Once you purchase shares of a stock, they are yours to do anything you want with. Can I transfer my stocks, you might ask. Absolutely. However, there are some steps you must follow in order to complete this process appropriately.

When Would I Transfer My Stocks?

Stocks are a big part of a person’s estate plan. Appropriately, when major life-changing events occur, it might require you to re-register your stocks. Whether you get married or are setting up a trust to benefit your children or grandchildren, the names on stocks can change. You may be transferring stocks to an outside party as a part of a deal, too.

How Do I Transfer My Stocks?

This process is relatively easy, and begins by obtaining a stock transfer form. Filling out this form gives the transfer agent the go-ahead to transfer the stock shares. You might also be asked to include a letter of instruction to go with the stock transfer form. You may additionally have to include the stock certificates with your signature on the back.

This form includes pertinent information such as:

– Number of shares

– Company that holds the stocks

– Date for the transfer

– Your personal information

This paperwork can be turned into the transfer agent to initiate the transfer. If this is information is being sent via the postal service, make sure to insure it.

Keep Copies Of The Paperwork

It is very important to document the transfer by saving copies to store as a part of your financial records. Make copies of everything that you send to the transfer agent.

Ready To Transfer Stocks?

While this is a process you can execute by yourself, it never hurts to do it under the watchful guide of a qualified stockbroker or transfer agent. There are numerous options in your local area alone and finding them might be a bit time consuming. Trust TalkLocal to assist you in your search. We can guarantee your search will be resolved in a matter of minutes.

Vacation rental property can be an amazing convenience. Instead of searching around the Internet for an expensive hotel room in your favorite vacation destination, you can just pick up and leave knowing that you have a place to stay. Plus, when you are not using it, you can rent it out to someone else, which could potentially cover the cost of buying the property.

Many people find that buying vacation rental property is well worth the investment, but first, you must know how to do it properly.

Here are a few things to consider when buying vacation rental property.

Take Into Account ALL Expenses

Buying vacation rental property might sound easy — you write a check for the property (assuming it fits your budget) and you’re in the clear. It’s not quite that cut-and-dry. There are many expenses tied in with owning and maintaining a vacation property. These are expenses you will have to account for when you adjust the rate for your renters.

These expenses include, but may not be limited to:

– Furniture: Tenants are not going to want to stay in a vacation home that is completely empty, and it can cost quite a bit to furnish a home.

– Repairs: Various things on the property will eventually break, and it takes money to have those repaired.

– Utilities: Be prepared to pay for water, gas, electric, cable, and all of the other monthly bills that come with owning a home.

Choose The Right Area 

Just like in real estate, the No. 1 factor to consider when buying vacation rental property is “location, location, location”. It is generally wise to visit the area before you purchase property there. Take into consideration the attractions and amenities in that area to ensure that it is a place families will want to vacation. If there is nothing to do there, chances are, people are not going to want to rent from you.

Make Sure You Are Financially Equipped 

You are about to take out a whole other mortgage, so make sure you are on steady financial ground before doing this. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to rent out the property easily. Be prepared financially in case no one is interested right away.

Get Help From An Expert 

Don’t be afraid to consult an expert on the matter. This process is not entirely easy. When it comes to contacting professionals, TalkLocal is your best option. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area, in just minutes!

Paying taxes is never fun — and there are certainly many of them out there. Property tax often leaves homeowners grinning and bearing as they drop the check in mail. Many homeowners are fed up with property taxes because they are left wondering: How is my property taxed?

Hopefully, this brief overview will answer that question and give you an idea of where your money is going.

What Are Property Taxes Used For?

Property taxes make up a large amount of the revenue that is given to local governments to use. This money is put forth to fund a number of public services, including, but not limited to:

– Public transportation

– Education

– Parks and recreational activities

– Emergency services

How Is My Property Tax Calculated?

Two major components are factored in order to determine what amount you pay in property taxes: the assessed property value and mill levy. Here is what those terms mean.

Assessed property value: This estimate is made every year and takes into account local real estate conditions. The assessed property value estimates the market value for your home.

Mill levy: This is just lingo for the tax rate. Mill levies differ from area to area. One mill is equivalent to $1 out of every $1,000 of your assessed property value. You might often see in local elections where residents are asked to vote for a millage increase, which would increase property taxes and, subsequently, the revenue available to the local government.

Contact A Local Accountant

Still left wondering: How is my property taxed? Accounting professionals are experts at all things tax-related, and are the perfect resource when you run into issues with your property or other taxes. TalkLocal makes it easy for you to locate such a professional. Simply visit our web site, provide a few details about the services you require, and you will have up to three professionals calling you within minutes.

If you are ready to upgrade your vehicle and are lost in a sea of price options from dealerships, you may be considering the benefits of leasing vs. buying a car. Here is what you need to know before making that decision.

Buying

Leasing

Which Is Best?

Ultimately, you must consider which option is best for you and what fits your personal budget. Are you more concerned with owning a vehicle for a long period and possibly becoming debt-free for a while? Or, are you more interested in updating your vehicle every two or three years to keep up with technology and safety upgrades?

Risk of major repairs required for your vehicle should also be considered when analyzing leasing vs. buying a car. These will often not be needed until after the two- or three-year period and are another expense to consider. Additionally, it is a good idea to consider how much the vehicle will really depreciate in that time period. A vehicle is worth only what someone is willing to pay. It’s important to research depreciation rates to see if the amount you will pay in a lease is truly the depreciation value or if you are better off buying the vehicle and selling it yourself in two years.

Find Someone To Crunch The Numbers

If you are still unsure, it might be best to talk to a professional accountant about which option is best for your particular situation. TalkLocal can get you in touch with a professional in your area quickly, easily, and best of all, for free!

If you are on the verge of splitting with a husband or wife, you might be wondering how forensic accountants help in a divorce. These professionals can provide a variety of benefits to couples who have decided to part ways. They also have a slightly different skill set than the traditional accountants that you call to do your taxes.

A forensic accountant has the know-how to calculate all of the financial information that is required to settle a divorce quickly and easily. The following are just a few of the aspects of a divorce a forensic accountant can help out with.

The Numerous Benefits of Hiring a Forensic Accountant

There are many other ways forensic accountants help in a divorce. The cost of a forensic accountant can vary greatly. There are very few downsides associated with hiring one of these to aid your divorce lawyer.

If you want to hire a forensic accountant, track one down via TalkLocal. Countless professionals in your area are waiting for you to contact them quickly and easily via our convenient service.

After hearing the term so often — especially around tax time — a lot of people find themselves still wondering, “What is a certified public accountant?” You will want to get acquainted with these professionals to make your financial life significantly easier.

A certified public accountant is also known as a CPA. These accountants have passed numerous tests conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. These types of accountants can handle a variety of financial tasks and are equipped to help a number of different people.

Here are a few basic tasks a CPA can handle for you.

What is a Certified Public Account? Why Are They So Respected?

In order to be considered for a position at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an applicant must be a certified public accountant or a lawyer. A CPA is a very highly-coveted and respected position. Understandably, these professionals must pass a gauntlet of challenging tests.

Certified public accountants most commonly do consulting work, but the type of work they get into depends on the individual. These accountants can also land big time positions such as CEO or CFO. Both your family and your business can benefit greatly from the services of a professional certified public accountant.

CPAs Are Waiting

If you are interested in becoming a certified public accountant, there are many resources available to obtain that goal. If you are interested in hiring a professional certified public accountant, you can count on TalkLocal. We take the work out of searching for one by arranging for qualified professionals to call you offering their services.