Tag Archives: financial planning

If you are turning 60 to 63 years of age in 2025 or later, you have a unique opportunity to supercharge your retirement savings with new, more substantial catch-up contributions. Background Historically, the tax laws cap the annual contribution limits to 401(k), 403(b) and other qualified retirement plans. They also provide additional means for individuals […]

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the federal estate tax exemption increased to $13.99 million, or $27.98 million for married couples filing joint tax returns. This means that individual taxpayers can transfer up to $13.99 million in assets to their heirs (or up to $27.98 million for married couples filing jointly) during life or at death without […]

Equity markets offer investors numerous opportunities to build wealth, but they also entail significant risks, including market volatility. While stock prices may rise and fall for various reasons, extended periods of uncertainty can roil markets and prompt investors to make rash financial decisions based on emotions rather than facts. The current surge in volatility is […]

Financial headlines often refer to the yield curve as a way of assessing the current health of the U.S. economy and predicting where it may be heading. More specifically, a yield curve is a line graph that plots interest rates of U.S. Treasury bonds against different time horizons until they mature, which can be anywhere […]

Widows and widowers who missed the deadline to claim a deceased spouse’s unused estate and lifetime gift tax exemptions as their own have up to five years to make this portability election and shield more of their wealth from future tax liabilities. Understanding Portability U.S. tax laws provide individuals with a federal lifetime gift and […]

Growing a family, buying a home and retiring from your professional career are exciting life events that people talk about but few plan for. If you put off planning for these happy occasions, imagine how little time you devote to preparing for life’s unfortunate realities, such as losing a job, becoming disabled or passing away, […]

Caring for a family member with a physical, intellectual or emotional disability can be costly. Everyday expenses can include food and shelter, specialized medications, assistive devices, special education, transportation, at-home nursing care, and much more. Over time, these expenses will almost certainly increase. Families must engage in advanced planning to ensure that a loved one […]

If you received a year-end bonus, congratulations! As gratifying as it may be to splurge on something you can enjoy immediately, you may want to take a few moments to consider how you can maximize those dollars for the long term. Following are seven smart money moves to help you use a windfall of money […]

Starting a small business can be an exciting venture for anyone seeking career and financial independence. However, the planning and processes required to achieve those goals can be daunting. Entrepreneurs must consider how they will make money today and save enough to ensure a successful retirement for themselves in the future. One option to consider […]

The decision to invest in stocks is one that individuals must take the time to consider carefully, weighing the risks and rewards in the context of their unique facts and circumstances. In general, stocks carry far greater risks than other investments, such as bonds and cash. Investors must contend with market volatility based on economic […]