The emotions that your brain creates can lead to disaster if you do not know how to recognize where your decisions and actions are coming from (analytical side of the brain or emotional instinct to avoid risk).
Remember when you are wondering if the financial markets are going up or down the answer is always, “YES”
For more information, visit the show notes at http://www.moneyguy.com/2007/12/money-and-your-brain-amt-update
If you are a Georgia listener then Christmas has come early this year. As of December 11th the GA 529 plan has been drastically improved (probably because of the pressure of competition between the different 529 plans). The big improvements included:
** Georgia state income tax deduction update – For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2007, contributions to an account are deductible up to $2,000 on behalf of any Beneficiary for Georgia income tax purposes. A Georgia taxpayer is not required to itemize his or her deductions to make this adjustment to income. Furthermore, there are no longer annual income limitations to claim this deduction.
For more information, visit the show notes at http://www.moneyguy.com/2007/12/ga-education-update-financial-leftovers-and-sex-drugs-hedge-funds/
Current events are impacting the world of personal finance and the financial markets. Many of you have asked me to provide more input on current financial events, and if you are one of those listeners you will get more than your fill with this show.
For more information, visit the show notes at http://www.moneyguy.com/2007/12/mortgage-plan-review-e-commerce-booming-and-candidates-take-on-social-security
The White House lowers ’08 economic forecast (click here for more information)
October foreclosure filings up 94% over last year (click here for more information)
I did not want you to think that I was only pulling out the bad news… I did want to give you a little ray of hope with this article:
Q3 economic growth fastest in four years, revision shows (click here for more information)
** "Free" credit reports **
Many of you have probably figured this out. It appears that the credit reporting companies have figured out how to squeeze a ton of profit out of consumers for something that is suppose to be "Free".
For more information, visit the show notes at http://www.moneyguy.com/2007/12/the-economy-free-credit-reports-and-improving-your-401k