New research shows that real estate is both a better and safer investment than previously believed. There are pro’s and con’s to buying a home. First, do your research to see what works best for you. If the average rent in your area is in the same ballpark as the average cost of a monthly mortgage in your area – purchasing a home maybe better for you. Having enough for a down payment would be your biggest hurdle to home ownership.

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The 2019 Tax Cut and Jobs Act promised to, well, cut taxes. For many, it does. But a new limit on the amount of state and local levies that can be deducted has costly and confounding implications for some, especially in high-income, high-property -tax places like the New York City area. Nearly, 11 million will be affected as they will be limited on deducting state and local taxes on their federal income tax. See a tax professional to learn how this may affect you.

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The government has updated a rule that governs worker and retiree pension plans. New released guidelines in March now allow employers to offer a lump-sum payout to Americans in order to buy them out of future annuity payments. The Obama Administration said it would stop allowing lump-sum payments, which resulted in a decision among most employers to stops offering them. This was a move designed to protect retirees, who- under a defined benefits plan – receive guaranteed payments for life.

Now, if a retiree receives a lump-sum for life they may be short changed in the long run. Discuss the pro’s and con’s with your accountant to understand what this means for you. Making the right investment means you will have money throughout your life.

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Investing for retirement is a must and 401(k)s offer some of the best benefits to entice workers to prioritize contributions. But what happens when your employer plan doesn’t give you the investment choices you want? Consider the following:

1. Maximize your contributions and reduce your tax liability at the same time
2. See magazines like Kiplinger to compare your 401(k) to others
3. Mix-it up – don’t place your money in one basket – if you loose money in one fund the other is likely to do better

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When: Thursday, March 21, 2019 2:00 -3:00pm (ET)

Many youth in foster care become homeless after emancipation from the foster care system. Learn how government agencies and non-profits are supporting youth transitioning out of foster care by providing money management tools, financial coaching, workforce readiness and other life-preparedness programs. This webinar will present Bureau resources and stakeholder resources and techniques to enhance the financial well-being of these young adults in transition.

How to join the March 21, 2019 webinar:

At 2:00pm (ET) click: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/

Enter Conference number: PWXW8880677

Audience passcode: 4774934

You can also join the event directly at:

https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PWXW888067&p=4774934&t=c

Listen to the audio by dialing 800-619-3528

Passcode: 4774934

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Looking for a truly tax-free savings or investment account? Worried about having enough money to retire amid rising health care costs? If so, you should know about this tool. An HSA – health savings account – can stretch your health care dollars and build your retirement savings at the same time, as long as you’re eligible for one and you spend the money in your HSA. Here are 3 reasons for opening and using an HSA include:

1. HSAs are tax-free
2. HSA are more flexible than flexible savings accounts (FSAs)
3. You can invest the money in your HSA

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The world of money is changing fast. Here are some topics you need to understand if you want to stay financially sound. In fact, the world of money is changing at such a rapid pace that even advice and tips from just a few years ago might be out of date. Here are the modern money facts you should know:

1. The definition of a cryptocurrency (bitcoin)
2. How to deposit a check with your phone
3. How to use an e-budget tool
4. How to get cash back if you shop online
5. How to hunt for travel bargains online
6. The ABC’s of EFTs (exchange traded fund)
7. Where are interest rates headed
8. What a 529 account is
9. How to run a side hustle (ie.Uber)
10. How to keep an eye on your credit score
11. How to keep passcodes under control
12. How to recognize a phishing email
13. How to stave off social media scams

https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/15-things-you-really-should-know-about-money-in-2018/

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Here’s how to get a better car loan – and avoid common potholes in the process. You can save a bundle by refinancing a loan on what may be your second-largest purchase next to a home – your car.

However, there are a few things you need to watch out for to avoid potholes on the road to savings.

Compare interest rates and terms on the websites of your local credit unions and don’t forget to ask your current lender for refinance rates. Many will refinance your loan at a rate below what you’re already paying because they want to keep your business.

If poor credit is preventing you from finding a cheaper loan, you may need to first take steps to improve your credit score.

Either way, refinancing an auto loan should not negatively impact your credit score in most cases. Just make sure you go to a reputable lender so your old loan is satisfied (the new lender pays it off when it issues your loan). Then make full, o-time payments on your new loan.

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Americans are largely clueless about one of the best ways to keep the taxman at bay. There are many ways to trim your tax bill, but 75 percent of Americans are clueless about one of the easiest ways to keep Uncle Sam at bay.

Just 25 percent of taxpayers realize that you can still make a 2018 contribution to an IRA in 2019, according to NerdWallet’s annual tax survey.

In fact, you have the right up until Tax Day – April 15 – to make a contribution for 2018 that will reduce the amount of tax you owe on the return you are filing this year.

Just note only the contributions to traditional IRAs are tax-deductible upfront. If you put money in a Roth IRA for 2018, it will not reduce your taxes this year. Instead, you’ll be able to withdraw both your contributions and any earnings they generate tax-free in retirement.

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About the Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a U.S. government agency that empowers you to take more control over your economic life and enforces federal consumer law. Learn more about how the Bureau can help you.

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