3rd Quarter 2010

You still have time to make a few key moves that can lower your 2010 tax bill. Consider these three tax breaks before the end of the year.

What is the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision? Find out whether your Social Security benefits will be reduced.

Find out how to start receiving your ICMA-RC quarterly statements and transaction confirmations online.

In September 2010, several features were added to enhance your secure online experience with Account Access, ICMA-RC's Web site where you can view your account information, perform transactions and more. Learn more about the new features.

It is important to diversify your portfolio among stock funds and bond funds, which can perform very differently from year to year. And it's also a good idea to invest in several types of stock funds as well as funds that invest in international companies. Find out why.

If you have children under age 13 and pay for child care so you can work or look for work, then you could qualify for the child-care tax credit. Learn more about this valuable tax credit.

New credit card rules have made it a lot more difficult for young people to get their first credit card, so if you have college-aged kids, they may be asking you to add co-signer to your list of parental duties. But be careful before signing on the dotted line.

Does your homeowners insurance cover your child's property when he or she lives in a dorm? Find out whether you need to get extra coverage when your child goes away to school.

After you attain age 701/2, or separate from service with your employer, if later, you will need to withdraw at least a minimum amount from your retirement account each year. Find out how to calculate your required withdrawal, and how ICMA-RC can help.

It's important to diversify the stock portion of your portfolio in funds that invest in different types of companies – with some money in mutual funds that, for example, focus on large companies and some that specialize in small companies. And it can also help to diversify your portfolio internationally.

It's important to review your beneficiary designations for your retirement plans and insurance policies annually – especially if you get married or divorced or have children or grandchildren. Find out how to update designations so your intended beneficiary inherits your retirement account.