In this month’s recap: The coronavirus becomes the leading news story in the financial markets, sending stock indices and Treasury yields lower; oil futures slide; consumer confidence, hiring, and manufacturing data offer bright spots. THE MONTH IN BRIEF In February, anxieties about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) rippled through stock, bond, and commodity markets. S … [Read more...] about Market Update (March 2020)
Market Update (February 2020)
In this month’s recap: the emerging coronavirus reins in the bulls on Wall Street, trade deals make headlines, the United Kingdom makes its Brexit, and confident U.S. households help the economy keep its pace. THE MONTH IN BRIEF Early January gains gave way to late January losses as the coronavirus emerged as a global health concern, and correspondingly, a concern for … [Read more...] about Market Update (February 2020)
2019 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching
Here is what you need to know. Financially, many of us associate April with taxes – but we should also associate April with important IRA deadlines. April 1, 2020 is the deadline to take your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from certain individual retirement accounts. A new federal law must be noted here. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement E … [Read more...] about 2019 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching
The SECURE Act
Long-established retirement account rules change. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is now law. With it, comes some of the biggest changes to retirement savings law in recent years. While the new rules don’t appear to amount to a massive upheaval, the SECURE Act will require a change in strategy for many Americans. For others, it may r … [Read more...] about The SECURE Act
Market Update (January 2020)
In this month’s recap: As 2019 ends, the U.S. and China agree to a phase-one trade deal, and stocks, gold, and oil all advance. THE MONTH IN BRIEF Stocks rallied in December, closing out a decidedly positive year on Wall Street. The S&P 500 added another 2.86% last month, rising 28.88% for 2019. What helped the market? The trade dispute between the U.S. and China c … [Read more...] about Market Update (January 2020)
New I.R.S. Contribution Limits
Changes for 2020. The I.R.S. just increased the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2020. Here’s a quick look at the changes. *Next year, you can put up to $6,000 in any type of IRA. The limit is $7,000 if you will be 50 or older at any time in 2020.1,2 *Annual contribution limits for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, the … [Read more...] about New I.R.S. Contribution Limits
Can You Put Your IRA into a Trust?
What you should know about naming an IRA beneficiary. Can your IRA be put directly into a trust? In short, no. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) cannot be put directly into a trust. What you can do, however, is name a trust as the beneficiary of your IRA. The trust would inherit the IRA upon your passing, and your beneficiaries would then have access to the funds, … [Read more...] about Can You Put Your IRA into a Trust?
Market Update (December 4th, 2019)
In this month’s recap: stocks stay in rally mode, helped by hints that the U.S. and China may be closing in on a phase-one trade deal; hiring bounces back; key real estate indicators look stronger. THE MONTH IN BRIEF The S&P 500 rose 3.4% in November and attained a series of record closes in the process. Earnings results helped stocks, as did intermittent signals t … [Read more...] about Market Update (December 4th, 2019)