Medicare 2025 premiums and surcharges
Dear Savvy Senior, I know there will be a small 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year, but what about Medicare? What will the Medicare Part B monthly premiums be in 2025, and when do the surcharges kick in for higher income beneficiaries? —Medicare Beneficiary Dear Beneficiary, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services... READ MORE
Tax strategies to help your savings last
The intricacies of tax planning are a critical component of your overall retirement strategy. Minimizing taxes in retirement isn’t just about reducing today’s tax bill — it’s about ensuring that your hard-earned money lasts longer and that you can draw from your assets efficiently. By applying a logical, data-driven approach, you can create a retirement tax strategy that... READ MORE
AI catches tax cheats and saves billions
The U.S. Treasury Department is harnessing AI to combat taxpayer fraud, successfully recovering $4 billion in fraudulent and improper payments. This success is primarily due to advanced machine learning (ML) techniques that analyze data to identify tax non-compliance. In a recent release, the Treasury noted plans to equip other federal agencies with AI tools, data and expertise to... READ MORE
When to consider a donor-advised fund
Too often we think about charitable giving in the context of the rich and powerful, where, it seems, the rich keep getting richer via some complex charitable strategy. While there are significant tax benefits to properly structured charitable giving, the reality is much less exciting. You will save some percentage of your gift if you do it properly, but you’ll always end up with... READ MORE
Reasons to file an amended tax return
After filing their annual tax return, most Americans — especially those whose employers withhold payroll and income taxes from their paychecks — needn't think about tax filing for many months. Some taxpayers, however, will find themselves in a situation where they should file an amended return. The reasons for doing so include: —The income reported on the original return was ... READ MORE
Help for surprisingly high medical bills
Unexpectedly high medical bills are common in the United States, but there are ways to get relief. While the process of fighting high medical bills can be time-consuming and frustrating, advocates stress that patients shouldn’t be intimidated by the system. If you’ve received a surprise medical bill, here’s what you should know: You may qualify for charity care When... READ MORE
They call you honey, then ask for money
Finding a partner can be difficult. You may be tempted to look for love online. Unfortunately, criminals are also on the hunt — but for victims, not romance. “Meeting people online has opened the door to romance fraud,” said Kim Casci-Palangio, program director of the peer support program at the nonprofit Cybercrime Support Network in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “You feel you... READ MORE
Considering a mortgage refi? Consider this
Mortgage rates haven’t been this attractive in more than a year, which is good news for homeowners eager to refinance. Many homeowners have already jumped at the opportunity to lower their monthly payment, spurring a surge in mortgage refinancing applications. And that was before the average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell in September to 6.35%, according to mortgage buyer... READ MORE
Retirement survey’s surprising results
Retirement planning isn’t the most obvious hook for a love song. “We can rent a cottage in the Isle of Wight, if it’s not too dear,” sings Paul McCartney in the Beatles song “When I’m 64.” “We shall scrimp and save.” Things have panned out slightly different than McCartney, now 82, imagined. With a net worth of $1.3 billion, he’s pretty far from scrimping and... READ MORE
Got Medicare? You have choices to make
Here are some tips for choosing insurance and prescription drug coverage for the coming year during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which opens October 15 and closes December 7. Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans continues to rise. “Medicare Advantage plans are growing in popularity because they are very good at communicating with consumers and offering benefits like dental, ... READ MORE
