I love you, but not your ‘I Love You Will’
Are you and your spouse planning to write your wills this season? Congrats! Will-writing is one of the most loving things you can do for each other and for all the people and causes that matter most to your life. But if you’re thinking about implementing simple “I Love You Wills,” read on. While this simple will plan design can work well for many couples, for others, the practical... READ MORE
Investing in fixed income alternatives
Many who invested in bond mutual funds with long maturities in 2022 were disappointed because total returns were negative. When interest rates increase, the value of long-term bonds falls. Thus, for investors who thought that bond holdings would protect them, a fall in fund prices was disappointing, because in 2022 both bond prices and stock prices fell dramatically in value. What... READ MORE
Treasury bills good for earning interest
Savings rates have continued to go up this year, so if you’ve been looking for a place to store your savings and earn interest in the short term, you’ve probably considered a high-yield savings account or CD. And while these are both good options, there’s another short-term investment alternative you should also consider: Treasury bills. Treasury bills (T-bills) have maturity dates ... READ MORE
Comprehensive retirement planning guide
In December 2021, I wrote a favorable review of Wade Pfau’s Retirement Planning Guidebook, published by Retirement Resources. Pfau has recently produced a second edition of his book, which addresses all the major regulations passed since then. Many experts agree this book is the most comprehensive and best-written personal finance book ever written. I agree. If you are approaching... READ MORE
How working affects Social Security benefits
Dear Savvy Senior, I started drawing my Social Security retirement benefits back in 2021, when I was forced to retire early. Now I’m interested in going back to work part-time. Will this affect my benefits, and if so, how much? —Back to Work Dear Back, You can collect Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time, but depending on how old you are and how much... READ MORE
Social Security, Medicare facing changes
Most U.S. adults are opposed to proposals that would cut into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and a majority support raising taxes on the nation’s highest earners to keep Medicare running as is. The new findings, revealed in a March poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, come as both safety net programs are poised to run out of enough cash to pay... READ MORE
REITS offer ways to invest in real estate
With the equity market as volatile as ever, investors are increasingly turning to alternative assets to generate cash flow. One investment vehicle that’s drawing particular attention is real estate investment trusts, or REITs. Research by Nareit shows that investments in REITs have more than doubled over the past 10 years. REITs come in many different forms, with varying criteria.... READ MORE
Many say tipping is getting out of control
Across the country, there’s a silent frustration brewing about an age-old practice that many say is getting out of hand: tipping. Some fed-up consumers are posting rants on social media complaining about tip requests at drive-throughs, while others say they’re tired of being asked to leave a gratuity for a muffin or a simple cup of coffee at their neighborhood bakery. What’s... READ MORE
Credit unions share profits with members
In the past year, the Federal Reserve has employed several interest rate hikes in an effort to stabilize the U.S. economy. Depending on your situation and financial institution, your debt may have gotten more expensive or your savings might have grown. As rates continue to change, it’s worth exploring whether you’re still getting the best offer around. Compared with big banks, a... READ MORE
Keeping up with the federal gift tax rules
Thanks to the gift tax exclusion (a.k.a., the gift tax limit or gift tax exemption), you can give money or property each year to family members, friends and others without having to pay any federal gift tax or even file a gift tax return. The federal gift tax rates range from 18% to 40%, so avoiding the tax can save you a lot of money. And not having to bother with a gift tax return can... READ MORE
