Author Archives: Helen
Inflationary Fears
Growing up, we never discussed the stock market. It just wasn't part of my household, my neighborhood, or (to my recollection) the national zeitgeist. My parents probably had some money…
Folding money
What do you get when you cross an artist with a $20 bill? Apparently the answer is: Art. Moneygami is origami with money -- especially when the final design highlights…
Let’s Hear It For Camp Winnebucca!
You can claim the cost of your child's summer camp as a dependent care expense if: the camp is essentially providing child care so that you and your spouse can…
The Gold Star Portfolio
"The next thing I say to you will be true. The last thing I said was a lie." -- Devo Two weeks ago, I wrote about my Three-Minute Portfolio based…
The Three-Minute Portfolio
"The perfect is the enemy of the good" -- Voltaire "I'm finally ready to begin investing, but I don't know where to begin. Stocks. Bonds. Mutual funds. ETF's. It's all…
Can an S corporation save me money?
With the economy in the doldrums, many folks are starting businesses to bring in a little side money. If you decide this is for you, there are a few important…
Comparing asset allocation: Schwab vs. Morningstar vs. Fidelity
Asset allocation is perhaps the most important consideration when designing an investment portfolio. Selecting an appropriate mix of stocks, bonds, and cash and maintaining the proportions through regular rebalancing, is…
NPR interview on end-of-life planning for same-sex parents
Yesterday, NPR had a short interview on end-of-life planning for same-sex parents: As a follow-up to a recent Tell Me More conversation focused on ways parents can plan ahead for…
Making sure it all adds up
The IRS will be holding a series of public discussions for input on establishing standards for tax preparers. It's about time, I say. July 14, 2009: The Internal Revenue Service…
No aversion to conversion: IRA to Roth
Gay and lesbian couples who choose to have children often do so later in life. After all, no children are conceived "accidentally" in LGBT families. A parent who chooses to…