If you make too much money to open a Roth IRA, you could create one this way. You can sum up the appeal of a Roth IRA in three words: federal tax benefit. Potential earnings in a Roth IRA grow tax free as long as the owner abides by the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) rules, and withdrawals are federally tax free once you reach age 59½ and have held the Roth IRA for at … [Read more...] about “Backdoor” Roth IRAs
Market Update (June 2020)
In this month’s recap: stocks rallied in May, sparked by a supportive Federal Reserve, stories of states re-opening, and reported progress on a COVID-19 vaccine. U.S. Markets Stocks rallied in May, sparked by a supportive Federal Reserve, stories of states re-opening, and reported progress on a COVID-19 vaccine. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.2%, while the … [Read more...] about Market Update (June 2020)
Should You Care What the Financial Markets Do Each Day?
Focusing on Your Strategy During Turbulent Times. Investors are people, and people are often impatient. No one likes to wait in line or wait longer than they have to for something, especially today when so much is just a click or two away. This impatience also manifests itself in the financial markets. When stocks slip, for example, some investors grow uneasy. Their … [Read more...] about Should You Care What the Financial Markets Do Each Day?
Market Update (March 2020)
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)