Financial Blog For Busy Families & Impact Investors
4 Law Changes that May Affect You - SECURE ACT 2.0 [video]
Here’s what you need to know about The SECURE Act 2.0 - some of the highlights.
Your Job Loss Action Plan
Were you recently laid off? Are you being offered an early retirement package? Here is a list of actionable steps to help you navigate this period of uncertainty.
Rules Have Changed for Children Inheriting IRAs
If you inherit an IRA or Roth IRA from a non-spouse (such as a parent), the rules have changed. Here is what you need to know.
Medicare and HSAs after Age 65
Even though you are eligible for Medicare at age 65, you may choose to continue using your employer’s health insurance and saving to an HSA. While nearly everyone assumes that the minute you switch to Medicare is when you should stop contributing to the HSA - it doesn’t work that way. There is a 6-month lookback period when you enroll in Medicare at age 65 or later (not to precede the month of your 65th birthday). Therefore, if you plan on enrolling in Medicare, you have to stop contributing to the HSA 6 months prior or you may have to remove excess contributions, pay a penalty, or amend your tax return.
Denied life insurance? What to do next [video]
Don’t panic if you are denied life insurance. Here is a list of your next steps.
What happens to your money if you die during the divorce process?
Because things are “frozen” in a sense while the divorce process is ongoing, it is a valid concern that your soon-to-be ex-spouse could receive your share of assets if something happens to you. From the law’s perspective, if you die before the divorce is final, your spouse is still considered the surviving spouse even though you were in the middle of a divorce.
Should you Report your Rent Payments to Credit Bureaus?
Mortgage and auto payments are automatically reported to credit agencies, but rental payments are not. New services, however, are making it easier than ever to report this information. If your landlord gives you the option to report your rental payment history to the three (3) credit agencies - should you opt-in?
Avoid this common mistake - excess cash in retirement accounts [video]
Cash has a place in a portfolio, however, too much cash is not a good thing.
Are Crypto ETFs Worth Investing In?
Cryptocurrency continues to explode in both adoption and interest. It was only a matter of time until crypto ETFs came on the scene. Are they worth investing in?
What are I-Bonds?
A quick video overview of I-Bonds including their current rates and liquidity.
Understanding your ESOP
ESOPs are a type of qualified retirement plan. They are not as common as other qualified plans, such as 401ks and 403bs, but you may be offered the option to participate in an ESOP at some point in your working career. Learn how ESOPs are unique and the planning opportunities that come along with them.
3 Things to Review Before Buying a Condo
Condo communities come with more stipulations and nuances than single-family homes. Reviewing these items, along with an inspection report by a professional that has experience with condos, can help you make the best decision possible for you and your family.
Charitable Contribution Tax Tips
Charitable contributions are one way that you may be able to reduce your tax bill. New rules, qualified charitable organizations, substantiation requirements, and more.
3 Different Methods for Managing Household Expenses with your Spouse
Couples use a variety of methods to manage their household finances. While some prefer to combine everything from the beginning, others are more comfortable, with separate accounts or a combination of joint and separate. Here are a few methods that may be helpful when having a discussion with your spouse about how you will be choosing to manage your household finances going forward.
4 Books for Kids that Review Money Concepts
I grabbed all of the books on my bookshelf that talk to kids about money. Check them out and let me know your favorites!
Talking about Money with Children
I am an advocate of talking about money with your children because then money won't become a taboo subject. Here are some tips to get you started.
Say 'Hello' to the New(ish) 1099-NEC Form
Beginning tax year 2020, compensation for non-employees (contractors or freelancers) will be recorded on a 1099-NEC. For example, if you were paid to speak at a conference, write an article, or engaged in a side gig, you may receive a 1099-NEC.
What is unique about the TSP's "G Fund"?
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the retirement plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. The G Fund is specifically issued by the Treasury Department for TSP participants and it offers a unique benefit. This is how it works.