Since there is so much uncertainty right now, many are making predictions about where the economy is headed, when the virus will subside, and when we will return to “normal.” While no one can be sure, it’s worth considering the future when planning for it. If you’re nearing or entering retirement, a solid plan is [...]
If your financial or employment situation has changed due to coronavirus, you may be rethinking your Social Security claiming strategy. While you can claim Social Security benefits as early as age 62, you will receive a permanently smaller benefit. If you wait to claim past your full retirement age, your benefit will increase by 6 [...]
Recent events have everyone wondering when a sense of normalcy will return. But the answer isn’t as simple as hoping for a date when stay-at-home orders will be lifted. No one knows if there is a long recession to come, or if the economy will bounce back in the near future. Although things may seem [...]
President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law to help Americans combat the economic effects of the coronavirus. It includes potential tax breaks, checks for qualifying Americans, and temporary new rules for retirement account withdrawals. Here’s a guide to the CARES Act for Americans 50 and over. Checks for [...]
A 12 year-long bull market run recently came to a close, and many Americans have experienced the effects. For those nearing or in retirement, this can be especially worrisome. If you're wondering what your course of action should be right now, you should consider your risk tolerance, where the market is heading, and how you [...]
We're living in unprecedented times, and the government is taking unusual steps to mitigate the economic damage done by the coronavirus. Strict measures are in place, like canceling events of more than ten people, closing bars and restaurants, and restricting travel. And while these mean to help from a public health standpoint, they're having a [...]
Donald Trump ended 2019 by signing a 2020 spending bill that includes the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. It’s the biggest piece of retirement legislation to be passed in years and it will undoubtedly have a major effect on how many Americans approach retirement and estate planning. This month we’ll cover [...]
A recent Northwestern Mutual survey found that 41% of Americans are stressed about retirement planning, and 46% worry about outliving their savings.[1] And with 62% of Americans stressed about money in general[2], it’s surprising that only 28% of Americans will actually make New Year’s resolutions that are financial in nature, according to a MassMutual survey[3]. [...]
You might have a Christmas to-do list to help you stay on track this holiday season. And while it may be an overwhelming list already, there are a few important financial deadlines you should add to it. It’s the season of giving, so don’t forget to give yourself the gift of tax planning. What you [...]
Tax-advantaged retirement accounts like traditional 401(k)s and IRAs offer many advantages, but some of these don’t last forever. The government eventually reaps the reward of years of tax-free compounded interest by forcing you to withdraw funds from your own retirement accounts and inherited accounts. So if you have a retirement account, be prepared for your [...]
