In late 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included many tax provisions and extenders as well as additional COVID-19 stimulus relief. For example, the ability to deduct up to $300 in charitable contributions if the taxpayer doesn’t itemize has been extended for an additional year. The business meal deduction has been increased from […]
How Year-End Legislation May Have Affected Tax Season Read More »
During the holiday shopping season, your credit score is probably the last thing on your mind. But as you start your seasonal spending, remember to use credit wisely so you can start the new year with a healthy credit score. The following tips can help you maintain or potentially improve your credit score throughout the
How to Help Maintain a High Credit Score Read More »
When it’s time to prepare the next generation for a financial legacy, you might want to bring your family members together to talk about money. But sitting down together isn’t easy, because money is a complicated and emotionally charged topic. Rather than risk conflict, your family may prefer to avoid talking about it altogether. If
Sharing Your Money Values Can Be Part of Your Legacy Read More »
In early 2020, 61% of U.S. workers surveyed said that retirement planning makes them feel stressed ¹. Investor confidence was continually tested as the year wore on, and it’s likely that this percentage rose — perhaps even substantially. If you find yourself among those feeling stressed heading into the new year, these tips may help
Five Tips to Regain Your Retirement Savings Focus in 2021 Read More »
Americans gave almost $450 billion to charity in 2019, an increase of 4.2% over the previous year. Individuals accounted for more than two-thirds of this amount, followed by contributions from foundations, bequests, and corporations. The holidays and end-of-year giving make up the bulk of when charitable donations occur so we felt this was a good
Spreading Generosity Read More »
At some point in your life, you may lose the ability to make or communicate responsible health-care decisions for yourself. Without directions to the contrary, medical professionals are generally compelled to make every effort to save and sustain your life. Depending on your attitude toward various medical treatments and your views on the quality of
Incapacity and Advance Medical Directives Read More »
Stock market volatility in 2020 has clearly reinforced at least one important investing principle: Short-term goals typically require a conservative investment approach. If your portfolio loses 20% of its value due to a temporary event, it would require a 25% gain just to regain that loss. This could take months or even years to achieve.
Accumulating Funds for Short-Term Goals Read More »
Federal and state governments have spent extraordinary sums in response to the economic toll inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At some point, it is likely that governments will look for ways to increase revenue to compensate for this spending and increase income taxes as a result. That’s why it might be a good time to
Is It Time to Think About Tax-Free Income? Read More »
The Roth “five-year rule” typically refers to when you can take tax-free distributions of earnings from your Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), or other work-based Roth account. The rule states that you must wait five years after making your first contribution, and the distribution must take place after age 59½, when you become disabled, or when
Four Questions on the Roth Five-Year Rule Read More »
The Federal Government’s massive COVID-19 stimulus package covers many areas of relief for businesses and individuals. Below is a summary of how this recent legislation may affect your tax-deferred retirement accounts and withdrawals from those accounts including RMD’s. Relief for Retirement Accounts Buying time: deadline for filing the following has been extended to July 15,
$2 Trillion Stimulus Plan Changes For Corporate Plans, Ira’s, Roth’s Read More »
