Inflation is the increase in prices for goods and services during a period. It is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and reflected in the Consumer Price Index or CPI. In the U.S., average inflation rates were 3.27% between 1897 and 2022. Moderate inflation has existed throughout the natural economy of over 100 […]
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are receiving significant attention lately. The collapse of FTX and arrest of former CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, has raised concerns about the safety of invested funds. In addition, the latest Bitcoin price is $16,914.10 as of 12/11/2022. That is down from $64,400 roughly a year before. It’s one thing to experience a significant […]
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Covid Relief Bill) is now the law of the land. President Biden signed the bill into law on Thursday, March 11, 2021. The United States House of Representatives passed the bill after the Senate made changes to the original bill. Congress passed The American Rescue Plan Act of […]
2023 Retirement Plan Limits have been released by the IRS. If there’s any constant with retirement planning, it’s change. Keeping up with these changes is key to ensuring maximum benefit from your retirement plan. At long last, there are finally changes to IRA and Roth IRA contribution limits for 2023. Additionally, 401(k), 403(b), 457 along […]
HSA plans, short for Health Savings Account, should not be ignored. These were created in 2003 to provide special tax treatment for those with high deductible health plans. Let’s face it, health insurance premiums and medical expenses are through the roof! However, not everyone is eligible for a Health Savings Account. If you are, you […]
Estate planning is much more than setting up a trust. The broadest description of estate planning is the process of preparing to dispose of your assets when you pass away. At least, that’s the textbook definition. Understandably, that gives many people the impression that estate planning is for the rich or those taking required minimum […]
The coronavirus stimulus plan known as the “CARES Act” is here and it’s huge. It passed in the Senate 96-0, was approved in the House, and signed by the President. The cost of the plan is over $2 trillion. That’s in addition to what the Federal Reserve is doing via monetary policy. To put that […]
The IRA early withdrawal penalty is not always top of mind for IRA owners. Retirement accounts have special advantages when compared to traditional investment accounts. For example, with an IRA, the account owner incurs no annual tax liability resulting from interest, dividends, and capital gains. As long as there are no withdrawals (distributions) from the […]
What a year it has been! As we say goodbye to 2019, here’s a look back at the Top 10 personal finance posts on The Astute Advisor blog. Hopefully you find some of these articles helpful. I love reading your comments and feedback. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach me via email […]
The SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) is now the law of the land. If there’s any constant in retirement planning, it’s change. As soon as you make financial plans based on current laws, they change. This legislation, signed into law with only days left in 2019, will have significant changes in […]
