September is College Savings Month: Why Start Saving Early? Many families are concerned about the rising cost of college tuition. With the increasing financial burden, it's crucial to start saving early and take advantage of the benefits of compounding interest. The Rising Cost of College Tuition The cost of college tuition has been steadily increasing […]
How much do you really know about retirement benefits? If you’re like most Americans, it’s not that much. In fact, most of us have fairly poor “retirement literacy,” especially when it comes to the finer points of retirement benefits.1 That may not seem like a big deal, but it can give rise to all sorts […]
A Helpful Guide on the Different Types of Powers of Attorney A power of attorney (POA) can grant you certain authority and specific responsibilities. While the extent and limitations of POAs can vary based on many factors, stepping into the role of power of attorney can be unlike anything else. That’s because it puts you […]
Spring isn’t just about budding plants, changing the clocks, or paying your tax bill. It can be the perfect time to refresh financial tasks and dust off your long-term goals. As we begin a new season of financial “spring cleaning,” here are 4 (commonly made) mistakes you can prevent this year: Mistake #1: Budgeting for […]
What’s your ideal retirement? Traveling? Practicing your favorite hobbies? Caring for loved ones? Whatever you envision, creating a plan of action can feel exhausting. There are, however, a few simple, yet commonly overlooked steps you can take today to help you feel more comfortable throughout your planning process. 5 Tasks that Could Help You Find Retirement Bliss […]
IRS Changes Inheritance Rules: Protecting Your Legacy The IRS recently updated some rules about trusts that could make your heirs accidentally liable for capital gains taxes.1 It's another quiet change that could severely impact families trying to maximize their legacies. What Changed Under the New IRS Rules? Under New IRS Rules, assets inside irrevocable trusts […]
All United States citizens are subject to income tax from the federal government, even those who are retired. Living on a fixed income in retirement can be difficult, so it’s important to plan accordingly for how you will be taxed to get an accurate picture of your financial health. Here’s what you need to know […]
It’s tax season! And though it comes at the same time each year, many Americans still file for tax extensions. Whether you choose to work with a tax professional or file on your own, staying organized can help you meet the April 15th deadline. Here are some ideas to help you stay on track and […]
Would you enjoy your retirement more in the U.S. or abroad? That’s not an easy question to answer, and the right answer is different for everyone. After all, we don’t all want the same things in retirement, and we all retire with different resources, agendas, and expectations. That can make some places better (or worse) […]
Donating to charities is a win-win when filing taxes. You get to help a cause you care about and can claim dedications on cash contributions. But what happens when the charity you’ve given to is fraudulent? You’ve now donated to a false entity, haven’t helped the cause, and cannot write it off on your taxes.With […]
While following a solid tax planning strategy throughout the year is integral to your overall financial plan, some special considerations may maximize your refund or reduce overall tax liability.Let’s look at some of the tax-saving strategies you could be taking advantage of.Maximize Retirement Contributions to Traditional IRAsIf you aren’t taking advantage of your annual retirement […]
Tax season is officially over, and many of us are looking forward to our tax returns hitting our bank accounts. While some may choose to spend their return on a special treat, others may want to use the extra funds to boost their investments. If you’re trying to decide where to spend (or save) it, […]
