Should I Just Give The Vet Access to My Bank Account?
Should I Just Give The Vet Access to My Bank Account? By Shaun Somers I had several ideas for what to write in this month’s newsletter, but at the last minute I changed my mind due to something closer to home for me right now. By closer to home, I mean in my home. Not just in my home either, but taking my home and making it hers. On Saturday our family picked up our new puppy. We got a (currently) little brown dog that we have named Murphy. She is five-eighths Labrador retriever, and she is a great little puppy. Eventually she ...
Review of Kirk Cameron’s Monumental
Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure Produced by Kirk Cameron By K R Loos A movement of the Spirit has begun in America. While many of us have felt a sense of uneasiness and uncertainty about the future, the Holy Spirit has been stirring in the hearts of Christians across the globe, to pray for repentance and revival, knowing the only hope we have as a nation is to turn our hearts back toward God. Kirk Cameron, along with his wife, Chelsea and their six children, are one such family who have received a call from the Lord not to settle with the current ...
Why You Should Not Save Money
Why (Not) Save? By Lyndsay King I don’t know about you, but I love it when cars have special licenses plates. It adds character and personality to a vehicle and can tell you a lot about the person driving. Just recently an interesting license plate caught my eye, and not for the good. The car was high-end, the driver was in a smart looking business suit and seemed to look polished and professional. As I stopped at a stoplight, I nearly hit his car when I saw the plate that said “whysave.” Why save? Why save? Would you like the reasons in ...
Top 7 Software Programs to Prepare Your 2011 Tax Returns
by Ryan Loos
First, let me give you full disclosure with this. I am a professional paid tax preparer and would always prefer that everyone use a professional tax preparer when they are preparing their tax returns. With that said I know that many of you do not think that my services are needed, especially when there are so many tax software programs out there that are cheaper than my services. Do to this, I want to make sure that you are getting the best advice from a tax professional and not you buddy who has been audited by the IRS. Over the years, before I started purchasing a professional tax software suite, I have used many different types of tax software. I will give you my honest opinions below for each of the tax software to help you make the best decision. Please remember that if you have a question to call someone who can answer it (like the IRS, CPA, Enrolled Agent, or a licensed tax preparer).
1. TurboTax Deluxe Federal + E-File + State 2011 PC Download
This is my top choice, for you do it your selflers out there. Quick and easy, with a system that I have used in that past without any issues. Price it right and you get a ton of good advice. Plus you can download it and starting working on your taxes right away!
2. TurboTax Deluxe Federal + E-File + State 2011 CD-Rom
Number two on my list, only because you have to wait for it to be delivered. All the same great features as my number one choice!
3. TurboTax Premier Federal + E-File + State 2011 CD-Rom
For those of you out there who have a small business or a rental property, this the best choice for you. You have to know what you are doing, if you do not then my number four choice would be best for you. If you have your accounting in order and have some tax experience than you can definitely use this program.
4. TurboTax Home and Business Federal + E-File + State 2011
If you are not experienced with a filing a tax return for your small business or a rental property than this is the software for you. This software will take more time to have you complete your return, but if you need the help than this is the software for you.
5. H & R Block at Home Deluxe Federal + State + E-File 2011
Honestly, I am not a big fan of H & R Block (at least their store front tax preparation stores). The software is a little better, I do not think that it is as good as Turbotax, but for the price and if you have simple return than take a look at this software.
6. TurboTax Deluxe Federal + E-File for those of you who do not need to file a state return, save some money and use this software. Everything is the same as my number one choice, you just not get a state return with this software.
7. TurboTax Deluxe Federal + E-File + State 2011 MAC Download
Onto number seven on my list. The only reason this is rated number seven is because there are less MAC users than PC users, other than that, if you own a Mac this is the software that I would recommend, don't even bother looking at anything else.
Posted in Tax by .
Jan 12
19
New Year$ Change
New Year$ Change
by Lyndsay King
5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Happy New Year! What I love most about the new year is it allows you to start off fresh and get back on track. Most often people start setting goals that include everything from losing weight, to reading more and managing their money better. If you are one of those individuals that is looking to start off the new year right when it comes to your money, you have come to the right place!
If you are just starting off focusing on your personal finances or are fully involved in working the baby steps, I applauded you! I want to encourage you today to remember these steps when working on your budget and living within your means:
1. You can do this, all year long!
Most people start off strong and then start to slow down and stop in March and April. Why not set yourself financial goals (i.e. pay off a debt every two month, have baby step #1 by February) for each month and then have someone keep you accountable so you stay on the right track and keep motivated.
2. Budgets are revisable.
So often I find people make a budget and think that it will be perfect the first time. It will take you at least 90 days to iron out a realistic budget. You will have to add things in, adjust amounts and track out your amounts. Make sure you have monthly or even bi-monthly budget meetings as you start to work things out.
3. Overwhelmed?
Have no clue where to start? First off dedicate all your finances to the Lord. He is ultimately in charge of your money and will help and guide you in the process. Look at the budget forms we have on our website and slowly review them and start putting in your numbers. If you still think you need help, contact us. Our goal is to help you from start to finish creating a plan that will work for you. We are real people who understand what you need and want to teach it to you so you can intern help others.
Why not start off the New Year with a real change. Make 2012 a year that enhances your financial life forever. You have to take the first step which may be overwhelming but I guarantee it will be well worth it in the new. From all of us at RKL Financial, we pray the Lord's blessing on you and your family in 2012!
Posted in Dave Ramsey Debt Family Wise UP with Ryan Loos by .
Review of TurboTax TurboTax Home & Business Federal + E-file + State 2011 by Intuit, Inc
By Ryan Loos
Posted in Tax by .
Review of TurboTax Premier Federal + E-file + State 2011 by Intuit, Inc.
By Ryan Loos
Pros:
* Price includes federal E-File
* Overall, probably the best tax program there is
* Deluxe version can do a Schedule C for the self-employed – but it doesn't provide as much guidance as the Home & Business edition
* Claims "100% guaranteed accurate calculations"
Cons:
* Not perfect (but how can US taxes ever be perfect)?
Posted in Tax by .
Jan 12
19
Review of TurboTax Deluxe Federal + E-file + State 2011 (Retail and Download) by Intuit, Inc.
Review of TurboTax Deluxe Federal + E-file + State 2011 (Retail and Download) by Intuit, Inc.
Posted in Tax by .
Jan 12
3
Listing of all the Local Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Classes for the Winter/Spring 2012
As a courtesy, we have listed all of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Classes that are going on in the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara Region, Buffalo, Rochester Surrounding Areas this Winter/Spring 2012. If you have any question please feel free to give us a call. Just click on the link below to find a Financial Peace University Class in your area. We are always here to help and please never be afraid to ask us a question. Give us a call at 877-58-PEACE (73223) or email us at info@rklfinancial.com anytime!
Buffalo, NY (Western New York)
Rochester, NY (Upstate New York)
Posted in Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class Wise UP with Ryan Loos by .
As a courtesy, we have listed all of the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Classes that are going on in the Hamilton Region of Ontario and the Surrounding Areas this Winter/Spring 2012. If you have any question please feel free to give us a call or contact the church directly listed below with you questions. We are always here to help and please never be afraid to ask us a question. Give us a call at 877-58-PEACE (73223) or email us at info@rklfinancial.com anytime!
A Map Can Be Found at: www.DaveRamsey.com
Posted in Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class Wise UP with Ryan Loos by .
As a courtesy, we have listed all of the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Classes that are going on in the Niagara Region of Ontario and the Surrounding Areas this Winter/Spring 2012. If you have any question please feel free to give us a call or contact the church directly listed below with you questions. We are always here to help and please never be afraid to ask us a question. Give us a call at 877-58-PEACE (73223) or email us at info@rklfinancial.com anytime!
A Map Can Be Found at: www.DaveRamsey.com
Posted in Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class Wise UP with Ryan Loos by .
