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What Goes Into a Health and Wellness Program

A 2016 report from the Society for Human Resource Management found that 78% of surveyed businesses offered wellness benefits to their employees. It’s true that wellness programs are most common in large corporations, but small companies also can offer these benefits and reap the advantages. Generally, wellness programs may improve worker morale and perhaps lead to greater retention of key employees.... Read More

Investing in Gold Can be Taxing

Investment asset classes include precious metals, especially gold. Enthusiasts cite several reasons for including gold in a diversified portfolio. If governments print money to cover increasing obligations, gold may act as an inflation hedge. Moreover, gold can offer a safe haven in times of geopolitical upheaval: in mid-2016, for example, when Great Britain voted to leave the European Union (Brexit) and... Read More

Custom TDFs: A Fast-Growing Investment Segment

According to Morningstar, target-date funds (TDFs) attracted nearly $70 billion in 2015. Another research firm, Cerulli Associates, has predicted that 88% of new 401(k) contributions will go into TDFs by the end of 2019. As this market expands, new versions are appearing: the “custom” TDF has been labeled the fastest growing segment. The rise of custom TDFs is somewhat ironic, as these funds are meant... Read More

Taxable or Tax-Deferred? Drawing on Your Retirement

Some people enter retirement holding an IRA as well as a taxable account. If cash is needed, they often choose to take the money from the taxable account. Example 1: Joy Larson needs $4,000 a month from her portfolio in retirement to supplement her Social Security income. The money in her traditional IRA was rolled over from Joy’s 401(k) plan at work. All the money in her 401(k) was pretax, so IRA... Read More

PTO: How to Avoid Policy Confusion

Employers may think it’s ironic that would-be workers often focus on how much time they won’t be working, when they consider job offers. However, it’s clear that offering time off may help to attract and retain valued employees. For business owners, the key is to develop a policy that provides flexibility and downtime without harming the company’s productivity. Broadly speaking, company-paid days... Read More

HLB International Appoints New Members in China and Malta

HLB International, one of the leading global accountancy networks with presence in 130 countries, continues its growth with the recent signing of new members in China and Malta. China GP CPAs LLP joins the network in Guangzhou, the capital and largest city of Guangdong Province in South China. Established in 1981, the firm is not only the eldest accounting firm in Guangdong, but also the top ranking... Read More

Campus Tax Credits Top Tax Deductions

Besides financial aid, specific tax benefits can reduce the net cost of sending a child to college. Among the three major tax breaks—American Opportunity Tax Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, tuition and fees deduction—you can claim only one on your tax return. American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) This credit, which recently was extended through 2017, typically will be the best choice for parents of... Read More

Make the Most of College Financial Aid

The net price of higher education will depend on the amount of financial aid that’s received. The greater the financial aid, the lower the net cost of college. In order to obtain financial aid, a key step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a complex form with many questions; its aim is to get a picture of a student’s family income and assets. Some of the... Read More

Are You Giving Up Free Money?

Many companies offer 401(k) or similar retirement plans to their employees, and an employer match might be available. If that’s the case, you should contribute to the plan at least enough to get the full match. Example 1: Melissa North earns $80,000 a year. Her company’s 401(k) plan offers a full match for up to 6% of salary. Therefore, Melissa should contribute at least $4,800 (6% of $80,000) to her... Read More