For the past several weeks, attention has focused on the debt crisis plaguing Greece and the contentious negotiations with its creditors. The situation in Europe is probably affecting your portfolio to some degree right now. But how can the problems of a country so small and so far away create such turmoil in the world's financial markets? It may be helpful to consider how Greece got to this point, what might happen from here, and, equally important, how events in Europe might impact the markets in general and investors specifically.
After months of negotiations, an agreement remains elusive for the release of the remaining funds from Greece’s 2012 bailout by the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Indeed, the quotations at left from three key participants on just one day last week reflect how far apart Greece is from its creditors.
An important part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the creation of Health Insurance Exchanges or Marketplaces (the terms are interchangeable) through which consumers may compare and buy health insurance, and find out whether they are eligible for Medicaid or tax credits/subsidies that reduce the cost of insurance.
As a homeowner, you should be aware of the income tax consequences of selling your home--knowing the rules can help you minimize any negative tax consequences. You should understand how to calculate capital gain, and know when capital gain can be excluded from taxation. You should also know what you can deduct on your tax return for the year of sale, and how closing costs are treated.