Handing a credit card to a young adult can make a parent nervous. But there are tangible benefits to consider, especially when sending your kids off to college.
Should College-Bound Kids Have Their Own Credit Cards?
Why the Fed Cut Rates and What it Means
The Federal Reserve lowered the target for the Federal Funds rate by a quarter of a percentage point. The cut was expected; but was it enough, and where is the Fed headed from here?
Are Health Savings Accounts Right for You?
Health Savings Accounts are evolving and becoming more popular every year. Learn if you are eligible, what the benefits and drawbacks are, and how best to leverage it.
Can I Appeal My Homestead Rebate Application?
This article originally appeared on NJMoneyHelp.com. Learn if you can appeal your homestead rebate if you missed the deadline.
9 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement
Retirement is supposed to be enjoyable. But every day people make mistakes that derail their plans to live comfortably in retirement. Read about the most common pitfalls you can avoid.
Why the Federal Reserve May Cut Rates, and What it Means for Your Portfolio
The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee has met and decided not to change interest rates. They are, however, considering a future rate cut. Here is why this is a curious move.
Darren Zagarola Elected President of the Board of Directors of Princeton Adult School
Congratulations to Darren Zagarola on being elected President of the Board of Directors of the Princeton Adult School. Learn more about how Darren plans to help.
Howard Hook Joins Forbes Finance Council
Howard Hook has been invited to join the Forbes NY Finance Council. Read more about this exclusive organization.
Don’t Let Your Family Fall Apart After You’re Gone
We invest time in our families trying to ensure that our heirs live healthy, prosperous, and loving lives, long after we're gone. But death can bring out the worst in people. Here's how to ensure your money and legacy do not leave your family in turmoil.
The Hidden Cost of Your 401(k)
401(k) balances are near all-time highs, leaving retirement savers feeling pretty good about themselves and their futures. Eventually though, we all have to take distributions from those accounts, and that includes paying taxes. To lessen the tax bite, financial pros recommend a few key tips.
Does Work Ethic Fade with Inheritance?
Will you leave your assets to your heirs? Do you worry if an inheritance will impact them negatively? This article discusses how to determine how much to leave loved ones, and if that money should come with strings attached.
Use Discipline to Become a Middle-Class Millionaire
There aren't many shortcuts to becoming wealthy. Regardless of its source, saving and investing properly are still the keys to its longevity. Learn some strategies that create middle-class millionaires.
How Your Charitable Giving Priorities Can Impact Future Generations
Living a good life involves many things, including having a satisfying career, strong family ties, good friends, and hobbies you enjoy. Leaving a legacy may be part of what you desire; and charitable giving is a way for us to show future generations the importance of improving the world around us. Learn the importance of having a charitable giving strategy you can communicate to heirs.
How Are IRA Distributions Taxed in New Jersey?
How Required Minimum Distributions are taxed can be confusing. Learn more here.
Your Financial Values are an Important Part of Your Legacy
You may plan to pass along some of your wealth to your heirs. But what about your values? Do they understand and share what's important to you? Do they understand how to handle the opportunities and responsibilities that come along with some level of wealth? Learn how to convey your financial values to the next generation.
Words of Wisdom
Many people consider their financial goals to be far more important than their personal goals. But the personal goals have to come first -- the money is just a means to get there. ~Darren L. Zagarola, CFP®, CPA, PFS
Have a Financial Plan B in Place in Case the Unthinkable Happens
If something were to happen to you and someone else had to manage your affairs, would they know what to do and where to find everything? Learn how to protect yourself and your assets.
Tax Bill Update (The SECURE Act)
The SECURE Act can potentially make significant changes to retirement and 529 Plan accounts. Read about some of the major components here.
Earth Day 2019
In honor of Earth Day, EKS Associates is once again hosting a Shredding Week.
How the Auto and Liability Insurances You Select Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Auto insurance and liability coverage are not as boilerplate as you might think. Both come with a variety of options that you need to be aware of. Not having the right coverage can impact your financial independence should an accident occur.
Will I Get My Homestead Rebate After Moving?
This article originally appeared on NJMoneyHelp.com. Learn how you can obtain your homestead rebate after you've moved.
Property and Casualty Insurance: An often-overlooked part of one’s financial plan
P&C Insurance is a very important aspect of a comprehensive financial plan, and often overlooked. Not having it - or enough of it - can impact your financial future should an accident occur. Learn what you should look for inside your Homeowners Insurance.
Unusual Medical Tax Deductions You May Not Know About
Tax laws have changed, and in some cases popular deductions have been reduced and even eliminated. However, there are some unusual medical deductions you might not have considered.
How to Assess if the New Tax Law Helped You
So many Americans are still trying to figure out if the new tax law helped or hurt them. One’s instinct is to judge it based on whether you paid more taxes this year or last year. However, this may not be an accurate way to assess the result. Find out why.
Does the Change for 401(k) Loans Affect Me?
On February 22, we answered a NJMoneyHelp question regarding how 401(k) loan rules have changed. This resulted in a follow-up question, which we are answering here.
REMINDER: There’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2018
It's not too late to contribute to an IRA for 2018. Here's what you need to know.
Have Rules for 401(k) Loans Changed?
There's been a change in law about what happens to 401(k) loans that are not fully paid when you leave a job. Learn more.
Find the Best Retirement Plan for You
Saving for retirement seems like a straightforward goal. Yet nearly 50% of people wishes they were saving more. Part of the challenge is knowing where to keep it. Learn about some of your options, and the rules to consider.
When Can Medicare Part D be Opted Out of?
Medicare can be complicated. The New York Post asked us to answer this question recently: Can I opt out of Medicare Part D?
Can These Student Loans be Forgiven?
Are there any forgiveness or discharge programs available for graduates mired in debt?
Words of Wisdom
It takes a noble person to plant a seed for a tree that will someday give shade to people they may never meet. ~David E. Trueblood
How to Get Ready for the Tax Preparer
Tax season officially started this week, and the IRS maintains it is expecting to issue refunds within 21 days of when it receives and accepts a return - the same as always. Consider these tips to save your preparer time, and potentially save yourself money.
A New Tool to Save Money on Prescriptions: Your Pharmacist
The cost of prescription drugs continues to rise at a faster rate than overall inflation, especially for seniors. Now, consumers have a new weapon to control some of that cost: the right to ask your pharmacist for help.
Howard Hook is Teaching a Class on Charitable Giving Strategies at Princeton Adult School
Donating to charity makes us feel good. But resources are not finite. What if there was a way to structure your giving so you and the charity can both benefit to an even greater extent? This course teaches you how.
EKS Hosts HomeFront at Rider Broncs Game
EKS is proud to host HomeFront, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey.
An Update on the Concern About the IRS Tax Withholding Tables
This is an update about the problem with the IRS Tax Withholding Table.
The Gift of Perspective
This article illustrates an important fact: Perspective is a gift.
Join us for Spring Semester 2019 at the Princeton Adult School
Spring Semester at the Princeton Adult School starts soon! Check out our classes here.
7 Resolutions for Financial Success
It's that time of year again, when we reflect on what is important to us, revisit values, and make resolutions. Consider what you can do to organize your financial life and achieve your long-term goals. Here are 7 realistic resolutions to get you started.
15 Money Moves to Make in 2019
Financial uncertainty is in the air, so here's how to spend less, save more and invest smarter.
