As one approaches retirement, monitoring your financial situation by understanding your net worth and assessing the assets and resources needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement is vital. This article explores eight key financial wellness metrics individuals must monitor as they approach retirement. […]
When you think of identity theft, you may think of unauthorized credit card payments or new lines of credit. However, tax identity theft is one of the most common types of identity theft — and it’s also the most common fraud attempt during tax filing season.1
If your identity is stolen for tax purposes, you can find yourself waging battle on two fronts: against the identity thief and the IRS. Fortunately, protecting your tax identity doesn’t have to be difficult. Below, we explain a couple of ways you can theft-proof your ID. […]
Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include:
If you have income from working in retirement.
If you are self-employed.
If you receive interest, dividends, or other taxable income.
You may pay SS tax if you:
File an individual federal tax return, and if your combinedincome is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits.
File a joint federal tax return, and you and your spouse have a combined income between $32,000 and $44,000; you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. If you have more than $44,000 in income, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.
Are married and file a separate tax return, you may have to pay SS taxes. […]
Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track to allow you to live as planned when retirement comes. Whether your retirement is within the next couple of years or the next five, the new year is the perfect time to make financial resolutions to help you toward your retirement goals. Below are just a few financial resolutions to consider this year. […]
Stocks defied the skeptics in a very unpredictable 2023. The Dow Jones finished at an all-time record high on December 28, and the S&P 500 came within a whisker of a fresh all-time high after the index rallied more than 20% for the year. It wasn’t only stock investors who had plenty to cheer about. […]
When it comes to financial bad habits, the most common are also well known — don’t spend too much, don’t take on unsustainable debt, and avoid living paycheck to paycheck. But what happens once you’ve implemented this advice and still aren’t getting ahead? Here are five overlooked financial bad habits that could be draining your bank account. […]
Dear Valued Investor, Solid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics, I’m reminded of a quote from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner and one of the greatest investors of our time, Charlie Munger, who passed away last week. “The world is full of foolish […]
If you’re a business owner, you are likely the Chief Everything Officer at work and have many responsibilities. A business owner’s situation is unique since they are asset-rich and cash-poor since their wealth is in their business-literally. Regardless of the income a business generates, the ages of the owners, or how many employees it has, […]
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount of taxes you owe after the age of 65, you still need to plan […]
The holidays are nearly upon us – a time of giving, goodwill to others, and embracing traditions. For many people, giving to a charity or organization that aligns with your values provides a sense of fulfillment. If you itemize deductions on your income tax return, you can deduct gifts made to charities. Here are six […]
