Online shopping is more popular than ever. Unfortunately, this also means that package theft is on the rise. In fact, nearly half of all Americans (44%) have had a package stolen at some point by package thieves or “porch pirates.”1 Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent porch piracy. Use surveillance systems. Consider installing […]
Get Ready for Tax Time
According to one survey, 42% of Americans would rather go to the dentist than file their taxes.1 Tax season might not be your favorite time of the year, but a little preparation can help make the tax filing process as smooth and painless as possible. Review last year’s tax return. Not everything will stay the same, but […]
Distressed Loans Pressure Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?
In March 2023, two of the largest bank failures in history alarmed savers who worried their own bank accounts could be at risk and investors who feared a wider financial crisis. To help restore confidence in the U.S. financial system, the federal government pledged to make all depositors whole and to support other banks that […]
Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings
Almost half of U.S. families headed by a married couple include two working spouses.1 With dual careers, many spouses accumulate assets in separate retirement accounts. Each might have funds in an employer-sponsored plan and an IRA. Even if most of a married couple’s retirement assets reside in different accounts, open communication and teamwork can help them […]
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2025. Estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax The annual gift tax exclusion (and annual generation-skipping transfer tax exclusion) for 2025 is […]
The Four-Day Workweek: Is It Destiny or a Distant Dream?
Since the startling capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) first shook the world in 2023, more of us are wondering: could the four-day workweek come sooner than we thought, or is that just wishful thinking? Once considered a far-fetched notion, the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken […]
What’s New for 2025?
To help you stay informed, here are five changes you can look forward to in the new year. Higher catch-up contributions for some. As of January 1, individuals ages 60 through 63 may be able to make increased catch-up contributions (if offered) to their workplace plan. The catch-up amount for people age 50 and older is […]
Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection
U.S. annuity sales set a new record in 2023, due to investor concern with the potential for market volatility and higher interest rates that allowed insurance companies to offer more appealing withdrawal rates. Fixed annuities dominated the market, and about one-third of those sales were for fixed indexed annuities, which can offer growth in a […]
Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch
Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays. The Employment Situation Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes the Employment Situation Summary report based on information from the prior month. The data for […]
Financial Safety Nets: Exploring Available Sources of Emergency Funds
In moments of unexpected financial turmoil, having access to emergency funds can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major life disruption. Whether you have a sudden medical bill, car repair, or job loss, knowing where to turn for emergency financial support is crucial. However, not everyone has access to a financial safety […]
