Each year, Social Security benefits may increase with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), but higher Medicare premiums can reduce how much of that raise reaches your monthly budget. Since both are calculated differently, they do not necessarily move at the same rate. Comparing the dollar value of your COLA with changes…
If you’re 65 with $900,000 and no pension, the income your portfolio can provide depends on how much you withdraw and the number of years your savings need to last. Taking too large a withdrawal early in retirement could increase the risk of running short later, while spending too little…
At age 45, skipping your 401(k) match means giving up more than your employer’s contribution. You also lose the potential investment growth this money could earn over the next 20 years. Depending on the size of the match and the investment-return assumptions used, that could leave you with almost $115,000…
Home improvements can make your home more comfortable, raise its value and lower energy costs over time. Some projects may also qualify for tax credits or deductions. These tax breaks can reduce what you owe when you file your taxes. In other cases, the cost of improvements can increase your…
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Major changes to federal student loan repayment rules went into effect this month and are rippling across the system. Many…
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How Does Medical Debt Happen? Some health costs don’t fit into a monthly budget. A major dental procedure or a new health problem can be hard to plan for. It’s common to end up financing the gap, whether that’s a clinic’s own payment plan, a…
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By Carmen Chan You’ve got your mortgage and car loan to pay, credit card bills and HELOC payments, and a running list of…
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Team Name: Musgrave Dunn & AssociatesFirm: Merrill Wealth ManagementSenior Members: Travis Musgrave, Timothy Dunn, Valerie MarshallLocation: Lexington, KYTeam Custodied Assets: $1.4 billionBackground: Travis…
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As your timeshare costs grow, you may be wondering how it all fits into your tax picture. The good news is that some of your timeshare costs are tax deductible. But others are not. To be sure you know what can and can’t be written off, let’s break down the…
That job didn’t work out like I thought it would. Ugh, I didn’t expect that to get canceled. My dad promised he would show up this time. Disappointment comes in all shapes and sizes. It could be that your spouse canceled date night at the last minute because something…
When you decide to get serious about saving for your retirement, it’s important to know your options. And trust us, there are a lot of options out there to choose from. You need to know what to invest in and what to stay away from. From time to time, you…
When it comes to paying off your student loans, the struggle is beyond real. It can feel straight-up life-crushing and maybe even impossible. But hey—you aren’t alone under this weight. There are 44 million student loan borrowers in America who, put together, owe around $1.6 trillion in student loan debt.1, 2…
If Club Med has turned into Club Dread, then you’re in good company. A whopping 85% of people who purchase a timeshare regret their decision.1 But getting out of a timeshare agreement isn’t easy. Smooth-talking salespeople are trained to keep you in your contract, or worse, upsell you or renegotiate…
So you’re dreaming of moving to the Golden State—but can you afford the cost of living in California? That’s a smart question to ask before you sell your house and load up a U-Haul with surfboards and sunscreen. According to a 2020 Cost of Living Index, the average city in…
A solid investment strategy gives you focus, clarity and direction—and you need all three to become a successful investor. You need to have an investment strategy that’s going to help turn your retirement dreams into a reality. Market chaos, inflation, your future—work with a pro to navigate this stuff. Your…
If you already have a will, that’s great! Every adult needs a will. (And that includes you—so be sure you get that done right away if you haven’t already.) But did you know that if you’re married, your spouse needs a will too? That’s right. This is a case where…
Financial consultants. You’ve heard of them—whether it’s from a Facebook ad, a tv commercial, or the Charles Schwab magnet on your aunt’s fridge. But do you even know what a financial consultant is or what they do? Simply put, financial consultants help people figure out the best strategy for their…
When it comes to where you put your money, you probably have a checking account. But what about a savings account? Maybe you’re thinking: What savings . . . my money disappears as fast as it comes in! But a savings account isn’t a bad thing to have—in fact, it…
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