Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (Municipal Bonds)
General Information, Have MoneyWhat is a tax-exempt bond fund?
A tax-exempt bond fund (sometimes known as a municipal bond fund or muni bond fund) invests in tax-exempt municipal debt instruments issued by state governments or agencies, counties, cities, towns, or other political…
Why are taxes hidden?
General Information, Have MoneyNot surprisingly, hidden taxes largely go unnoticed. The result may be that this can make it difficult for us to choose wisely the goods and services that we purchase, or to have a true accounting of our total tax burdens.
Sin taxes
General Information, Have MoneyA seemingly favorite way for government to tax is with the so-called "sin" taxes. Ostensibly, these taxes are imposed to reduce behavior that society considers unhealthy, immoral, or just undesirable in some way. That is why there is a tax on…
Planes, trains, and automobiles
General Information, Have MoneyMany hidden taxes are associated with travel. For example, when you pull up to the pump, you can clearly see the price for the gas, but the "taxes included" disclosure is usually posted somewhere else. How much of what you pay goes to tax revenue?…
How taxes are hidden
General Information, Have MoneyTaxes are hidden in many ways. For example, you see the payroll taxes that are deducted from your payroll check each pay period. What you do not see are the taxes that your employer pays. For example, in addition to income tax, your employer…
Hidden Taxes: What Is Your True Cost?
General Information, Have MoneyWe are pretty well aware of the taxes we must pay as U.S. citizens; income taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and gift and estate taxes, to name a few. We can easily see these taxes on our pay stubs, tax bills, and sales receipts.…
Three tips for Social Security
General Information, Have Money
Use the benefit calculators available on the Social Security website to estimate your future retirement, disability, and survivor's benefits. Social Security was never intended to cover all of your financial needs, but understanding what benefits…
Survivor's benefits: financial protection for your family
General Information, Have MoneyYou probably know the value of having life insurance to protect your family, but did you know that Social Security offers valuable income protection as well? If you are insured under Social Security at your death, your surviving spouse (or ex-spouse),…
Disability benefits: help when you're ill or injured
General Information, Have MoneyDuring your working years, you may suffer a serious illness or injury that prevents you from earning a living, potentially putting yourself and your family at financial risk. But if you're insured under Social Security, you may be able to get…