Tag Archives: financial planning
High interest rates and persistent inflation have raised red flags for many investors nearing or entering retirement. In this uncertain environment, soon-to-be retirees are increasingly turning to annuities to help diversify and protect their retirement savings while creating a steady and predictable income stream for all their remaining living years. Determining whether annuity products are […]
Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA can be a smart option for individuals seeking tax-free growth and the flexibility to take tax-free withdrawals in retirement or pass their savings to future generations free of federal income tax. However, employing this strategy contains significant financial implications that individuals must address and carefully plan for […]
In our busy lives, it is not uncommon to put off for tomorrow the things we do not have time for today. This is especially true for things that make us uncomfortable or require significant time and effort to squeeze into our already hectic schedules. However, by sweeping these issues under the rug, you are […]
On Sept. 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve Bank (the Fed) reduced the target federal funds rate by half a percentage point to a range of 4.75 to 5 percent, marking the first rate cut since the start of the pandemic in March of 2020. The move, which follows 11 consecutive rate hikes between March 2022 […]
The IRS recently announced the 2025 contribution limits individuals with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) may contribute to their workplace health savings accounts (HSAs) to help pay for rising healthcare expenses. HSAs are triple-tax-advantaged accounts that eligible workers may fund with pre-tax dollars and withdraw tax-free when used to cover a broad range of qualifying healthcare […]
In this episode, the Relatable Finance guys talk about recent stock market volatility, offering insights and reminders on what to expect during periods of market instability. They explore the importance of setting realistic long-term goals and how to navigate market fluctuations to achieve investment success. Tune in to understand how to stay on course during […]
Today’s federal estate tax exemption is so generous that only a handful of ultra-high-net-worth families are subject to tax at a rate as high as 40 percent. This is set to change in 2026 when the amount taxpayers may exclude from estate tax is scheduled to be cut in half and reduced to approximately $6 […]
The COVID pandemic created a prolonged period of economic uncertainty that has left an indelible mark on individuals and businesses across the globe. While it is natural to become anxious and question whether you are fully prepared for the current period and any challenges that may arise in the future, you should focus your attention […]
If you received a year-end bonus, congratulations! As gratifying as it may be to splurge on something you can enjoy immediately, you may want to take a few moments to consider how you can maximize those dollars for the long term. Following are seven smart money moves to help you use a windfall of money […]
The IRS released its 2024 cost-of-living adjustments for retirement savers. Among the highlights are higher annual contribution limits to qualifying plans and higher income limits for individuals to make deductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) or make a taxable contribution to a Roth IRA. Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans For 2024, the maximum contribution employees […]