There has been increasing talk of taxing unrealized capital gains, especially targeting individuals with assets over $100 million. While this might sound like a good way to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their “fair share,” there are significant downsides to this approach. Lets explore three reasons why taxing unrealized gains is wrong and how it could eventually affect everyday investors if the policy trickles down. Read More
The Declining Financial Security of Retirees in Today’s Economy
In just four years, the financial landscape for retirees has shifted dramatically, placing many in precarious situations. While retirement was once a time to enjoy the fruits of decades of labor, today’s retirees are finding themselves navigating a sea of economic challenges that threaten their financial stability. The rising cost of living, the inflated costs of maintaining home equity, and the volatile stock market are all contributing factors. These challenges make it clear that retirees are worse off today than they were just a few years ago. Read More
Do Elections Affect Your Retirement?
As election seasons roll around, the political climate intensifies, bringing with it a wave of speculation and uncertainty. Many people find themselves wondering if the outcome of elections will impact their retirement plans. While it’s true that elections can influence various aspects of the economy and financial markets, the real issue often lies in the sentiment and security of the retiree. Here, we will explore three key areas where elections might affect your retirement and emphasize that proper planning is the best way to prepare for post-election changes. Read More
Purpose Driven Retirement
Having a purposeful mindset after retirement is crucial for personal fulfillment and promoting longevity and overall well-being. Retirement marks a significant transition from full-time work to a phase of greater freedom and leisure. However, this newfound freedom can sometimes lead to a lack of structure and purpose if not approached thoughtfully. Read More
Understanding Financial Advisor Compensation: No Moral High Ground
When it comes to hiring a financial advisor, understanding how they get paid is crucial. The compensation structure not only influences their advice but can also affect your financial outcomes. However, one should not assume that any particular compensation method holds a moral high ground over another. Let’s explore the various ways financial advisors charge for their services and why none inherently stands as more ethical than the others. Read More
How Does AI & Crypto Affect Your Portfolio
While some may see retirement investing as akin to gambling or a far-off dream, getting a handle on the basics early can pave the way for financial success down the road. Today, we’re going to talk about two buzzworthy topics in the investing world: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cryptocurrency (Crypto). Read More
The Stupidity of Voting Yourself a Raise
Your Return vs. Market Return
Investing in the stock market is like a long adventure where you can earn money over time. But not everyone makes the same return on their money with their investments. Even if the whole market is doing really well, you might find your own money growing a bit slower. Here’s why your own investment return might be different from the big market return:
W-2 Earners Pay More Taxes
This time of the year Americans are preparing to file their taxes. Although many will argue, you have to pay taxes in some way, shape, or form. It is not only necessary to fund the infrastructure around us but it’s also against the law to not pay. Read More