Category: Financial Planning

A bill has been introduced in Congress that, if passed, would substantially increase the amount of Social Security tax that some taxpayers pay. In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently projected what the Social Security wage base will be in 2023 and future years. Proposed Legislation On June 9, 2022, the “Social Security Expansion Act” was introduced in both the Senate and House by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and House Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR). If passed, the bill would… Read more ›

When a divorce happens, there are often major financial consequences and some important tax issues too. Here are the tax rules that generally apply when a couple’s assets are split up in a divorce property settlement. State Law Is Important How assets are split up in a divorce depends largely on where the divorcing couple lives. The following nine states are community property states: California, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Idaho. In these states, the general… Read more ›

When planning a trip, you probably focus on making the travel arrangements, ensuring you’ll have enough spending money and other practical issues, such as having someone cover you at the office and someone else keep an eye on your house or pets. The last thing on your mind may be putting your financial and other personal documents in order. However, if you expect to be away for any length of time — especially if your loved ones won’t be traveling… Read more ›

For 2022, the amount you can sock away into your 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans will rise another $1,000 to $20,500. If you’re at least 50 years of age, you can put away up to $27,000 thanks to catch-up contributions. The limit on “total additions” to those plans — that is your deferrals and employer contributions combined — rises to $61,000 in 2022 or $67,500 if you’re at least 50. While you’re contemplating how much to put into your… Read more ›

Back in late 2019, the first significant legislation addressing retirement savings since 2006 became law. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act has resulted in many changes to retirement and estate planning strategies, but it also raised some questions. The IRS has been left to fill the gaps, most recently with the February 2022 release of proposed regulations that have left many taxpayers confused and unsure of how to proceed. The proposed regs cover numerous topics, but… Read more ›

Many people invest in marketable securities, including stocks, bonds, money market funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs). But a less conventional investment option that’s historically paid off for many investors is purchasing a home or condo to rent out to third parties. This alternative may help diversify your existing portfolio and hedge against public market trends. With any investment, there are no guarantees of success, especially if you have a short time horizon. But rental properties may be a… Read more ›

If you’ve seen someone wave his or her smartphone near a payment terminal — maybe at the grocery store or at a restaurant — that’s a mobile payment in action. You may also have noticed a merchant using a handheld device to scan a customer’s phone screen. That’s also a mobile payment. According to many financial experts, mobile payments are more than just a cool new way to use your smartphone. They could actually be safer than using your physical… Read more ›

Graduation can be one of the most exciting — and intimidating — times in your life. You’re officially an adult, and with that new-found independence comes financial responsibilities. No pressure, but the decisions you make today about spending and saving can mean the difference between struggling for the rest of your life and building a solid financial future. Here’s a list of important questions to ask yourself as you start your journey: 1. Where Should I Live? Depending on where… Read more ›

For an investor, managing money is a lot like managing manure for a farmer. Both live by the credo, “spread it around and it will grow.” But as both successful investors and farmers know, you’ve got to know how and where to spread money and manure, or they end up yielding stinky results — or even getting flushed away. While we can’t help with a manure problem, we do have definite thoughts about spreading money around — in a way… Read more ›

In 2019, the bipartisan Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) — the first significant legislation related to retirement savings since 2006 — became law. Now Congress appears ready to build on that law to further increase Americans’ retirement security. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Securing a Strong Retirement Act by a 414-5 vote. Also known as SECURE 2.0, the bill contains numerous provisions that — if enacted — would affect both individuals and employers,… Read more ›