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Remember when you turned 16 and rushed to get your driver’s license? Or earned the right to vote at 18 and enjoyed the privileges and responsibilities of adulthood at 21? There aren’t many legal…

In a recent survey, 52% of workers said they would prefer to gradually decrease their hours as they transition to retirement. The percentages were even higher for Gen X (67%) and millennials (56%).1 The…

Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects On February 1, 2025, President Trump authorized an additional 25% tariff on all goods entering the United States from Canada and Mexico (except for a lower…

As an investor, you probably track the return on your investments. But it’s likely that you look at the nominal return, which is the percentage increase or decrease in the value of an investment…

Once you’ve filed last year’s tax return and can see where your finances are headed this year, it may be a good time to adjust your income tax withholding to help make sure you’re…

In moments of unexpected financial turmoil, having access to emergency funds can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major life disruption. Whether you have a sudden medical bill, car repair, or…

Most of us would prefer not to think about an unexpected (and unwelcome) early retirement, but it does happen frequently. In fact, nearly half of current retirees retired earlier than planned, and of that…

The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions Under the Social Security Fairness Act signed by President Biden on January 5, 2025, almost 3 million Americans will receive a boost to their Social…

Traditionally, tipping has been a way to reward workers for providing good service. But the norms around tipping are changing, and if you’ve recently felt more pressure to tip, you’re not alone. A survey…

With wildfires in Maui, Hurricane Idalia in Florida, and the heat wave that blanketed the South, Midwest, and Great Plains, 2023 was a record-setting year for extreme weather in the United States. In fact,…

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 month, the…

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 by state…

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 advertising auctions…

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 may be…

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 the principal…

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 with potential…

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 $9,733 in…

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 begun lowering…

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 up to…

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 that apply…

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 ice can…

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 of your…

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 make a…

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 drug plan;…

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 care for…