What the taxman giveth- or taketh away

 

  Tax season is a time for possibilities, especially when it comes to utilizing your refund- or even settling your bill.

  

  If you receive a refund, consider:

• Paying down credit cards or other non-tax advantage debt.

• Making improvements to increase your home's value, comfort or energy efficiency.

• Saving toward one of your goals, such as education, retirement or a vacation.

• Investing in yourself or donating to someone in need.

• Using the money to bolster your emergency fund.

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   If you owe, talk to your advisor about:

• The best way to pay your bill, including considering smart borrowing options.

• Ways you can reduce next year's bill, such as maximizing contributions to retirement accounts, or harvesting losses in your portfolio to offset gains and reduce your tax liability.

 

-Raymond James and Associates, Inc.

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                                         Get Rid of that Stress

   When you're chronically stressed your body produces an overabundance of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which hike blood pressure and can damage artery walls over time, says Bruce Rubin, M.D., P.h.D., medical director of the Healthy Lifestyle Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical center.

  These Hormones are also linked to weight gain and higher blood sugar levels, risk factors for disease and type 2 diabetes. It's hard to avoid stress altogether, but coping strategies such as deep, slow breathing, aerobic exercise, and yoga, and unwinding with meditation, massage, or music can help you manage tension and reduce associated health risks. Choose strategies that fit into your life easily.

-Health Wire

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Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Some Files you keep for a season; some for a lifetime.

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KEEP:

Tax Returns: For at least for the last 3 years.

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Investment Returns: Retain these records as long as you own the investments.

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Pay Stubs: If you don't receive your paychecks via direct deposit, keep your pay stubs for a year to double-check your W-2.

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Mortgage-related Papers: Until you no longer own the property. Even home improvement receipts can be kept to show a future buyer.

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SHRED:

Most receipts: Hold on to large purchases as well

as bank account, ATM and credit card transactions until they are reflected on your statements.

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Some of your junk mail: Pre-approved credit card applications are most important.

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Bills: Unless needed for tax purposes, shred your bills once paid.

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Digital Media: Old devices could hold a treasure trove of financial information. Many shredding services and public utilities can destroy devices from phones to computers.

-Raymond James and Associates, INC.

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The best way to get rid of stress is to call C.B.S. with your tax problems. (859)-824-5190

                                       

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