Money Today That Matters Tomorrow
[2021 update] 1.3% COLA increase in 2021 officially confirmed by the SSA. For the average retiree who got a check of $1,523 this year, that would mean an additional $20 a month. The 1.3% COLA is the smallest increase since 2017 and slightly below the 1.4% average over the past …
See this updated page for the latest 401K, IRA and Roth IRA contribution limits. [Updated with 2012 details] 2012 tax advantaged retirement plan contribution limits have officially been released by the IRS, with slight increases over 2011 limits; due mainly to cost of living adjustments (COLA). Further with increases in …
Busy week ahead as investors brace themselves for another wild ride in the markets. Personally, my 401K and investment portfolio have had their 2011 gains wiped out and are down over 10%. I keep telling myself not to sell in panic, but the fear of further falls is unsettling to say …
According to preliminary results from their annual survey of 1,600 employers, Mercer expects employee health care benefit costs to increase by 5.4% next year. You will likely see these costs via higher monthly premiums during your organization’s open enrollment period. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to to …
During the year many people have personal and financial life changing events that can affect how much they have to pay in taxes. But they often forget to adjust their income or paycheck tax withholding to cater for these events. This means they ending up owing taxes and associated penalties …
[Update Sep 2011] – President Obama has revealed details on his new $447 billion Americans Jobs Act and it is pretty much in line with what I had referenced in my earlier update (see below) before his speech. Here are the main things he is proposing that now go to …
According to a recent report from the Deloitte Center for Financial Services, the total number of US families with a net worth of over $1 million will double by 2020. All this while the unemployment rate hovers around 10% amidst a tight job market undergoing significant structural reform. Overall, the …
[Update – American Jobs Act a.k.a 2012 Economic Stimulus] In what is essentially the 2012 stimulus package, President Obama has released details on the American Jobs Act which involves spending over $400 billion dollars to boost economic growth. The key provisions are: Extension of employee payroll tax cuts into 2012, …
Many homeowners with good credit are ditching their old 30-year fixed rate mortgages for the 15-year or 20-year versions. This is primarily to leverage historically low rates for these shorter duration loans and benefit from the significant interest savings over the life of the loan. In fact, a friend of …
As part of new regulations under Obama’s health care legislation the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today took the next steps to establish Affordable Insurance Exchanges – one-stop marketplaces where consumers can choose a private health insurance plan that fits their …
Although many large organizations offer retirement savings plans, it is not necessary to be a part of corporate America in order to take advantage of tax-deductible retirement plans for investing in your future. In fact, as a self-employed small business owner or an employee of a small business, you have several options …
See updated details on the potential 2020 payroll tax cut [Updated- 2012 Payroll Tax Credit Holiday, Unemployment Benefits and Medicare Doctor Payments Extended to Dec 31st] With House Republican support Congress has passed legislation extending the federal payroll tax holiday through the end of the year without demanding spending cuts …
The Obama administration has proposed a host of new tax credits and programs to encourage employers to hire our growing army of veterans, particularly those that have been unemployed for a considerable time. This latest commitment to service members and veterans aims to provide a comprehensive plan to lower unemployment …
Auto insurance is probably one of the most competitive industries out there. This is generally good news for consumers, who have access to hundreds of insurers and a myriad of options. However, because it is easier and the more hassle-free option many people tend to stick with their existing insurer …