SC Educational Radio Interview

This morning I was interviewed by Mike Switzer on The South Carolina Business Review broadcast on the SC Educational Radio Network. We spoke about per stirpes designations for beneficiaries, beneficiary designation forms, the need for durable power of attorney, and transfer on death and pay on death accounts.

I have received calls looking for more information on these topics so I am posting links to the articles that have discussed those topics on this blog. Hope this makes it easier to find.

Per Stirpes
Beneficiary Designation Forms
Durable Power of Attorney
Transfer on Death, Pay on Death

Free Personal Finance Software

Buddi is a open source cross platform program to help you budget and track bills, investments, and savings. Find out where your money is going and bring some discipline to your finances. To download this java based program you can go here.

Microsoft Small Business Summit

Microsoft is hosting an online summit for small business. Starting March 19 and continuing until the 23rd you can attend online from your home or office. Featured speakers include Julie Clark founder of Baby Einstein (and introduced during the last state of the union address) on branding, Guy Kawasaki, former Apple Computer marketing Guru on creating new products and services, and Rich and Jeff Sloan host of Start up Nation on how to turn your business dream into reality.
You can get the details and register here.

How Long to Keep Financial Documents

I get this question a lot so I am really happy to pass along this link to Sound Money Tips on what to keep, what to trash, and when. Just a couple of notes I want to add.

• Trade Confirmations should be filed with your tax return records when the position is closed. The only reason to keep them after you've closed a position is if the IRS wants to see them so put them where you can find them if they are asked for.

• Brokerage Statements - Keep for one year then shred.
  

photo courtesy of earl53@morguefile.com