When you look back over the previous 12 months, you might be surprised at what may have changed for you, whether in terms of the economy at large, your individual finances, or your personal circumstances. That’s why the end of the year is a great time to reflect and to prepare for the year ahead. Maybe you want to pay off [...]
It won’t be long before you’ll be gathering every slip of paper and receipt you can find so you can step back into the ring with the IRS. The standard deduction and all tax brackets have been adjusted for the 2025 tax year. Here are the numbers that will be used to determine what you owe. Standard Deduction The [...]
Taking care of aging parents is not something most people ever expect to do. But as Americans live longer, the need to help mom and dad with various aspects of Senior living is becoming much more common. That may include being in charge of their finances, and giving you the legal right to act in that capacity is best done [...]
It’s always a great challenge to find all possible deductions that will make your tax bill as small as possible. This late in the year you may have thrown up your hands and asked, “What else can I do?” But take heart. There are still several strategies available if you are charitably-minded. Appreciated assets If you itemize deductions on [...]
When is the last time you reviewed your Medicare coverage? If it’s been a while, now is a great time to do it. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment window is open and runs through December 7. You can compare plans to make sure you have the best one for your situation. This is the time when you can make any [...]
Still looking for ways to keep the IRS’s hand out of your pocket at tax time? If so, you still have time to make the maximum retirement plan contributions for 2025. Every $100 of deductions you gather now can reduce your federal tax bill by up to $37 next April. Here are some possibilities. For 2025 you can contribute [...]
Well, it’s that time of year again when leaves change color and the federal government tells you how much more Medicare will cost you next year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that 13% of spending by the typical senior goes to healthcare. For 2024, folks with Original Medicare will see increases to all premiums and deductibles. Medicare [...]
You get to save more in your retirement accounts in 2024. The IRS has made its inflation calculations and announced the new adjusted contribution limits. The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan increases to $23,000, up from $22,500 in 2023. For individuals 50 and older, the [...]
There are two important days every year for people on Social Security—the day they find out how much their checks will go up because of the annual Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA), and the day they start getting the extra money. October is the month they find out how much. Automatic Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments have been in effect since January 1, [...]
You’d think retirees would get some consideration from the IRS. I mean, they’ve worked their entire adult life, paid their taxes (well, most of them), and paid them no matter what administration was in office or what stupid rules an administration put on the books. Now they’re retired. But it doesn’t mean retirees are exempt from IRS audits. The [...]
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