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Check back for the latest 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy content. 

Spending & Saving

  • Dec 15, 2020

    To help Americans improve their financial standing in the year ahead, members of the American Institute of CPAs’ (AICPA) National CPA Financial Literacy Commission suggest the following 2021 New Year’s financial resolutions.

  • Nov 30, 2020

    The holiday shopping season may look a bit different this year as more consumers turn to online shopping and options like sidewalk pickup. However, the advertising and promotional campaigns that toy with consumer emotions, encouraging them to spend more on themselves or gifts than they’d planned, are the same. Here are a few tips to help Americans combat impulse spending this holiday shopping season and start the new year with their financial wellness intact.

  • Jun 08, 2020

    The level in which interest rates impact your personal finances depends on whether you are a borrower, a lender or an investor- you can be one or all these things at any given time. Learn more in this article. 

  • May 12, 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on the nation’s economy. More than 33 million people have lost their jobs, businesses across the nation have shuttered or declared bankruptcy, and a major drop in the stock market clobbered many people’s savings and retirement investments. But there are opportunities to use this time to take stock of your current financial situation and establish habits that put you on a stronger financial footing once the pandemic ends and the economy recovers, or for when the next economic downturn hits.

  • Apr 09, 2020

    By now you've hopefully heard that the IRS is getting ready to send out economic impact payments to eligible US taxpayers to help ease the financial impact of the COVID-19 impact. Here are some suggestions on how to best use the money to protect your financial future.

In Crisis

  • Jun 25, 2020

    As the bills start to roll in for people treated for Covid-19, it's especially important to be aware of your rights and how to best handle bills that you can't pay immediately. If you were diagnosed with and treated for Covid-19, make sure you understand how the specific laws enacted could help. If your bills are for other reasons (even just follow-up issues such as pneumonia after surviving the coronavirus) the rest of the steps can help you too.

  • Jun 08, 2020

    For most homeowners, their mortgage is their biggest monthly expense. But job losses around the country are hammering people’s finances, causing challenges for managing their cash flows and leaving many to wonder how they will pay their mortgage and maintain their home.

    While things may seem grim, there are options for homeowners struggling to pay all their bills.

  • Mar 19, 2020

    “Disasters have the potential to bring out the best in people,” said Howard Silverstone, CPA, CFF. “Unfortunately, disasters also bring out the worst in some people, and we are seeing that now with scammers using the COVID-19 outbreak to try to steal personal information and money from those who want to help.”

    CPA fraud experts offer tips to help Americans navigate potential scams and avoid being targeted.

  • May 07, 2020

    Unemployment is an incredibly stressful experience for even the most well-prepared individual. If you have found yourself recently out of a job, there are steps you can take right now within your power to minimize the financial damage and prepare for a new position and opportunities.

Taxes

  • Mar 09, 2021

    While fraud is a 24/7/365 peril, tax season creates a prime opportunity for criminals to prey on already tax-weary consumers. Tax filing can be daunting and confusing, making people anxious about making sure they follow all the rules and don’t run afoul of any government agencies. Scammers know this and try to take advantage of those fears.

    Here are some common scams to be aware of during the 2020 tax filing season.

  • Dec 08, 2020

    The IRS released a new version of the Form W-4, which is intended to assist payroll departments with determining how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. Here are the important things you need to know about this new form.

Working with a CPA

  • Mar 23, 2021

    By engaging in tax planning, you help take the guesswork and anxiety out of the tax return process. Going forward, you'll be able to anticipate and manage your tax situation, instead of accepting it as inevitable.

  • Mar 23, 2021

    When it comes to planning for the future of your family or your business, it can be a challenge to figure out if you're making all the financial right moves to achieve your goals. Having a good financial plan that focuses on your personal needs and goals is crucial and can help ensure that the money you work so hard to earn is put to the best use.

  • Mar 20, 2021

    You’ve made the decision and chosen a CPA to help you with your tax and financial needs. Congratulations!  This article covers the types of documents you want to bring when meeting with your CPA and describes the types of services he or she can provide.

  • Mar 20, 2021

    Information about CPAs and how to locate a CPA in your state.

  • Mar 20, 2021

    When deciding which tax preparer is best suited for your needs, you should keep in mind that certified public accountants offer a high level of business expertise and integrity.

  • Mar 20, 2021

    Everyone knows about CPAs, right? Although you may often hear friends talk about meeting with their CPAs at tax time or when they need critical advice, in fact many people are not really aware of what it means to be a certified public accountant or CPA and what services they offer their clients.

Videos

  • Apr 30, 2020

    How to Boost Retirement Savings 301

    Whether you’re just starting your career, or you’ve spent decades in the workforce, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of having a financially secure retirement. Check out this video featuring Matt Rosenberg, CPA/PFS and member of the AICPA’s National CPA Financial Literacy Commission to learn more.

  • Apr 30, 2020

    Emergency Preparedness Important Documents 301

    In the face of a natural disaster, having a plan in place will help to ensure you can focus on what's most important, while also minimizing the financial impact. Check out this video where Diane Wightman, CPA and member of the AICPA’s National Financial Literacy Commission goes over the key documents you’ll need to get your emergency preparedness plan started.

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