Bill Zumwalt's (teamzumwalt) Blog

Investing isn't easy these days. Bank savings accounts and money market funds earn next to nothing. Bond yields are at historic lows. The stock market is at a recent high, but full of volatility. And alternative investments like real estate and private equity can be illiquid or bring with them ot...

This is a question that I am asked often. It is also a question that has to take into account your personal situation. What is your marital status, how many children do you have, when is everyone’s birthday. More questions like do you have a lot of medical bills, co-pays, prescriptions, do you ha...

Do any of you know how much of an iceberg shows itself above the water?  Well the answer is 10%. The rest of the iceberg is below the surface where it can’t be seen.  A lot of people think you got an easy job. Stick a For Sale sign in the yard and 2 or 3 weeks later you collect a big  commission ...

Cruising the high seas has become an increasingly popular way to travel, with over 14 million Americans cruising in 2010. Cruise fans love the convenience of unpacking just once and letting a floating resort take them from one glamorous destination to another. Cruise critics cringe at the stereot...

By now, most real estate agents know that you must have owned and used your home as your principal residence for at least two of the five years preceding the sale. And that if you’re single you can exclude up to $250,000 of profit or if you are married up to $500,000 of profit. But what qualifies...

Points paid on home mortgages may be deducted in the tax year you pay them. You don’t have to write a separate check for the points as long as you provide funds for down payments, escrow deposits, etc., at least equal to the points paid. In addition, the buyer can deduct points paid by the seller...

There is a whole alphabet soup of retirement plans to consider, from IRAs, SEPs, SIMPLEs, to 401(k)s, defined benefit plans, and even tax-free “Roth” options. When was the last time you looked at your plan? Are you sure it’s still the best plan for you and your employees? Now that 2012 is over, a...

I have been writing about Home Office Expense for REALTORS, well here is a idea you might not have thought about to save money! Code section 280A(g) let’s you rent you’re home tax-free for up to 14 days. Consider renting your entire home to your business (if you operate as separate business entit...

This tax season be aware that there are computer scammers ready to steal your information. They can send you an official looking email and even have the IRS logo. They will next try to “phish” for info to learn your social security number, bank account information and credit card numbers. Another...

The Super Bowl of Bass Fishing will be taking place in Tulsa this weekend on Grand Lake. Just in time for the event was a snowfall of 5 inches of snow yesterday. The temperature today will have a low of 20 degrees and tomorrow will be about 18 degrees.  But, just like Oklahoma weather, we will ha...