Columns by Jim Germer
Jim Germer writes a popular tax and investor column for The Bradenton Herald. Jim has also written on business and tax issues for McGraw-Hill and the Management Review. Here are some columns he wrote for the Bradenton Herald. If you like these columns, consider calling Jim Germer at (941) 746-5600 for a free initial consultation.
Are Financial Advisers Worth It?
The Bradenton Herald
May 24, 2016
How do you feel about making mistakes with your own money? People are seeking more guidance from financial professionals as they approach retirement.
Beware of Dangers of CD Investing
The Bradenton Herald
April 12, 2016
Retirees and people now living on fixed incomes are watching anxiously, and in horror, as their saving dwindle because of low CD interest rates. Learn how to reduce the dangers of not, diversifying your portfolio.
Here's How to Avoid Tax Traps and IRS Audits
The Bradenton Herald
February 9, 2016
TurboTax, foreign bank accounts, uninsured adults - are all issues that can flag IRS and spark an audit.
Should Seniors Buy or Lease a Car?
The Bradenton Herald
December 8, 2015
Thanks to cars affectionately known as "geezer cars" with electronic stability control, airbags, and backup cameras, seniors are driving longer. Leasing may make sense for some senior if they consider costs, accidents, loss of license, health issues, and death.
RS Telephone Scam Targets Seniors, Vulnerable
The Bradenton Herald
September 22, 2015
Beware of criminals pretending to be IRS representatives, using a telephone scam, trying to collect taxes that aren't even owed.
Sarasota Snobs and Mobile Home Renaissance
The Bradenton Herald
July 21, 2015
Bradenton is rapidly becoming one of the most desirable and expensive places to live in the United States. Find out what some retirees are doing when down to their home and about $100,000.
Best $25 Gift for a New Graduate
The Bradenton Herald
June 2, 2015
What really should be said in a graduation speech, but isn't.
Find Ways to Increase Your Tax Refund
The Bradenton Herald
April 7, 2015
Unhappy with the size of your tax refund? Here's how to get a bigger one next year.
Is it Dumb Buying a Second Home?
The Bradenton Herald
February 10, 2015
Legions of snowbirds have found that second homes are disasters as investments.
Keep a Record of Goods Donations
The Bradenton Herald
December 16, 2014
Donate clothing, household goods and electronics to Goodwill and Salvation Army without risking an IRS audit.
Defending Traditional IRAs
The Bradenton Herald
October 28, 2014
Forget what CNBC says about Roth IRAs. Traditional IRAs are likely the way to go for most of us.
Secrets of Long-term Care Insurance
The Bradenton Herald
June 10, 2014
If you need long-term care insurance, buy it while you're healthy.
Perils of IRA Rollovers Next Year
The Bradenton Herald
August 26, 2014
The IRS is about to get tough on non-conforming IRA rollovers in 2015. CD investors watch out!
Taking a Swipe at Credit Cards
The Bradenton Herald
April 8, 2014
Struggling with credit card debt? Here's how to dig yourself out of debt.
Tips for Avoiding Bond Suicide
The Bradenton Herald
January 28, 2014
Today's conservative investor needs to bear in mind that bonds, just like stocks, have risks.
Smart Year-end Tax Strategies
The Bradenton Herald
November 26, 2013
Use powerful and legal tax planning strategies by year-end to pay less income tax and, hopefully, obtain a bigger tax refund.
How to Help-Out Adult Children
The Bradenton Herald
September 24, 2013
Playing it smart when adult children ask for financial help.
Alternative Investments Go Mainstream
The Bradenton Herald
July 16, 2013
Considering alternative investments in a low interest rate environment.
Consider Social Security Planning
The Bradenton Herald
May 14, 2013
Waiting until your full retirement age can either maximize Social Security benefits or be a costly mistake.
Avoid IRS Minimum Distribution Penalties
The Bradenton Herald
September 11, 2012
Learn strategies to avoid IRS penalties on required minimum IRA distributions.
Preserving Capital and Maximizing Retirement Income
The Bradenton Herald
November 13, 2012
Learn ways to cutback so you can afford retirement.
Ways to Avoid Higher Taxes
The Bradenton Herald
July 10, 2012
If tax cuts expire, look at ways to avoid higher taxes.