Morris Armstrong
Morris has an extensive background in the world of finance. He has spent 25 years as a currency and bond trader, and then another 15 years helping the public with personal financial issues. In 2008, attorneys in Connecticut voted him as one of the top three planners in the Connecticut Law Tribune poll.
He has written for numerous online sites, including Multex Investors, which is now part of Reuters, and has written for several magazines serving the advisory community. He has appeared on CNN. Ocasionally he is graced with a Yahoo Hot 500 badge, and I thank the public for that!
One area that he is passionate about is helping those who are going through a divorce understand the financial ramifications of any settlement. He believes that couples should consider alternatives to the traditional litigation model.
When asked about today's consumer he said "I don't really envy the consumer. Everyone wants to focus on the consumer's assets when in fact it is probably their liabilities that need better managing as well as an introduction to basic budgeting."
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He has written for numerous online sites, including Multex Investors, which is now part of Reuters, and has written for several magazines serving the advisory community. He has appeared on CNN. Ocasionally he is graced with a Yahoo Hot 500 badge, and I thank the public for that!
One area that he is passionate about is helping those who are going through a divorce understand the financial ramifications of any settlement. He believes that couples should consider alternatives to the traditional litigation model.
When asked about today's consumer he said "I don't really envy the consumer. Everyone wants to focus on the consumer's assets when in fact it is probably their liabilities that need better managing as well as an introduction to basic budgeting."
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The Voice of Reason
Displaying Results 1 - 78 (of 78) for Yahoo! US Finance
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First Person: The Right Way to Convert a Roth IRAThere is method that everyone can use to maximize the tax benefits of converting into a Roth IRA. Sure, its a little bit more work, but aren't you worth it?
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First Person: My Recipe for Almost Perfect CreditIn today's world we are but a number, and that is our credit score. I am pleased that my scores are still among the best
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First Person: How Can I Reduce the Taxable Amount of My Social Security?Understanding how social security benefits are taxed is critical to any planning decisions and you may realize that there is very little that can be done to alter the taxable amount.
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First Person: Am I Better Off After Four Years?The politicians are asking whether you are better off today than you were four years ago. Should we be happy to tread water? I think not.
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First Person: Supersize Your Social Security Benefits When DivorcedYou can increase your social security benefits by tens of thousands of dollars through planning.
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First Person: Senator Rubio Is Correct: Olympic Medals Should Not Be TaxedSenator Rubio thinks that winning $25,000 at the Olympics is more of an accomplishment than winning money elsewhere and should be tax-exempt. He is wrong.
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First Person: Why You Need More Than One Traditional IRA AccountIn order to gain maximum flexibilty you should consider having multiple IRA accounts.
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First Person: Why I Place Company Stock in a 401(k)People should not shy away from having their employer's stock in their retirement plan, just monitor the situation and look at your overall assets.
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First Person: How a $500 Gambling Loss Can Mean Paying More in TaxesThe tax law on reporting gambling winnings and losses is grossly unfair and often the benfit of the losses evaporate into thin air!Also published on:
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First Person: Why Budgeting Is Like DietingDieting and budgeting have many steps in common. We may not like them but usually the results are worth it.
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First Person: The Rising Price of Gasoline Is Teaching Me to Slow DownGasoline prices may be headed higher and the best thing that we can do is slow down our speed!
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First Person: The Difference Between Cost and Basis at Tax TimeUnderstanding cost basis is crucial when it comes to reporting a taxable loss or gain. Not knowing the answer will cost you money.Also published on:
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First Person: Sure, You Can Buy a House in Connecticut for $250,000Even though the northeast is the most expensive region to live, there are plenty of nice homes available for the national average.
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First Person: I Found $600 By Checking With My State TreasurerIt is very easy to search if your state is holding any unclaimed property or money in your name. It should be an annual event.
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First Person: How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Returns? ForeverPeople are mistaken when they think that they only have to keep a copy of their return for 3 to 7 years. There is no statute of limitations if the taxing authority claims non-receipt.Also published on:
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First Person: The Payroll Tax Extension Won't Factor Into My Hiring DecisionsThe extension of the two percent reduction in FICA contributions by employees is welcome but does not help small business owners.Also published on:
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First Person: I Think My Condo in Connecticut Has Finally Stopped Losing ValueIn my area of Connecticut, home prices are stabilizing, and that is the important first step towards a housing recovery.Also published on:
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First Person: From Poverty to Success Thanks to Work Ethic and Public EducationMitt Romney said there are safety nets in place for the poor. I think he is right. Providing a good public education can be considered one of the better safety nets.
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First Person: Ditching the Single Serving Coffemaker Is Saving Me $900 a YearAmericans drink a lot of coffee, but how it impacts your budget is definitely within your control.
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First Person: The Mistakes First-Time Renters MakeRenting your own place can be a rite of passage. Sometimes we don't know what we don't know and wind up with unexpected expenses.
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First Person: The IRS Wanted $6,000 and I Said "No"Getting a letter from the IRS can be harrowing even if you know that you are correct. Fortunately, good documentation can help resolve issues in your favor.Also published on:
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First Person: Happy Valentine’s Day. I Want a DivorceDivorce can be one of the nastiest Valentine's Day gifts, although the received may feel a sense of relief! Pro Se divorces are fairly common - but I think that chocolate is less bitter!
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First Person: Tax Hints for People Divorced in 2011If you were divorced in 2011, you probably have plenty of questions on how to file your tax return. These will address filing status, dependents, alimony and other common issues.Also published on:
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First Person: What Is That Trade-In Really Worth?If you are trading in a car, make certain that you know both its market value and insurance value. If you are unfortunate enough to total your car before trading it in, do not blindly sign the title over to the dealership.
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First Person: My American Dream May Not Include AmericaSometimes you have to realize that the place where you are simply isn't the place where you should be. The polarization of American politics has caused me to wonder if it is worthwhile to stay in this country when I retire.
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First Person: The Trouble With Windfall IncomeReceiving a large sum of money is great but sometimes we forget how to cover the most basic of risks.
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First Person: The Financial 'Facts' That Should Always Be in WritingThere are certain things that a financial adviser must have in writing. Not because he doesn't believe the client, but to avoid confusion.
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First Person: Tax Reminders for the End of the YearEach December 31 marks the end of the year and is the last day that we can impact our tax situation for that year,Also published on:
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First Person: Learning Financial Lessons From Television CommercialsIt is a huge mistake to assume that something which comes easy to you will also be easy for other people. We are all wired differently.
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First Person: When Does the Parental Piggy Bank Close?Parents are still providing financial assistance to their adult children. Retired parents or those near retirement, should consider the impact that this aid will have on their own future. -
First Person: The Disadvantages of Condo OwnershipOwning a condo is much different than owning your own house. The condo by-laws and condo board can bite you in the rear!
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First Person: The United States Must Address the Debt CrisisThe Unites States cannot continue to borrow and Congress must act in a responsible manner to curtail spending and raise revenue.
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First Person: Finding Extra Money for My Holiday SpendingFinding additional money for the holidays needs to be a combination of reduced spending and increased income.
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First Person: How I Use 529 Plans in My PracticeCollege 529 plans may be an effective way to accumulate future tuition payments but there are penalties for non-qualified withdrawals
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First Person: Why I Am Willing to Assume More DebtIt is a mistake to think that all debt is bad. When used prudently, debt allows us to enjoy things today that we do not have the ready assets for.
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First Person: Learning From My First Home SaleSelling a home is a different experience than buying a home. It can be more stressful and you may feel as if your values are being questioned.
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First Person: How Keeping Organized Can Save MoneyBeing able to present required information in a prompt and concise manner will save you money and stress.
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First Person: Shopping for Office Supplies on Black FridayBlack Friday can be a great day to find bargains, both for personal use and for your business.
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First Person: Giving Up Your U.S. Citizenship Isn't FreeApproximately 1,500 people gave up their rights as a US Citizen in 2010. The process is complex and costly.
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First Person: Don't Slap Me With a Monthly Debit Card FeeBanks are beginning to charge a monthly fee to use a debit card and that is one step over the line as far as I am concerned.
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First Person: Why You Should Not Pay That Bill From the IRSNot every notice from the IRS is correct and they may ask you for money that they do not deserve.Also published on:
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First Person: Compare Spending Over a Decade, Not Over Last YearInflation is like high blood pressure -- you may not even realize that you have it but it is causing financial damage.
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First Person: Save Taxes as Your Roth IRA DeclinesSeptember and early October are the times for you to review your Roth IRA and see if there is an opportunity to save on taxes.Also published on:
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First Person: Planning for a Recession is a Way of LifeYou always need to watch your expenses and know which ones can be eliminated if there is a recession.
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First Person: 4 Ways to Wreck Your Financial DreamsThere are many ways in which we can derail our financial future. These are four, all to common mistakes that people make.
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First Person: Are My Insurance Needs Really Being Met?The time to know your what your homeowner's insurance covers is long before the hurricane or tornado strikes. You also have to make certain that your insurance is for the correct amount.
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First Person: Trusts Are Not Only for the WealthyClients can have issues that are not about money in the traditional sense and can be helped by listening and referring to the proper professional.
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First Person: How I Saved 167% on a Computer CableThe trials and tribulations of shopping online and at stores can make for an interesting story.
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First Person: Do Not Waste Your Time on These Auto UpgradesBuying a new car is challenging and it is easy to waste money on options that are not needed.
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First Person: Collecting Social Security? You Should Get a Raise in 2012Changes in the inflation rate during the months of July, August and September are used to determine increases in COLA beneifts. It is looking as if there will be an increase in benefits.Also published on:
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First Person: 3 Costly Divorce MistakesDuring the divorce process there are pitfalls and you can make costly financial mistakes. Here are 3 to avoid.
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First Person: Teachers, Check Your 403(b) OptionsSchool districts limit the providers that you may use to fund your 403(b) plan and you should look for low cost providers. The difference in expenses over time is mind boggling.
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First Person: Dealing With Market TurmoilThe global stock markets are in a correction and there is heightened nervousness due to all the negative headlines.
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How Olympic athletes make moneyAthletes receive stipends which help them during training, but the money from endorsements is the big pay-off.Also published on:
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First Person: The Bright Side of RecessionStatistics show that we have recovered from the economic nadir of 2009, but for many people, their financial lives are not all that much better. People may have seen an increase in portfolio values offset by a decline in home values and still worry.
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First Person: Accessing Your Financial Records After Disaster StrikesEach year countless people have their lives put into turmoil due to a natural disaster. There are some simple steps that you can take to protect your financial records.
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First Person: My Mortgage is Underwater But I'm NotToo many Americans own property that is worth less than their mortgage balance and have to decide whether to honor their commitment. Sometimes it is a question of feeding the family or the bank; other times it is simply having bought a rapidly depreciating asset.Also published on:
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First Person: Budgeting for a Summer JobSchool is out and many students will soon have their first summer jobs. Learn how to spend and budget.Also published on:
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First Person: Hiding Money From the Spouse?Keeping financial secrets from your spouse or significant other is wrong and shortchanges your relationship.Also published on:
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First Person: Make Your Spending Pay You BackStretching your budget dollar means thinking smarter.
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First Person: What I've Learned From Residential Energy AuditsMost utility companies offer residential energy audits. The fee is small and the savings can be big.Also published on:
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First Person: Stung By the Tech Upgrade CycleWhen you buy technology it is often out of date by the time you get used to it.Also published on:
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First Person: My Homeowners Insurance Saved MeNo one likes paying insurance premiums but it is so important to have the right protection.
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First Person: Till Debt Do Us PartYou have to be aware that just because a divorce paper says that one party is responsible for paying a bill, the creditor may still seek payment from the other side.
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First Person: Why We All Need Estate PlanningThe law of the land has raised the taxable amount of an estate beyond what 99% of Americans have, but that doesn't mean we should ignore common sense and basic estate planning.
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First Person: Is an Annuity Right for Me?Annuities are very complex products that most people seem to either love or hate. If you are considering the purchase of one then there are some basic questions that you need to have answered.
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First Person: More Fun, Less ExpenseValues have changed and extravagance is almost gauche. Spending quality time is more important than spending cash and there are many ways to do this.
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First Person: Understanding Workplace BenefitsUnderstanding your on the job benefits.
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First Person: Will Brokers and Registered Investment Advisers Be Treated the Same?It seems that for the last decade there have been court battles over how brokers and advisers are regulated. Will Dodd Frank and Ms. Schapiro put an end to it?
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First Person: The Financial Decade in ReviewThe last 10 years are a mirror image of the 80s and 90s and perhaps we all need to keep that in mind realizing that as an economy we have to take the good and the bad and that is what creates averages and statistics.
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First Person: The Money Mistakes We All MakeMoney is complex and we all make some mistakes. Here are a few that I often see along with ways to correct them.
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First Person: A Financial Review of 20102010 was a very interesting year for finance, and just not because of large returns or losses.
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First Person: What the Tax Cut Means for the Rest of UsIt's no wonder so many people do their taxes at the last minute. We are just following Congress' example, as they wait until December 2010 to debate the tax rates for 2011.
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First Person: Financial Planning at Year EndFinancial planning is not about investments but instead about taking steps to make your life easier and help you reach your goals.
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First Person From a Financial Adviser: Where My Money Is Going NowThis is s synopsis of an investment process and some factors that are considered in determining where to allocate resources.
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First Person: Year End Tax Planning for a Confusing YearThe traditional steps that you might take at the end of the year to reduce taxable income might be counterproductive if rates rise next year. You cannot act blindly.
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First Person: 5 Retirement Plan Pitfalls to AvoidThe traditional pension has been replaced with plans where the employee is responsible for making sure that they have enough at retirement. Following these steps may help you achieve this goal.
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First Person From a Tax Professional: How to Respond to an IRS NoticeWe have all received notices from the IRS and felt impending doom. There is often no need for that, however. Here is a brief list of things that you can do to make matters easier when dealing with the IRS.