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Becoming One Financially


 by: Nathan Dawson

When we think of marriage, most of us like to be romantic about it. Marriage brings images of engagement rings and a big white triple-layer cake. Nobody wants to talk about money management, prenuptials and other financial matters.

However, statistics show that the top reason for divorce is disagreeing about money. Don?t get carried away by the sheer romance of getting married. Discuss your financial concerns before you walk down the aisle.

Prenuptial agreements

These legally-binding contracts will save you quite a heartache in the event of a divorce.

But who is ever considering divorce at the time of marriage? It may seem unromantic, and certainly, most of the time it may be unnecessary. However, if you stand to inherit a very large sum of money, if you have a trust fund, or if you own a business, a prenuptial can help you keep what is rightfully yours.

Set a reasonable wedding budget

With the average American wedding costing over $19,000, it makes sense to look into some affordable alternatives. Keeping it small and holding the ceremony and reception in a park or other scenic public place are just two examples of ways that you can save a ton.

Be ready for tax-season

If both spouses work, by law, they both must be taxed at the same rate as that of the highest income-earning spouse. Married couples will be happy to hear, however that the marriage tax penalty is being phased out over the next few years.

Merge your money

Legally, a married couple has joint-ownership of everything. Regardless, a husband and wife will often open a joint bank account to make household expenses easier to track.

Discussing the financial details of marriage one-step-at-a-time can help ease the both of you into a fruitful and harmonious new life together.

About The Author

Nathan Dawson writes for http://www.marriedfinances.com and http://www.successfulmarriageresource.com, great online sources for marriage and finance information.



Accounting Community Supports KPMG

Accounting Community Supports KPMG


 by: Thomas Johansmeyer

With the US government?s case against KPMG settled, the battered firm can refocus its efforts on its core businesses.
Enabling this refocusing is a series of internal mandates that have rippled across Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

No poaching!

Leadership in each of these firms has instructed the respective partners not to take advantage of KPMG's weakened condition.
There does not appear to have been any collusion between the other members of the Big Four, and smaller accountancies have supported this position.

Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers agree on the importance of KPMG?s continued success.
The large accounting firms have received intense criticism since the implosion of Andersen as to the lack of competition and increased concentration of service providers.

The collapse of KPMG...

Accounting Community Supports KPMG
Tax help > Accounting Community Supports KPMG

What is a Structured Settlement

What is a Structured Settlement

 by: Amit Laufer

A Structured Settlement is an agreement between a personal injury victim ( a Plaintiff ) and an Insurance company ( the Defendant ) to compensate the Plaintiff by the defendant with long term periodic payments instead of a single cash lump sum.

Payments can be tailored to each individual plaintiffs needs, to help meet expenses such as on-going medical and living expenses, education, children needs & support etc? The fixed annuity payments are tax-free to the claimant, a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) feature is available, that can help offset the effects of inflation over time, payments can continue as long as the claimant lives thus providing him the maximum benefits.

Structured settlements are encouraged by plaintiffs lawyers, Courts, Insurance companies and the legislators alike as they all agree it is the best solution to all parties involved especially for the claimant.
...

What is a Structured Settlement
Tax help > What is a Structured Settlement

With Record-High Heating And Fuel Costs, Insulation Is A Simple Way For Americans To Conserve Energy And Save Money

With Record-High Heating And Fuel Costs, Insulation Is A Simple Way For Americans To Conserve Energy And Save Money


 by: Robin Bectel

This winter, Americans are opening their home heating bills to find up to 35% increases in their energy costs over last year according to the Energy Information Administration.
Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can implement that will immediately reduce their monthly costs and improve their comfort. Some of these steps may also help you qualify for a Federal tax credit of up to $500.

There are simple things that each of us can do at little or no cost that will help control energy use. One of the most effective things you can do to save energy and manage your energy costs is to add the right amount of insulation to your attic. Basements and crawlspaces are other good places to check since they are easy to access and likely to be under-insulated. When coupled with caulking and sealing around windows...

With Record-High Heating And Fuel Costs, Insulation Is A Simple Way For Americans To Conserve Energy And Save Money
Tax help > With Record-High Heating And Fuel Costs, Insulation Is A Simple Way For Americans To Conserve Energy And Save Money

Real Estate: A Strong Investment

Real Estate: A Strong Investment


 by: Naomi Warne

Description: Even in uncertain economic times like these, history shows that real estate is one of the soundest investments a family can make. Also remember that the stock market is not the only place where people can make their fortunes. And also, you?ll hardly ever hear of real-estate investors who?ve gone bankrupt, unlike stock market investors.

Even in uncertain economic times like these, history shows that real estate is one of the soundest investments a family can make. During the Great Depression of the 1930s when the stock market plummeted as much as 89 percent, housing prices dropped only 39 percent. So, according to most of the research on housing trends, prices continually stay at the same level as, and most often appreciate faster than the rate of inflation. In fact, the prices of houses actually increased by 10 percent during the economic recessions of the mid-19702 and the early...

Real Estate: A Strong Investment
Tax help > Real Estate: A Strong Investment

Real Estate: A Strong Investment

Real Estate: A Strong Investment


 by: Naomi Warne

Description: Even in uncertain economic times like these, history shows that real estate is one of the soundest investments a family can make. Also remember that the stock market is not the only place where people can make their fortunes. And also, you?ll hardly ever hear of real-estate investors who?ve gone bankrupt, unlike stock market investors.

Even in uncertain economic times like these, history shows that real estate is one of the soundest investments a family can make. During the Great Depression of the 1930s when the stock market plummeted as much as 89 percent, housing prices dropped only 39 percent. So, according to most of the research on housing trends, prices continually stay at the same level as, and most often appreciate faster than the rate of inflation. In fact, the prices of houses actually increased by 10 percent during the economic recessions of the mid-19702 and the early...

Real Estate: A Strong Investment
Tax help > Real Estate: A Strong Investment

Self Employed Mortgage Loan ? Getting a Mortgage When You?re Self Employed

Self Employed Mortgage Loan ? Getting a Mortgage When You?re Self Employed

 by: Carrie Reeder

Being self employed has many benefits.
When you are self-employed, you can write off all of your deductions on your taxes.
You have the potential to make more income than someone who is employed by someone else.
You have the freedom to be your own boss.
One of the few times when being self employed has some drawbacks is when you go to get financing for a home or a major purchase.
But, here are some things to know that can help you make the mortgage loan process run smoothly when you are self employed.

When verifying income - In general, lenders want to see at least 2 years of self employment history, sometimes they want to see 3 years.
They will want to see this history verified in tax returns, usually.
Sometimes the lenders will figure your income as being the average income you claimed on...

Self Employed Mortgage Loan ? Getting a Mortgage When You?re Self Employed
Tax help > Self Employed Mortgage Loan ? Getting a Mortgage When You?re Self Employed

5 Steps To Search Engine Optimization

5 Steps To Search Engine Optimization

 by: Jim Trivolette

The world of search engine optimization has changed a lot over the past couple years. Matter of fact it has changed a lot in the past few months. Five years ago no one designed their sites to be search engine friendly. Webmasters who did know a little bit about search engine optimization may have added some keywords into the meta tags but this was the extent of SEO. Now days without proper search engine...

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Spicing Up Your Resume With Extra Information

Spicing Up Your Resume With Extra Information

 by: Scott Brown

I am sure that all of us have some unknown skill that we have always wanted to add to a resume just because it looks good. In today?s tight job market, employers are looking for people who can do more than just the job they are hired for. In essence, they want to hire a jack of all trades for a position.

Decide what looks good

If you played water polo in college, that is probably not going...

Spicing Up Your Resume With Extra Information Tax help sample resume Becoming One Financially Spicing Up Your Resume With Extra Information Tax help sample resume Becoming One Financially
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A Little Giant for Home Improvements

A Little Giant for Home Improvements

 by: Amber Sell

It has been estimated that 16 in every 1000 households undertake a major home improvement project each year. In 2001 alone, an estimated 13.6 billion was advanced in personal loans for home improvements, making it the third most popular reason for taking out loans. Unfortunately, while the numbers of residents looking to renovate, remodel, and improve their homes continues to increase, so does the number...

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Buy Flowers For Hillary Duff... Or Your Favorite Teen

Buy Flowers For Hillary Duff... Or Your Favorite Teen

 by: Wesley Berry

She loves clothes, talking on the phone, boys, teen stars like Hillary Duff, and a great pair of vintage jeans, but will your teen girl love a gift of flowers? Absolutely! In a recent survey, flowers proved to be among the most favored gifts men and women give and receive. And, since your teen is a young woman in training, there's no doubt that she will appreciate beautiful flowers, too-especially...

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Tax help > Buy Flowers For Hillary Duff... Or Your Favorite Teen

Wedding Flowers ? Decorations With Style!

Wedding Flowers ? Decorations With Style!

 by: Elsie Gilbert

When we think of wedding flowers we often think of the bride?s bouquet, but flowers can be wonderful accessories in almost any surroundings. Using wedding flowers as decorations is popular, particularly for a summer wedding. Wedding flowers also provide a wonderful fresh scent that will last throughout the day.

Wedding Flowers and The Ceremony

The main role for wedding flowers, during the...

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Tax help > Wedding Flowers ? Decorations With Style!