On May 28, 2024, settlement cycles on U.S. stocks and other securities will shift from two business days to one. For most investors, this shift will have little or no impact. But it will affect some investors and certain types of transactions. It may be helpful to understand the basics of this important change. T+1 […]
Read moreIt’s been a tough financial aid season for college students and their families. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) was redesigned and simplified for the 2024-25 school year, in what was supposed to benefit families completing the application. But a late rollout and the subsequent discovery of form calculation errors have led to […]
Read moreLegislation that could benefit parents and business-owners is currently moving through Congress. The House has passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. It now faces an uncertain future in the Senate. The legislation would make changes to the child tax credit and certain business tax provisions. Some significant provisions in […]
Read moreThe tax filing deadline is fast approaching, which means time is running out to fund an IRA for 2023. If you had earned income last year, you may be able to contribute up to $6,500 for 2023 ($7,500 for those age 50\ or older by December 31, 2023) up until your tax return due date, […]
Read moreDespite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict, the U.S. economy outperformed the expectations of most economists in 2023. Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (Real GDP) accelerated to an annualized rate of 5.2% in the third quarter, after growing 2.1% in Q2 and 2.2% in Q1. Inflation, as measured by the 12-month change in the price […]
Read morepublished are average cost figures based on a survey of approximately 4,000 colleges across the country. Over the past 20 years, the average price for tuition, fees, and room and board has increased 38% at public colleges and 29% at private colleges over and above increases in the Consumer Price Index, straining the budgets of […]
Read morePremiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Original Medicare generally change every year. Here’s a look at some of the costs that will apply in 2024. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs for 2024 Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) costs for 2024 Monthly standard premium: Most people with Medicare who receive Social Security benefits will pay […]
Read moreConsumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), so it plays an outsized role in driving economic growth or slowing it down. For the last 18 months, U.S. consumers have kept the economy strong despite high inflation and rising interest rates. The question now is whether consumers can maintain this momentum […]
Read moreIf you are covered by Medicare, it’s time to compare your current coverage with other available options. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. Medicare plans can change every year, and you may want to switch to a health or prescription drug plan that better suits your needs or […]
Read moreOil prices have increased more than 30% since late June, driving up transportation costs for consumers and businesses and putting financial markets on edge. On September 27, West Texas Intermediate crude — the U.S. benchmark for oil prices — topped $93 per barrel, the highest level since August 2022. Brent crude (the global oil benchmark) […]
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