July 2012 Quarterly Newsletter
Click here for the July 2012 Quarterly Newsletter.
The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.
Economic News, Outlook & Notable Numbers - July 2012
Key U.S. Economic News
■ Nonfarm payrolls increased only +80,000 in June. We’ve averaged only +75,000 payroll gains per month in the second quarter, the weakest job growth seen in two years. The unemployment rate held at 8.2% and there was no change in the participation rate.
What Is Your Business Worth?
The market for selling small businesses improved slightly last year, but buyers typically still had the upper hand.
iMoney - A series of short videos on Financial Concepts
One survey found that 45% of current retirees had to retire earlier than they expected.1
Source: 1) Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2011
Some of the best financial concepts are learned in small, bite-size pieces.
Following the Federal Reserve
To spur borrowing and boost the economy, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds target rate to near zero at the end of 2008. More recently, the Fed disclosed that it is unlikely to raise rates until late 2014.
Investing When Rates Are Low
Interest rates have been exceptionally low for three years now — and are expected to remain so through the end of 2014, according to the Federal Reserve.1 Meanwhile, market volatility has been high. These are challenging times for risk-averse investors who want to improve their returns.
To Roll or Not to Roll: Blackbaud 401K Plan Rollover - It’s Your Choice
It used to be common for employers to encourage (or require) departing employees to withdraw their money from the company’s retirement plan.1 Like most employee benefits, an employer-sponsored retirement plan like the Blackbaud 401K in Charleston SC is typically an expense for the employer.
