Mortgage Acceleration

This calculator can help you determine how soon you can pay off your mortgage.

Life Expectancy

Knowing your likely life expectancy is an important factor in making long-term financial plans.

Loan Payoff

How much will it cost to pay off a loan over its lifetime?

Savings Goals

How much do you need to save each year to meet your long-term financial goals?

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The Difference Between the Debt and the Deficit

The terms "debt" and "deficit" are often used interchangeably to describe the federal government's financial situation, yet they have significantly different meanings. This explanation of the budget deficit and the national debt may help readers understand the conversation.

HOT TOPIC: The Federal Estate Tax Is Back and May Be Here to Stay

The estate tax has been reinstated after being allowed to lapse in 2010. The new estate tax provisions are the most generous in decades — but they are temporary. A far more stringent estate tax is slated to take effect after 2012. Fortunately, a properly structured trust may help some families reduce their potential exposure to the estate tax.

Another Economic Stimulus

Temporary incentives could affect businesses of all sizes. Although Congress was unable to tackle the controversial issue of future income tax rates before the 2010 midterms, it quietly passed a little-noticed tax package, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2009 (H.R. 5297), that may benefit small businesses and even individual taxpayers.

Evaluating Life Insurance Needs

It's a good idea for people to evaluate their life insurance coverage to help ensure it keeps pace with their needs. Not only do major life events affect the amount of coverage that may be needed, but inflation can reduce the purchasing power of the death benefit and a greater benefit may be needed to cover estate taxes and other debts.

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