisors who serve them. The goal, according to Littlechild, was to understand what drives investor loyalty to, and satisfaction with, financial advisors and the extent to which those needs are being met today. [PRWeb Mar 25, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb779104.htm Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:43:36 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com Leslie Swid Vanguard Financial Advisory Services and Advisor Impact Release New Study on Investor Attitudes and Perceptions of Financial Advisors 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb730483.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb730483.htm Seventy-five percent of women will face retirement alone and as many as 90 percent will, at some point in their lives, be solely responsible for their financial well-being, according to cultural expert and author Gail Sheehy. According to Pat Hinds, financial advisor and founder of Granite Financial, because women will likely outlive the men in their lives, they also will need their financial resources to last longer. "The flip side to needing finances to last longer is that women continue to earn less than men for a variety of reasons," says Hinds. "This differential in earnings can really add up; over a lifetime, the shortfall is around $225,000." [PRWeb Mar 18, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb730483.htm Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:09:36 -0800 podcrew@extrahoop.com Patricia Hinds Woman-Centric Financial Planning Can Help Eliminate Stress and Bag-Lady Fears: Financial Advisor Offers Three Tips to Help Women Plan for a Stable Financial Future 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb768874.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb768874.htm Determining how to finance a retirement that offers the lifestyle desired can be a challenging task. For most people, having enough money to retire is a major undertaking and making sense of all the investment opportunities can be daunting. Consumers who want to determine their risk and readiness levels, improve their knowledge of personal finances, and learn essential ways to maximize their 401(k) and other similar types of employer-sponsored plans may find the results of the surveys and information available on the Merit Retirement Resource Center illuminating and potentially surprising. [PRWeb Mar 18, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb768874.htm Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:23:56 -0700 podcrew@extrahoop.com www.MeritRetirementAdvantage.com). Determining how to finance a retirement that offers the lifestyle desired can be a challenging task. For most people, having enough money to retire is a major undertaking and making sense of all the investment opportunities can be daunting. Consumers who want to determine their risk and readiness levels, improve their knowledge of personal finances, and learn essential ways to maximize their 401(k) and other similar types of employer-sponsored plans may find the results of the surveys and information available on the Merit Retirement Resource Center illuminating and potentially surprising. "Saving for retirement can be an incredibly difficult task for many people," says Rick Kent, president, of the Merit Retirement Advantage, a Registered Investment Advisory firm. "Because this is also one of the most important aspects of anyone's financial life, we wanted to provide some essential resources to help people create a personalized roadmap to a comfortable retirement." The first step in any investment strategy is evaluating one's general knowledge about personal finances. The Retirement Resource Center offers a Financial Literacy Survey for consumers to appraise their level of knowledge regarding personal finances. Because saving and investing for retirement is different for each individual and family, being successful depends largely on personal tolerance for risk and having a realistic view of financial readiness. By answering a few questions on the Determine Your Investment Personality quiz, consumers will better understand how prepared they are to retire and uncover the steps that may need to be taken with the help of a financial advisor to achieve the desired lifetime income. For employees participating in a company-sponsored 401(k) plan, determining whether the investments are properly selected and managed can be the difference between a more comfortable future and a less desired outcome. Through the 401(k) Maximizer Quiz people can begin to discover how well their 401(k)-type plan may perform. In addition to the surveys and questionnaires, site visitors can download a free special report entitled Taking Charge of Your Financial Future. The report, authored by Kelly Moyers, Ed.D, MBA and Danielle Norton, MBA candidate (both of Central Oklahoma University), showcases the growing problem faced by many workers in understanding and accumulating the funds required for retirement. New policies, such as the Pension Protection Act of 2006, empower individuals to optimize their employer-sponsored retirement programs. The special report offers tips and information for formulating a path to enhance your financial future through these types of programs. The Retirement Resource Center is absolutely free and available round-the-clock, without obligation, through http://www.MeritRetirementAdvantage.com. About Merit Retirement Advantage Merit Retirement Advantage, Inc. was founded by Rick L. Kent, CFP, ChFC, AIF. The program connects advisors with the end client - usually people working for companies with 401(k) or similar types of employer-sponsored plans such as 403(b) or 457 Thrift Savings plans. Consumers pay a flat fee to become a member -... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb768874.htm]]> Amelia Wood Merit Retirement Advantage Launches Free Online Retirement Resource Center www.MeritRetirementAdvantage.com). Determining how to finance a retirement that offers the lifestyle desired can be a challenging task. For most people, having enough money to retire is a major undertaking and making sense of all the investment opportunities can be daunting. Consumers who want to determine their risk and readiness levels, improve their knowledge of personal finances, and learn essential ways to maximize their 401(k) and other similar types of employer-sponsored plans may find the results of the surveys and information available on the Merit Retirement Resource Center illuminating and potentially surprising. "Saving for retirement can be an incredibly difficult task for many people," says Rick Kent, president, of the Merit Retirement Advantage, a Registered Investment Advisory firm. "Because this is also one of the most important aspects of anyone's financial life, we wanted to provide some essential resources to help people create a personalized roadmap to a comfortable retirement." The first step in any investment strategy is evaluating one's general knowledge about personal finances. The Retirement Resource Center offers a Financial Literacy Survey for consumers to appraise their level of knowledge regarding personal finances. Because saving and investing for retirement is different for each individual and family, being successful depends largely on personal tolerance for risk and having a realistic view of financial readiness. By answering a few questions on the Determine Your Investment Personality quiz, consumers will better understand how prepared they are to retire and uncover the steps that may need to be taken with the help of a financial advisor to achieve the desired lifetime income. For employees participating in a company-sponsored 401(k) plan, determining whether the investments are properly selected and managed can be the difference between a more comfortable future and a less desired outcome. Through the 401(k) Maximizer Quiz people can begin to discover how well their 401(k)-type plan may perform. In addition to the surveys and questionnaires, site visitors can download a free special report entitled Taking Charge of Your Financial Future. The report, authored by Kelly Moyers, Ed.D, MBA and Danielle Norton, MBA candidate (both of Central Oklahoma University), showcases the growing problem faced by many workers in understanding and accumulating the funds required for retirement. New policies, such as the Pension Protection Act of 2006, empower individuals to optimize their employer-sponsored retirement programs. The special report offers tips and information for formulating a path to enhance your financial future through these types of programs. The Retirement Resource Center is absolutely free and available round-the-clock, without obligation, through http://www.MeritRetirementAdvantage.com. About Merit Retirement Advantage Merit Retirement Advantage, Inc. was founded by Rick L. Kent, CFP, ChFC, AIF. The program connects advisors with the end client - usually people working for companies with 401(k) or similar types of employer-sponsored plans such as 403(b) or 457 Thrift Savings plans. Consumers pay a flat fee to become a member -... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb768874.htm]]> 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb729833.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb729833.htm After concluding their tax preparation activities, many people will see that they are entitled to a rebate from Uncle Sam. "Whether your rebate is large or small, you are wise to determine now what you will do when that check arrives," says Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, author of Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies® (Wiley, November 2007) and founder of the Garrett Planning Network. "Don't fritter it away or spend it on a whim." [PRWeb Mar 6, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb729833.htm Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:31:05 -0800 podcrew@extrahoop.com www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com). "Don't fritter it away or spend it on a whim." On a recent teleconference, network members brainstormed thirteen ways taxpayers can put this "found money" to work: 1. Put the entire amount toward funding your 2008 IRA contribution. You may contribute up to $5000 for an individual in 2008 (unless you are age 50+ then the maximum is $6000) into a Roth IRA assuming your income falls below the government thresholds (the phase out for singles in 2008 is $101,000-116,000; for married couples, the phase out is $159,000-$169,000). If you anticipate that your earned income for 2008 will be higher than the phase out thresholds, put your "found money" into another qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, if your employer offers one, (you can't actually contribute your rebate check directly into your employer sponsored retirement plan; however, you can deposit the rebate check into your checking account and increase your payroll withholding for that month by the same dollar amount.) or contribute to a traditional IRA if your income exceeds the Roth IRA thresholds. 2. Give the money to charity and claim that amount as a tax deduction on your 2008 tax return, if you itemize using Schedule A of Form 1040. 3. Sign up with www.kiva.org and provide micro-loans to budding entrepreneurs in third-world countries. If you're feeling especially patriotic, you might consider investing in small business start-ups in the US, for instance: helping a relative by providing seed money for a local venture. 4. Start a tax-sheltered 529 college savings plan to fund your own or children's/grandchildren's educations. Consider funding a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) if you plan on paying private school tuitions through secondary school (Coverdell phase outs in 2008: Single- $95,000-$110,000; Married Filing Jointly - $190,000-$220,000). 5. Check that you have adequate insurance coverage on the following types of policies: property and casualty, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance. Use the tax rebate money to help pay the premiums. 6. Use the rebate money to engage the services of an estate planning attorney. If you don't have a will then have one drawn up. Without a will issues such as child guardianship and disbursements of assets will not be decided by you, but rather the laws of your state. For many families, additional estate planning documents are also needed. 7. Use the money to purchase stock mutual funds at current prices. Some mutual fund companies offer lower initial purchase amounts, especially for IRA's, or even lower if automatic transfers are made from your bank account or paycheck. While the market has been gyrating wildly, it is likely a great time to invest. If you have cash sitting on the sidelines, you may miss the next market upswing. Time in the market matters more than trying to time when to get into the market. If you are investing for the long-term,... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb729833.htm]]> Sheryl Garrett, CFP What to Do with Your Tax Rebate or Other "Found Money" -- Thirteen Smart Ideas from "Dummies" author Sheryl Garrett and the Garrett Planning Network www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com). "Don't fritter it away or spend it on a whim." On a recent teleconference, network members brainstormed thirteen ways taxpayers can put this "found money" to work: 1. Put the entire amount toward funding your 2008 IRA contribution. You may contribute up to $5000 for an individual in 2008 (unless you are age 50+ then the maximum is $6000) into a Roth IRA assuming your income falls below the government thresholds (the phase out for singles in 2008 is $101,000-116,000; for married couples, the phase out is $159,000-$169,000). If you anticipate that your earned income for 2008 will be higher than the phase out thresholds, put your "found money" into another qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, if your employer offers one, (you can't actually contribute your rebate check directly into your employer sponsored retirement plan; however, you can deposit the rebate check into your checking account and increase your payroll withholding for that month by the same dollar amount.) or contribute to a traditional IRA if your income exceeds the Roth IRA thresholds. 2. Give the money to charity and claim that amount as a tax deduction on your 2008 tax return, if you itemize using Schedule A of Form 1040. 3. Sign up with www.kiva.org and provide micro-loans to budding entrepreneurs in third-world countries. If you're feeling especially patriotic, you might consider investing in small business start-ups in the US, for instance: helping a relative by providing seed money for a local venture. 4. Start a tax-sheltered 529 college savings plan to fund your own or children's/grandchildren's educations. Consider funding a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) if you plan on paying private school tuitions through secondary school (Coverdell phase outs in 2008: Single- $95,000-$110,000; Married Filing Jointly - $190,000-$220,000). 5. Check that you have adequate insurance coverage on the following types of policies: property and casualty, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance. Use the tax rebate money to help pay the premiums. 6. Use the rebate money to engage the services of an estate planning attorney. If you don't have a will then have one drawn up. Without a will issues such as child guardianship and disbursements of assets will not be decided by you, but rather the laws of your state. For many families, additional estate planning documents are also needed. 7. Use the money to purchase stock mutual funds at current prices. Some mutual fund companies offer lower initial purchase amounts, especially for IRA's, or even lower if automatic transfers are made from your bank account or paycheck. While the market has been gyrating wildly, it is likely a great time to invest. If you have cash sitting on the sidelines, you may miss the next market upswing. Time in the market matters more than trying to time when to get into the market. If you are investing for the long-term,... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb729833.htm]]> 00:15:00 no http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb730974.htm http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb730974.htm It's that time of year again. Millions of Americans are preparing to pay their annual bill to Uncle Sam and most are trying to minimize the share of their earnings that they will have to pay to the government on April 15. According to Rusty Cagle, a certified financial planner professional, there are several things taxpayers can do to ensure that they legally minimize the amount of taxes they owe for tax year 2007. [PRWeb Mar 6, 2008] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/3/prweb730974.htm Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:54:38 -0800 podcrew@extrahoop.com