Timely newsletters to help you stay current on the markets, tax rules, retirement planning and the wider economy.
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Why the EPA Is Focusing on “Forever” Chemicals
In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the first federal limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in public drinking water. PFAS are often called “forever”…
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Much Ado About RMDs
The SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in late 2022, included numerous provisions affecting retirement savings plans, including some that impact required minimum distributions (RMDs). Here is a summary of several important changes, as…
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How to Kill Your Zombie Subscriptions
In a 2022 survey, consumers were first asked to quickly estimate how much they spend on subscription services each month, then a while later, they were directed to break down and itemize…
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Medical Debt and Your Credit Report
It’s no surprise that consumers are contacted by debt collectors about medical bills more than any other type of debt.1 After all, the complex world of medical billing and collection practices is…
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SECURE 2.0 Provides New Retirement Savings Options in 2024
The SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in December 2022, made wide-ranging changes to U.S. tax laws related to retirement savings. While some provisions were effective in 2023, others did not take effect until…
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Will You Work Beyond Traditional Retirement Age?
More than seven out of 10 current workers in a recent survey said they expect a paycheck to play a role in their income strategy beyond traditional retirement age. In fact, 33%…
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New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government. According to an estimate by the Congressional…
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Small Businesses Could Face Borrowing Challenges
According to an October 2023 survey, higher interest rates impacted more than half of small businesses, and over 20% reported that higher rates and tighter lending standards influenced their hiring decisions.1 Small…
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After a Surprising 2023, a Cautiously Optimistic Economic Outlook for 2024
Despite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict, the U.S. economy outperformed the expectations of most economists in 2023.1 Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (Real GDP) accelerated to an annualized rate of 5.2%…
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SECURE 2.0 Makes It Easier to Give and Receive
They say it’s better to give than to receive, but doing both while reducing your income tax liability may be appealing. The SECURE 2.0 Act, included in the federal spending bill passed…
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Managing Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medicare covers only 60% of total health-care costs for Americans age 65 and older.1 Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and payments for services not covered by Medicare can result in substantial out-of-pocket expenses. And…
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Tax-Loss Harvesting Offers Chance at Silver Lining
Stock market downturns can be rough on your portfolio’s bottom line, but they may also offer the potential to reduce your tax liability and possibly buy shares at a discount. When an…
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You’ve Received an Inheritance, Now What?
If you’ve recently received an inheritance, you may be facing many important decisions. Receiving an inheritance might promote spending without planning, but don’t make any hasty decisions. Here are some suggestions that…
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Bond Yields Are Up, but What Are the Risks?
After years of low yields, bonds are offering higher yields that may be appealing to investors regardless of their risk tolerance. While bonds could play a role in any portfolio, they can…
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HDHP/HSA Pairing May Help Control Medical Costs
If your employer offers health insurance benefits, one of your options may be a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with eligibility for a health savings account (HSA). These plans offer potential savings by…
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Time to Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund
A financial crisis : such as a job loss or medical emergency : can strike when you least expect it. It is important to be prepared by having a financial safety net…
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Rising Oil Prices Could Pose the Latest Threat to the Economy
Oil prices have increased more than 30% since late June, driving up transportation costs for consumers and businesses and putting financial markets on edge. On September 27, West Texas Intermediate crude :…
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Breaking Down Clean Vehicle Tax Credits for Business Owners
If you own a business, you might be able to use one of these two new federal tax credits to help offset your cost to purchase certain clean vehicles (including electric, plug-in…