In times of market volatility and financial uncertainty, one of the most valuable resources is knowledge.  To this end, James F. Poole & Associates is here to educate you about the basic concepts of financial management and to give you easy, clear-cut access to market data.  We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that are available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation. We frequently update our information, and we wouldn’t want you to miss any developments in the area of personal finance.

Life Expectancy

Knowing your likely life expectancy is an important factor in making long-term financial plans.

Credit Card Debt

How Long Will It Take to Pay my Balance?

Car Affordability

How much can you afford to pay for a car?

Savings Accumulation

Estimate the future value of your current savings.

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Tax Changes for 2012

Mandatory annual inflation adjustments generally affect federal income tax brackets, retirement plan contribution limits, and estate tax exemption levels. Here are some of the major changes that could affect readers in 2012, with a table showing 2012 income thresholds for the six federal income tax brackets.

HOT TOPIC: Why Watch the Employment Situation

Labor reports showed some signs of improvement in the second half of 2011. This article takes a closer look at the official reports that track employment, factors that held back job creation after the recession officially ended, and whether recent gains are enough to spark more robust growth.

ETFs for the Conservative Investor

The number of exchange-traded funds has grown rapidly in the last decade. Total ETF assets exceeded $1 trillion in March 2011, an increase of more than $200 million over the previous year. This article explains the potential benefits of ETFs and why some of them might appeal to the risk-averse.

To Roll or Not to Roll: It's Your Choice

Some employers are encouraging departing employees to leave their retirement savings in their employer plans. But employees should make any decisions based on their own needs and concerns, not the former employer's. Read about the pros and cons of rolling over retirement plan assets to an IRA.

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