The ever-growing threat of sophisticated phishing attacks and massive data breaches linked to password security has put more focus on the need for new authentication solutions. Enter passkeys, considered a more secure and easier-to-use option that eliminates the need for passwords. Passkeys haven’t replaced passwords yet, but their adoption is growing. As major tech companies, […]
Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?
The end of the year is a time when families often gather together. Although these gatherings may keep you busy, this could be a good time to think about the future and make sure that you have correctly designated family members and any others you wish as beneficiaries in your will, insurance policies, and financial […]
Cash Balance Plans Help Some Business Owners Supersize Retirement Savings
Cash balance plans are technically defined benefit plans (or pensions) that share key characteristics with defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s. These hybrid plans have generous contribution limits that increase with age, and they are often stacked on top of a 401(k) and/or profit-sharing plan. This can help partners in professional firms and […]
Holiday Tipping Etiquette: ‘Tis the Season to Show Your Appreciation
As the year comes to a close, you may be looking for ways to thank the people around you who make your life easier. Tipping during the holiday season is your chance to show your appreciation to the service providers you rely on throughout the year. While there is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes […]
Closed-End Funds Could Help Boost Investment Income
Most mutual funds are open ended, which means that the investment company can issue and redeem fund shares to meet investor demand. By contrast, closed-end funds issue a fixed number of shares in an initial public offering (IPO), and investors who want to purchase shares after the IPO must do so on a secondary market, […]
Finish the Year Strong by Considering These Tax Moves
As 2025 comes to a close, now may be the ideal time to review your tax strategy and find potential opportunities. The steps you take before the end of the year might help you reduce your tax bill. Here are some ideas to consider. Save now, have more later: If you’re participating in an employer-sponsored 401(k) […]
Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation
Are you a middle-aged adult juggling raising children and providing care for an aging parent? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the “sandwich generation,” a growing group of people supporting both their children and elderly parents at the same time. While caring for others can be rewarding, the day-to-day demands of supporting multiple generations […]
Online Shopping in the Tariff Era
The de minimis exemption is a long-standing trade policy that has allowed U.S. shoppers to buy goods worth $800 or less directly from online sellers based outside of the United States without having them pass through customs or incur duties. The term “duty” refers broadly to multiple types of fees paid by importers when goods […]
Strategies for Smarter Giving
With Americans contributing about $592 billion to charitable organizations in 2024, it is clear that charitable giving remains a powerful way to support the causes that matter most.1 In addition to advancing philanthropic goals, charitable donations may offer tax advantages. Here is an overview of some strategies to consider. Donating appreciated assets If you own […]
Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, includes many provisions that affect higher education. Here are some key changes and the implications for students, parents, and colleges. New borrowing limits and payment pause rules Parent PLUS Loans. Starting July 1, 2026, Parent PLUS Loans will have a $20,000 annual limit […]
