Finance

Many people are surprised and shocked when they learn what happens when retirement account owners neglect simple details about the tax code and their accounts. A review of some recent court cases brings the points home. The newest case involved the 401(k) of the late Jeffrey Rolison, who had worked…

Charitable giving often isincluded in financial and estate plans, and this is the time of year when there’s an increased focus on giving. But many people don’t optimize the impact of their donations by developing a giving plan. Few people are deliberate and strategic in their charitable activities. Many gifts…

Last month, I was talking with a friend about his Medicare Advantage plan for 2025. He will begin taking a Tier 5 medication in January and wanted to know about the coverage and costs. I found that the drug would be covered and his costs would be capped at $2,000.…

The incoming Trump Administration has been sending mixed signals about the fate of Medicare. But if Trump advisers and GOP lawmakers are serious about slashing government spending it is hard to see how they will ignore the program, which last year cost $850 billion and accounted for about one out…

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to plan for the New Year. One important budget item that many are reluctant to address is Medicare costs. A quick overview of the 2025 costs should provide a head start. Costs That Apply to Anyone on Medicare There are some costs…

The Biden administration appears to have pulled off the elusive economic soft landing, getting inflation in check without crashing the economy into a recession. While inflation has been easing downward, it has still been pinching retirees’ budgets. The bad news is that shrinking inflation rates also mean a smaller Social…

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