Posts by Jane Thier
Tax Credits & Deductions
Are Closing Costs Tax-Deductible?
When you’re filing your taxes, there’s a whole lot to consider. From figuring out who counts as a dependent to organizing your income streams, you may find the process a bit overwhelming. And if you’re a new homeowner tackling mortgage… read more…
401(k)
401(k) Contribution Limits for 2025
Contributing to your 401(k) is a great way to prepare for retirement, allowing for tax-deferred growth and, in some cases, employer matching contributions. If you really want to boost your savings, you might even contribute the maximum to the account. For… read more…
Pensions & Other Retirement Accounts
Missouri Retirement System
The state retirement system of Missouri covers the multiple types of employees working on behalf of the state. The Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) was established in 1957. Under the management of a board of trustees, it currently provides retirement benefits to most state public employees. MOSERS delivers those retirement benefits through pension trust funds.… read more…
Pensions & Other Retirement Accounts
Mississippi Retirement System
The state retirement system of Mississippi consists of seven different retirement plans to account for the multiple types of employees working for the state. It’s important to understand how your pension plan works and what you can count on for… read more…
Retirement Planning
South Dakota Retirement System
The state retirement system of South Dakota covers the multiple types of employees working on behalf of the state. The South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) is a cost-sharing, multi-employer retirement system for public employees, and it supports over 200,000 participants.… read more…
Pensions & Other Retirement Accounts
Maryland Retirement System
The state retirement system of Maryland consists of seven different retirement plans to cover the multiple types of state employees. Before we dive deep into the intricacies of each system, take the time to brush up on pensions. If you… read more…
Pensions & Other Retirement Accounts
Indiana Retirement System
The state retirement system of Indiana comprises several different retirement plans to cover the wide range of public employees working on behalf of the state. As pension systems can be complex, you may value some extra assistance in understanding the… read more…
Retirement
Perpetuity: What Is It and Can You Buy One?
Simply put, a perpetuity in the financial world is the present value of a stream of cash that goes on into the future, forever. Though cash payments are infinite, it’s possible to calculate their present total value because the value… read more…
Roth & Traditional IRAs
What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA, and Is It Right for You?
If you’re looking to get ahead on planning for retirement, individual retirement accounts, or IRAs are great tool. An IRA is a tax-advantaged vehicle that helps you grow your retirement savings over time. Roth IRAs are particularly attractive, because you don’t pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement. There’s one problem: You can’t contribute to a… read more…
Retirement Taxes
EA vs. CPA: What’s the Difference Between These Certifications?
When it comes to accounting and tax planning, you may get easily confused amid the sea of acronyms. But a solid understanding of certain accreditations is key if you’re looking for a licensed tax professional to guide you through your… read more…
Mortgage Basics
What Is a Mortgage Prepayment Penalty?
When you take on a mortgage loan, you may be so laser-focused on reducing your debt load that you get overeager and make payments ahead of schedule. But your exuberance and diligence can actually have a negative effect. If you… read more…
Mortgage Basics
What Are Gift Letters for a Mortgage?
When it comes to owning a home, shouldering the burden of a hefty down payment and paying off your mortgage over many years can be daunting. For that reason, it would be pretty hard to turn down a generous cash gift a few months prior to securing your mortgage. But how do you take this cash and… read more…
Mortgage Basics
What Are the Requirements for a Construction Loan?
If you’re looking to build your dream house or tackle a renovation, you may want to secure a construction loan. This describes a sum of money you receive to help finance your building costs. But borrowing money in this way… read more…
Bank Reviews & Comparisons
U.S. Bank vs. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp, better known as U.S. Bank, are ranked third and seventh as biggest banks in America, so if you’re looking for prestige and confidence in opening a reliable checking account, you can’t go wrong either way.… read more…
Mortgage Basics
Jumbo Loan Limits for 2025
When you’re securing a loan for a particularly expensive house, a regular mortgage may not suffice. For 2023, if your required loan amount surpasses the $726,200 conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in most counties, then… read more…
Mortgage Basics
What Is a Balloon Loan?
Typically when you buy a home and can’t afford to pay the full price up front, you get a mortgage. You make a down payment first, and then you’ll make loan payments every month over a number of years based… read more…
Mortgage Basics
How Do Construction Loans Work?
Buying a home is no small decision, but when it comes to building a home, the stakes are even higher. Between finding the right contracting company, meeting building codes and figuring out your mortgage payments, building your home can quickly become a… read more…