Author Archives: Greg Ochipa
Happy Trails, Happy Tails
Man’s best friend loves to go for a ride in the car, but an enthusiastic nudge from a nose or a big tail wag can interfere with your driving. To keep yourself and your pet safe on the road, follow
Surfing Safely
While we at Southport Magazine prefer shopping locally, we understand that some folks shop online and particularly do so during the holidays. Though there are advantages to e-commerce, it’s wise to take steps to protect your identity from hackers and
Protecting Your Business Equipment
Odds are, you’ve worked hard to establish your business. You’ve made tough decisions and dodged countless pitfalls. Nevertheless, don’t let the excitement of moving forward distract you from the present: What are you doing to protect what you’ve already built?
Tax breaks for military families: the HEART act of 2008
Although the HEART Act passed in 2008, it still matters to military families today. Officially the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act, it created new tax benefits for military personnel. These benefits relate to retirement and education savings plans
Better House Hunting
The housing market is on the rise according to Money Magazine, which reported price increases are projected for most of the country this year. You can still snag a good deal while the market recovers—but don’t go into your home
Making the Mark
If you’ve been turned down for credit; made poor financial decisions in the past; or plan to apply for a mortgage, an auto loan or a credit card; you might consider taking action to help improve your credit score. Your
Seven Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund
You finished your tax returns and discovered you’ll be receiving a nice refund. You’re not alone. The IRS reports that the average American received a refund of nearly $3,000 in 2012, and the trend is continuing this year. But before
Consolidating your retirement accounts
The average U.S. worker will hold up to 11 jobs between the ages of 18 and 44, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of those past jobs probably came with a 401(k) or an IRA account as a
