Educational Institute Of The Southwest

Welcome to our Web site, where you’ll find a wealth of information in the form of newsletter articles, calculators, and research reports. 

Educational Institute of the Southwest is dedicated to  Financial Education. It is our goal, as well as the goal of our associates, to provide you with more knowledge so you can make better financial decisions. We believe:

            "Financial Freedom through Financial  Education" 

You will have a defining moment in the way you think about money.


We hope your visit will help you understand the opportunities and potential rewards that are available when you take a proactive approach to your personal financial situation. We have created this Web site to help you gain a better understanding of the financial concepts behind insurance, investing, retirement, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Most important, we hope you see the value of working with skilled professionals to pursue your financial goals.

Please take advantage of this resource and visit us often. Be sure to add our site to your list of "favorites" in your Internet browser. We frequently update our information, and we wouldn’t want you to miss any developments in the area of personal finance.

Estate Taxes

Use this calculator to estimate the federal estate taxes that could be due on your estate after you die.

Savings Goals

How much do you need to save each year to meet your long-term financial goals?

Disability Income Insurance

How much Disability Income Insurance do you need?

Cash Flow Analysis

This Cash Flow Analysis form will help you weigh your income vs. your expenses.

More Calculators →

HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Proposed FY 2013 Budget

The 2013 budget released by the White House on February 13 contains proposed fiscal measures that could affect the business and investment climate, the income tax code, and government spending. Considering that Congress will debate and discuss the budget in detail, many of these measures are unlikely to become law as proposed, but they may indicate future developments.

Insurance for Two Could Benefit Your Heirs

Survivorship life insurance offers a way to help a couple's heirs pay estate taxes, probate costs, and other final expenses — and could be especially important after 2012 when the federal estate tax is scheduled to be significantly higher. Even if the estate tax doesn't apply to an estate, the insurance proceeds could benefit heirs or a favorite charity.

Designating Retirement Plan Beneficiaries

IRAs and defined-contribution plans have become an important component of personal wealth for households. Designating account beneficiaries and keeping the designations current can be a complex — but important — process to perform on a regular basis as certain life events and tax situations can necessitate a change.

Favorable Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rates Extended—for Now

The 2010 Tax Relief Act extended the 15% maximum tax rates on qualified dividends and long-term capital gains through December 31, 2012. But without further legislation, dividends will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates and capital gains tax rates will return to 20% (23.8% for investors in the two highest tax brackets) in 2013.

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