Consider Making Lifetime Gifts and Creating Trusts Now
You should consider making lifetime gifts, in trust or outright, in order to use your federal lifetime gift tax exemption now instead of waiting to use your federal estate tax…
New Report Reveals Why Shoppers Choose Dollar Stores
Despite the improving economy, consumers are still visiting dollar stores, whether in search of a bargain, the thrill of the hunt, or because of the influx of food and beverage…
What to Do Now in the World of Tax Planning
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the Act), which was signed into law by President Obama on Jan.2, 2013, made permanent the $5 million exemption (indexed for inflation) for…
What Do We Do Now-Estate Planning Going Forward
As we’ve previously reported, taxes have gone up and then come down and now, at the moment, are going up again next year. The last three years have witnessed substantial…
Price Drives Fuel Purchases
Gas prices play a significant role in how consumers feel about the economy overall, according to the results from the new 2013 NACS Consumer Fuels Report. Nearly 9 of 10…
Screaming for Ice Cream
It’s been a hot summer, but the market for ice cream in America has got it licked. According to recent Mintel research, in 2011, the ice cream and frozen novelty…
Distilled Spirits Market Share Up in 2012
Distilled spirits made market share gains in 2012 and now account for more than a third of all alcohol sales, a report from the Washington-based Distilled Spirits Council says. The…
Beer Sales Up
Super-premiums beers (those costing more than about $22 per case) are beating crafts and import beers in supermarket sales, SymphonyIRI Group said in its recent 2012 Mid-Year Beer Category &…
Visa Announces ATM-EMV Deadlines
Visa has announced new liability shift dates for EMV transactions that will affect third-party acquirers of ATM transactions, Mobile Payments Today reports. The liability shift places responsibility for paying out…
Taking a Hard Look at Cider
Hard cider sales have been increasing, with new styles and flavors that have stimulated consumer interest, the Indianapolis Star reports. “It’s the most exciting beverage category in the market,” said…