E-CPA – November 2008

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
1. WARHAFTIG & ASSOCIATES, CPA Update
2. Important Dates – Mark Your Calendar
3. 2009 Financial Fitness Calendar Now Available
4. This Month’s Podcast: 401(k) Plans
5. Five Steps to Help Keep More Money in Your Pocket
6. Take Advantage of College Tax Breaks
7. Making the Most of Student Loans
8. Legal Documents You Need to Have
9. Additional Headlines

1. Warhaftig & Associates, CPA UPDATE

We are working to get our website and e-mail up and running over the next few months. This site will give you access to financial calculators, helpful and websites as well as other important information. It will also contain an archive of all the previous newsletters for your review.

Appointments are now being taken for tax planning (get a jump on next year and don’t be surprised), financial planning (investing, retirement, debt and credit card assistance) or anything else that we can be of assistance. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us.

2. IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Please call if you are required to submit “estimated taxes” for the year. Remember that if you need to submit state estimated taxes, they should be submitted prior to December 31, 2008 so that they can be used on your federal return.

3. 2009 FINANCIAL FITNESS CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE

The New Jersey Society of CPAs just released its 2009 Financial Fitness Calendar. This FREE calendar serves as an easy-to-follow resource guide, with handy tips and tools for improving your financial health. Get your free copy today!
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/resources/calendar.cfm

4. THIS MONTH’S PODCAST: 401(K) PLANS

In the current economy, as employees’ 401(k) balances go on a rollercoaster ride, hear from a New Jersey Society of CPAs financial planning expert on 401(k) plan basics: why it’s a useful investment vehicle, the different plan options and more. In part two of this informative podcast, our expert talks about investing in a plan and withdrawing funds: how risk and time impact a portfolio, accessing funds and tax penalties for early withdrawal.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=13517

5. FIVE STEPS TO HELP KEEP MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET

Skyrocketing gas prices have gotten a lot of media attention this year, but most consumers have noticed that the costs of many basic goods have also crept higher, taking a toll on their monthly budgets. Here are suggestions on the best ways to boost the cash in your pocket.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=13523

6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COLLEGE TAX BREAKS

Some parents spend years saving for their children’s college education, while others scramble to find last-minute scholarships and loans. No matter which approach you’ve taken, there are a number of tax breaks available for qualifying taxpayers paying education bills.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=13521

7. MAKING THE MOST OF STUDENT LOANS

This is the time of year many high school seniors are finalizing their decisions about which colleges they will apply to. That means it’s time for their parents to give serious consideration to how they are going to pay for that college education. Here are some smart financing ideas.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=13519

8. LEGAL DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO HAVE

It’s a good idea for everyone to take steps to ensure that their wishes are carried out in case of their illness or death. There are a number of legal documents that can communicate your wishes and make life easier for your loved ones.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?sid=13522

9. ADDITIONAL HEADLINES

Consumers Feel the Next Crisis: It’s Credit Cards
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/business/29credit.html?_r=1&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin

Three Insurance Policies You Don’t Need to Buy
http://www.smartmoney.com/Spending/Rip-offs/3-Insurance-Policies-Worth-Skipping/

Six Ways to Save on Homeowners Insurance
http://www.smartmoney.com/Spending/Deals/6-Ways-to-Save-on-Homeowners-Insurance/

E-CPA is a monthly email publication provided by:
Warhaftig & Associates, CPA
64 Hickory Court
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
(732) 521-3694
www.WarhaftigAssociates.com