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Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch
Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays. The Employment Situation Each…
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Home Energy Rebates Could Save You Money
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included two provisions allowing rebates for home energy efficiency retrofit projects and home electrification and appliance projects. These home energy rebate programs are to be administered…
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Data for Sale: Tips to Help Protect Your Private Information
On December 3, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed settlement in legal action against a data broker named Mobilewalla, which was accused of using location data obtained through online…
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What’s New for 2025?
To help you stay informed, here are five changes you can look forward to in the new year. Higher catch-up contributions for some. As of January 1, individuals ages 60 through 63…
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A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing
If you would like to reduce your monthly mortgage payment without having to refinance, then you may want to explore a mortgage recast. When you recast your mortgage, you put money toward…
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Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection
Following a record year in 2023, U.S. annuity sales increased by 23% during the first three quarters of 2024 and were expected to set another annual sales record, due to investor concern…
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A Critical Combo: Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits
An important part of any retirement strategy involves accounting for potential long-term care (LTC) expenses, which can be surprisingly high. The median cost of a private room in a nursing home was…
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Treasury Yields Off 17-Year Highs
As the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to combat inflation, yields on U.S. Treasury securities climbed to levels not seen since before the Great Recession (see chart). Now that the Fed has…
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Two Tax-Friendly Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
As a business owner, you may devote most of your time, energy, and profits to running and growing your business. But working for yourself means that saving money for retirement is entirely…
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Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance
Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity, but you may also benefit from tax rules…
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An Umbrella Policy Offers Extra Liability Coverage
Accidents can happen, no matter how careful you are. You might make every effort to help ensure that your house and the surrounding area are safe for visitors, but rain, snow, or…
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Year-End 2024 Tax Tips
Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves before the end of the year. Set aside time to plan Effective planning requires that you have a good understanding…
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Eight Ideas for Smarter Holiday Shopping
Whether you’re shopping online or hitting the mall this holiday season, here are some tips that might help you save time and money. 1. Make a list. Establish an overall budget, then…
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Do You Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?
There are two ways to obtain Medicare coverage: (1) Original Medicare (Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance), often combined with a Medigap supplementary policy and a Part D prescription…
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If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?
A will is a fundamental estate planning document. It outlines how you wish your property to be distributed, who should handle matters related to settling your estate, and who you want to…
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Higher Rates Pressure Borrowers and Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?
In March 2023, two of the largest bank failures in history alarmed savers who worried their own bank accounts could be at risk and investors who feared a wider financial crisis. To…
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FAFSA for 2025–2026 School Year Opens December 1
For the second year in a row, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, will be delayed. The FAFSA for the 2025–2026 school year will open on…
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A Pension Strategy That May Boost Your Income
If you have a traditional pension : also called a defined benefit plan : when you retire, your plan may offer several payout options, including a qualified joint and survivor annuity (QJSA)…
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HOT TOPIC: The Economic Impact of an Aging World
The Economic Impact of an Aging World During the week of June 10, 2024, French markets were rocked by a government bond sell-off after a strong showing by the far-right National Rally…
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Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?
Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family…