Why the Government Loves Your 401(k)

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” but when it comes to tax-deferred retirement accounts, it might seem like the government is offering just that. A closer look, however, unveils an intriguing retirement strategy that benefits both parties: the individual saver and the government. It’s a tale of tax-time savings for you and eventual tax revenue for Uncle Sam. Read More

IRS Audits More Low-Income Families

A new report by Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), a nonprofit data and research gathering organization, found that the IRS may target low income earners more often than high income earners for an audit. Indeed, during FY 2022, the odds a millionaire was audited by an IRS revenue agent was just 1.1 percent while low-income families have a 1.27% audit rate.

The IRS may target low-income earners more often than high income earners for an audit for several reasons. Read More

How Secure 2.0 Changes Your RMD

The Secure Act 2.0 was signed into law on December 29, 2022 bringing some major changes when it comes to retirement planning. Among the most notable is a change to Required Minimum Distributions (RMD). The new law builds on earlier legislation that allows retirees to delay required minimum distributions (RMDs) until a later age. This can be a significant benefit for retirees who don’t need the income from their retirement accounts and want to keep their savings invested for as long as possible. Read More

The BIGGEST (often ignored) Risk to Your Retirement

Retirement is a time when many people look forward to leaving the workforce and enjoying what should be the most enjoyable phase of your life.

There are many risks when it comes to investing and preparing for retirement. However, there is one threat that is often ignored which has a HUGE impact on the success and reliability of your retirement.  The government can impact your retirement negatively. Here are a few examples: Read More

Do Taxes Impact Your Economic Decisions?

Taxes impact decisions in a very real way. When it comes down to it, people like paying lower taxes because it means more money in their pockets!

Why did Tyreek Hill choose to play for Miami instead of the NY Jet’s? He has a great reason. Jerseyites think about it for a minute – same for New Yorkers, Californians and others! And this is just football. Think about major corporations and the jobs they bring. Read More

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

All the financial experts say debt is bad.

Should I pay off my mortgage as early as I can?

Sooner or later, every homeowner begins to dream about the day when they own their home free and clear. No more mortgage payments…extra money each month to invest…what’s not to love?

Even financial experts like Dave Ramsey are known for singing the praises of ridding yourself of any and all debt—including your mortgage.

Whether this is a realistic goal or not, it leaves many homeowners wondering, “Should I pay off my mortgage early?”

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer, but I can (hopefully) put your mind at ease about getting out of debt. Read More

How Charitable Contributions Affect Your Finances

When you donate money to charity, it not only can make a big difference in someone’s life, it can also reduce your tax liability by lowering your taxable income. Contributions are tax deductible only if made to a qualified organization.

Are you wondering how charitable contributions can affect your finances? Keep reading to find out how giving to charity can benefit your funds. Read More