Retirement savers looking to take advantage of a provision that relieves certain people of taking required minimum distributions this year need to take action by the end of the month. The CARES Act allowed individuals to skip taking their required minimum distribution in 2020, but some people may have already received it prior to the […]
The coronavirus financial crisis has made this a year of record-low mortgage rates, which are currently sitting below 3% for the average 30-year fixed-rate home loan. Maybe you’re saying, “Yeah, I know, I’ve heard about that. It’s been all over the news.” If that’s the case — and you’re a homeowner with a mortgage — have you […]
In moments of financial volatility, like the current economic downturn, it’s natural to start thinking more carefully about how you manage your money. Where once you may have felt financially secure, now you could be having second thoughts about how you’re planning for the future and saving money for unexpected events. Whether you’re just learning how […]
IN THE WAKE OF GEORGE Floyd’s death, thousands of people across the country took to the streets to protest excessive police force and support the Black Lives Matter movement. While rallies and petitions are one way to make your voice heard, financial activism is another. “Every decision we make has an impact, large or small,” […]
Recessions have a way of drawing your focus to your money. This one, in particular, poses some unique challenges and that has led to unprecedented levels of government aid. But even then, many families are still struggling. Everyone’s situation is unique and so is each path to recovery. However, there are a few basic principles […]
White House and Democratic negotiators are now in their second week of discussion on the new stimulus package, are all but guaranteed to include a second stimulus check, but movement is slow. Once the two sides reach an agreement, one thing could happen quickly: getting the IRS to send the first payments of up to […]
There isn’t much to like about high-deductible health insurance plans. If you have one, you may already be spending thousands of dollars out-of-pocket on healthcare each year. Before meeting the deductible, it can be tough to afford the basics. Unfortunately, these plans have become the go-to choice for many larger companies—and this costly trend is […]
Warren Buffett is well known for his investing prowess — the Oracle of Omaha has made billions due to his smart stock purchases. With his reputation as one of the world’s best investors, it’s not surprising many people watch his purchases and recommendations carefully to inform their own stock-buying habits. Of course, even Buffett isn’t […]
Several studies in recent years confirm that most U.S. workers haven’t saved enough for retirement. TD Ameritrade’s 2020 Road to Retirement report indicates that only 8% of savers between the ages of 50 and 59 have $1 million saved. A much larger percentage in that same age group, 37% to be exact, have saved less […]
Can someone working out of their houses because of the pandemic deduct the expense of the home office? In the past, employees who were required to work remotely could deduct the cost of their home office. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case. The 2017 tax law eliminated a provision in the tax code that allowed […]
You’ve heard the whispers and warnings of a possible stock market bubble, and you’re spooked. You just survived a big drop in your portfolio’s value back in March, and you’re not ready to go through it again. Is it time to cut your losses and get out, ahead of another crash? A stock market bubble […]
Should you retire at age 65? 70? Sometime during your 50s? There’s no easy way to answer that question, as there are benefits and drawbacks to leaving the workforce earlier versus later in life. But one thing you should do is spend some time thinking about when you’d like to retire, and these are a few important […]
