Sarah Mahaffa

CARES Act: Benefits for Families

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The almost 900 pages of legislation are jam-packed with programs designed to help taxpayers navig... Read More

FAFSA: The First Step in Financial Aid

It’s that time of year!  If you have a student entering or returning to college in the fall of 2020, now’s the time to start the financial aid process.  An hour of your time could mean thousands of...... Read More

Can You Recoup College Expenses with Tax Credits?

August is here and before long students will be off to college. If you have a college-bound student, you’ve already marked a lot of financial steps off your list, things like completing the financi...... Read More

O-Zone Investing

The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017 created a new type of tax benefit that Forbes dubbed "the most unbelievable tax break ever?" It's all about investing in "Opportunity Zones" (O-Zones). Could this be...... Read More

Medicare and HSAs: Don’t Get Caught in the Dark

Are you approaching age 65? If so, Medicare enrollment information will soon fill your mailbox. Does everyone need to enroll in Part A and Part B at age 65?  No!  In fact, if you're contributing to...... Read More

Gray Divorce: What You Should Know

If you’re age 50 or older and getting a divorce after a long-time marriage, you aren’t alone. According to a Pew Research Center report, the U.S. divorce rate for that age group has practically...... Read More

Inside Scoop on the New Kiddie Tax

Historically, high-income families moved investments into the names of their children so their investment income would be taxed at a lower rate. Congress wasn’t a fan of this strategy and retaliate...... Read More

Retirement Communities – What’s The Appeal?

If you are retired, or soon to be, selling your home may be a consideration. But before you downsize to a smaller home, check out Continuing Care Retirement Communities. They have a big advantage o...... Read More

Retirement: The Exception to The Rule

Have you thought about retiring early, but concerned about meeting expenses before your Social Security or pension kicks in? Investigate tapping into your retirement account. There are ways to avoi...... Read More

Is Your Money Safe?

Should you be worried about your money? One-hundred and forty banks failed in 2009. Seven banks have failed so far in 2017! Are you at risk? The good news is FDIC and SIPC insurance protects us fro...... Read More