When was the last time you reviewed your financial and estate plan? If it’s been a while, or if you haven’t started yet, don’t wait for a crisis to wake you up. A well-thought-out plan can protect you and your loved ones from unforeseen financial fallout.
ash typically includes money in a checking or savings account, certificates of deposit, short-term US Treasury securities such as T-bills and money market funds. These are all relatively stable investments and highly liquid. This is especially important for your Emergency Fund as emergencies require immediate and unrestricted access to cash. If you have to wait more than a few days to access your emergency fund, it may not be the most appropriate investment.
Have you ever heard of the term: IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjusted Amount)? Chances are you may not - unless you are currently enrolled in Medicare Part B or in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. IRMAA is the monthly surcharge on Medicare B and D premiums based on the recipient’s income. If you are subject to IRMAA, the cost of your health care premiums in retirement can be significantly higher than you may have expected. The surcharge amounts are adjusted every year for inflation.
We've all read or heard the stories: someone passes away without a will, and potential heirs engage in a drawn-out legal battle that can take years to resolve. The emotional toll is immeasurable, with relationships suffering irreparable harm that can last for generations.
By early summer you have probably filed your taxes, seen your refund (if there was one) and deposited it to your bank. Now you can forget about taxes until next April, right? Well, I think you know the answer to this question. In fact, now is one of the best times of the year to review your tax situation and make adjustments.
Compound interest is interest calculated on both the original principal and all previously accumulated interest. Compounding adds earned interest back into the original principal balance of your account, which then earns even more interest on the new higher principal balance, “compounding” your returns. Interest can be compounded at different time intervals depending on the terms of the savings instrument: annually, quarterly, monthly, or daily. The more frequently interest is compounded, the faster your principal balance grows. For investors and savers, compound interest is a positive benefit.