A $250,000 Budget Means Slim Pickings in New York Real Estate

What does $250,000 buy in a desirable neighborhood in metro New York? Find out HERE...

Budgeting for Pregnancy Related Medical Costs

I believe it is important to be financially ready before having a baby. While the cost of some baby essentials can be managed by parents, pregnancy related medical costs can vary wildly depending upon the type of delivery, hospital and insurance policy. My total billed costs (without insurance) for two pregnancies? Over $87,000. Read more here...

I'm in No Rush to File My Taxes

Every year, some people try to file their income taxes ahead of everyone. They rush to their accountant or tax software as soon as they get their W-2 or 1099. They boast that they will get their tax refund check before any one else. Not me. I am a tortoise when it comes to taxes. Read more here or here...

The Metro New York Housing Market Is Stagnant But I Am Optimistic

Even though employment and consumer confidence are on the uptick, demand for buying new homes is low in metro New York, keeping real estate prices stagnant to slightly lower in the area. Yet, there may be good news for thousands of homeowners in the New York area who are trying to sell their homes. My optimism is based on rental supply and demand, not driven by a bet that real estate prices will rise in 2013. Read more here...

I Hate Income Tax Refunds!

If I were one of the 109.3 million Americans getting a refund, instead of being happy I would be upset. I hate tax refunds. I would rather owe taxes. Read more here...

Pay a Hefty Tax for Miles Rewards? 'No, Thank You' Citibank

In late January 2012, Citibank customers who had responded to a 2011 promotion to receive 25,000 American Airlines frequent flier miles for opening a checking or savings account got a surprise in the mail. An IRS Form 1099-MISC showed a taxable income of $645 from Citibank. What can you do to offset these taxes? Read more here...

Do New Fee Disclosure Rules Mean More Security for 401(k) Retirement Plan Savers?

New 401(k) fee disclosure rules are expected to increase transparency in fees disclosure and put downward presssure on retirement fund fees. Will it "enhance retirement security" as the government press release claims it would?
This article is published on Yahoo News and Yahoo Finance.

First Person: Even Middle Class Americans Can Get the 15% Federal Income Tax Rate

I was no Warren Buffett or Mitt Romney. Ten years ago, like many middle class Americans, I was in the 25% federal income tax bracket. However, my effective tax rate was slightly less than 15%. I believe even now middle class Americans can legally pay a low income tax rate without using any sophisticated tools known only to a tax professional (which I am not). I itemized my deductions and what helped me was owning my house, saving for retirement, investing in the stock market, and helping a family member. Read more here...

Viridian Update: Switching to an Independent Energy Provider Didn't Cut My Utility Costs

I have had an independent electricity provider (Viridian) for 15 months now. Did I save money by lowering my electric bill? Read more here...

 

		Viridian	PSE&G	% Diff
2010	Oct	$0.1062	$0.1186	10%
	Nov	$0.1144	$0.1159	1%
	Dec	$0.1142	$0.1156	1%
2011	Jan	$0.1154	$0.1163	1%
	Feb	$0.1191	$0.1197	0%
	Mar	$0.1260	$0.1263	0%
	Apr	$0.1223	$0.1235	1%
	May	$0.1103	$0.1101	0%
	Jun	$0.1178	$0.1173	0%
	Jul	$0.1206	$0.1156	-4%
	Aug	$0.1255	$0.1173	-7%
	Sept	$0.1202	$0.1132	-6%
	Oct	$0.1123	$0.1109	-1%
	Nov	$0.1108	$0.1132	2%
	Dec	$0.1104	$0.1130	2%
2012	Jan	$0.1166	$0.1145	-2%