Advice
IRA contributions lead to tax breaks
It's not too late to get a tax break.
The Kansas Credit Union Assn. urges taxpayers to consider making a contribution to an individual retirement account.
The deadline for contributing to a traditional IRA is April 16 for the 2000 tax year.
Persons can invest up to $2,000 a year in a traditional IRA and pay no taxes on earnings until withdrawing the funds at age 59 1/2. Couples can invest up to $4,000 annually. Contributions could be tax deductible if neither spouse is covered by a retirement plan from their employer and meet certain income requirements.
For more information on the benefits of individual retirement accounts, call the association's Topeka office at (888) 482-5282 or (785) 232-2446.
Employment
Author offers advice on how to protect jobs
If your company has announced layoffs, it's not a matter of fate as to whether your job is among those on the chopping block.
Arky Ciancutti, author of "Built on Trust," said there several ways to protect your job.
The most important thing you can do is position yourself as an employee who completes projects on time and delivers on promises, he said.
Second, avoid what Ciancutti calls "toxic gossip rings," which tend to promote fear and unfounded rumors that do nothing but paralyze workers.
Another way to gain a leg up on others is to make yourself visible to your bosses. Also, if you suspect your number may be up and you're not getting a straight answer, just ask.
"All of a sudden, you become someone who is accountable," Ciancutti said.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.