Style Basics...

Casual wear has its place, but the “casualization” of America is in full effect and should be banned. Casual clothes are important, but people have almost stopped caring about appropriate clothing for specific situations. As Clinton Kelly from TLC’s “What Not to Wear” show would say, “flip-flops are never appropriate for work (unless you work in a spa); pajamas are not appropriate for the supermarket (unless you’ve got the flu and nobody else on the planet is willing to shop for you); and butt crack is appropriate nowhere (that’s right, nowhere)”. This is so true. What happened to taking a few minutes out of your day just to “spruce” up…We are not talking about getting “dressed up” everyday, but just trying to look your “basic best”…without wearing your PJ’s out of the house—Keep the house clothes IN THE house!

P.S. We LOVE flip-flops, just not at work people!

IRAs-->ROTH or TRADITIONAL

Save for your retirement—you make the choice

Well first, it depends on whether or not you are eligible for either one.
Eligibility
ROTH: Any age with compensation
Single=income up to $95k
Joint=income up to $150,00
TRADITIONAL: Under age 70 ½ with compensation
No income limit

Max Annual contribution
ROTH: $4,000 or 100% of compensation
same
Contribution Deductibility
ROTH: Contributions are not tax-deductible
TRADITIONAL: Contributions may be tax deductible
Federal Tax Advantages
ROTH: Federal tax-free growth (no taxes paid on income earned when withdrawn)
TRADITIONAL: Federal tax-deferred growth
(taxes must be paid when withdrawn)
Withdrawals
ROTH: Can withdraw contributions anytime without penalty or tax
TRADITIONAL: Only withdraw after age 59 ½ without penalty or tax

If you cannot deduct your contributions to a Traditional IRA and you qualify, a Roth IRA might be the better choice for you to consider since withdrawals of earnings are generally tax-free. If you aren't eligible for a Roth IRA, anyone under age 70½ who has compensation can take advantage of the benefits of a Traditional IRA, including tax-deferred growth and the potential for tax-deductible contributions. If you can deduct your contributions to a Traditional IRA, the decision to open a Roth or Traditional IRA generally depends on how you think your tax situation in retirement will compare to what it is today, and how likely you are to withdraw money before age 59½. Money in a Traditional IRA grows tax-deferred and is taxed when withdrawn. If you withdraw the money before age 59½, you generally must pay a penalty, subject to certain exceptions that you should educate yourself on. If you think your tax rate in retirement will be lower than it is now and you do not plan to withdraw the money before age 59½, a Traditional IRA may be the better choice for you. Money in a Roth IRA is not federally taxed when it is withdrawn, and you can withdraw your contributions at any time without paying a penalty. If you think that when you retire your tax rate will be higher and/or you might need the money before age 59½, the Roth IRA might be the better choice for you to consider.