Wiser Education

• 2013 IRS Saving, Gifting and Other Limits
  
• Retirement Plans for the Self Employed
  
• How to pay for College
  
• How to Choose a Financial Advisor
  
• The Cruel World of Financial Advice
  
• Wiser Investing 101
  
• Wiser Advice 101
  
• Diversification, Cost, and the Long Term: Part 1 Diversification
  
• What is Risk? Part 1
  

Questions from Everyday People

• Foreign Currency Tax Question
  Posted on: May 15th, 2013 by Casey Smith

  I’ve been into a foreign currency investment for less than one year and I’m trying to prepare for exchanging currency at the bank. I’m trying to find out about tax obligations, legal forms, and the best way to deposit the initial funds (into different banks or different accounts). In addition …

  
• Tax Deductiable Tuition?
  Posted on: March 21st, 2013 by Casey Smith

  I would like to pay for my 5 year old granddaughter’s tuition to go to a private school is that tax deductible?

  Private schools K – 12 are not tax deductible.…

  
• Tax on Capital Gains and 1st Home Purchase
  Posted on: January 22nd, 2013 by Casey Smith

  I sold shares of a mutual fund & other stocks in order to pay a down payment on a first time home purchase. Do I still have to pay capital gains tax on those investments even though the $$$ was invested straight into a home?

  Yes. If the funds were …

  
• Contributing to an IRA
  Posted on: April 3rd, 2012 by Casey Smith

  Hello Casey, a couple of quick questions for you.  If I contribute to our work 401k can I still contribute to an IRA?  I have 2 other IRAs, one with Schwab and Vanguard.  Ok now for my 2nd question, does the 5000$ limit for IRAs apply as a group limit …

  
• The Burden of Debt
  Posted on: January 15th, 2012 by Sonja Gonzalez

  If interest rates are too high such as to make your minimum payments too onerous to allow much wiggle room, do not be shy about calling the debt provider to ask for a reduction in the rate. They don’t have to honor your request, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Continue reading →

  
• 401k Loan Question
  Posted on: October 13th, 2011 by Casey Smith

  Hi Casey - I didnt want to take up your time but im having a question im trying to answer. Home refinancing now is looking like a great option. I have an FHA, but im over the 80% ltv and pay pmi. Thinking about our career in the near future and …

  
• How to Diversify Away From the Falling Dollar
  Posted on: August 15th, 2011 by Casey Smith

  Hey Casey-I’ve attended your last 2 retirement [Atlantic Southeast Airlines Pilot] seminars – thanks for holding them – I’ve learned a lot. Anyway, curious with the new brokerage account option, wondering if there’s a way to get out of dollars and in to a foreign currency? Thanks!    Lisa.

  Hi Lisa, Yes. …

  
• Why use Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)?
  Posted on: April 19th, 2011 by Casey Smith

  The University of Maryland has a study that shows only .06% of active fund managers from 1975 – 2007 beat their corresponding index. Continue reading →

  
• How important is diversification?
  Posted on: April 12th, 2011 by Sonja Gonzalez

  How much do you want to put your eggs in one basket? Even a few baskets? Continue reading →

  
• What is risk tolerance, and how does it factor into my investment decisions?
  Posted on: April 10th, 2011 by Sonja Gonzalez

  Risk tolerance is how much risk you are willing to take with your investments. Let’s look at the market crash of 2008-2009. In early March, when the market finally bottomed out, how did you feel? Continue reading →