state sales tax

The first step to buying a used car is choosing a vehicle, or at least narrowing your options. Ask yourself: How many passengers do you regularly carry? What sort of trunk or cargo space do you need? What is the minimum gas mileage a car has that will stay within your budget? What would your [...]

Last week, when the President signs the expanded aid package, my husband and I (and many others) breathe a collective sigh of relief. The expanded aid package includes a seven month extension of the First Time Home Buyer Credit. While many people do not support the extension, I am grateful for it. Granted, my position [...]

I have noticed a couple of Sales Tax Holidays articles: 2009 State Sales Tax Holidays at Cash Money Life and Sales tax holiday reminder! at Don’t Mess With Taxes. This is a good opportunity to do your back to school shopping and reduce sales tax on items that you need anyway. Of course, you can [...]

These past weeks, my family and I have been shopping for a minivan to accommodate our extended family of 7 — and finally replacing our 11 years old Ford Contour. The experience left me wondering if the auto industry really needs the bail out money at all. If I have to judge by how some [...]

In this Ask The Expert With Larry Swedroe article, the reader (Edward) is wondering what’s the best way to rebalance his investment portfolio and increase his fixed asset allocation.  Due to the stock market crash, he is reluctant to sell his beaten down stocks to increase his bonds allocation.  Is it better just to allocate [...]

In this Ask The Expert With Larry Swedroe article, the reader (Larry) lost a lot of money in the stock market.  He detailed his plight and complained about his full service brokerage firm.  It’s 2009 and he only have half of what he did a few months ago.  What should he do?  Here’s the question [...]

Reverse mortgages are one way senior homeowners who are 62 years and older may be able to tap the home equity.  A reverse mortgage gives the homeowner money they need without having to leave the house and without having to repay the loan until the owner dies, the home is sold, or the house is [...]

This is the 11th issue of the Ask The Expert column by Larry Swedroe. You can see Larry’s full biography and important disclaimer below. If you are interested in having your question answered by Larry, please send me an email via the contact page.
Now, let’s get to the questions and answers (please note that the [...]

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Note: The $10 sign up bonus is good through September 12th, [...]

A while ago, I met with an insurance sales agent and discussed life insurance coverage for my wife and I. Three months later and I am still looking — I am a little slow making these big financial decisions. Also, I am not rushing because I already have a $560,000 term life insurance policy through [...]