Biden plans higher taxes on wealthy to extend middle-class tax breaks

Biden plans higher taxes on wealthy to extend middle-class tax breaks

Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard speaks at the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 11, 2024. Drew Angerer | Getty Images It’s clear we need to end the 2017 tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and scale back costly permanent corporate tax breaks. Lael Brainard White House national economic advisor The multitrillion … Read more

Time to claim $1 billion in tax refunds from 2020 expires May 17

Time to claim  billion in tax refunds from 2020 expires May 17

Andresr | E+ | Getty Images There is $1 billion in unclaimed 2020 tax refunds up for grabs — but the last chance to file returns and collect the money is approaching. Nearly 940,000 taxpayers have until May 17 to file 2020 returns and claim their refund, the IRS said in a “final reminder” this … Read more

As Social Security faces insolvency, these are key factors to watch

As Social Security faces insolvency, these are key factors to watch

Phoenix Wang | Moment | Getty Images A new Social Security trustees report released on Monday provides a modest bright spot for the program. The program’s combined funds are now projected to run out in 2035 — one year later than was previously anticipated. At that time, 83% of benefits will be payable, unless Congress … Read more

How to reduce taxes on your inherited individual retirement account

How to reduce taxes on your inherited individual retirement account

Laylabird | E+ | Getty Images Inherited individual retirement accounts can be a financial boost for heirs, but the windfall can trigger tax issues, experts say. Withdrawals from pre-tax inherited IRAs incur regular income taxes. Since 2020, certain heirs can no longer “stretch” retirement account distributions over their lifetime to reduce yearly taxes. Now, certain … Read more

Your financial advisor may not be giving good advice

Your financial advisor may not be giving good advice

Ascentxmedia | E+ | Getty Images Many people claim Social Security retirement benefits at the earliest possible claiming age of 62. But that decision prompts their monthly benefits to be reduced for the rest of their lives. Working with a financial advisor should help encourage prospective beneficiaries to understand the value of delaying their benefit … Read more

Series I bond rate is 4.28% through October 2024

Series I bond rate is 4.28% through October 2024

Jitalia17 | E+ | Getty Images Series I bonds will pay 4.28% annual interest from May 1 through October 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Tuesday. Linked to inflation, the latest I bond rate is down from the 5.27% annual rate offered since November and slightly lower than the 4.3% rate from May … Read more

29% of U.S. households have jobs but struggle to cover basic needs

29% of U.S. households have jobs but struggle to cover basic needs

Over time, higher costs and sluggish wage growth have left more Americans financially vulnerable, with many known as “ALICEs.” Nearly 40 million families, or 29% of the population, fall in the category of ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — according to United Way’s United for ALICE program, which first coined the term to refer … Read more

Advice about 401(k) rollovers is poised for a big change. Here’s why

Advice about 401(k) rollovers is poised for a big change. Here’s why

Johner Images | Johner Images Royalty-free | Getty Images A new U.S. Labor Department rule will significantly change the advice many investors receive about rolling money over from 401(k) plans to individual retirement accounts, legal experts say. The so-called “fiduciary” rule, issued April 23, aims to raise the legal bar for brokers, financial advisors, insurance … Read more

Americans worry changes to retirement system will upend their plans

Americans worry changes to retirement system will upend their plans

Viewstock | View Stock | Getty Images Last year, Americans’ confidence that they would have enough money to live comfortably in retirement fell the most since the global financial crisis. New research shows both workers’ and retirees’ confidence has not recovered. But some signs of optimism have emerged, particularly as wage growth now outpaces inflation … Read more

Here are the key things to know about your restricted stock units

Here are the key things to know about your restricted stock units

When you receive equity compensation from an employer, it typically requires a comprehensive financial plan — and restricted stock units are no exception. In 2000, only 20% of public companies granted restricted stock or restricted stock units, primarily for senior executives or higher, according to the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals. That percentage, however, has jumped to … Read more