How to Minimize Taxes During Market Downturns

Understanding long-term capital gains taxes when you sell investments. Market downturns could be a good time to adjust your fund portfolio to minimize the tax bite. Here’s how to calculate the best ways to do that – now and in the future. Taxable accounts you hold longer than a year incur long-term capital gains taxes when you sell investments. You …

5 Tips for Navigating Medicare in Retirement

One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare, which provides you with coverage for some of the larger bills you may face during your retirement. Though navigating Medicare …

Figuring Out a 401(k) Strategy That Works for You

Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives. Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like everyone you’re hoping that your holdings will increase in value). One of the most challenging aspects of investing involves matching your tolerance …

A Mid-Year Financial Plan Review Makes Sense

The changes you make today might be the benefits you need long-term. Today, many people find themselves inundated by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this information and real-time data really help you manage your finances any better than in the past? The truth often is that the “old-fashioned” practices, such …

Five Keys to Investing for Retirement

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you have some investing experience or are just getting started. 1.  Don’t lose ground to inflation It’s easy to see how inflation affects gas prices, electric bills, …

Now Might Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion

Converted assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a substantial tax bill. However, if assets in your traditional IRA have lost value, you will pay taxes on a lower asset base when you convert. If all conditions are met, the Roth account will incur …

4 Tips and Resources to Help Seniors During Periods of High Inflation and Market Volatility

In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride that has given heartburn to financial professionals and investors alike. For retirees and seniors on a fixed income, the true costs of inflation and market …

The Health of Social Security – Some Good News and Some Bad News

With approximately 94% of American workers covered by Social Security and 65 million people currently receiving benefits, keeping Social Security healthy is a major concern.1 Social Security isn’t in danger of going broke — it’s financed primarily through payroll taxes — but its financial health is declining, and benefits may eventually be reduced unless Congress acts. Each year, the Trustees …