What Is IRMAA? IRMAA is one of those things that can catch people off guard in retirement. It’s an additional premium added to Medicare Part B and Part D when your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds certain thresholds. What makes it tricky is the timing. IRMAA is based on your income from two years […]
View Understanding IRMAA: Why Income Planning Matters in Retirement
Capital gains can sneak up on investors. A property sale closes, or a stock position that has been held for years finally gets sold. Suddenly, there is a large gain, and a significant portion of it may be owed in taxes. For many investors, the first instinct is to look for ways to preserve more […]
Key Updates on the Economy & Markets The first quarter was eventful for markets. Stocks traded higher to start the year, with the S&P 500 posting a modest gain in January. However, the market traded lower in March due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz closure, which led […]
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the investment world is full of predictions. Every day there’s a new forecast about where the market is headed, whether a recession is coming, or which investment will outperform next. Some of those predictions will inevitably be right, but many of them won’t be. That’s one […]
View Investment Research: Why I Rely on Data, Not Predictions
Market Leadership Broadens as Rotation Continues Monthly Market Summary The S&P 500 Index declined -0.8% in February, but the headline masked broad underlying strength. The equal-weighted S&P 500 gained +3.5%, Large Cap Value rose +2.6%, and the Russell 2000 added +0.8%, as the rotation toward smaller and more value-oriented companies continued. In contrast, Large Cap […]
Divorce can significantly change your financial picture, especially if you and your spouse have different earning capacities. It’s important to understand your situation and be ready to advocate for yourself, as the decisions made during the divorce process will affect the rest of your life. Here’s how to prepare to limit the impact on your […]
Money is a major source of stress for many Americans. If you want to improve your financial health this year, you’re not alone. The question is, where should you start? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Follow these seven simple steps to make progress toward your financial goals. 1. Get a Clear Picture of […]
The housing market and its corresponding stocks have had a rough time over the last two years. Homebuilding equities fell substantially because high interest rates and low affordability cooled a once red-hot housing market. Meanwhile, the broader stock market indices kept going up. That difference has led to a situation where housing fundamentals and sentiment […]
Understanding your tax responsibilities helps you manage your retirement income more effectively. Social Security is an important component of many retirees’ income, and most recipients will pay at least some tax on those benefits. How the IRS Taxes Social Security Benefits The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines your tax responsibilities using your combined income. This […]
There are several types of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), the most common being the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. Each has its own rules for contributions, withdrawals, and taxes. Understand these differences to choose the plan that’s right for you. 1. You Can Have Multiple IRAs, but Maximum Contributions Are Cumulative The Internal Revenue […]