Adjusted Gross Income and Modified Adjusted Gross Income

By MoneyBlueBook

In the world of taxes and financial planning, the terms adjusted gross income (AGI) and modified adjusted gross income (modified AGI or MAGI) are particularly significant. They are frequently used to calculate and determine the extent of certain benefits and deductions. AGI in particular is used to determine qualification to take certain itemized deductions and used to calculate taxable income. It is also the key determinative factor to rebate payment under the 2008 economic stimulus tax package. Qualification for the stimulus payment is not based on salary or after-tax take home income, but rather on the taxpayer's total adjusted gross income, which is a terminology encompassing a broader range of income sources.

The term modified adjusted gross income is particularly important as well. It is used to determine qualification to take certain tax adjustments like the child tax credit and eligibility for certain education expense credits. Overwhelmingly though, the MAGI's significance is most commonly associated with tax deferred investment retirement accounts (IRA's). It is a key income factor in determining Roth IRA contribution limits and phaseouts, as well as qualification for IRA to Roth conversions. The higher the MAGI, the more the Roth IRA contribution limit is reduced and ultimately phased out. The MAGI term is often overlooked because the amount calculated in MAGI is often similar or even the same as the adjusted gross income for most ordinary tax situations.

For clarification, here are the income and deductions that comprise both the AGI and the MAGI:

1) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) - is comprised of

By MoneyBlueBook

Updated IRA and Roth Contribution Tables For Tax Year 2009

Because of the power of compound interest, it is never too early to start saving for your future and planning your retirement nest egg. The earlier you start taking advantage of tax deferred investments, the more money you'll have to live on when retirement rolls around. Don't count on dying young to relieve you of the need to save either. Statistics show that improvements in medical technology and lifestyle changes, coupled with increased health awareness are extending our lives longer than before.

For the younger, single people out there, I know it can be strange discussing retirement so early on, but you must remember that your actions now have a huge impact on your future welfare. The cash you invest today in a tax deferred retirement account has a disproportionately more significant impact on your wealth level than money invested later. Don't delay or keep putting it off - even catch up contributions won't be much help if you wait too long to save for retirement.

When it comes to saving for retirement, there are a variety of tax deferred options such as the common employer sponsored 401K plan. But there is also the Traditional Investment Retirement Account (IRA) and the Roth IRA. Both are excellent ways to save for the future but you must be mindful of IRS rules when funding them - by being aware of the annual contribution limits, the contribution deadlines, and the applicable income phaseout ranges. I've created a list of

By MoneyBlueBook

This is so classic. On March 11, 2008, this financial commentary by "financial guru" Jim Cramer was featured on his popular Mad Money television show on CNBC. The customary Cramer angry rant was made in response to a call and write-in question about the serious viability and liquidity concerns regarding Bear Stearns, one of the world's largest global investment banks and brokerage firms, and a company that has been hit particularly hard by the subprime mortgage meltdown. The abbreviated Mad Mail question and exchange can be viewed on Jim Cramer's CNBC Mad Money Blog. Frankly, his response should be written in all caps, since he tends to holler his answers. I wouldn't be surprised if Jim Cramer later requests to have it take down out of sheer embarrassment.

This is what blindly listening to the advice and commentary of financial gurus and pundits in the mainstream financial media outlets like CNBC will get you:

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 On Mad Money

• Dear Jim: "Should I be worried about Bear Stearns in terms of liquidity and get my money out of there?" - Peter
• Jim Cramer: "No! No! No! Bear Stearns is fine. Do not take your money out. Bear sterns is not in trouble. If anything, they're more likely to be taken over. Don't move your money from Bear. That's just being silly. Don't be silly."

Friday, March 14, 2008:

With liquidity problems snowballing and financial conditions deteriorating, Bear Stearns reaches for a life preserver, and works out a financial rescue deal with JP Morgan Chase and the

By MoneyBlueBook

Exclusive Share Builder Promotion Code For New Applicants!

Sign up with ShareBuilder today to take advantage of their $25-$50 promotional offers for new accounts before they expire. The ShareBuilder bonus codes listed below are for new individual customers. While some people have been able to successfully open up several ShareBuilder accounts and earn multiple new account bonuses, the policy technically limits such bonuses to just one.

If you are a Costco member, you may be entitled to special Costco Member Benefits for new ShareBuilder customers by using this link - they are worth even more! If you are a Costco Executive Member, use code: COEXECWALL08, to earn $90. If you are a Costco Gold Star or Business Member, use code: COGOLDWALL08, to earn $70. All non-Costco members should use the following table of codes to claim their free bonus money for new accounts:

ShareBuilder Promotion Code(s)

Bonus Money

25WOLS
$25

ShareBuilder is still currently offering $25-$50 cash promotions to new ShareBuilder broker customers who fund their accounts with at least $50 of their own money or make at least one purchase transaction on their accounts (terms vary). Taking advantage of this free offer is relatively straightforward as ShareBuilder's basic accounts have no minimum balance requirement, which means you can maintain your account with any amount of money you wish. Basic accounts also have no inactivity or subscriptions fees.

For a few years now, the company has become a popular online discount broker option for many new investors. Most people

By MoneyBlueBook

So you're thinking of opening a Roth IRA account? Congratulations! Although it's only one small step forward in sound financial planning, it's one giant leap towards building your financial future and saving for retirement. By now you've likely settled on which investment retirement account (IRA) vehicle is best for you. There are three major types - Roth IRA, deductible IRA, and the non deductible IRA. All offer tax deferral benefits but the retirement account that is most appropriate for the majority of ordinary individuals and married couples is the Roth IRA. Unlike traditional IRA's (both tax-deductible and non-deductible), Roth IRA's enjoy several great advantages and benefits which make them very attractive for those who want to invest and plan for their future retirement. Here is what every prospective Roth IRA investor and account holder should know:

By MoneyBlueBook

I think it's time all market investors learn to turn their backs on the daily stock ticker blips coming out of Wall Street - not completely, but just enough to regain their emotional composure so they can properly implement the correct long term investment strategy.

Don't Gamble Your Money Away - Invest For the Long Term

Not too long ago, I wrote about one of the biggest dangers to rational investing - emotional trading based on panic buying and selling. The wise and prudent investor should put aside irrational emotions, and always invest for the long term if they can help it. Unless you are very close to retirement, your investment plan should be to hold for the long haul. When you invest for the short term and try to make some fast money, you cease to become an investor and transform into a gambling market timer. But financially, day traders and gamblers live and die by the sword. Yes it is certainly exciting when you occasionally can make a quick 50% profit in one fell swoop, but like all gamblers, their desire to constantly make fast money inevitably causes fatal missteps that will ultimately result in financially devastating losses.

Years ago I tried out the gambling day trading strategy. It was during the dot com boom. Yes I made quite a bit from very short term trading bursts, but overall, my losses outnumbered my gains. My short term investing strategy led me to essentially buy high and sell low. My emotions caused me to jump