If you’re fortunate to have an imbedded capital gain, either from company stock or other investments held during the last decade bull-market, you may be aware that taxes will be owed once you sell. These are capital gains and taxed at lower rates, 0%, 15%, and 20%, depending where you end up on the ordinary income marginal tax rates. If you’re lauding to pay the tax, there are a few ways to eliminate the capital gain. Gift stock to a charity The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) i

It’s that time of year you can elect your benefits through work. Your employer may offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Here are some differences and how to use both. Flexible spending accounts, if offered, are available for all employees regardless of the health insurance plan that you have. It's a “use it or lose it” account, meaning that you have to spend down your contributions usually before the end of the year or few months ther

Global markets sold off last week, effectively erasing gains so far this year. This comes in the wake of increasing U.S. Reserve rates, to 2.25% from 1.25% a year ago. It’s not all doom and gloom, however, as increasing interest rates represent strong economic growth, as the U.S. economy needs less stimulus to survive. Also, technically speaking, there’s continued strength among domestic stocks (see below). 10 years ago, amidst the 2008 financial crisis, the Federal Reserve i

It's almost that time of year when you can opt-in for for benefits through the Affordable Health Care Act or for group benefits through your workplace. This includes making changes to your health insurance, life, or disability insurances. Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you make those changes. Health insurance If through Covered California or the Affordable Care Act changes are available Oct. 15, 2018, to Jan. 15, 2019. If you decide not to make any changes, keep yo