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This article looks at the current fiscal outlook for the Social Security and Medicare programs and presents some potential changes that might help to strengthen them.
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The S&P 500 Index ended 2022 down 19.4%. Midsize and smaller companies also lost ground but generally held their value better than large companies. This article explains why holding stocks in companies of different sizes can help diversify a portfolio.
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Although IRS scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they also take place throughout the year. This article identifies some common tax scams and offers tips to help avoid becoming a victim.
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The bulk of Social Security benefits go to retirees, but Social Security is much more than a retirement program. This article outlines other types of Social Security benefits.
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Muni bonds and tax-exempt funds have long been a mainstay in the portfolios of income-focused investors who want to manage their tax burdens.
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Staying disciplined in building a well-constructed portfolio over time can help carry investors through the market’s rough spots.
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Read about the reasons some banks are coming under pressure, including the rapid rise of interest rates, financial market effects, and the role of the FDIC.
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College students and their parents need all the help they can get when paying for college or repaying student loans. This article explains three federal tax benefits that could take some of the sting out of expensive college costs.
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Spring is a good time to clean out and organize financial records. This article offers guidelines on how long different types of records need to be retained.
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Market volatility makes most investors nervous, but a big downturn can be especially disturbing to those who are approaching retirement or newly retired. This article presents three fundamental concepts that may help investors keep market movements in perspective and maintain their focus on long-term goals.
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In the past, trusts were often used to avoid estate taxes, but that purpose has become less important for most people with current high exemption amounts. However, a properly constructed trust can serve many other purposes for families of more modest means.
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This report explains the potential consequences of not raising the debt limit in a timely manner and provides an overview of new projections from the CBO for future deficits and the national debt.
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Find out about cost-of-living adjustments that affect retirement plan contribution limits and other deductions and threshold amounts.
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Queen Elizabeth II had a complex end-of-life plan, but you may also need an appropriate plan to help ease the burden on your family members.
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Do you know how to fund an IRA for a nonworking spouse? These IRS rules can help couples build retirement savings based on joint income.
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Now is the best time to start retirement investing for two key reasons: compounding and tax management. Read this article to learn more.
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This article discusses consumer price index categories, how they’re weighted, and the top drivers of inflation over the past year.
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This article provides an overview of upcoming changes that could affect workplace retirement plan participants and IRA owners due to legislation passed by Congress at the end of 2022.
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Discover what to look for in a balanced mutual fund and learn how this type of fund might be used in a portfolio.
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Do you know the difference between immediate and deferred annuities and options for annuitization? Read this article to find out.
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Over time, finances can become complicated. Here are three ideas that might make them simpler and less stressful.
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The pro-rata rule determines how much of a traditional IRA distribution is taxable. Read this article to learn how the rule is applied.
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The IRS is receiving $80 billion to upgrade its technology and workforce. This article offers tips for business owners to help avoid a tax audit.
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The 2019 SECURE Act effectively eliminated the stretch IRA. Explore three alternatives to help preserve wealth and pass it to beneficiaries.
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Do you know how a 529 savings plan can be instrumental in building a college fund? Read this article to find out.
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This article offers ideas that could help online shoppers protect themselves from cyber criminals and scams.
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Leaving a job? Discover four options that are often available for managing funds in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
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Donating to charity can make a difference at any time of the year. But taking a strategic approach, possibly as part of your year-end tax planning, could offer tax benefits and potentially increase your ability to give. This article provides an overview of various tax-advantaged giving strategies.
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Did you know varying performance can change the balance of sectors in a portfolio? Learn how sector funds can be used to shift sector weighting.
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The electric-vehicle market is evolving quickly. This article offers some ideas to consider before purchasing an electric vehicle.
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IRA owners who are 70½ or older can give to charity without itemizing and still get a tax break. Find out how.
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Get an overview of financial topics couples should discuss to help keep surprises and disagreements from disrupting newlywed bliss.
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This article discusses the most common and costly types of scams, and how would-be victims can spot them.
