Choosing between claiming Social Security at 62 or waiting until 70 can create a wide gap in your monthly income. Starting early gives you more years of payments, while delaying may increase the amount of each check. The tradeoff comes down to how long you expect to collect benefits and…
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…
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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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The 65-day rule can give certain trusts more flexibility when deciding when to distribute income to beneficiaries. The IRS may treat an eligible distribution made during the first 65 days of a new tax year as though it occurred in the prior year. This can…
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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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Work-from-home jobs have exploded in popularity over the past few years, and Americans’ enthusiasm for remote work is still going strong. It’s easy to see why: The best work-from-home jobs can offer flexible hours, freedom to travel, and nonexistent commutes. And believe it or not, people still get work done.…
Unless you’re one of those unicorns who knows they were born to be an astronaut, figuring out what you were created to do can feel overwhelming. Get expert money advice to reach your money goals faster! And if you’re not satisfied in your career goals right now, that’s okay. I’m…
Tired of watching your cell phone bill creep up on you? The bad news is, you can’t exactly go without a phone plan these days if you live in society. The good news? You don’t need to go broke to stay connected. Get expert money advice to reach your money…
Ever ask yourself, How much should I tip the barista for that Cinnamon Toast Crunchuccino? What about the pizza guy? Or your barber or hair stylist? You’re not alone! Tipping can be pretty awkward (and filled with guilt). We’ve all experienced that fight-or-flight moment when the iPad of doom flips…
Over the past couple of decades, researchers have repeatedly found direct links between loneliness and physical and psychological problems that are literally killing us—like heart disease and mental illnesses.1 Loneliness can cripple us physically, unwind us mentally, and make it difficult to be spiritually whole. Get expert money advice to…
What if you had access to a turbo boost with the power to turn your business into a booming success story? You do! It’s a process every successful company uses to gain momentum—strategic planning. If that sounds like a lot of crunching numbers and analyzing trends, you’re right. But that’s…
If you regularly make a monthly budget (or you’re ready to start), that’s awesome. I mean it! Budgeting is the first step to taking control of your money, and you’re taking that step. But maybe you’re wondering if you’ve got everything you need in your budget. Here’s something that will help:…
Money’s tight for just about everybody right now (thanks, inflation). As you look for ways to cut costs, you’re probably wondering, Is everyone spending this much on food and housing? What are the average monthly expenses? Get expert money advice to reach your money goals faster! Well, here’s what we do know: The average…
Look at you! You’re either kicking butt as your own boss or you’re killing it as an employee of a small business. In either role, you’re the backbone of the American economy. Market chaos, inflation, your future—work with a pro to navigate this stuff. So, you’ve got your business plan…
If you feel backed into a corner by debt and you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy, we see you. We know you’re scared. But you can get through this. Pay off debt fast and save more money with Financial Peace University. Let’s talk through what you need to know about…
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