Quarterly Newsletter

3rd Quarter 2009

What to Do Now to Save on Taxes

There are plenty of steps you can take now to help lower your tax bill next year. The following strategies can help.

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New Credit-Card Rules May Help You Save

A new credit-card law takes effect in February, and some of the changes may help you save money. Here’s what to expect.

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Around ICMA-RC

ICMA-RC's "457 Deferred Compensation: Your Questions Answered" is an online video series that provides public sector employees with answers to frequently asked questions about 457 retirement plans, basic investing concepts, and ICMA-RC's role as a plan administrator.

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Fixed Income Sector Performance

During 2008, the stock market dropped as credit markets froze. Many fixed income sectors that measure the availability of credit also declined. High-yield bonds returned −26.16%; emerging markets bonds returned −14.75%. U.S. Government bonds showed positive performance.

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Teenagers and Taxes

Think the talk about the birds and the bees is tough? Try the one about teens and taxes. If your youngster had a summer job, does he or she have to file a tax return? It depends on how much was earned on the job and how much money your child earns from other investments.

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Savings Strategies When College is Near

Even if your child is about to start college soon, you can still benefit from several tax-advantaged college-savings programs designed to help pay the bills.

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Investing Time Horizon

You’ve probably heard the advice that it’s important to match your investments to your time horizon. But what does that really mean?

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Who Can Have a Roth IRA?

I have a retirement plan at work but also want to open a Roth IRA. Can I?

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Frequent Trading and Market Timing

Frequent trading can eat away at your investments, especially over the long term during which you save for retirement. Trading fees and commissions are generated whenever mutual funds have to buy and sell underlying fund securities, and these costs are spread out over all investors in the fund—even if only a few people make excessive trades.

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