Blog Archives

The Importance of Beneficiary Designations

When was the last time you checked your beneficiary designations for your retirement accounts that were established years ago?  Beneficiaries are the individuals or entities (such as a charity) that you name to receive these assets upon your death.  You


Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Difference Between an IRA and a Roth IRA

Deciding whether to open an IRA or  a Roth IRA is a major decision with potentially large financial consequences. Both forms of the IRA are great ways to save for retirement, although each offers different advantages and rules. 


Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Difference between an Employee and an Independent Contractor

Employers must make a determination whether someone who works for them is an employee or an independent contractor. To assist them with this, the IRS has issued the “Twenty Factor Test”.  Here are the tests an employer applies in order


Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Four Reasons to Review Your Withholding and Estimated Tax Payments Now

The first half of the year is in the books.  It’s time to take a look at your withholding and estimated tax payments.  Why is this important?  To avoid any potential penalty for underpayment of estimated taxes. 


Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why Every Week is "Shark Week" for the Self-Employed in Connecticut

This is “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel.  We are (not so gently) reminded not to swim with the sharks. For the self-employed in Connecticut, every week is “Shark Week”.  A self-employed person is someone who runs their business as


Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,