Getting through an airport in these days can be stressful, but you can minimize much of the stress by being prepared. Here are some tips to get you through quickly.  

*Check the average wait time at the airport you're passing through on the TSA website: www.tsa.gov.  You'll have a better idea of how to time your arrival at the airport.

*Keep your boarding pass and ID available for quick access. You will have to show both at several points throughout the airport.

*Wear shoes that are easy to remove since airport security now requires all passengers to remove their shoes during the security screening process.

*Remove your coat before passing through security.

*Place jewelry and items from your pockets into your carry-on bag to reduce confusion and move through the process quickly.

*Avoid wearing metal jewelry like hair clips or pins, belt buckles, clothes with metal buttons and under wire bras. The metal detectors look for an accumulation of metal so the less you're wearing, the better the chances of passing through without incident.

*Do not bring prohibited items to the airport. Anything that resembles a weapon is considered prohibited material. Sharp objects including small grooming scissors, pocket knives and even combs with sharp points will be confiscated by security.

*Liquids and gels must be a maximum of 3 ounces and packed into a single quart-sized zip-top plastic bag. Even if you have less than 3 ounces in your toothpaste tube, if the tube was originally a larger size (such as 8 ounces), it's not allowed. Larger quantities of liquids will have to be checked in or discarded at security.

*Finally, remember the security personnel are just doing their jobs and helping to protect all of us. Be courteous, cooperative and polite - it will help speed up the check-in process!

Many Americans have been intrigued with the semi-recently introduced Roth IRA under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. However, it may not be all that it is cracked up to be!

I have always maintained that it is far better to pay taxes on the money contributed to a retirement fund up front and then later enjoy a tax-free harvest during retirement rather vs. contributing seed money into a traditional IRA or 401K. When you contribute to a traditional IRA or 401K and then pay taxes during the harvest years when the account has grown substantially, you can often find yourself in a higher tax bracket.

The problem with a Roth IRA is that there are still too many government strings attached! The maximum yearly contribution that can be made for an individual is $4,000. This amount is reduced for couples whose income exceeds $150,000 ($95,000 for single filers). The $4,000 is also reduced by the amount of contributions to a traditional IRA. Distributions may not be made until at least five years after the first contribution is made. In addition, distributions must be made on or after the owner reaches age fifty-nine and one half except in the event of the owner's death, disability, or for "qualified first-time homebuyer expenses."

In my opinion, there is a better alternative approach to achieve tax-free retirement income as well as create indirect tax-favored benefits on the contribution amount without all of the restrictions and rules.

When I contribute money to my retirement fund, there is no restriction on how much I can put in. During good years, I can contribute generously; during not-so-good years, I don't have to contribute anything! In fact, I can withdraw money if needed without IRS penalties and not be obligated to put it back. As a homeowner, I also structure my retirement plan to get indirect tax deductions on my contribution amounts. Most importantly, my retirement funds accumulate tax-free and I can access the funds whenever I want on a tax-free basis (including the interest or gain) without having to wait until I am age fifty-nine and a half! If I don't use up my retirement funds before I pass away, they will blossom and transfer free of income tax to my heirs!

For more information or to receive a f.r.e.e, comprehensive financial planning session, please contact Christopher Bulman of Cornerstone Financial Partners at 916-357-5640 or cbulman@cornerstonefinancialpartners.biz.

The Housing Market

There is no denying that the housing market across the country has suffered a decline in recent months, but that doesn't mean that people aren't still buying. In fact, this is an excellent time to invest in property. Home prices are low and interest rates are likely to increase soon. It's a buyer's market and it won't stay that way forever!

If you're thinking about making a purchase, we have plenty of resources to help you! We also have loan programs to fit just about any need so give us a call to discuss your options. Your dream home may be within your reach!