Critchfield & Associates - Gail J Critchfield

read moreCritchfield and Associates provides a wide range of services to individuals and businesses in a variety of industries. At Critchfield and Associates, we strive to meet each client's specific needs in planning for the future and achieving their goals in an ever-changing financial and regulatory environment. At Critchfield and Associates, we guide our clients through a full range of tax planning and preparation decisions with strategies that minimize your tax liabilities, maximize your cash flow and keep you on track to your financial goals.

read moreThe first thing to do is bargain shop to make sure that the rates you are getting are reasonable in comparison to other companies. Within the policy that you have, these are a few tips that could save you a few bucks. You will need to have liability coverage, property damage, and bodily injury. This way you will be protected if you are at fault and cause damage to a person or their property. It is recommended to have $300,000 per accident to pay medical costs and other costs that may be affiliated.

read moreIt depends on factors such as 1) what kind of deal you can make with the dealership, 2) the typical mileage you put on your car, 3) how much you wear down a car, and 4) the primary use for the car. To determine whether leasing or buying is best, compare the costs and other issues involved in a lease or purchase. You first need to decide on the type, size and options of the car you would like (such as manual, automatic windows, airbags). You then need to decide what the car dealer has to pay for the car of your choice - the "invoice cost".

read moreFollowing are some generally recognized financial planning tools that may help you reduce your tax bill. Charitable Giving - Instead of selling your appreciated long-term securities, donate the stock instead and avoid paying tax on the unrealized gain while still getting a charitable tax deduction for the full fair market value. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - If you have a high deductible medical plan you can open an HSA and make tax deductible contributions to your account to pay for medical expenses.

read moreThe tax code provides a variety of tax incentives for families who are paying higher education costs or are repaying student loans. You may be able to claim an American Opportunity Credit (formerly called the Hope Credit) or Lifetime Learning Credit for the qualified tuition and related expenses of the students in your family (i.e. You may be able to deduct interest you pay on a qualified student loan. The deduction is claimed as an adjustment to income so you do not have to itemize your deductions on Schedule A Form 1040.

read moreHave you just started a new business? Did you know expenses incurred before a business begins operations are not allowed as current deductions? Generally, these start up costs must be amortized over a period of 180 months beginning in the month in which the business begins. However, based on the current tax provisions, you may elect to deduct up to $5,000 of business start-up and $5,000 of organizational costs paid or incurred. The $5,000 deduction is reduced by any start-up or organizational costs which exceed $50,000.

read moreThe first step is to figure out a realistic financial goal for yourself and your family. Talk with your loved ones to ensure that everyone has the same goals in mind. Clearly not all families will have the same end goal - figure out what is important to you, whether it is early retirement, financial comfort, children's education, travel, taking care of elders, or your children. Someone starting their savings in their early 20s can save 10% of their income and have a sufficient nest egg, while someone starting in their 40s may have to bump that number up more towards 20%.

read moreInformation and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice, or supplement the advice of a professional advisor. There is not and can not be a guarantee of their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. You are encouraged to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.