In 2023, the SECURE Act 2.0 for retirement savings becomes federal law, reshaping tax incentives for years to come by making numerous changes to existing retirement account rules and related tax breaks. Though there are many changes, below are some of the ones that will impact high wage earners, those still working, and those who have or are about to retire.
Should You Rent or Buy?
How to Approach Retirement Savings at Different Ages
It’s no secret that the earlier you’re able to start saving for retirement, the better. Since private company pensions have virtually gone extinct and Social Security benefits are intended to only cover a portion of your working wages, the brunt of saving for retirement falls on your shoulders. With this in mind, you may wonder how much you should be saving as you progress through your career and how your current savings compare to others in your age range. Fortunately plenty of research has been conducted on these topics to help us all find clarity in the great feat that is saving for our later years!
We focus the discussion below on median retirement savings because it gives a more accurate representation as averages can be skewed by outliers: those with very low retirement savings or those with extremely high savings. [Read more…]
Estate Planning in the Age of COVID-19
Everyone’s least favorite subject is also one of the most important things to consider during a global pandemic: estate planning, the topic that brings about both the discomfort of facing our own mortality and the urge to ensure our affairs are in order. Perhaps the emergence of COVID-19 prompted you to speak with an attorney and get the ball rolling, or maybe you’ve already had your documents prepared but want to confirm that they’re up-to-date. Regardless of how far along you are in the estate planning process, it’s always a good idea to revisit your plans to make sure that you have everything you need.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Investing Explained
As environmental and social justice matters continue to make national headlines, you may be wondering if your financial investments align with your personal beliefs and values.
In recent years, the concept of socially responsible investing gave rise to the practice of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, which uses those guidelines to build a sustainable and ethical portfolio. Potential investments are screened for a variety of factors in each category to ensure that investments are made in companies whose leadership has demonstrated through ethical practices and policies that they care about people and the planet. Like all investing, there are both pros and cons, and it’s important to work with a financial company or advisor who is transparent and trustworthy when deciding if and how to begin ESG investing.