By Edward A. Sanchez; Automobile ~ Jan 12, 2014
The car has become the latest mobile hotspot, and automakers across the globe are working to make the car a data hub both for the vehicle itself and built-in apps and services, as well as a connectivity hub for peripheral mobile devices. General Motors was among the pioneers of the concept of the connected car, launching OnStar in
1996. Initially resistant to the industry trend of Bluetooth connectivity
By Alexander Bolton; The Hill ~ Jan 11, 2014
Democratic senators are pleading with President Obama to abandon his proposal to trim Social Security benefits before it becomes a liability for them in the midterm elections.
The president proposed a new formula for calculating benefits in his budget last year, in hopes that the olive branch to Republicans would persuade them to back tax increases in a broader fiscal deal.
But Democratic lawmakers say Obama should shelve the idea now that they
From androidheadlines.com ~ Jan 10, 2014
We reported that AT&T has a new idea they announced and it went by the name of “Sponsored Data”, and since its announcement, mixed feelings come in fro
We reported that AT&T has a new idea they announced and it went by the name of “Sponsored Data”, and since its announcement, mixed feelings come in from everyone. Now, one person’s feelings have been brought to light, and his feelings matter more than many of us. This person goes by the name of Tom Wheeler, and he is a Chairman at the FCC.
By Sarah Reedy; Light Reading ~ Jan 09, 2014
Since AT&T announced its plans for toll-free data, reactions across the web have been streaming out, some lauding the big carrier for its innovation, others condemning it for finding another way to rip off customers. (See AT&T Unveils Toll-Free, Sponsored Data.)
So, what is it, an innovation or a rip-off? Well, it could be both, but I’m leaning toward innovation. If you can accept that data caps are here to stay, then this is the kind of service plan experimentation we need to see to make them more palatable to consumers.
By Kate Rogers; FoxBusiness ~ Jan 08, 2014
The Internal Revenue Service is upping its game when it comes to combating identity theft.
The IRS says it began 1,492 criminal investigations into the use of fraudulent tax return filings in fiscal year 2013, which is welcome news for filers ahead of the busy upcoming tax return season where fraud runs rampant. This is an increase of 66% over investigations from the year prior, the report states.
By Bill Bischoff; MarketWatch ~ Jan 08, 2014
Time marches on, and you’ll soon be receiving your 2013 W-2 and 1099s. So it’s not too soon to start thinking about putting together your Form 1040 for last year. As you do, please take note of the following key federal income tax changes that took effect in 2013.
New higher tax rates for upper-income individuals
By Kathryn Mayer; BenefitsPro ~ Jan 07, 2014
Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans are on the rise.
Aggregated enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans hit 15.1 million in December, up nearly 1.3 million members since December 2012, according to a new report by Mark Farrah Associates.
Membership surpassed 15 million members in October.
By Anne Tergesen; MarketWatch ~ Jan 07, 2014
Pension envy: These days a lot of people have it – and for good reason. According to a new analysis by Hearts & Wallets, a financial-research company in Hingham, Mass., retirees with pensions are considerably better off than their counterparts without pensions.
By Mark Miller; Reuters ~ Jan 07, 2014
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is one of the most important retirement moves you will make. Social Security is by far the largest retirement asset for all but the wealthiest Americans, and the only source of guaranteed lifetime income – with incredibly valuable annual inflation adjustments
By Rachael Bade; Politico ~ Jan 06, 2014
Tanning salons, colonoscopy scopes and prescription drugs like Xanax — they’re all items hit by taxes in recent years to fund President Barack Obama’s health care law.
Starting in 2014, the Obamacare tax man is coming for insurance companies — who contend a good chunk of these costs will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums.
And with those now in effect, almost all of the taxes that will be used to offset the cost of Obamacare are in place.