E-CPA Newsletter - January, 2012

Don't Be Scammed by Cyber Criminals
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) receives thousands of reports each year from taxpayers who receive suspicious emails, phone calls, faxes or notices claiming to be from the IRS. Many of these scams fraudulently use the IRS name or logo as a lure to make the communication appear more authentic and enticing. The goal of these scams - known as phishing - is to trick you into revealing your personal and financial information.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15547

Creating Financial Resolutions for the New Year
With the New Year upon us, now is the perfect time to make some financial resolutions to help you ring in 2012 with confidence. According to a survey by Fidelity Investments, most people are likely to say they want to save more and spend less. While increasing savings and decreasing spending are always important goals and a great place to start, don't feel like you have to stop there say financial planning experts at the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA). If the recession is grinding on a little longer than you thought or you're ready to change the way you look at your money, it's time to create a plan to go above and beyond the basics.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15544

Five Questions to Ask Your Favorite Charity
It's very gratifying to donate to a worthy charity and know you're making a difference in the world. But whenever you make a gift, you also want to be sure that your money will be used wisely. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) recommends asking these questions before you give:
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15537

Bank or Credit Union?
Unless you've been stuffing your life savings in your mattress, you probably have your money in either a bank or a credit union. You may not have given the financial institution where your money is stashed much thought before now, but banks and credit unions offer different benefits, depending on what you're looking for. And you might be better off making a change.
http://www.moneymattersnj.com/story.cfm?SID=15543