Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits Social Security spousal benefits provide financial support for individuals who may not have earned significant income during their careers, often due to caregiving or part-time work. These benefits are designed to ensure that spouses, including lower earners, can still receive income in retirement. The spousal benefit can be as much… Continue reading Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits
Article Categories: Articles
Happy Quitters Day!
Happy Quitter’s Day! Well, that didn’t take long. When you rolled out of bed on January 1st, laced up your jogging shoes and strapped on your reflective vest, you were confident you would be on your way to the ‘new you’. You couldn’t wait to try on that outfit you looked so good in ten… Continue reading Happy Quitters Day!
Medical Debt Got Upgraded
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized a groundbreaking rule that will remove an estimated $49 billion in medical bills from the credit reports of about 15 million Americans. This new rule prohibits the inclusion of medical bills on credit reports and bans lenders from using medical information in their lending decisions. By increasing… Continue reading Medical Debt Got Upgraded
Time to Rethink that I Bond
“All good things must come to an end.” From the dozen roses you bought last valentines day to the new car smell in your 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix, the things we prize today will soon lose their luster. The same may be true of the I Bond you purchased back in May of 2022. Remember… Continue reading Time to Rethink that I Bond
Naming a Trust as Beneficiary
It’s the new year and one of your resolutions is to finally get your long-overdue estate plan in order. You’ve been hearing a lot about the time and cost associated with probate and are thinking about making a trust your beneficiary to avoid it. However, you’re not sure if it should also be the beneficiary… Continue reading Naming a Trust as Beneficiary
Don’t Let the Holidays Delay Your FAFSA: Why Filing Early Matters
The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s a time for celebration and family, it’s also crucial to remember an important task: submitting your FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open ahead of schedule, and here’s why you should prioritize filing it early, even… Continue reading Don’t Let the Holidays Delay Your FAFSA: Why Filing Early Matters
Have You Created Your Year End Statement?
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your family’s financial health. Creating a year-end financial statement is a great way to understand where your money went this year, set goals for the coming year, and vision cast where you want to be in the years ahead. Here’s… Continue reading Have You Created Your Year End Statement?
Understanding your 401(k): Do You Have Two Accounts?
Understanding Your 401(k): Do You Have Two Accounts? A lot of people think they need separate 401(k) accounts for Roth and pretax contributions. But here’s the truth: your 401(k) is a single account that can handle both. Here’s how it works. Your 401(k) gives you the option to decide how your contributions are taxed. If… Continue reading Understanding your 401(k): Do You Have Two Accounts?
Medicare Premiums on the Rise
Medicare Part B premiums are set to increase by 5.9% in 2025, raising the standard monthly premium to $185 for individuals earning up to $106,000 annually and couples earning up to $212,000. This adjustment reflects the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) response to rising healthcare costs, particularly in outpatient and physician services. For… Continue reading Medicare Premiums on the Rise
Did your employer change 401 (k)Recordkeeper? It’s time to check your beneficiaries!
Life gets busy, and updating your 401(k) beneficiaries often gets pushed to the backburner. But if your employer recently switched 401(k) recordkeepers, now’s the perfect time to double-check your beneficiary designations. When employers change recordkeepers, there’s a chance that your current beneficiary information won’t automatically transfer. It’s easy to overlook, but verifying your beneficiaries can… Continue reading Did your employer change 401 (k)Recordkeeper? It’s time to check your beneficiaries!
