Yield Curve – January 2025

From: www.brookstonecm.com

The Best Flexible Strategies for Retirement Income

From: www.morningstar.com

Is a more dynamic approach to retirement spending right for you?

In our recent annual study on safe withdrawal rates, my colleagues Christine Benz, John Rekenthaler, and I found that retirees who want to maintain a consistent spending amount adjusted for inflation will need to keep their starting withdrawals at 4.0% or lower if they want to lock in a 90% probability of success…

The 10 Best Dividend Stocks

From: www.morningstar.com

These undervalued stocks with reliable dividends are worth considering.

What should investors be looking for when it comes to choosing the best dividend stocks?

At Morningstar, we think that the best dividend stocks aren’t simply the highest-yielding dividend stocks. We suggest that investors look beyond a stock’s yield and instead choose stocks with durable dividends and buy those stocks when they’re undervalued.

“It’s really critical to be selective…

Advisor Helps Client Slash Taxes on Inherited Assets

From: rethinking65.com

After spotting red flags on a prior-year tax return, the advisor, an enrolled agent, dug deeper to find more tax-efficient solutions.

Like most financial advisors, Seth Thompson of Forward Financial Planning LLC prefers not to prepare tax returns for his clients. But by providing complimentary reviews of tax returns to onboarding and existing clients, he has uncovered tax issues missed by their outside…

Daniel Crosby: Can Money Really Buy Happiness?

From: www.morningstar.com

On The LongView podcast, Daniel Crosby, author and financial psychologist, discusses his new book on money and meaning, plus the challenges of spending in retirement.

Daniel Crosby is the author of a new book called The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning. Daniel is the chief behavioral officer at Orion Advisor Solutions. In addition to The Soul of Money, Daniel has…

New Rules for Retirement Savings Taking Effect in 2025

From: www.kiplinger.com

Many employees will be able to contribute more money to tax-advantaged workplace plans.

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0, enacted in late 2022, contained a long list of provisions that are scheduled to roll out over several years. Here’s a look at how the legislation could affect your retirement savings in 2025.

Larger catch-up contributions for those in…

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Is Medicare mandatory?

From: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Medicare is not mandatory, but opting out means losing
Social Security benefits and facing a penalty for late enrollment. People with employer-based insurance may be able to delay enrollment in Medicare without penalties.

Medicare is a federal benefit that people contribute toward through taxes while they are working. A person is eligible to enroll in Medicare when they are 65 years old or have certain disabilities or health conditions.

Original…

Year-End Financial Moves for Homeowners

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to make strategic financial moves to maximize savings and prepare for the coming year. Here are some year-end financial tips to consider:

Maximize Your Mortgage Interest Deduction
If you’re a homeowner with a mortgage, you likely know that the interest you pay on your home loan is tax-deductible….

By Ted James

Entering the empty nest phase is a pivotal moment that invites self-discovery and the pursuit of new passions. As children venture into their own lives, parents are presented with the opportunity to redefine their own paths. This period can be a time of personal growth, where one can explore interests that may have been set aside. Whether it’s through education, volunteering, or social engagement, the empty nest phase offers a chance to…