Becca Stanek

6 days ago | theweek.com | Becca Stanek

"Net worth" is typically a phrase you hear bandied about for celebrities and tech moguls. But it is actually a number worth knowing for anyone — regardless of career status or wealth. "Tracking your net worth over time is a helpful indicator of your financial stability" in that it can "help you understand where your money has gone in the past vs. where you want it to go in the future," said .

1 week ago | erienewsnow.com | Becca Stanek

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a popular low-risk savings vehicle. But it’s important to consider that the interest they earn is fully taxable as ordinary income. Even if you don’t withdraw the interest until the CD matures, the IRS still expects you to report and pay taxes on it annually. While avoiding taxes altogether may not always be possible, there are several legal strategies that can help you reduce your tax liability and make the most of your CD earnings.

1 week ago | erienewsnow.com | Becca Stanek

Net tangible assets represent a company’s physical assets minus its liabilities and intangible assets. For investors, lenders and business owners, net tangible assets can offer a clearer picture of a company’s core value — namely, what would be left if all debts were paid and only tangible, sellable items remained. This can be helpful when evaluating a company’s financial health, valuing a business for sale or assessing how well a firm is backing its shares with real-world assets.

1 week ago | theweek.com | Becca Stanek

Just as there are cautionary tales about mixing business and pleasure, so goes the story for getting financially entangled with family or friends. While lending money may seem like a nice gesture when someone you care about is in need and you have the means, there are a number of considerations worth weighing first to ensure your relationship — and your own financial situation — remains intact.

1 week ago | theweek.com | Becca Stanek

A car, used or new, is a big enough purchase that even small savings can make a difference. If you are in the market for a new set of wheels and have some flexibility, it may be worth timing your purchase, a tactic that can help you score a better deal. In general, the last few months of the year are a good window to shop within, as old inventory gets pushed out for the new. But if you miss that, do not despair — it is not the only time worth hitting the lots.