Data Breaches: Tips for Protecting Your Identity & Money

Large-scale data breaches are in the news again, but that’s hardly surprising. Breaches have become more frequent—a byproduct of living in an increasingly digital world. During the first six months of 2019, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nonprofit organization whose mission includes broadening public awareness of data breaches and identity theft, had already tracked 713 data breaches, with more than 39 million records exposed. Once a breach has occurred, the “aftershocks” can last for years as cyberthieves exploit stolen information. Here are some ways to help protect yourself.

How Geopolitical Tensions May Impact Oil Prices and the Economy

Conflict in the Persian Gulf has spurred modest oil price volatility in recent weeks, but prices didn’t spike to high levels seen during some past conflicts. That’s partly because rising U.S. oil production has shaken up the global oil market since 2010.

Crude oil prices still react to geopolitical events and other unplanned supply disruptions. However, global oil supplies exceeded demand by 0.9 million barrels per day in the first half of 2019, creating an oil glut that is helping to hold down prices. The International Energy Agency predicts that global demand for oil will rise at a slower pace than previously expected during the second half 2019, while noting deteriorating trade and manufacturing activity. Here’s an update on current events that are sparking oil price movements as well as some potential effects on the economy.

5 Essential Questions for Choosing a Tax Advisor

Along with important criteria relative to integrity, credentials, experience, education, services offered, and fees, we suggest that you ask the following 5 questions to gain valuable insight into the quality of relationship you can anticipate and how it will impact your overall financial health.

Year-End Tax Income Planning: Tried and True Ways to Manage Taxable Income

While the TCJA drastically changed several tax provisions, many year-end planning tactics remain. Managing taxable income is important not only for the new QBI deduction, but also for the additional Medicare tax and Net Investment income tax. Lowering your taxable income may also enable you to claim credits and other tax breaks that are phased out over varying levels of AGI.