Financial Planning for Life

Welcome to my Web site -- an information resource designed to help you learn more about personal finance. Click around and you'll find a variety of financial tools. There are financial calculators that can help you get a clearer picture of where you stand and where you're headed. There is a research library and newsletter articles on a wide range of financial topics. You can even request a quote for an insurance or investment product. And check back often, because I'm constantly adding new material. If you have a specific question or want more information, click on Contact Us, drop us an e-mail message at michael@nixonfinancial.com or call me at 707-894-9882 I'm ready to help.

 
Calculators

Capital Gains Taxes

Estimate short-term and long-term federal capital gains taxes

Savings Goals

How much do you need to save each year to meet your long-term financial goals?

LTCI Cost of Waiting

Estimate the potential cost of waiting to purchase a long-term care insurance policy.

Retirement Portfolio Lifespan

How Long Will Your Funds Last?

More Calculators →

Newsletters

HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Debt-Ceiling Compromise

The Budget Control Act of 2011 raised the federal debt ceiling, mandated modest but significant caps on discretionary spending over the next ten years, and left the details of larger deficit reduction to a 12 member, bipartisan “super committee.” The main provisions of the law include the assumption that higher tax rates will return in 2013.

Exchange-Traded Funds: In a Class by Themselves

In 2010, the combined assets of the nation's ETFs topped more than $800 billion. ETFs are unique investments that share some similarities with mutual funds but trade like stocks. ETFs have some appealing characteristics, including trading flexibility, potentially lower expense ratios, tax efficiency, and diversification.

Tax Law Keeps S Corporations Attractive

S corporations are more common than C corporations and partnerships, perhaps because they are not subject to the corporate tax. Instead, profits and losses flow directly to shareholders, who are currently taxed at lower individual income tax rates. Read why reorganizing as an S corporation may be a smart move.

Are Consumers Holding the Keys to a Better Economy?

Consumer spending still accounts for about 70% of gross domestic product, but some government statistics suggest that consumers may have reduced spending drastically in recent years, especially on discretionary items. High unemployment, household debt, and a general lack of confidence can affect consumers' ability and willingness to spend.

More Newsletters →