Meet Sarah and James1, a couple in their late 50s with a net worth of over $2 million. Over the years, they’ve worked hard to save and invest wisely, building a diversified portfolio and an almost paid-off home.
While I think I make wise investment choices, few professional investors are able to consistently beat the broad stock market averages. I like to think of myself as more of a “slow and steady wins the race” kind of investment professional.
It is crucial to pay every bill on time. Even one late or missed payment can negatively impact your credit. Set up automatic payments from your bank account to ensure you pay at least the minimum required payment each month. Get into the habit of paying down credit card balances as much as possible to prevent charges from building up to the point that your debt is out of control. On time payments will also improve your credit score, or FICO score, which tracks payment history. The more often you make on-time payments toward your accounts, the higher your score.
The GI Bill has been a game-changer for veterans since it was introduced as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. Back then, its mission was simple: Help World War II veterans transition back into civilian life. It offered benefits like financial assistance for education, low-interest home loans, unemployment support, and even small business funding. While the original GI Bill ended in 1956, the term now refers to any legislation aimed at helping veterans and active service members access higher education.
2024 has been a great year for stocks and with great years often come big capital gains. To reduce those taxable gains, selling holdings with unrealized losses can help to reduce your tax bill on other gains that you’ve already realized. But you must complete those sales before January 1st.
Single taxpayers may owe more capital gains tax because their capital gains exclusion threshold is lower: $250,000 for a single taxpayer versus $500,000 for married filing jointly. A single taxpayer is subject to capital gains tax once the gain exceeds $250,000.