Shutdown is Over. Don’t Get Excited First off, the market expected a shutdown resolution by mid November and especially since this past weekend. That’s the reason today’s news means essentially nothing in terms of being a surprise headline. On the data front, today is also meaningless in the short term. It’s not as […]
Shutdown is Over. Don’t Get Excited Read More »
Taking time out of the workforce to have a child or care for an aging parent often means your taxable income drops. That “downtime” can be a smart window to convert part of a pre-tax IRA to a Roth IRA — paying tax at today’s lower rate, so future growth inside the Roth can be
Parents and Caregivers: Don’t Miss Your Roth Conversion Window Read More »
Retirement accounts often represent a substantial portion of a client’s estate, yet the beneficiary designation forms that control their distribution are too often treated as an afterthought. Estate planning attorneys are familiar with the routine: The client names their spouse as the primary beneficiary and their children as contingent beneficiaries — focusing solely on the
Don’t Disinherit Your Grandchildren: Beneficiary Form Risks Read More »
Key Takeaways Less than a week before the Fed’s policy committee is set to vote on interest rates, the makeup of the 12-person body is undecided. Key questions are whether Fed Governor Lisa Cook will remain on the committee despite President Donald Trump’s attempts to fire her, and whether the Senate will confirm a Trump
We Still Don’t Know Who At The Fed Will Vote On Interest Rates Next Week Read More »
Medicare open enrollment is almost here, and your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter should be arriving soon. If you have a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan, this document is crucial. The information inside will help you decide whether to keep your current coverage or find a new plan for the coming year.
Don’t Toss It! Why Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change Matters Read More »
Geopolitical shocks — terrorist acts, wars or military action — can give your portfolio a significant negative charge. The leading geopolitical source of market instability in 2025 has been the Middle East, as in years past. Israel’s decision to attack nuclear facilities in Iran in an attempt to retard that country’s weaponization efforts prompted a
The ‘Nothing Ever Happens’ Market: How Stocks React (Or Don’t) to Geopolitical Events Read More »
When crafting a long-term plan, it’s easy to focus on the numbers that feel solid — how much you earn, how much you save and how much you think you’ll spend in retirement. But the silent force of inflation is quietly eroding those numbers year after year. Almost everyone understands the theoretical effects of inflation.
Outsmarting Inflation: Don’t Let It Restrict Your Retirement Read More »
Key Takeaways Raising the minimum wage might increase the number of “good jobs” that provide solid benefits, reasonable levels of autonomy, and career paths, according to a new study. An analysis of minimum wage hikes in Uruguay found that wages rose the most for lower-income workers and wage inequality decreased, a finding that backs studies on minimum wage
Minimum Wage Hikes Don’t Just Raise Pay—They Can Make Jobs Better, New Research Says Read More »
Key Takeaways Making lasting summer memories doesn’t have to break the bank—with a little budgeting and creativity, you can keep costs low. Free or low-cost activities like biking, hiking, outdoor movies, and museum discounts offer plenty of entertainment options. Local theater productions and and movie chain discounts offer cheap, easy ways to have fun without
This Summer, You Don’t Have To Spend a Fortune To Have Fun Read More »
Question: I have $50,000 saved. Where should I park it before a rate cut happens? Answer: You’ll want to find a savings solution that’s resistant to rate cuts. That way, you maximize your savings while rates are still higher. However, you don’t have much time to act. The Federal Reserve’s wait-and-see policy might change soon.