Financial Security and Fraud Prevention
In an increasingly digital economy, managing your financial security is more important than ever. Whether you’re shopping online, using mobile banking, or transferring funds electronically, the risk of fraud is always present. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost nearly $10 billion to fraud in 2023 — a stark reminder of how prevalent financial […]
Navigating the Storm: A Deep Dive into Stock Market Volatility
When you hear the term “volatility,” you might immediately think of a wild roller coaster ride. In the world of finance, however, volatility represents more than just adrenaline—it’s a powerful force that shapes investment decisions, influences economic confidence, and ultimately defines the opportunities and challenges within the stock market landscape. Understanding the Pulse of the […]
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional before making any changes to your 2025 tax strategy. You can also contact your financial professional, who may […]
Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes
How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider. What do you absolutely need to accomplish? If you could only […]
Monthly Memberships
In the last few years, we’ve become accustomed to many convenient services, many offered via subscriptions. Now, in the old days, if you had a few magazines or newspapers stacked up, you might not pay to continue your service. Today’s subscriptions typically offer autopay, which is convenient and quickly forgotten for many. C&R Research reports […]
Understanding Money Market Funds
A money market fund, not to be confused with a money market account, is a type of mutual fund that invests in instruments like cash equivalents and short-term debt-based securities, which can also include U.S. Treasury Bonds.1 Safety First These funds are designed to be easily accessible and are often considered cash equivalents. Their primary […]
Do You Owe The AMT?
American educational reformer Horace Mann called education “the great equalizer.” In football, it’s been said that turnovers are the great equalizer. In taxes, there’s also an equalizer of sorts; it’s called the alternative minimum tax, or AMT. Instituted in 1969, it was intended to ensure that the very rich didn’t pay a lower effective tax […]
IRA Withdrawals That Escape The 10% Tax Penalty
The reason withdrawals from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% tax penalty is that policymakers wanted to create a disincentive to use these savings for anything other than retirement.1 Yet, policymakers also recognize that life can present more pressing circumstances that require access to these […]
Is A SEP-IRA Right For Your Business?
If you’re like many small business owners, running your own business is an all-consuming endeavor. In the face of everyday demands, choosing a retirement strategy for your business can become a casualty. The idea of establishing a plan could evoke worries about complicated reporting and administration. If this sounds familiar, then you may want to […]
Estimating the Cost of College
It doesn’t take a degree in finance to see that the cost of college continues to rise. In its 2023 report, the College Board showed that in-state tuition and fees at private non-profit four-year institutions increased by 5% in inflation-adjusted dollars between the 2013-14 and 2023-24 school years.1 For many families, the lion’s share of […]
