Business/Economic News - North Light Financial Services

What Does the Devalued Yuan Mean for the U.S.?

What Does the Devalued Yuan Mean for the U.S.? A look at China’s unexpected move & its potential impact. China has surprised global investors by weakening the yuan almost 5%. Its central bank may even weaken it further.1,5 Why did the PRC make this move? Its long-booming economy is in a slump. Most notably, Chinese exports have taken a major fall. In July, they were down 8.3% year-over-year. By depreciating the yuan, China is trying to help its exports [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:18-04:00August 21st, 2015|Business/Economic News, International|Comments Off

The Big Economic Mystery of 2015: Flat Retail Sales

The Big Economic Mystery of 2015 If the economy is healthy, why are retail sales so poor? Retail sales have been flat or negative for four out of the past five months. Even though households are saving an average of $50 a month on gasoline compared to a year ago, that savings has not inspired consumers to increase their spending.1 Commerce Department data released last week showed no retail sales growth in April; even core retail sales (which exclude car [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:19-04:00May 29th, 2015|Business/Economic News, Saving & Budgeting|Comments Off

The Top 12 Tax Frauds

The Top 12 Tax Frauds A look at the IRS “dirty dozen” list. Have you heard of the “dirty dozen?” Each year, the IRS lists the top 12 recurring federal tax offenses – frauds, cheats, feints and schemes that ethically challenged taxpayers, tax preparers and crooks try to perpetrate. Watch for these scams in all seasons, not just tax season. Identity theft. Casually discarded or displayed personal information is an open invitation to criminals. Even when we are vigilant, multiple [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:19-04:00April 24th, 2015|Business/Economic News, Income Taxes, Personal Finance|Comments Off

The Strong Dollar: Good or Bad?

The Strong Dollar: Good or Bad? What is dollar strength & who invests in it? You may have heard that the dollar is “strong” right now. You may have also heard that a strong dollar amounts to a headwind against commodities and stocks. While there is some truth to that, there is more to the story. A strong dollar does not necessarily rein in the bulls, and dollar strength can work for the economy and the markets. The U.S. [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:20-04:00March 13th, 2015|Business/Economic News, Investing|Comments Off

IRS Raises Retirement Plan Contribution Limits – 2015

IRS Raises Retirement Plan Contribution Limits Roth & traditional IRAs won’t get 2015 COLAs, but other plans will. A little inflation means a little adjustment. As the Consumer Price Index is up 1.7% over the last 12 months, the federal government is giving Social Security benefits a 1.7% boost for 2015 and lifting annual contribution limits on key pension plans as well.1 401(k), 403(b), 457 & TSP annual contribution limits increase by $500. You will be able to defer up [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:21-04:00December 4th, 2014|401(k)/403(b), Business/Economic News, Financial Fitness, IRA, Retirement|Comments Off