Labor Department cracks down on bad retirement savings advice

The U.S. Department of Labor headquarters in Washington. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images The Biden administration issued a final rule on Tuesday that cracks down on the investment advice that advisors, brokers, insurance agents and others give to retirement savers. The U.S. Department of Labor regulation — which follows a rule proposal in October — … Read more

Here are key things to know before tapping inherited IRAs

Jacob Wackerhausen | iStock / 360 | Getty Images If you’ve inherited an individual retirement account since 2020, you could have a shorter timeline to withdraw the money, which can trigger tax consequences. But there are a few things to consider before emptying an inherited account, experts say.  Under the Secure Act of 2019, so-called … Read more

Most retirees don’t delay Social Security benefits. Experts say it pays to wait

Sporrer/Rupp | Image Source | Getty Images The largest and final cohort of the baby boom generation — 30.4 million Americans — will turn 65 by 2030. And more than half of that group will rely primarily on Social Security for income, according to new research from the Alliance for Lifetime Income. When to claim … Read more

What taxpayers can learn from the Biden, Harris 2023 tax returns

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris deliver remarks about healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 26, 2024. Peter Zay | Anadolu | Getty Images President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris released their annual tax returns Monday, and there are lessons within for average Americans, according to tax experts. The president … Read more

Here’s what to know on Tax Day if you still haven’t filed your return

File by the deadline to avoid penalties, interest While April 15 is the federal deadline for most taxpayers, filers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17. There are also automatic extensions for some taxpayers impacted by natural disasters. But if you skip the tax filing deadline and owe a balance, you can expect IRS … Read more

Americans think they need $1.46 million to retire. What experts say

Aleksandarnakic | E+ | Getty Images When it comes to retirement, Americans have a new number in mind — $1.46 million — for how much they think they will need to live comfortably, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual. That estimate is up 53% since 2020, when Americans said they would need $951,000, as … Read more

Allowances are for kids — not your spouse

Simpleimages | Moment | Getty Images You don’t have to scroll far to find the #tradwives and #SAHGs (stay-at-home girlfriends) of social media who glamorize the extremes of domesticity, or the wives in Dubai who film their extravagant errands, such as picking up a Cartier bracelet and stopping for a facial on the way home. … Read more

Here’s what to do if you can’t pay your taxes by the deadline

File your return by April 15 even if you can’t pay If you can’t cover your taxes in full, you should still file your return by April 15 and pay what you can, according to the IRS. Here’s why: “Your interest and penalties are compounding quicker” if you owe taxes and don’t file, said Eric … Read more

The first quarter estimated tax deadline for 2024 is April 15

If you’re racing to file taxes, you could miss another key deadline — the April 15 due date for first-quarter estimated tax payments. Estimated tax payments typically apply to earnings from gig economy work, freelancing, small business, retirement or investing, which may have no tax withholdings. If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in … Read more

NYCB is paying the nation’s highest interest rate (APY)

A New York Community Bank stands in Brooklyn on February 08, 2024 in New York City.  Spencer Platt | Getty Images New York Community Bank, the regional lender that needed a $1 billion-plus lifeline last month, is offering the country’s highest interest rate for a savings account. NYCB raised the annual percentage yield offered via … Read more