Financial Empowerment Archive: 2008–2007
December 2008:
Getting a Grip on the Stock Market
With the volatility of the stock market, savvy investors need to
reassess their risk tolerance and how they approach investing.Top-rated
financial adviser Mitch Freedman, CPA/PFS, discusses some of the advice
he is giving his own clients nowadays.
The News You Can Use segment notes that $16 billion in United States
Savings Bonds are no longer earning interest and explains how to check
the current value of a bond.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.3Mb)
Links discussed in the podcast:
www.aicpa.org
|
www.treasurydirect.gov
November 2008:
Is Bankruptcy for You?
Bankruptcy may seem an easy way out of debt, but it can seriously harm
your credit score and has long-term financial implications. CPA Parisa
Nesva Derani of Menlo Park, Calif., explains the different types of
bankruptcy and why you should consider other options before filing for
bankruptcy.
The News You Can Use segment discusses what you can do if your credit
card company sends you a rate-increase notice.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.3Mb)
Links discussed in the podcast:
www.nfcc.org
|
www.nacba.com
|
www.federalreserve.gov
• October 2008:
Make a Date to Plan Finances
Good financial planning requires an annual review of your
investments,insurance policies, will and other important documents.
Brooke Salvini,a San Luis Obispo CPA/PFS, encourages listeners to set
aside a specific time to collect those documents and see if you need to
update how your financial resources are allocated.
The News You Can Use segment highlights scams the Federal Trade
Commission is warning the public about.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.5Mb)
Links discussed in the podcast:
www.agingwithdignity.org
|
www.ftc.gov
• September 2008:
Lower Taxes Before Year End
Don't wait until Dec. 31 to find ways to reduce your 2008 income
taxes.Start planning now to take advantage of deductions, exemptions,
andcredits you may be entitled to. Brooke Salvini, a San Luis
ObispoCPA/PFS, shares her ideas on how to lower your tax bill.
The News You Can Use segment explains why most bank depositors should
have confidence in the safety of their accounts.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.6Mb)
• August 2008:
Benefits of New Housing Act
CPA and Attorney Scott Haislet explains how the Housing and Economic
Recovery Act of 2008 can help you with the purchase of a home. The
legislation includes a $7,500 tax credit for first-time purchasers. That
essentially is an interest-free loan.
The News You Can Use segment discusses special tax deductions available
to military personnel and volunteer firefighters.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3Mb)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.hud.gov
|
www.govtrack.us
• July 2008: Maximizing Your Retirement Accounts
Want to have millions to play with when you retire? Start early and
contribute often to your retirement account. That's the message of Rob
Seltzer, a Beverly Hills CPA and Personal Financial Planner.
The News You Can Use segment discusses the need to secure important
records prior to a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
Download the podcast
(Mp3)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.360financialliteracy.org
• June 2008:
Getting Control of Your Debt
Overextended on your credit cards? Do you have difficulties paying your
bills? If debt is overwhelming you, San Jose CPA Dan Morris offers
advice on how you can control your current debt and suggests ways you
can minimize debt problems in the future.
The News You Can Use segment focuses on the benefits for small
businesspeople and entrepreneurs that are in the federal government's
economic stimulus package.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 5.4 MB)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.nfcc.org
|
www.sba.org
• May 2008:
How to Teach Children About Money
Parents should teach children about the value of a dollar as early as
possible,believes CPA Jason Melillo. He's helping his own children
understand financial concepts through games and by getting them to find
ways to save for a trip to Disney World. Melillo provides additional
tips that can make learning about money fun for both parents and
children.
The News You Can Use segment notes the growing longevity of Americans
and what people should do to minimize financial worries in their later
years.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.6 MB)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.360financialliteracy.org
|
www.familyeducation.com
• April 2008:
How Small Businesses Can Succeed in a Recession
Isa recession good for small business? That sounds counterintuitive, but
if a small business pays careful attention to both its numbers and its
customers, it may even thrive during an economic downturn. CPA and
business consultant Gloria Birnkrant explains what small businesspersons
need to do to keep their firms profitable.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 2.6 MB)
• March 2008:
How a Recession Affects Home Sales
With housing prices dropping and many homeowners facing foreclosure
because they can no longer afford their mortgage, this may not be the
right time to sell your house ... or maybe it is. It depends on more
thanjust what is happening in the economy. Tustin CPA Bob Weinberg
provides some guidance for sellers and buyers in today's housing market.
In the News you Can Use segment, learn why requesting direct deposit for
your tax refund will speed up your tax rebate. And it also helps if you
have a Social Security number whose last two digits are 20 or below.
Links discussed in podcast:
www.yourhome.ca.gov
|
www.rcac.org
|
www.irs.gov
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 4.4 MB)
• February 2008:
Recession-Proof Your Retirement
If a recession comes and you are nearing retirement, you'll need the
proper mix of investments as well as strong saving habits to ensure a
comfortable lifestyle in the years ahead. Dan Thomas, Newport Beach CPA
and a personal financial specialist, explains what you can do to retire
with a decent nest egg even if the economy suffers a setback.
In the News You Can Use segment, you'll learn how you can send your
child or grandchild to an elite, private university for next to nothing.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 5.4 MB)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.ssa.gov
|
www.medicare.gov
• January 2008:
Credit Card Fraud
Keeping credit cards and their numbers safe should be a top priority for
every consumer. Thieves can easily steal credit card numbers as well as
personal identification numbers (PINs) from people who log onto
unsecured websites or who don't monitor their cards while making
purchases. San Diego CPA Minel Diaz provides advice on how you can
minimize the possibility of credit card fraud.
The News You Can Use segment has some suggestions regarding wise use of
the tax rebate the federal government likely will give taxpayers.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.6 MB)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.experian.com
|
www.transunion.com
|
www.equifax.com
• December 2007:
Registered Investment Advisers
Putting together a good portfolio of investments requires the advice of
an expert, such as a registered investment adviser. Sheryl Rowling, a
San Diego CPA, explains the differences between a fee-based RIA firm and
a broker, who usually works on commission. You'll learn how to select
an investment adviser and more wisely invest your hard-earned money. In
the News You Can Use segment, learn about recent activity by the Federal
Reserve Board that could reduce the likelihood of another subprime
mortgage crisis.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 4.9 Mb)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.federalreserve.gov
•
November 2007:
529 Plans
A great way to save for a college education--whether it be for your
child or yourself--is through a 529 Plan. Every state offers 529 plans,
which allow you to place money into investments that grow tax-deferred
and which can ultimately pay most or all of college educational
expenses. CPA Joe Kovar, who has helped numerous clients set up 529
plans, explains how they work. The podcast also discusses student loan
consolidations, and why recent graduates might consider waiting until
next summer to consolidate their loans.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 4.6 Mb)
Links discussed in podcast:
www.savingforcollege.com
|
www.scholarshare.com
|
www.finaid.org
• October 2007:
Disaster Preparedness
The fires that swept through Southern California at the end of October
underscore the importance of disaster preparedness. Everyone should make
sure that important records are secure from fire damage. CPA Mitch
Freedman, an expert in disaster preparedness, provides advice based on
his own experiences, not only with the fire that approached his own
Malibu home but also with the Northridge earthquake of 1994.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 4.6 Mb)
•
September 2007:
Financial Adviser Team
Los Angeles CPA Harold Katz explains why everyone could use a team of
advisers to provide a lifetime of financial guidance. He recommends that
the team consist of a life insurance agent, a disability insurance
agent, an investment adviser, a trust and estate attorney, and a
certified public accountant. The podcast also provides information about
checking on the background of the advisers. The News You Can Use
feature explains how to save money when using ATMs.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 4.8 Mb)
Link discussed in podcast:
www.finra.org
. • August 2007:
Financial Aspects of Divorce, Part Two
Inthe second of two podcasts on how divorce affects a couple's
financialsituation, CPA Leslie Dawson talks about the tax consequences
ofspousal support, selling the family home and the monetary aspects
ofremarriage. She even notes that sometimes couples thinking of
divorcemay have second thoughts once they carefully review their
financialsituation.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.3 Mb)
Links discussed in the podcast:
www.courtinfo.ca.gov
(Family Court Services Programs) |
www.calbar.ca.gov
(California State Bar)
•
July 2007:
Financial Aspects of Divorce, Part One
Peoplethinking about divorcing their spouse should review their
financialsituation before filing the paperwork. In the first of two
podcastsabout the financial aspects of divorce, CPA Leslie Dawson
discusses howdivorce affects a couple's income tax situation, their
investments,life insurance, retirement plans and their joint holdings,
such asresidences and businesses.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 3.3 Mb)
•
June 2007:
The Tax Advantages of Buying a Home
Buying a home not only results in a place to live, it also
providesseveral tax advantages. Angie Grainger, CPA/PFS, discusses
expensesthat can be deducted as well as those that can't. She also
explainssome of the resources that can be tapped for the down payment
and loan.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 11.9 Mb)
•
April and May 2007:
Good Habits For Keeping Out of Debt
(Parts 1 and 2)
Just knowing that we need to save more isn't always enough. These
valuable tips will help you become more aware of your spending habits
and will help you develop the necessary discipline to get back into
financial shape.
Download the podcast
Part One (Mp3, 11.7 Mb)
Download the podcast
Part Two (Mp3, 12.4 Mb)
•
March 2007:
Your Retirement: Start Saving Early
If you want a comfortable lifestyle in your 70s and 80s you should start
saving for it in your 20s. This edition of Financial Empowerment helps
you get started.
Download the podcast
(Mp3, 11.4 Mb)
•
January and February 2007:
Prepare Now for Filing Your 2007 Taxes
(Parts 1 and 2)
Putting money in the collection plate every Sunday? Get a receipt!
Learn about the new rules for deductions that will affect your 2007
taxes.
Download the podcast
Part One (Mp3, 6.2 Mb)
Download the podcast
Part Two (Mp3, 5.8 Mb)
•
November and December 2006:
Renting an Apartment
(Parts 1 and 2)
There’s more to renting an apartment than the monthly check to
thelandlord. There’s also the security deposit, utility bills,
insurance,and other costs. Even your commute can affect whether or not
anapartment is right for you. CPA Mitch Freedman points out what
otherfactors you need to consider before signing a lease in our
secondpodcast about renting an apartment.
Download the podcast
Part One (Mp3, 6.1 Mb)
Download the podcast
Part Two (Mp3, 6.1 Mb)
• September and October 2006:
Identity Theft
(Parts 1 and 2)
Do you need identity theft insurance? Young adults who are the prime
target of identity thieves might want to consider it. In our second
podcast about identity theft, Michael Eisenberg, CPA, offers additional
advice about ways to reduce your chances of having your identity stolen
and what you can do should you be a victim.
Download the podcast
Part One (Mp3, 5.2 Mb)
Download the podcast
Part Two (Mp3, 6.6 Mb)
April 2007 Business and Industry Audio Conference Call
The Wonderful World of Insurance
Ann Krilanovich, Insurace Dynamics
Date: April 17, 2007
Length: About 60 minutes
Download the podcast
[10.5 MB - MP3]
Download the presentation
[PDF]
March 2007 Business and Industry Audio Conference Call
COSO Framework: Applications for Smaller Public Companies
Speaker: Bepsy Strrasburg, BDO Seidman
Date: March 20, 2007
Length: About 60 minutes
Download the podcast
[23 MB - MP3]
Download the PowerPoint presentation
[PDF]
November 2006 Business and Industry Audio Conference Call
COSO Best Practices for Small Companies
Speaker: Larry Russell, Biz.com
Date: November 11, 2006
Length: About 1 hour
Download the podcast
[11.1 MB, MP3]
Other Podcasts
Income Tax Treaties
Length: About 1 hour
Download
[15 MB, WMA]
Tri-National Transfer Pricing Issues
Length: About 1 hour
Download
[13.5 MB, WMA]
Computer Tips, Tricks and Upgrades
Speaker: Jeff Levy, host, KNX's "Computer News"
Length: About 1 hour
Download
[22 MB, WMA]
E-crime Prevention
Speaker: Joel Rakow, director of eCrimes Practice, Tatum Partners
Length: About 1 hour
Download
[18 MB, WMA]
Download the presentation
[PDF]
