Thanks to a couple of factors, some investors are thinking about this move before 2020 ends. Roth IRAs have attracted retirement savers since their introduction in 1998. They offer the potential for tax-free retirement income, provided Internal Revenue Service rules are followed. Do Roth IRAs seem even more attractive these days? Perhaps. You can cite two factors: … [Read more...] about Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous
FAFSA Applications Are Now Open
Federal Student Aid opportunities are often first-come, first-served. Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year 2021-22. Applying for the FAFSA allows you to qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federally-sourced aid, such as work-study or student loans. The applications opened on October 1, 2020, and … [Read more...] about FAFSA Applications Are Now Open
Market Update (October 2020)
In this month’s recap: Stocks dropped during the month as investors worried about stalled fiscal stimulus talks in Washington, the upcoming election, and new coronavirus cases in Europe. U.S. Markets Stocks dropped in September as investors worried about stalled fiscal stimulus talks in Washington, the upcoming election, and new coronavirus cases in Europe. The Dow J … [Read more...] about Market Update (October 2020)
Market Update (September 2020)
In this month’s recap: Stocks prices surged in August as investors cheered positive news of a potential COVID-19 treatment and welcomed a month-long succession of upbeat economic data. U.S. Markets Stock prices surged in August as investors cheered positive news of a potential COVID-19 treatment and welcomed a month-long succession of upbeat economic data. The Dow J … [Read more...] about Market Update (September 2020)
“Backdoor” Roth IRAs
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 S … [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)