The FFS Blog http://ffscambridge.com/blog Updates, Notes, and Thoughts on Financial Planning - Fisher Financial Strategies, Cambridge, MA en tom@ffscambridge.com Copyright 2009 2009-07-16T18:23:00-05:00 42.362297-71.084129http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.gifSome Rights Reserved MA Secretary of State Investigating Leveraged Exchange-Traded Funds http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/bLCPGGjVX-o/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ma_secretary_of_state_investigating_leveraged_exchange_traded_funds/#When:17:23:00Z As more attention is focused on to the risks of leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), regulators are starting to investigate how they’re being sold to retail investors.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-07-16T17:23:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ma_secretary_of_state_investigating_leveraged_exchange_traded_funds/#When:17:23:00Z 10 Ways to Support Charity Through Social Media http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Sx94AXXOgRQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/10_ways_to_support_charity_through_social_media/#When:15:00:00Z New social media, like many relatively recent offspring of the internet, are in some ways an invention in search of a need. One thing that social media can be useful for is as a means to support and encourage your favorite charities.

Read the full article

]]> Blogging, News, Taxes, Charitable Deductions, Truly Random 2009-07-14T15:00:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/10_ways_to_support_charity_through_social_media/#When:15:00:00Z Fine Dining for the Thrifty: Restaurant Week Comes to Boston in August http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/rbVX_ebmboo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/fine_dining_for_the_thrifty_restaurant_week_comes_to_boston_in_august/#When:15:13:00Z Although I’m not a true “foodie,” I do enjoy a good meal. I enjoy saving money, too. Restaurant Week enables me to do both simultaneously. Now in its ninth year in Boston, Restaurant Week offers an opportunity for locals to sample the offerings of pricey restaurants at a discount. Moreover, there are Restaurant Weeks in other cities.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food, Saving 2009-07-10T15:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/fine_dining_for_the_thrifty_restaurant_week_comes_to_boston_in_august/#When:15:13:00Z Taleb On Distinguishing Between Investing Skill and Random Chance http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/xpaUGtML9rI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/taleb_on_distinguishing_between_investing_skill_and_random_chance/#When:11:57:00Z Several weeks ago I found time to read Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s Fooled By Randomness. This book, entertaining and eminently readable, is something between a memoir and a treatise on the pervasive human tendency to discern patterns in places where they don't actually exist. Among many examples, he shows how easy it is to mistake a lucky idiot for a skilled investment manager.

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Investing 101, Mutual Funds, Passive vs. Active, Truly Random 2009-07-06T11:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/taleb_on_distinguishing_between_investing_skill_and_random_chance/#When:11:57:00Z MacroShares UMM and DMM Let You Hedge House Prices, But Should You? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/8p6ZMK_8RFA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/macroshares_umm_and_dmm_let_you_hedge_house_prices_but_should_you/#When:11:12:00Z Last May I attended a talk by Yale economist Robert Shiller in which he indicated that his company, MacroMarkets, was seeking SEC approval for a derivative product tied to home prices. Finally, this week the new “housing ETFs” are available. What are they about, and who should buy them?

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, Residential Property Investing, Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Meeting Your Goals, News 2009-07-01T11:12:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/macroshares_umm_and_dmm_let_you_hedge_house_prices_but_should_you/#When:11:12:00Z Leverage and Exchange-Traded Funds Don’t Necessarily Mix: The Leverage Trap http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/cqXZAjrlYRI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leverage_and_exchange_traded_funds_dont_necessarily_mix_the_leverage_trap/#When:16:10:00Z I noted last week that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has warned brokers that inverse and leveraged ETFs are inappropriate for many retail investors. Having discussed the workings and problems of inverse ETFs, I’d like to continue by taking a look at leveraged exchange-traded funds.

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Investing 101, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-06-30T16:10:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leverage_and_exchange_traded_funds_dont_necessarily_mix_the_leverage_trap/#When:16:10:00Z United Kingdom Regulators Outlaw Commission-Based Financial Advice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/pGQ-OQ6v_gI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/united_kingdom_regulators_outlaw_commission_based_financial_advice/#When:01:54:00Z The Financial Times reported yesterday on a United Kingdom Financial Services Authority ruling that will eliminate commissions paid by fund managers and life insurance companies to financial advisors.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-06-28T01:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/united_kingdom_regulators_outlaw_commission_based_financial_advice/#When:01:54:00Z Leveraged/Inverse Exchange-Traded Funds Draw FINRA Warning http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/FeyiK4mqfXc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leveraged_inverse_exchange_traded_funds_draw_finra_warning/#When:16:05:00Z

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently notified brokers who sell complex Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that “inverse and leveraged ETFs typically are not suitable for retail investors who plan to hold them for more than one trading session.” The warning is long overdue, as leveraged ETFs were first introduced in 2006 after three years of SEC review.

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Investing 101, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-06-26T16:05:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leveraged_inverse_exchange_traded_funds_draw_finra_warning/#When:16:05:00Z Summer Airfares Appear Poised to Rise http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/01kmBE0NG4Q/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/summer_airfares_appear_poised_to_rise/#When:18:29:00Z Scott McCartney, who writes a travel column for the Wall Street Journal, noted yesterday that there are signs that airlines appear to be replacing their summer sales with fare increases. His travel blog, The Middle Seat, discusses some of the indications that fares are on their way up and includes several helpful videos with air travel tips.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Saving, News 2009-06-25T18:29:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/summer_airfares_appear_poised_to_rise/#When:18:29:00Z Saving on the Cost of Keeping Cool This Summer http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/NNOCE_afmdk/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_on_the_cost_of_keeping_cool_this_summer/#When:13:54:00Z Although early summer in the Boston area has been unseasonably cool, it probably won’t stay that way. Coupled with some of the highest electrical rates in the nation, warm weather provides plenty of motivation for energy conservation. Here are some suggestions for cutting your electric bill during the summer.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Saving, News 2009-06-23T13:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_on_the_cost_of_keeping_cool_this_summer/#When:13:54:00Z Regulatory Reform Proposal Calls for Wider Application of Fiduciary Standards http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/FDuSwN_dCjs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/regulatory_reform_proposal_calls_for_wider_application_of_fiduciary_standar/#When:16:53:00Z Yesterday I noted that the Treasury Department has posted the Obama administration's proposals for financial regulatory reform. In the midst of all the information that's there, I missed an important detail. The administration's white paper, Financial Regulatory Reform: A New Foundation, calls for the fiduciary standard to be applied to broker-dealers. This would be a landmark change from current practice.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Stocks, News 2009-06-18T16:53:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/regulatory_reform_proposal_calls_for_wider_application_of_fiduciary_standar/#When:16:53:00Z Brookings Institution Report Ranks Boston Economy 30th Nationally http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/X_CRVlLFOiQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brookings_institution_report_ranks_boston_economy_30th_nationally/#When:12:43:00Z Yesterday the Brookings Institution released a report evaluating the effect of the Great Recession on employment and other economic indicators in the nation’s 100 largest cities. Even with a below-average showing for housing prices, Boston's economy doesn't look so bad in comparison to many other cities.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, Housing, News 2009-06-18T12:43:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brookings_institution_report_ranks_boston_economy_30th_nationally/#When:12:43:00Z Financial Regulatory Reform Likely Not Enough http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/2PPX0PPjCdw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_regulatory_reform_likely_not_enough/#When:01:57:00Z At the height of the credit market crisis last year, there were loud calls for dramatic changes in the regulation of financial institutions. Now that the sturm und drang has ceased, the reforms that will be realized will be much tamer.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Investing, Mutual Funds, News, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-06-18T01:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_regulatory_reform_likely_not_enough/#When:01:57:00Z Boston Consumer Prices Continue to Slip http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/L6L8BTkuPOE/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_consumer_prices_continue_to_slip/#When:23:58:00Z The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its report today on changes in New England region prices for May 2009.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food, Economy, News 2009-06-17T23:58:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_consumer_prices_continue_to_slip/#When:23:58:00Z IRS Tax Break for New Car Buyers in States Without Sales Tax http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/P_FfmPrbnQY/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_tax_break_for_new_car_buyers_in_states_without_sales_tax/#When:14:52:00Z The IRS announced last week that its interpretation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is that new car buyers in states without a sales tax deserve a break this year.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-06-15T14:52:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_tax_break_for_new_car_buyers_in_states_without_sales_tax/#When:14:52:00Z Boston Federal Reserve Bank: Few Signs of Recovery http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/PW5pdsOn_7A/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_federal_reserve_bank_few_signs_of_recovery/#When:12:54:00Z The Federal Reserve Bank’s “Beige Book,” issued eight times a year, was released this week. The outlook for New England is uncertain, with few bright spots.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, Housing, News 2009-06-12T12:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_federal_reserve_bank_few_signs_of_recovery/#When:12:54:00Z Ignore Consumers’ Research Council of America Guide to “America’s Top Financial Planners” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/WI76vbxPmi0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ignore_consumers_research_council_of_america_guide_to_americas_top_financia/#When:10:36:00Z Today I’m going to tell you something to cross off your list of criteria when trying to choose a financial planner, physician, or lawyer: inclusion in one of the Consumer’s Research Council of America's so-called guides.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, News, Really Bad Ideas 2009-06-11T10:36:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ignore_consumers_research_council_of_america_guide_to_americas_top_financia/#When:10:36:00Z Why Not Buy a Chrysler or GM Car Now, While They’re Going Begging? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/o1fUYjQnWHc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/why_not_buy_a_chrysler_or_gm_car_now_while_theyre_going_begging/#When:00:02:01Z Here’s the test of whether you're a true contrarian: would you buy a Chrysler today?

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Saving, Economy, News 2009-06-10T00:02:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/why_not_buy_a_chrysler_or_gm_car_now_while_theyre_going_begging/#When:00:02:01Z Credit Card Accountability Act Leaves Room For Bank Shenanigans http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/-U-e1Cmh5eg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/credit_card_accountability_act_leaves_room_for_bank_shenanigans/#When:12:46:00Z The Credit Card Accountability and Disclosure Act of 2009 Act, signed last month, was supposed to drastically improve protections for consumers. While the new law eliminates some problems, banks are good at finding loopholes.

Read the full article

]]> Debt, Credit Cards, News 2009-06-08T12:46:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/credit_card_accountability_act_leaves_room_for_bank_shenanigans/#When:12:46:00Z Cut Your Cable TV Bill 100% http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/TA_uoPXhoXw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/cut_your_cable_tv_bill_100/#When:01:21:00Z Running out of budget-cutting ideas? Here’s one: cut your cable bill to zero.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Saving 2009-06-06T01:21:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/cut_your_cable_tv_bill_100/#When:01:21:00Z Time to Consider Renovating Your Home http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/sUGAFWqzw6I/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/time_to_consider_renovating_your_home/#When:12:10:00Z With the economy still in the doldrums, doing a home renovation could be an excellent idea. It’s a bit counter-intuitive, but hear me out.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Debt, Mortgages, Economy, Financial Planning Advice, Housing, Buying/Owning a House 2009-06-03T12:10:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/time_to_consider_renovating_your_home/#When:12:10:00Z What Will Happen to Social Security and Medicare? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/3cXX5mEMAzk/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_will_happen_to_social_security_and_medicare/#When:11:38:00Z Each year the trustees of the Social Security/Medicare trusts are required to report on the status of the trust funds. Last month, having included the effects of the recession in their projections, they released a new report. The news is not good.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Financial Planning Advice, News, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, Social Security 2009-06-01T11:38:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_will_happen_to_social_security_and_medicare/#When:11:38:00Z Disability Insurance: How Much to Get, What Affects Premium Costs http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/dFP24OnVloM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_how_much_to_get_what_affects_premium_costs/#When:13:57:00Z My final post in recognition of Disability Insurance Awareness Month discusses key factors that can affect the cost of disability insurance. I’ll also touch on the question of how much disability coverage a person needs and discuss the things that you should consider in determining how much disability insurance to buy.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-28T13:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_how_much_to_get_what_affects_premium_costs/#When:13:57:00Z It Looks Like It’s Time to Refinance http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/bm_3NHVR8nM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/it_looks_like_its_time_to_refinance/#When:02:45:00Z A couple of items at the Calculated Risk blog caught my eye today; both suggest that mortgage rates might well be headed higher.

Read the full article

]]> Debt, Mortgages, Economy, Investing, Bonds, News 2009-05-28T02:45:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/it_looks_like_its_time_to_refinance/#When:02:45:00Z Disability Insurance: Definitions of Disability http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/R-EOke-3uxg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_definitions_of_disability/#When:12:32:00Z If you’re shopping for your own disability coverage (rather than receiving disability insurance as an employer benefit), you'll encounter a myriad of policy differences. You need to understand one of the most critical elements in any disability insurance policy: the definition of what a “disability” is.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-27T12:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_definitions_of_disability/#When:12:32:00Z Disability Insurance: What Kinds Can You Get? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/v9COV3Tkl3A/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_what_kinds_can_you_get/#When:12:35:00Z My first post discussed why you might need disability insurance; today I’d like to explain a few of the important variations in disability coverage.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-26T12:35:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_what_kinds_can_you_get/#When:12:35:00Z Continuing Health Insurance After Graduation http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/zE82kFO_ZaU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/continuing_health_insurance_after_graduation/#When:10:15:00Z Earlier this month I offered a list of financial planning suggestions for recent college graduates. Since It's often the case that there's a delay period between graduation and the start of a new job, I’d like to expand on one of the items in the list: finding health insurance after graduation.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-23T10:15:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/continuing_health_insurance_after_graduation/#When:10:15:00Z New England Economists Now Predict 450,000 Jobs Lost and Uncertain Future http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/HYoxDt_EaHs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/new_england_economists_now_predict_450000_jobs_lost_and_uncertain_future/#When:02:13:00Z Yesterday I attended the spring New England Economic Partnership (NEEP) conference, held semiannually by the nonprofit economic research group that studies the region's economy. They were optimistically cautious.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, News 2009-05-23T02:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/new_england_economists_now_predict_450000_jobs_lost_and_uncertain_future/#When:02:13:00Z Disability Insurance: Why You Probably Need It http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/4ehE7izTemA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_why_you_probably_need_it/#When:11:54:00Z May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month. You won’t be getting any “Happy Disability Insurance Awareness Month” cards, though, because Hallmark™ hasn't caught up to this yet.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Meeting Your Goals, Really Bad Ideas, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-19T11:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_why_you_probably_need_it/#When:11:54:00Z Happy Days Are (Not) Here Again (Yet) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/oh4YufPHzo0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/happy_days_are_not_here_again_yet/#When:10:04:00Z Last Thursday, I attended an excellent seminar held by State Street Global Advisors and Morningstar. Although the meeting focused on building portfolios with exchange traded funds (ETF's), the highlight of the afternoon was a presentation on the current state of the global markets.

Read the full article

]]> Debt, Economy, Investing, Risk Management 2009-05-18T10:04:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/happy_days_are_not_here_again_yet/#When:10:04:00Z Warnings About the Vagaries of Working With Stock Brokers http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/AIiY7Q2Nav4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/warnings_about_the_vagaries_of_working_with_stock_brokers/#When:01:13:00Z Brokers are not innately bad people, but the systems under which they’re required to function can make it tough for them to work in the best interests of their clients.

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Meeting Your Goals, News 2009-05-17T01:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/warnings_about_the_vagaries_of_working_with_stock_brokers/#When:01:13:00Z NAPFA Your Money Bus Tour Comes to Boston http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/N-ogeOeR7Z0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/napfa_your_money_bus_tour_comes_to_boston/#When:13:11:01Z Could you use some free financial advice from a qualified financial planner? The NAPFA Consumer Education Foundation (NCEF), in collaboration with TD AMERITRADE Institutional and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, will be helping Boston-area consumers make wise money decisions next week on May 20th and 21st.

image

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Financial Planning Advice, Meeting Your Goals, News 2009-05-14T13:11:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/napfa_your_money_bus_tour_comes_to_boston/#When:13:11:01Z The Financial Services Industry: Putting Clients Last? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/LinzQWwSEgA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_financial_services_industry_putting_clients_last/#When:11:25:00Z The IBM Institute For Business Value recently published a study on the global financial services industry. The report, "Toward transparency and sustainability: building a new financial order" makes a number of interesting points about how the financial markets industry will need to change in the future in order to remain profitable. It also reveals something many consumers have suspected all along.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-05-12T11:25:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_financial_services_industry_putting_clients_last/#When:11:25:00Z Investing for Inflation vs. Deflation:Asset Classes (Part III) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/utQt45R_a2o/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/investing_for_inflation_vs_deflationasset_classes_part_iii/#When:20:22:00Z At last I’ve gotten to the question I promised to address last month: how do different kinds of investments perform in inflationary environments versus deflationary ones, and is there any way to protect yourself against both risks?

Read the full article

]]> Debt, Economy, Housing, Residential Property Investing, Investing, Investing 101, Bonds, Stocks, News 2009-05-09T20:22:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/investing_for_inflation_vs_deflationasset_classes_part_iii/#When:20:22:00Z Financial Planning Checklist for Recent College Graduates http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Fgr1BlrcnBU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_planning_checklist_for_recent_college_graduates/#When:11:32:00Z College graduation season, which lasts for several weeks, is upon us here in the Boston area. According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), graduating seniors with educational debts carry an average debt load on the order of $20,000. More and more, college students are beginning their working lives with fairly heavy debt loads. It's more important than ever for newly-minted grads to hit the ground running with a plan for their finances.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Saving, Debt, Credit Cards, Education Planning, College/Graduate School Loans, Financial Planning Advice, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, Risk Management, Insurance, Taxes 2009-05-06T11:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_planning_checklist_for_recent_college_graduates/#When:11:32:00Z Standard and Poor’s: Active Managers Didn’t Outperform in This Bear Market http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/BGM1pyLHypY/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/standard_and_poors_active_managers_didnt_outperform_in_this_bear_market/#When:16:28:00Z There’s a continuing debate over the question of whether active mutual fund management (funds that buy in and out of the market, looking for stocks that managers believe will outperform the market) is capable of consistently beating passive management (buy stock indexes). Standard and Poor’s Index Services recently weighed in with its latest assessment on this question.

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Mutual Funds, Passive vs. Active 2009-05-04T16:28:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/standard_and_poors_active_managers_didnt_outperform_in_this_bear_market/#When:16:28:00Z The Roots of the Credit Crisis, Simplified http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/9jYNSd56WIU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_roots_of_the_credit_crisis_simplified/#When:16:17:00Z Are you still a little baffled about how the financial system came to be in such a mess? Here’s a very nice visualization of what happened (it's also the first video I've ever posted!)

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Housing, News 2009-05-01T16:17:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_roots_of_the_credit_crisis_simplified/#When:16:17:00Z Swine Flu and Household Emergency Planning http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/81MaI1qXPfQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/swine_flu_and_household_emergency_planning/#When:13:46:00Z In recent years, health authorities have been urging that nations and businesses should prepare for the possibility of an avian influenza pandemic. Recent news of a serious swine flu outbreak in Mexico has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a phase 4 pandemic alert, meaning that the potential for community-wide outbreaks has been confirmed, but that a full-blown pandemic is not yet certain.

Read the full article

]]> News, Risk Management, Emergencies 2009-04-28T13:46:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/swine_flu_and_household_emergency_planning/#When:13:46:00Z Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Income Taxes – Part Two http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/zr0qeHb0bcs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes_part_two/#When:17:32:00Z A couple of weeks ago I began a primer on ISOs and some of the tax implications of exercising them. I’d like to discuss some cases in which an ISO grant is employed in a manner that is “disqualifying.”

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Employer Stock (ESPP, ISO, NQSO, etc), Taxes, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) 2009-04-27T17:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes_part_two/#When:17:32:00Z The First FFS Blog Blogoversary http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/5FtQyE7eqpc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_first_ffs_blog_blogoversary/#When:18:35:00Z It seems only right to take a moment for brief reflection on the occasion of our first blogoversary!

Read the full article

]]> Blogging 2009-04-25T18:35:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_first_ffs_blog_blogoversary/#When:18:35:00Z Chipping Away At the Cost of Eating Out http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/WGvoDfubUvI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/chipping_away_at_the_cost_of_eating_out/#When:04:57:00Z A friend who works in the food services industry (thanks, BE!) responded to my post on restaurants by informing me that there's a wave of promotions going on in the food-eaten-away-from-home world these days. He notes that a number of restaurants have begun waiving extra charges for splitting a meal or bringing your own wine.

This week I also discovered a site that offers a growing registry of restaurants that offer “kids eat free” specials: mykidseatfree.com.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Food, News 2009-04-25T04:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/chipping_away_at_the_cost_of_eating_out/#When:04:57:00Z A Visual Explanation of How Quantitative Easing Works http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/wtz1fb4NeX4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_visual_explanation_of_how_quantitative_easing_works/#When:16:18:00Z I gave a short discussion of quantitative easing in the second post of my Inflation/Deflation series. I learned recently that the Financial Times web site has a nice explanation of how quantitative easing works to check deflation; if you're a visual learner, you might find it helpful. You may have to register at the FT site to view it, but registration is free.

The piece explains the risks of quantitative easing and makes an important point: although many economists believe that too much quantitative easing could be very bad and that too little easing won't check deflation, no one knows for certain a priori how much quantitative easing is too much (or not enough).

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Investing, Investing 101, News 2009-04-20T16:18:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_visual_explanation_of_how_quantitative_easing_works/#When:16:18:00Z Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Income Taxes http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/TezQ50Rlwj4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes/#When:15:47:00Z There are a number of companies (mostly in high-tech) that reward their employees with a form of deferred compensation called incentive stock options (ISOs). The tax rules for these stock options are complicated, but if you receive this kind of benefit, you need to understand the basic rules for them to be able to use them effectively. For some time I’ve wanted to discuss how profits from stock purchased via ISO exercises are taxed. This post, which will be the first of two parts, is more of a primer than an exhaustive discussion, but I hope it will be useful. (Keep in mind that ISO-related tax calculations can be complex; you should consult a tax adviser before implementing transactions involving ISOs).

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Employer Stock (ESPP, ISO, NQSO, etc), Taxes, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) 2009-04-16T15:47:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes/#When:15:47:00Z IRS Includes Phishing Scams Among Its “Dirty Dozen” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/H5-p0kdnx0A/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_includes_phishing_scams_among_its_dirty_dozen/#When:03:29:00Z Periodically the IRS issues a list of tax scams that it considers especially troublesome. Most of the 2009 “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams involve fraudulent tax filings and other abuses of the tax system. However, the first item on the list is “phishing:” the use of e-mails that appear to come from the IRS but that are actually from crooks looking for ways to steal bank account information, social security numbers, and other personal information.

Read the full article

]]> Identity Theft, News, Taxes 2009-04-15T03:29:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_includes_phishing_scams_among_its_dirty_dozen/#When:03:29:00Z Inflation or Deflation – Which Do We Have? (Part II) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/hmO9otPaTp4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_or_deflation_which_do_we_have_part_ii/#When:19:27:00Z Previously I discussed some of the differences between inflationary and deflationary economic environments. I’d like to pick up where I left off, mention one challenging aspect of deflation, and talk a bit about which environment we’re experiencing.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Investing, Investing 101, News 2009-04-13T19:27:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_or_deflation_which_do_we_have_part_ii/#When:19:27:00Z Saving Money on Dining Out http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/xaOOMUQdMDs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_money_on_dining_out/#When:20:00:00Z With the economy in a funk, consumers are becoming more cost-conscious. In response, retail businesses seem to be offering more discounts. Recently I discovered a neat resource for people who like saving money but who'd also like to be able to have a meal at a nice restaurant.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food 2009-04-11T20:00:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_money_on_dining_out/#When:20:00:00Z Finally, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/IcIuHUN2b6E/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/finally_certified_financial_planner_certification/#When:15:18:01Z Last week, the CFP Board of Standards informed me that I’m now able to use the certification marks that they maintain.

Read the full article

]]> News 2009-04-11T15:18:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/finally_certified_financial_planner_certification/#When:15:18:01Z Life Insurance Companies Likely to Join the Bailout Rolls http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/r8YvrKP7CME/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/life_insurance_companies_likely_to_join_the_bailout_rolls/#When:22:36:00Z Life insurance companies, normally thought of as bastions of stability, have come under greater scrutiny from concern that their holdings of mortgage-backed securities and aggressive annuity guarantees may put their financial stability at risk. Where can you go to determine the strength of your insurer?

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Annuities, News, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-04-09T22:36:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/life_insurance_companies_likely_to_join_the_bailout_rolls/#When:22:36:00Z Examine Your Retirement Plan’s Stable Value Fund Closely http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/A6UGdonGR-g/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/examine_your_retirement_plans_stable_value_fund_closely/#When:20:44:00Z Many employer-sponsored tax-deferred retirement plans, including 401(k)s, offer a unique investment option called a “stable value” fund. If you’ve invested in such a fund, you should take a close look at what's inside – its value might not be as stable as you think.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, News, Retirement, 401(k) plans, Risk Management 2009-04-06T20:44:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/examine_your_retirement_plans_stable_value_fund_closely/#When:20:44:00Z Important Tax Dates For 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Udur6QCPxEE/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/important_tax_dates_for_2009/#When:13:46:00Z The IRS provides a downloadable tax calendar that’s useful for self-employed workers and small business owners. Here’s a quick list of generally important dates:

Read the full article

]]> Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-04-06T13:46:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/important_tax_dates_for_2009/#When:13:46:00Z Make 2008 IRA Contributions Before April 15th http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Yw4YcfdoEKI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/make_2008_ira_contributions_before_april_15th/#When:12:02:00Z If you haven’t yet made a 2008 contribution to an IRA or Roth IRA, remember that you must do so before April 15th. You can contribute as much as $5,000 to an IRA for 2008 provided you qualify, and you can contribute an additional $1,000 if you turned 50 during 2008. Permitted contributions are limited to the lesser of your compensation or the contribution limit that applies to your age and Modified Adjusted Gross Income status.

Read the full article

]]> Meeting Your Goals, Retirement, IRAs, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-04-04T12:02:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/make_2008_ira_contributions_before_april_15th/#When:12:02:00Z 2009 New Car Purchases Qualify for Sales Tax Break http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/gS5KSQC7sck/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2009_new_car_purchases_qualify_for_sales_tax_break/#When:13:32:00Z The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the 2009 Stimulus Bill included a little something to help boost auto sales. Those who buy a qualifying new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle in 2009 can deduct state and local sales tax and excise taxes paid on purchase prices up to $49,500. The deduction will be available for 2009 tax returns (only) whether one itemizes or not.

Read the full article

]]> News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-04-01T13:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2009_new_car_purchases_qualify_for_sales_tax_break/#When:13:32:00Z Inflation, Deflation, Disinflation – What’s the Difference? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/3dbiqH-yK2s/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_deflation_disinflation_whats_the_difference/#When:13:51:00Z Increasingly in the media, there are discussions relating to deflation: are we experiencing deflation, and is deflation worse than inflation? Occasionally, discussions of the economy refer to disinflation. This will be the first in a series of posts exploring price changes and their implications for investing.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Economy, Housing, Investing, Investing 101, News 2009-03-31T13:51:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_deflation_disinflation_whats_the_difference/#When:13:51:00Z SEC Head Schapiro Indicates Support for Fiduciary Standard http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/YvrD1-5r-mo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/sec_head_schapiro_indicates_support_for_fiduciary_standard/#When:17:12:00Z In January I wrote a post in which I expressed some concern as to whether new Securities and Exchange Commission chair Mary Schapiro would move the investment industry into a regulatory environment that is more favorable for investors. So far, the signs seem encouraging.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-03-30T17:12:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/sec_head_schapiro_indicates_support_for_fiduciary_standard/#When:17:12:00Z Geithner and Schapiro Outline Proposed Reforms of Financial Regulations http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/8JxFMr91qro/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/geithner_and_schapiro_outline_proposed_reforms_of_financial_regulations/#When:05:08:00Z Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro each testified before different congressional committees today to disclose their recommendations on regulatory reform of US financial markets.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, News 2009-03-27T05:08:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/geithner_and_schapiro_outline_proposed_reforms_of_financial_regulations/#When:05:08:00Z Housing Prices Still in Decline In Most Areas http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/WwUT9wyVIko/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/housing_prices_still_in_decline_in_most_areas/#When:00:03:00Z Today I received updated figures from First American CoreLogic, which maintains one of the nation’s largest databases on residential property transactions. Their January results confirm a wide disparity in housing price changes across the U.S. over the last year. In general, the news is not good.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News 2009-03-24T00:03:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/housing_prices_still_in_decline_in_most_areas/#When:00:03:00Z Social Security “Free Loan” Loophole Redux http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/QIDK1wvNGGU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/social_security_free_loan_loophole_redux/#When:17:32:00Z Researchers over at Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research have analyzed the “interest-free loan” opportunity presented by the loophole in Social Security that I’ve discussed before. Once their findings reach Congress, I’m betting this loophole gets closed.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, News, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, Social Security 2009-03-19T17:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/social_security_free_loan_loophole_redux/#When:17:32:00Z Hewitt Data Show Jump in 401(k) Company Stock Investments http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/KdBIOf0ffxg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/hewitt_data_show_jump_in_401k_company_stock_investments/#When:17:33:00Z Hewitt Associates, the HR consulting firm, tracks 401(k) investing trends for 1.5 million employees of large (> 5,000 employee) companies. Their January 401(k) plan data show a curious fact: employees put more money into their employers' stock than into any other category.

Read the full article

]]> Meeting Your Goals, News, Retirement, 401(k) plans 2009-03-17T17:33:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/hewitt_data_show_jump_in_401k_company_stock_investments/#When:17:33:00Z 2008 Education Tax Breaks Are Expanded in Midwest Disaster Areas http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/_VuETvWF0Ag/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2008_education_tax_breaks_are_expanded_in_midwest_disaster_areas/#When:13:28:00Z Recently I was listening to an IRS webcast on tax law changes (yes, it’s just as exciting as it sounds!) and something caught my attention. I was already aware that people living in disaster areas are eligible for various kinds of tax relief, but I realized that I’d missed an important fact. You don’t have to live in a disaster area to get a tax break; the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 includes special provisions for educational expenses incurred by students attending college in areas struck by disaster in 2008. This article will be of interest even if you don’t qualify for the expanded disaster relief benefits but are interested in tax benefits available to households with college expenses.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Education Planning, News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-03-12T13:28:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2008_education_tax_breaks_are_expanded_in_midwest_disaster_areas/#When:13:28:00Z Conforming Mortgage Limits Will Go Back Up Eventually http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/u9VIEN800D4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/conforming_mortgage_limits_will_go_back_up_eventually/#When:13:33:00Z For buyers in the most expensive housing markets, the rules concerning “conforming” mortgages have been confusing over the last year or so. Conforming mortgages are eligible to be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-run companies that together own or guarantee most home mortgages. One benefit of a conforming mortgage is the all-important interest rate: mortgages whose values exceed a specified amount are not conforming and typically carry interest rates that are ¾% or more higher than conforming mortgage rates.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Boston/Cambridge/New England, Debt, Mortgages, Economy, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News 2009-03-10T13:33:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/conforming_mortgage_limits_will_go_back_up_eventually/#When:13:33:00Z If You’re Married, You Can’t File as Single http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/SS9vVpJViNQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/if_youre_married_you_cant_file_as_single/#When:15:13:00Z Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. I’ve learned that it's not unheard-of for a professional tax preparer to advise a married individual to file his or her tax return using the single filer status. No! No! Bad tax preparer!

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Really Bad Ideas, Taxes 2009-03-09T15:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/if_youre_married_you_cant_file_as_single/#When:15:13:00Z My First 2009 Blogroll Addition: The Money Blogs http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/FTOjptTO7k4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/my_first_2009_blogroll_addition_the_money_blogs/#When:05:06:00Z It’s been a while since I’ve had time to review another web log, but I’m ready to add to my list. This one is different, because it’s an aggregation blog.

Read the full article

]]> Blogging 2009-03-08T05:06:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/my_first_2009_blogroll_addition_the_money_blogs/#When:05:06:00Z Just Add Stock: Dilution and Citigroup http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/1aSz4hSy52E/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/just_add_stock_dilution_and_citigroup/#When:12:17:00Z There are a number of differences between stocks and bonds. In addition to those I discussed earlier, the two also differ in terms of the unpleasant things that can go wrong with them. The deal struck between Citigroup and the Treasury recently provides an opportunity to illustrate a few more differences.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Economy, Investing, Investing 101, Bonds, Stocks, News 2009-03-04T12:17:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/just_add_stock_dilution_and_citigroup/#When:12:17:00Z Stashing Your Cash: What Now? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/cYukkv6Xn_o/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/stashing_your_cash_what_now/#When:15:16:00Z With short-term Treasuries yielding fractions of a percent, people who need safe investments find they're getting very little for their money. What are the best options for low-risk cash investments right now?

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Saving, Economy, Risk Management, Emergencies 2009-03-02T15:16:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/stashing_your_cash_what_now/#When:15:16:00Z Remember to Use Up Your 2008 Healthcare Flexible Spending Account Funds http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/hF0-gdvNMKM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/remember_to_use_up_your_2008_healthcare_flexible_spending_account_funds/#When:13:00:00Z Many employers offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses not covered by health insurance. If you participate in one, the money that you have withheld in the account has use-it-or-lose-it status. In some plans, the deadline for spending funds contributed in 2008 was 12-31-08, but many plans have taken advantage of an IRS provision that allows prior-year FSA funds to be used up to 2.5 months after yearend. The deadline this year is March 16th (the 15th is a Sunday).

FSA funds can be used to pay for co-payments, deductibles, or other expenses not covered by your health insurance. In addition to prescription drugs, the IRS has ruled that FSA funds can be used for certain over-the-counter medications.

A number of online over-the-counter drug vendors provide information at their sites regarding which medicines qualify as FSA-reimbursable expenses. Medications for acne, cold medications, pain relievers, and a wide variety of other items can be purchased to use up remaining funds in your account (the IRS frowns on “stockpiling,” though, so don’t buy thirty bottles of Beano®). Be sure to maintain receipts showing the items purchased so that you can substantiate the eligibility of your expenses.

Any funds not used by the deadline are lost to you, so if you’re not sure when your FSA’s deadline is and you have money left from last year's funds, check to be certain.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Saving, Health Care, Taxes, Yearend Tax Ideas 2009-02-26T13:00:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/remember_to_use_up_your_2008_healthcare_flexible_spending_account_funds/#When:13:00:00Z Massachusetts Law Requires Gender-Neutral Annuities http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/LEKBI2L7Q5w/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/massachusetts_law_requires_gender_neutral_annuities/#When:21:25:00Z With little fanfare, S.B No. 2729 (the "Act Relative To Equitable Coverage For Annuity Policies") went into effect on January 1, 2009. The law requires that all annuities sold to Massachusetts residents be gender-neutral in all aspects, including premiums and benefits.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Investing, Annuities, News, Retirement 2009-02-25T21:25:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/massachusetts_law_requires_gender_neutral_annuities/#When:21:25:00Z Credit Tightening Means You’ll Need To Plan Before Borrowing http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/fFdR-Uw9wx0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/credit_tightening_means_youll_need_to_plan_before_borrowing/#When:06:05:00Z Now that lending money with wild abandon has ceased to be fashionable, consumers will have to work harder to get the best possible loan terms. That means that credit scores are even more important than they used to be. Here are a few quick tips on keeping your credit score as high as possible.

Read the full article

]]> Debt, Financial Planning Advice 2009-02-22T06:05:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/credit_tightening_means_youll_need_to_plan_before_borrowing/#When:06:05:00Z Key Tax Changes in the Final Version of the Stimulus Bill http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/iTcYxH7XBiI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/key_tax_changes_in_the_final_version_of_the_stimulus_bill/#When:05:03:00Z The final version of the 1071-page American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is due to be signed by President Obama tomorrow. My summary of the bill's key tax items two weeks ago was not far off the mark, but there are a number of nips and tucks in the final version.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Education Planning, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News, Taxes, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), Tax Updates 2009-02-17T05:03:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/key_tax_changes_in_the_final_version_of_the_stimulus_bill/#When:05:03:00Z Banks Are Lending Again, But Congress Needs Somebody to Blame http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Hkc3L4Wlg9Y/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/banks_are_lending_again_but_congress_needs_somebody_to_blame/#When:05:58:00Z Yesterday's House Financial Services Committee hearing gave evidence that bank lending is flowing again, but credit is still tight.

Read the full article

]]> Debt, Economy, News 2009-02-13T05:58:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/banks_are_lending_again_but_congress_needs_somebody_to_blame/#When:05:58:00Z Mandatory IRA/401(k)/403(b) Withdrawals Have Been Eliminated for 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/F7pLMdh3Gho/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/mandatory_ira_401k_403b_withdrawals_have_been_eliminated_for_2009/#When:13:09:00Z Just before Christmas of 2008, the president signed the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008. The bill suspended 2009 Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s.

Read the full article

]]> Retirement, 401(k) plans, IRAs, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-02-10T13:09:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/mandatory_ira_401k_403b_withdrawals_have_been_eliminated_for_2009/#When:13:09:00Z What’s the Difference between a Stock and a Bond? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Z-983bhDR30/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/whats_the_difference_between_a_stock_and_a_bond/#When:13:03:00Z Last year, one of my clients asked me this question. He was well-educated, but had simply never had an occasion to learn how investments work. It struck me at that moment that if he didn't know, then plenty of other people probably don’t, so I decided to prepare a short introduction to the topic.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Investing, Investing 101, Bonds, Stocks 2009-02-05T13:03:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/whats_the_difference_between_a_stock_and_a_bond/#When:13:03:00Z Tax Changes for 2009 Move Closer to Fruition http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/j__e-bWUljc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/tax_changes_for_2009_move_closer_to_fruition/#When:13:51:00Z As promised, the House and Senate have been busy working on The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes several tax law changes intended to boost the economy.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-02-02T13:51:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/tax_changes_for_2009_move_closer_to_fruition/#When:13:51:00Z Fidelity Reports on 401(k) Plan Trends http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/qGSEKW0Lj7M/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/fidelity_reports_on_401k_plan_trends/#When:06:13:00Z Boston-based Fidelity Investments provides 401(k) plan management for over 17,000 employers, making it the largest plan administrator in the country. Fidelity’s annual “State of the 401(k)” report, released yesterday, provides a window into the behavior of 401(k) plan participants.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, News, Retirement, 401(k) plans 2009-01-30T06:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/fidelity_reports_on_401k_plan_trends/#When:06:13:00Z What if Your Employer Drops its 401(k) Match? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/8e3DHWAjZZc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_if_your_employer_drops_its_401k_match/#When:13:04:00Z What do FedEx, General Motors, Frontier Airlines, Eastman Kodak, Motorola, Sears and Unisys all have in common? All have announced plans to cut costs by suspending their matching contributions to employee 401(k) plans. Even Starbucks has announced that it may drop its 401(k) match in 2009.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Economy, Retirement, 401(k) plans, IRAs, Taxes 2009-01-27T13:04:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_if_your_employer_drops_its_401k_match/#When:13:04:00Z Recession? Depression? What’s the Difference? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/hi7BXATfGMs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/recession_depression_whats_the_difference/#When:16:57:00Z It's now agreed that our nation is in a recession. With increasing frequency, recent media discussions about the economy have turned to the question of whether it will turn into a depression. What's the difference?

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Economy, News 2009-01-22T16:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/recession_depression_whats_the_difference/#When:16:57:00Z Tell Congress That You Want Fiduciary Financial Advice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/0hHnN9yDshk/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/tell_congress_that_you_want_fiduciary_financial_advice/#When:17:42:00Z The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), of which I'm a provisional member, has initiated a letter-writing campaign to urge members of Congress to make fiduciary investment advice the norm as it reforms the financial industry.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-01-21T17:42:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/tell_congress_that_you_want_fiduciary_financial_advice/#When:17:42:00Z Ruminations on Tax Planning for 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/e1OAmaKTXzk/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ruminations_on_tax_planning_for_2009/#When:05:24:00Z It's too early to say with certainty what changes will be made in the tax laws this year. But it's possible to make some educated guesses.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, Taxes, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), Tax Updates 2009-01-21T05:24:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ruminations_on_tax_planning_for_2009/#When:05:24:00Z Brokerage 1099 Statements May Arrive Later This Year http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/S5dgtUaepfc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brokerage_1099_statements_may_arrive_later_this_year/#When:05:57:01Z The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (a.k.a. “the Bailout Bill”) changed the reporting requirements for annual tax statements from brokers. Form 1099-B, which formerly had to be sent by January 31, is now due on February 17 this year (the statutory date is February 15, but in 2009 that's a Sunday and the 16th is Presidents' Day).

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Taxes, Tax Updates, Yearend Tax Ideas 2009-01-16T05:57:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brokerage_1099_statements_may_arrive_later_this_year/#When:05:57:01Z CPSC Relieves Used Clothing Stores of Lead/Phthalate Testing Rules http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/u03zG1QsB9E/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/cpsc_relieves_used_clothing_stores_of_lead_phthalate_testing_rules/#When:15:22:00Z A week or so ago, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other sources reported that used clothing stores were planning to stop selling items for children under the age of 12 in response to new laws taking effect February 10. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has now clarified its intentions and it looks as though this won't be the case.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, News 2009-01-13T15:22:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/cpsc_relieves_used_clothing_stores_of_lead_phthalate_testing_rules/#When:15:22:00Z Developments in the Financial Advisory World http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/cmRz0tTZRPQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/developments_in_the_financial_advisory_world/#When:16:20:01Z The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards periodically modifies the standards that it sets for the individuals that it certifies. In May 2007, the Board announced the adoption of new Standards of Professional Conduct. The standards took effect July 1, 2008 and began to be enforced as of January 1, 2009.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-01-08T16:20:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/developments_in_the_financial_advisory_world/#When:16:20:01Z Will Investors Be Better Off Post-Madoff? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/BWBVOhX8Px0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/will_investors_be_better_off_post_madoff/#When:13:37:00Z Today the House Financial Services Committee will hear testimony from the SEC inspector general on the Madoff scandal. It promises to be the beginning of what Rep. Paul Kanjorski (chairman of the House Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government-Sponsored Enterprises) is calling “the most substantial rewrite of laws governing U.S. financial markets since the Great Depression.” Wall Street could not have escaped congressional scrutiny after the year that we’ve had even if Madoff had never happened, but the failure of regulators to protect the public from his massive fraud has drawn fresh attention to the shortcomings of existing regulatory protections. Expect a cacophony of voices offering opinions as to what should or should not be changed in order to prevent future market crises and protect investors from unscrupulous con artists.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, Investing, News 2009-01-05T13:37:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/will_investors_be_better_off_post_madoff/#When:13:37:00Z That Was the Year That Was http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/TFy071bdyCI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/that_was_the_year_that_was/#When:22:31:00Z 2008 has come and gone. There are a lot of people on Wall Street who are glad it’s gone and hope it stays far away.

Read the full article

]]> Blogging, Meeting Your Goals 2009-01-02T22:31:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/that_was_the_year_that_was/#When:22:31:00Z Why Not Subscribe to the FFS Blog? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/f4bSXFdTgss/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/why_not_subscribe_to_the_ffs_blog/#When:15:49:00Z Perhaps you've made a resolution to do a better job of dealing with your finances in 2009; if so, this blog can help you.

Read the full article

]]> Blogging, Meeting Your Goals 2009-01-01T15:49:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/why_not_subscribe_to_the_ffs_blog/#When:15:49:00Z Avoiding Madoff-esque Investment Scams http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/6sCtjknzzRw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/avoiding_madoff_esque_investment_scams/#When:23:27:00Z The Bernard Madoff scandal has been extraordinary. The amount of money lost, the number of years that the scheme went on undetected, and world-wide extent of the fraud are unprecedented. The fact that Madoff’s victims were mostly highly sophisticated investors is unsettling for a lot of people – if experienced investors could be fooled, how can the average investor avoid getting taken by an unscrupulous adviser? Here's how.

Read the full article

]]> Financial Planning Advice, News, Really Bad Ideas 2008-12-31T23:27:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/avoiding_madoff_esque_investment_scams/#When:23:27:00Z IRS Announces Break for Section 529 College Savings Plan Investors http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/KetHdR-SS6Q/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_announces_break_for_section_529_college_savings_plan_investors/#When:00:53:00Z 529 plan savers have received a small, temporary gift from the IRS. As I noted in an earlier post, IRS rules permit only one change per year in the way that a 529 plan is invested. However, in response to recent turmoil in financial markets, the IRS has announced that for 2009 only, it will permit up to two changes in investment strategy during the calendar year. As before, a change in investment strategy will also be permitted if the designated beneficiary of the account changes.

The change provides a bit more flexibility for the ten million 529 plan owners who reportedly have invested $130 billion in the plans. If you’ve been meaning to make an adjustment in your child’s allocation and have not done so this year, it’s a good idea to do it now. Then, you'll still have two chances to adjust in 2009 if that's needed for some reason.

Read the full article

]]> Education Planning, College Savings Planning, Meeting Your Goals, News 2008-12-31T00:53:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_announces_break_for_section_529_college_savings_plan_investors/#When:00:53:00Z A Brief Respite from Financial Planning: Ginger Cake http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/8lhE9sMvPmU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_brief_respite_from_financial_planning_ginger_cake/#When:18:50:00Z Christians traditionally celebrate the birth of Christ by giving gifts. I’ve never been able to determine whether this custom originated because of the gifts the wise men brought to the infant Jesus or because Christ’s incarnation was a gift to the world. In either case, I’m taking a break from financial matters in this post to give a gift to my readers: one of my favorite recipes.

Read the full article

]]> Cash Flow, Food, Truly Random 2008-12-25T18:50:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_brief_respite_from_financial_planning_ginger_cake/#When:18:50:00Z Year-End Charitable Deduction Thoughts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/ZZ578xfaRdc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/year_end_charitable_deduction_thoughts/#When:06:48:00Z I’ve already written elsewhere about year-end tax minimization strategies. With a little more than a week left in 2008, time is drawing short for carrying out many of them. Here's something you still have time to do: charitable giving.

Read the full article

]]> Taxes, Charitable Deductions, Yearend Tax Ideas 2008-12-24T06:48:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/year_end_charitable_deduction_thoughts/#When:06:48:00Z Internet Explorer Users: Beware http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/KdahZ6zgjZQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/internet_explorer_users_beware/#When:19:27:00Z My Mac-using friends have another gloating opportunity. Microsoft released an advisory warning of a newly-discovered flaw in multiple versions of Internet Explorer, including IE 7. PCMag.com and BBC News technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones have posts on the problem. The flaw allows software running on hacked web sites to access the contents of your hard drive, run unwanted software, or possibly steal your passwords; as many as 10,000 sites could be infected, according to BBC News.

Microsoft recommends changing IE security settings to high (look under Tools/Internet Options); other protective actions are provided at the advisory link. Alternatively, you may want to download one of the competing (free) browsers, like Firefox, and use it until Microsoft provides a fix.

Read the full article

]]> Identity Theft, News, Risk Management 2008-12-16T19:27:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/internet_explorer_users_beware/#When:19:27:00Z Bernie Madoff With Staggering Amounts of Money http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/BXl_k2vCiJE/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/bernie_madoff_with_staggering_amounts_of_money/#When:01:36:00Z The news media continue to reverberate with details of Bernard Madoff’s fraudulent investment scheme. Sadly, a number of charitable foundations, including Elie Wiesel's Foundation For Humanity, Steven Speilberg’s Wunderkinder Foundation, the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Foundation, and the Robert Lappin Foundation, had most of their funds invested with him. The Lappin Foundation, based on the North Shore of Boston, has had to shut down.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Boston/Cambridge/New England, Investing, Hedge Funds, News, Really Bad Ideas 2008-12-16T01:36:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/bernie_madoff_with_staggering_amounts_of_money/#When:01:36:00Z World’s Biggest Ponzi Scheme Discovered http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/vpQT9QfxHZQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/worlds_biggest_ponzi_scheme_discovered/#When:05:47:00Z 2008 has been firmly established as an annus horribilis for the financial world. Yesterday, Wall Street got another big dose of bad news as a well-known stockbroker and former chairman of the NASDAQ stock exchange was arrested yesterday for swindling investors out of tens of billions of dollars.

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Investing 101, Hedge Funds, News, Really Bad Ideas 2008-12-13T05:47:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/worlds_biggest_ponzi_scheme_discovered/#When:05:47:00Z Will 401(k) Accounts Be Eliminated? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/mduy2AbflLA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/will_401k_accounts_be_eliminated/#When:17:10:00Z Back in October, some influential members of the House of Representatives held hearings to discuss overhauling the 401(k) retirement plan system. Soon thereafter, talk radio, the blogosphere, and even the generally-sober Wall Street Journal erupted with dark warnings of a plot afoot to “nationalize” or “confiscate” everyone's 401(k) plans and convert them to accounts managed by the Social Security Administration.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, News, Retirement, 401(k) plans 2008-12-10T17:10:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/will_401k_accounts_be_eliminated/#When:17:10:00Z Dealing With Losses in 529 Education Savings Accounts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/SaId77jtNW0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/dealing_with_losses_in_529_education_savings_accounts/#When:17:31:00Z With stock markets down precipitously and few asset classes that haven’t declined significantly this year, many investors in 529 college savings plans are wondering what to do. In some situations, it may make sense to make a change in your child’s 529 plan.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Education Planning, College Savings Planning, Investing, Taxes, Yearend Tax Ideas 2008-12-08T17:31:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/dealing_with_losses_in_529_education_savings_accounts/#When:17:31:00Z Tweaking the NBER One More Time http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/rWdLoodYdS0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/tweaking_the_nber_one_more_time/#When:06:13:00Z I wasn’t the only one to make fun of the NBER’s not-too-timely announcement that we are in a recession. Following on the heels of many others, David Merkel (Alephblog) gave his own raspberry to the NBER today. He provided a link to a very funny clip on the recession announcement from CBS Radio’s Dave Ross. Like David, I normally don’t care for audio links, but this is a worthy exception. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did….

Read the full article

]]> Economy, News, Truly Random 2008-12-05T06:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/tweaking_the_nber_one_more_time/#When:06:13:00Z If It Makes You Feel Any Better, Harvard’s Portfolio Lost Big, Too http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/TK7b_dCUDxg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/if_it_makes_you_feel_any_better_harvards_portfolio_lost_big_too/#When:20:28:00Z A comment that I've heard several times in the last few weeks is, "I took a look at my 401(k)/mutual fund statement and it was really depressing." Well, take heart: at least you're not down by eight billion dollars....

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, Education Planning, Investing, News, Retirement 2008-12-03T20:28:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/if_it_makes_you_feel_any_better_harvards_portfolio_lost_big_too/#When:20:28:00Z What Happens to a Gift Card When a Retailer Goes Bankrupt? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Q4LZt0QXjyw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_happens_to_a_gift_card_when_a_retailer_goes_bankrupt/#When:14:27:01Z Sometimes, a well-meaning gift giver just doesn't know enough about a recipient’s needs to select “the perfect gift.” A gift card or gift certificate seems like a nice solution in that situation, but what if the retailer that issued the card subsequently goes bankrupt? In the present economic climate, it seems likely that a few retailers will go bankrupt in the next few months. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you consider giving a gift card.

Read the full article

]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Economy, Truly Random 2008-12-03T14:27:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_happens_to_a_gift_card_when_a_retailer_goes_bankrupt/#When:14:27:01Z It’s Official: We’ve Been in A Recession For A Year http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/SccmoCU1c1I/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/its_official_weve_been_in_a_recession_for_a_year/#When:22:04:00Z We all knew it in our bones, but now the word has come down from on high - the US economy has been in a recession since last December.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, News 2008-12-01T22:04:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/its_official_weve_been_in_a_recession_for_a_year/#When:22:04:00Z Further Note on Roth IRA Recharacterization/Conversion http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/XmfNY1p521I/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/further_note_on_roth_ira_recharacterization_conversion/#When:22:38:00Z In my earlier post on Roth IRA conversions, I noted that if you converted an IRA into a Roth earlier this year it may make sense to recharacterize the funds if the value of your account has slumped and you still owe taxes on the earlier, larger conversion amount. I also stated that you can’t go back this year and do another conversion. However, I realized that there is a way to sort of do a conversion/recharacterization/reconversion.

Read the full article

]]> Investing, Retirement, IRAs, Taxes, Yearend Tax Ideas 2008-11-26T22:38:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/further_note_on_roth_ira_recharacterization_conversion/#When:22:38:00Z 2008 Year-end Income Tax Planning http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/paijl4ZW2HU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2008_year_end_income_tax_planning/#When:06:49:00Z As 2008 draws to a close, take some time to consider what you can do before year-end to reduce your income tax bill.

Read the full article

]]> Favorites, Meeting Your Goals, Taxes, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), Yearend Tax Ideas 2008-11-26T06:49:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2008_year_end_income_tax_planning/#When:06:49:00Z A Trillion Here, A Trillion There…. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/J_zpRk_GVjM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_trillion_here_a_trillion_there/#When:07:07:00Z Bloomberg.com has toted up all the Federal commitments made to date to stabilize the markets and the figure, if correct, is staggering: $7.76 trillion.

Read the full article

]]> Economy, News, Taxes 2008-11-25T07:07:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_trillion_here_a_trillion_there/#When:07:07:00Z The FFS Blog is now a Newstex Blogs On Demand (TM) Contributor http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/pbot7tr8s7I/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_ffs_blog_is_now_a_newstex_blogs_on_demandtm_contributor/#When:01:08:00Z I’m delighted to announce that The FFS Blog has been accepted by the Newstex blog syndication service. The change will be transparent to my blog users, except for the addition of the Newstex icon at the bottom of the blog.

Read the full article

]]> Blogging, News 2008-11-22T01:08:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_ffs_blog_is_now_a_newstex_blogs_on_demandtm_contributor/#When:01:08:00Z