If you inherited an individual retirement account, there is a key change for 2025 that — without action on your part before year-end — could trigger an IRS penalty of up to 25%. Starting in 2025, certain non-spouse heirs, including adult children, must start taking required minimum distributions, or RMDs, while emptying their inherited IRA…
Jasondoiy | E+ | Getty Images The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 2.8% in 2026, the Social Security Administration said on Friday. Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month on average starting in January, according to the agency. The COLA provides an annual adjustment to both Social Security and Supplemental…
Morsa Images | Digitalvision | Getty Images Medicare open enrollment kicked off on Oct. 15, with one notable difference for beneficiaries who are considering updating their health insurance plans — the federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1. Updates related to Medicare open enrollment — which runs through Dec. 7 — will continue…
Bill and Shelly Gall Bill and Shelly Gall Bill and Shelly Gall say they’d be rich if it weren’t for their medical bills. The early retirees, who are on an insurance plan purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, spent upwards of $20,000 on health-care expenses and insurance premiums in 2023 and in 2024, largely…
In 2011, I walked away from a six-figure law career and retired at age 41. I thought I was prepared financially. But emotionally? Not so much. After decades of working, I was used to the sense of purpose that came with a career, and I assumed I’d have to give that up once I stopped…
Prasit Photo | Moment | Getty Images Demand for exchange-traded funds is soaring as investors shift to lower-cost, tax-friendly options that are easier to buy and sell. But many people don’t know what they are purchasing, and mistakes could hurt their returns, financial experts say. The ETF market has surpassed $11 trillion, near a…
D3sign | Moment | Getty Images The IRS has unveiled the capital gains tax brackets for 2026, with higher earnings limits for the 0% rate. That could offer tax planning opportunities for many investors, financial experts say. The bigger limit is “pretty incredible, especially in years like this where the market’s been roaring,” said Tommy…
Pra-chid | Istock | Getty Images The IRS has announced new federal income tax brackets and standard deductions for 2026. In its announcement Thursday, the agency raised the income thresholds for each bracket, which apply to tax year 2026 for returns filed in 2027. The IRS also boosted figures for other provisions, including long-term capital gains…
Trevor Williams | DigitalVision | Getty Images The S&P 500 index closed at a new all-time high on Wednesday amid a federal government shutdown. It rose to a new intraday high early Thursday. Prior to that, the index — which is focused on large-cap U.S. equities — had risen almost 90% since the equity bull…
Amid economic uncertainty, the best financial advisors can provide a steady hand to investors in any stage of life or with any level of wealth. Whether you’re early in your career or nearing your golden years, financial advisors can help you meet key milestones and address planning needs such as saving for retirement, investing a…
