Integrity Investment Advisors » Financial Tips

Tip from Tony: Credit Monitoring and Reporting

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 07:22:44 +0000

We have clients that either did not know their credit history or did not know that they were eligible to receive one free credit report a year. By reviewing your credit report regularly, you are able to:

Review credit account histories to determine, inaccurate or incorrect information.
Detect unauthorized activity or fraud
View activity from all three credit reporting bureaus
See who’s pulled your credit
See your public information, such as addresses, etc
Dispute inaccurate information
For a fee, you can also pay to see your credit score

If you would like help in getting your free credit report, please call (913) 897-2074 and we will walk you through the process.

Tip from Tony: Let IIA Help With Your Next New Car Purchase

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 07:11:05 +0000

In the past, several clients have come to us asking for help with their new car purchase. If you would like us to help price your next new car, just let us know. We just need to know what make, model and options you want? Here are some of the steps we use to put your car out to bid.

Research dealer invoice prices through Edmunds.com
Locate any dealer incentives, rebates and special financing options
Send the car out to bid to multiple dealers for anonymous pricing
Arrange Trade-ins if applicable
Negotiate a final price
You pick up your new car, no haggling, no surprises.

To learn more about this service, complete our inquiry form or contact us at (913) 897-2074 or info@iia-kc.com.

Tip From Tony: Are You Paying for College but Missing Out on a Tax Deduction?

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 07:08:42 +0000

Many parents believe that once their child enters college that it is too large to fund a college savings program. This is partially true. Even if you are paying college expenses out of pocket, you should still consider opening and funding a 529 plan.

The intent is not to accumulate a large balance for future college expenses, but to take advantage of the tax deduction offered by the various states. For example, Kansas allows a dollar-for-dollar deduction of up to $6,000 per child from your Kansas taxable income for contributions to a qualified 529-college program.

If the Kansas income tax rate is say 6%, then contributing $6,000 into the program would save you $360/year in Kansas state income taxes.

But what about market fluctuation, and the need to pay the tuition now and not in future years?

Simple, just deposit the funds into the money market option inside the 529 program, and a month later withdraw it to pay college expenses. You are able to use the funds for current college expenses, not be subject to any market risk and claim a deduction from your Kansas taxable income. Missouri residents have a similar state income deductions option, only it is limited to $8,000 per parent with a maximum deduction of $16,000 per couple.