Money Today That Matters Tomorrow
Despite concerns of a freeze to GS pay scales for 2026 the Trump Administration’s has ended up proposing a small raise for covered federal employees in 2026, per the recently submitted alternative pay plan. However locality pay adjustments were kept unchanged. Key updates are as follows and the the table below shows the updated GS …
The military pay raise for 2026 is confirmed at 3.8%, aligning with the Employment Cost Index (ECI) and was included in the $900 billion 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This raise will be applied to all pay grades as shown in the tables below The 2026 VA disability rates …
The concept of being “wealthy” means different things to everyone. For some, it means being debt-free and financially comfortable. For others, it means reaching the highest echelons of American affluence. The top 10% of households represents a major financial milestone for personal finance enthusiasts. It signifies a profound level of …
The world of personal finance is always in motion, and 2026 brings some major shifts you need to know about. The IRS has released its final inflation adjustments, giving us clarity for the new tax year. Crucially, these updates work alongside provisions from the new “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” …
The news lands in your lap like a crisp $20 bill: No tax on tips. It’s a gift from the legislature, a clean cut for the servers, the bartenders, and the delivery drivers. The logic is simple, and on the surface, entirely pleasing: The person who serves you a great …
I saw this interesting graphic on the rising costs of basic needs from Goldman Sachs. It prompted me to think about my life in retirement and what future spending patterns will look like for my kids. Unless things change, this pattern will likely continue for the next couple of decades. …
Here is a snapshot of the major changes to your 2026 Medicare coverage, primarily driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Following the snapshot are details that can help you manage your out-of-pocket health costs and refining plan benefits. Part I: Key Changes to Prescription Drug (Part D) Costs Part …
While my family and I were having lunch at a mall food court, we noticed a group of teenagers at a nearby table and the expensive designer bags some of them had—specifically a Christian Dior one (see picture below) that retails for well over $2,000! The immediate debate among us …
Personal finance is about more than just stocks and savings accounts. Your greatest asset, often overlooked, is your physical health. A strong, flexible body is a powerful hedge against massive future expenses. Ignoring chronic low back pain is a financial time bomb waiting to explode. It can lead to expensive …
As we look toward the 2026 tax year, it’s time to review the updated contribution limits for your key retirement and savings accounts. Staying on top of these numbers is crucial for anyone serious about maximizing their financial future. The good news? Due to inflation, most limits are increasing, providing …
The Trump administration has recently affirmed its commitment to provide a new round of financial assistance for U.S. farmers, utilizing revenue generated from the imposition of tariffs. This tariff-funded farmer relief is intended to be a crucial stop-gap as the agricultural sector grapples with low commodity prices and lost export …
The world is buzzing with the transformative power of artificial intelligence. From self-driving cars to chatbots that can write poetry, AI is reshaping our lives and, by extension, the financial markets. Investors are flocking to companies at the forefront of this revolution, leading to unprecedented gains and, for some, a …
When you hear a company executive talk about artificial intelligence, you’ll likely hear them use the word “productivity.” It’s a recurring theme in every CEO’s earnings call and tech company press release. The message is clear and optimistic: AI will automate the mundane, freeing up human workers to be more …
The road to retirement is a marathon, not a sprint. For many, as they approach their fifties, the focus shifts to making a final push to boost their savings. This is where “catch-up contributions” come into play, allowing those aged 50 and over to make additional elective deferrals to their …