Difference Between Fiscal and Monetary Policy

What’s the difference between Fiscal and Monetary policy?

It seems like discussions about these 2 similar, but very different, topics are forever getting confused.

If you’re worried about taxes, deficits, and the debt, is that a fiscal or monetary issue?

I want you to know the difference so you’re the smart one at the cocktail party discussion.

 

Roths and Tax Rates

2010 is the year of the Roth Conversion and maybe the end of lower taxes.

In 2010 there are unique Roth Conversion rules that expire at the end of the year.

With higher tax rates next year, what should you do?

Listen to my video below to find out why this is so important.

 

Tax Rates Hikes

As a follow up to my video in the next blog, unless Congress passes a new tax law in a lame duck session by the end of the year, higher taxes are in your future.

Here’s the chart

 

Ten Things Making Me Nervous

If you look back at my 3rd Quarter Preview (here) I mentioned I forecast the 3rd quarter would be up. That’s proving to be a great move (if I do say so myself).

But what makes me nervous?

This article sums up a lot of my feelings.

Does that mean I’m bearish for the 4th Quarter?

I guess you’ll have to wait until my 4th Quarter preview in a couple of weeks to find out.

Click on this link for FULL  ARTICLE

 

Tax Cuts for Some, but AMT for All

President Obama came out this week in support of making the Bush tax rate cuts permanent for those making $250,000 or less.

Good move, and let’s see what happens in Congress with this hot potato.

Is anyone talking about Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)? No.

The AMT is scheduled to sunset too, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates the number of people this affects will jump from 4.5 million taxpayers to 27 million in 2011.

Click on these links to see a few tax cut articles.

 About Those Tax Increases for the “Rich”

Finally, Some Pragmatism from Obama