From childhood savings accounts to retirement plan distributions, age can affect federal tax obligations and planning opportunities throughout one's life. Knowing when key milestones will arrive is critical to choosing optimal strategies. We journey through major age-based tax rules and considerations that taxpayers may encounter from birth through their 70s.

Borrowing from a 401(k) plan may provide quick access to cash, but it can also affect long-term retirement savings and trigger tax consequences if the loan isn't repaid as required. This article explains key rules for 401(k) loans, highlights important risks to consider and offers practical guidelines for deciding whether borrowing is the right choice.

Suggestion boxes can work wonders. They cost little to set up and, over time, at least a few of your employees' ideas will likely save your company money and help it operate more efficiently. This article offers eight steps to a successful suggestion box program. A sidebar provides a brief history of the suggestion box, which starts in 1894.

For businesses that carry it, inventory can be a complex operational area that's fraught with errors and losses. Often, such problems spring from carrying too much inventory or from failing to keep processes tight and up to date. This article suggests ways to maintain a lean, well-controlled inventory.