DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Why this could be the 'best time' to contribute to a retirement plan, according to an advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

said Louis Barajas, CEO of International Private Wealth Advisors, a certified financial planner and member of CNBC's Advisor Council. In fact, "this is the best time to continue to contribute." "Everybody wants to get out when there's uncertainty," Barajas said. 'Everyone is feeling pressure financially'After a tumultuous stretch, many older Americans are concerned about their retirement security. "We've had almost 12 years of a boom market, all they've seen is markets go up," Barajas said.

☆ Here's when taking out a 401(k) loan actually 'makes sense,' says advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"I've always been very anti-401(k) loan," duQuesnay said. DuQuesnay, an investment advisor at Ritholtz Wealth Management and member of CNBC's Advisor Council, used a 401(k) loan as a short-term pot of cash for a down payment. watch nowBorrowing against retirement savings served as a bridge loan that duQuesnay plans to pay back after selling her old house. This may be a good strategy for those whose budget can absorb the monthly mortgage and 401(k) loan payments, she said. People should generally try to avoid borrowing from retirement savings if they can avoid it, though, duQuesnay cautioned.

"With there being so much more to life than only achieving retirement, lifestyle investing focuses on using your assets to achieve your specific life goals." But Deer notes that lifestyle investing also capitalizes on other assets, such as education, health, time, relationships, and community involvement. With there being so much more to life than only achieving retirement, lifestyle investing focuses on using your assets to achieve your specific life goals." Rethinking your approach to time and moneyAccording to Deer, lifestyle investors must also look at two critical assets: time and money. Lifestyle investing seeks to combine the potential for a happy lifestyle now with a fulfilling retirement down the road.

If the market gyrations and Silicon Valley Bank's failure are rattling your faith in stocks, there are places to look for safety. But for cash and bond allocations, T-bills – U.S. Treasurys with maturity of one year or less – might be the ticket. The rates will adjust and correct [at some point], and these short-term rates will go back to normal," he said. When buying bank CDs, investors should be mindful of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s coverage, he said. Hans Olsen, chief investment officer of Fiduciary Trust Company, highlighted short-duration, high-quality bonds are where it's at for safety.

☆ Should you be worried about your money, your bank or the U.S. banking system? Experts weigh in
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

However, the unexpected shutdowns of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank have many consumers concerned about their deposits, their bank and the U.S. banking system. Here, experts answer what a bank run is, how FDIC insurance works and whether your deposits are still secure. andresr | E+ | Getty ImagesThe short answer is "possibly," according to Stacy Francis, a certified financial planner and president and CEO of Francis Financial in New York. "This is happening, in part, because of the Federal Reserve's sharp rise in interest rates," Francis said. Further, "many banks are seeing large withdrawals from cash depositors who are looking [for higher rates] to make more money," Francis added.

☆ This individual retirement account option 'surprises people the most,' says advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

How a spousal IRA worksA spousal IRA is a separate account, meaning both spouses can contribute to their own IRAs. And many couples aren't aware of spousal IRA contributions, according to Julie Hall, a CFP at Vision Capital Partners in Ann Arbor, Michigan. But you can still score a deduction for pre-tax IRA contributions, assuming you qualify based on income and workplace retirement plan participation. Of course, the decision about whether to make pre-tax or Roth IRA contributions hinges on more than just the current year's tax break, Hall added. Spousal IRA contributions in retirement

Annual Percentage Yield Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. 5.00% Minimum Deposit Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. $0 Annual Percentage Yield Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. 4.60% Minimum Deposit Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. $1,000 Annual Percentage Yield Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

☆ How to factor your health into your financial planning, according to a doctor-turned-advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"A healthy person needs a totally different [financial] plan from someone who has health issues." This document outlines the health care you want and don't want if you become unable to communicate those desires yourself. You also should have powers of attorney assigned to trusted individuals for health care and, separately, your finances. "Everyone needs those documents, but especially if you have significant health issues," McClanahan said. Your use of health care should be considered

☆ Investing in 2023 is 'definitely going to be rocky,' advisor says. How to stay the course
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In the latest example, the failure of Silicon Valley Bank rattled investors and sent stocks lower on Friday. By midday Monday, the markets had moved upwards, though certain bank stocks were still hurting. "This is going to be a great year, and it's definitely going to be rocky," Francis told CNBC.com in February. Likewise, grim market results in December were followed by some of the best upswings in decades in January. This is going to be a great year, and it's definitely going to be rocky.

☆ After SVB and Signature failures, what small businesses should look for when choosing a bank
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Employees stand outside of the shuttered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) headquarters on March 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The same holds true for customers of Signature Bank, which was shut down by regulators Sunday. Yet they now need to find another place to keep their money — and they and other small firms may fear a similar calamity elsewhere. For starters, the message is that when a bank fails, customer deposits will be covered for an unlimited amount, Boneparth said. FDIC coverage may be enough for some firmsAdditionally, for some small businesses, the FDIC coverage at their bank should be sufficient.

☆ Are your bank deposits FDIC-insured? What to know in the wake of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank closures
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Liu Guanguan | Getty ImagesThe unexpected shutdowns of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank have prompted new questions about the level of protection for bank deposits that many consumers have not asked since the 2008 financial crisis. The limit for FDIC coverage is $250,000 per depositor, per bank, in each account ownership category. For example, a married couple with a business may have up to $250,000 insured in an account in one spouse's name, up to $250,000 insured in an account in the other spouse's name and up to $250,000 insured in a business account. How to check, boost FDIC coverageIf you want to know whether your deposits are FDIC-insured, check your statement, Jenkin said. The majority of Americans are going to be covered by FDIC insurance.

☆ Silicon Valley Bank is the second-biggest bank crash in U.S. history—here's what it means for your money
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A security guard at Silicon Valley Bank monitors a line of people outside the office on March 13, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. Late last week, Silicon Valley Bank disclosed signs of gross financial mismanagement, sparking panic among the bank's investors and customers. By Friday, the bank, which caters to numerous startups, had halted trading on its plummeting stock, prompting a race among depositors to withdraw their money. SVB and Signature Bank investors? Shares of First Republic Bank, which investors worry will suffer a similar fate, lost 52% on Monday after shedding 33% last week.

☆ What Signature Bank, Silicon Valley Bank failures mean for consumers and investors
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A customer stands outside of a shuttered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) headquarters on March 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty ImagesAfter two bank failures and dramatic moves from U.S. regulators to protect depositors, financial advisors have a message for consumers: Don't panic. The U.S. government on Sunday approved plans to safeguard depositors and financial institutions affected by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday. watch nowWhile futures initially jumped Sunday evening following the announcement from regulators, bank stocks fell as the market opened Monday. Most consumers don't need to worry about depositsLee Baker, a certified financial planner and owner of Apex Financial Services in Atlanta, said most consumers don't need to worry about their bank deposits.

When my husband died, I had to figure out my financial future, which meant finding a financial advisor. I was able to find a great financial advisor by thinking about my specific goals and needs. Having an independent financial advisor isn't cheap, but it's been well worth the cost to me. Here's the checklist I used to settle on my fantastic financial planner. The New School of Finance, founded by certified financial planner and chartered investment manager Shannon Lee Simmons, is where I landed.

☆ Employers can use this retirement perk as a ‘stepping stone’ to a 401(k), says advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Visualspace | E+ | Getty ImagesSmall business owners today may feel they're getting pulled in two directions: stuck between wanting to offer a retirement benefit to their workers but feeling unable to afford costs associated with a 401(k) plan. But entrepreneurs scared by the affordability of maintaining a 401(k) plan can instead consider an alternative workplace retirement plan known as a SIMPLE IRA, said Marguerita Cheng, a certified financial planner based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The plans — formally known as a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees — don't carry the startup and operating costs of a "conventional" retirement plan, according to the IRS. watch nowEmployers are more pressured these days to offer a retirement benefit to stay competitive in a hot labor market, Cheng said. SIMPLE IRAs are also "a great stepping stone" to a 401(k) in the future, if an employer wants to make their offering more "robust," she said.

☆ Families get these 3 things wrong about estate planning, advisor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In the wake of the pandemic, there's one topic that's suddenly a lot less taboo, according to Lee Baker, a certified financial planner based in Atlanta. "We get more calls around estate planning." said Baker, founder, owner and president of Apex Financial Services and a member of CNBC's Advisor Council. However, there are three things families are often initially wrong about, Baker noted. They believe "it's a daunting undertaking, it's only for rich people and it costs a ton," he said.

☆ A simple rule can help you build a savings habit, says advisor: ‘Do it no matter what’
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Budgeting and saving money may seem challenging — but the 50-30-20 rule is an easy way for people to get started, said Cathy Curtis, a certified financial planner based in Oakland, California. When using the 50-30-20 rule, you should "pay yourself first," said Curtis, founder of Curtis Financial Planning and a member of CNBC's Advisor Council. In other words, set aside the 20% for savings and debt immediately, and then budget the remainder (for needs and wants) afterward. "Saving [for the future] is as important as every other expense you have," she said. If you don't, it might mean not having enough money to fund your lifestyle later in life, perhaps even living in poverty, Curtis said.

☆ Investing is 'a must' for women to achieve a secure retirement, advisor says. These 3 steps can help
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Women tend to outperform men when it comes to investing, yet some may still be at risk of falling behind. While 67% of women are gaining the confidence to invest outside of retirement accounts, that still leaves 33% who are missing that opportunity, according to Fidelity. What's more, women are more likely, at 50%, to say they're behind on retirement savings, versus 35% of men, a recent report from Goldman Sachs found. "Investing is not a 'nice to' for women; investing is a 'must,'" Francis said. Maxing out 401(k) and IRA investments should be a priority, Francis said — and beyond that, the more an investor can do, the better.

☆ CNBC FA Council members share their strategies for a volatile market
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Sara Lindsay | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailCNBC FA Council members share their strategies for a volatile marketCertified Financial Planners and CNBC FA Council members Douglas Boneparth and Stacy Francis share their outlooks and strategies for an unpredictable 2023 market.

☆ Why moving in retirement can earn you an extra $100,000 — or more
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Getty ImagesMoving in retirement can unlock a big pot of money to help fund those post-work years. The typical person at the top 10th percentile made even more money — $347,000 — by using the "retire and relocate" strategy, Vanguard found. A quarter of all U.S. retirees have "the potential to shore up their retirement funding" by moving to a cheaper market, the report estimates. watch nowThis isn't necessarily a strategy Americans should use as the linchpin of their retirement savings strategy, however. "[However], if you're thinking of moving from a major metro area in one state to another, and your housing costs will be half, in general that's not going to be the case," Jenkin said.

☆ 5 ways to file your taxes for free this season
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

IRS Free FileIRS Free File offers free online guided tax preparation for your federal tax returns and some state filings if your adjusted gross income was $73,000 or less in 2022. It's a good option for those who have simple returns, don't need ongoing tax planning advice and could benefit financially from the free service. Although 70% of taxpayers qualify for IRS Free File, only 2% used it during the 2022 filing season, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate. Tax prep for older AmericansOlder Americans may also qualify for free in-person and virtual tax help through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. The program works with VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, or TCE, which also provides free tax preparation for those who qualify.

☆ Stocking up on income-paying assets? Here’s how to maximize their tax efficiency
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The calculus of tax optimization Tax optimization begins with the three types of investment accounts available to investors: taxable brokerage accounts, tax-deferred accounts such as 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts, and tax-free accounts like Roth IRAs. Tax-deferred accounts, meanwhile, allow money to accumulate free of taxes – but you're on the hook for income taxes when you take withdrawals. Your individual tax situation will also be a key factor in determining which income assets are best for you and where you should hold them. However, investors in a low tax bracket might be better off going for taxable bonds – which tend to pay higher yields than municipal bonds. Asset location Taxable brokerage accounts are generally a good place to hold T-bills if you're going to tap the money soon.

☆ Missing tax forms will 'definitely' delay your refund, expert warns. How to know which ones you need
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One way to avoid possible issues is by getting organized with the necessary tax forms, known as information returns, sent to the IRS and taxpayers yearly. Here's why: If you skip tax forms received by the agency, the IRS systems may flag your return and mail you a notice, she explained. Whether you're working with a tax professional or filing on your own, here's what to know about your tax forms — and when to expect them. Regardless of your situation, it's important to have all the necessary forms handy before filing your return, Loyd said. watch nowMake a checklist with last year's returnIf you're not sure which tax forms to expect, experts say last year's tax return is a great starting point.

☆ You can still score a 2022 tax break with pretax IRA contributions — here's how to qualify
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

You can make your 2022 IRA contribution through the April tax deadline in 2023, as long as you designate the deposit for tax year 2022. However, it gets more complicated if either partner has retirement plan coverage at work and participates in the plan. With a workplace plan, some or all of your contributions may not be deductible, depending on earnings. For 2022, single investors with a workplace retirement plan may claim a tax break for their entire IRA contribution if their modified adjusted gross income is $68,000 or less. How to know if a pretax IRA contribution makes sense

How much you pay (or don't) in taxes has the potential to shift what's possible in your overall plan. When it comes to your taxes, making mistakes can mean losing money. Thankfully for my financial planning clients, I catch some common missteps before they are made — that's one of the benefits of working with a certified financial planner. Using tax software can be a great solution that saves money when your financial situation is very simple and straightforward. Using a CPA can help you avoid mistakes that would cost far more than the fee you pay to retain them.

Search resuls for: "Certified Financial Planner"

25 mentions found