Interest-rate worries shouldn’t keep you from snagging that $8,000 tax credit.
From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance:
Mark is one of millions of Americans eager to become a homeowner, drawn by low interest rates, affordable property prices and the government’s tax credit for first-time buyers. That credit is worth 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. (The credit not only cuts your tax bill dollar for dollar, but if you wouldn’t normally owe $8,000 in taxes, you get a refund.) The credit begins to phase out for individuals with an adjusted gross income of more than $75,000 and for married couples filing jointly who earn $150,000. And you must live in the home for three years.
These funds deliver predictable results for retirement savers.
From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance:
When the financial crisis ravaged the stock market and many parts of the bond market, stable-value funds stood out with their combination of modest, positive returns and their, well, stability. As a result, retirement savers clamored for these steadfast funds and the security they offer. The percentage of assets invested in stable-value funds in large-company 401(k) plans that offer a stable-value option rose from 20% in November 2007 to 36% in March 2009, according to Hewitt Associates, a benefits-consulting firm. Although the total amount invested in stable-value funds has fallen as stocks have recovered, such funds retain more than $642 billion in assets, which makes them the largest category of fixed-income investment in 401(k) plans.
This is the portfolio of Thomas M. Anderson. He is a journalist who is passionate about telling great business stories. He is an associate editor at Kiplinger's Personal Finance. He specializes in writing about retirement planning and investing.
This is the portfolio of Thomas M. Anderson. He is a journalist who is passionate about telling great business stories. He is an associate editor at Kiplinger's Personal Finance. He specializes in writing about retirement planning and investing.