During the holiday shopping season, your credit score is probably the last thing on your mind. But as you start your seasonal spending, remember to use credit wisely so you can start the new year with a healthy credit score. The following tips can help you maintain or...
When it's time to prepare the next generation for a financial legacy, you might want to bring your family members together to talk about money. But sitting down together isn't easy, because money is a complicated and emotionally charged topic. Rather than risk...
In early 2020, 61% of U.S. workers surveyed said that retirement planning makes them feel stressed.1 Investor confidence was continually tested as the year wore on, and it's likely that this percentage rose — perhaps even substantially. If you find yourself among...
Americans gave almost $450 billion to charity in 2019, an increase of 4.2% over the previous year. Individuals accounted for more than two-thirds of this amount, followed by contributions from foundations, bequests, and corporations. Here is a breakdown of the...
If there is one thing the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders demonstrated, it was the need to find joy in simple pleasures. In fact, 43% of respondents to one survey said they had "changed their ways for the better" as a result of the lockdown.1 By applying some of the...
This year has been challenging on many fronts, but one financial opportunity may have emerged from the economic turbulence. If you've been thinking about converting your traditional IRA to a Roth, now might be an appropriate time to do so. Conversion Basics Roth IRAs...
Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves before the end of the year. Defer income to next year Consider opportunities to defer income to 2021, particularly if you think you may be in a lower tax bracket then. For example, you may be able to...
The U.S. homeownership rate jumped by 2.6% in the second quarter of 2020, the largest quarterly increase on record, bringing it to a level last seen in 2008. Part of this unexpected increase may be due to a change in the survey process because of the coronavirus, as...
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period that runs from October 15 through December 7, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage that will be effective on January 1, 2021. If you're satisfied with your current coverage, you don't need to make changes, but it's...
Federal and state governments have spent extraordinary sums in response to the economic toll inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At some point it is likely that governments will look for ways to increase revenue to compensate for this spending and increase income...
