DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Millennials on track to retire early are maxing out HSAs to supplement their savings. Here's who's eligible, and how you can use it to grow your money.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

HSAs require enrollment in a high-deductible health plan, suitable for healthy individuals. After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. "I decided to get a high deductible health plan because I was young, healthy, and I didn't expect my medical expenses to be too high," she said. Brent Weiss, a certified financial planner, told BI that he invests his HSA money in a target-date fund: "I'm not getting fancy. Not touching your HSA funds means covering your medical expenses out of pocket, which is what Grant and the Schlagbaums do.

Persons: —, Amberly Grant, Grant, she's maxed, Brennan, Erin Schlagbaum, HSAs, it's, it'll, Brent Weiss, I'm, you've Organizations: Service, IRA, IRS

☆ Key change coming for 401(k) ‘max savers’ in 2025, expert says — here's what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Aire Images | Moment | Getty ImagesHigher 401(k) catch-up contributionsEmployees can now defer up to $23,000 into 401(k) plans for 2024, with an extra $7,500 for workers age 50 and older. But starting in 2025, workers aged 60 to 63 can boost annual 401(k) catch-up contributions to $10,000 — or 150% of the catch-up limit — whichever is greater. An estimated 15% of eligible workers made catch-up contributions in 2023, according to Vanguard's 2024 How America Saves report. Roth catch-up contributionsAnother Secure 2.0 change will remove the upfront tax break on catch-up contributions for higher earners by only allowing the deposits in after-tax Roth accounts. That means workers can still make pretax 401(k) catch-up contributions through 2025, regardless of income.

Persons: Jamie Bosse, Vanguard's Stinnett, Roth Organizations: IRS, CGN Advisors, America, Vanguard Locations: Manhattan , Kansas

☆ This top concern of U.S. retirees is a 'huge risk factor,' says retirement expert—here's how to plan for it
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-14 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

"Long-term care costs are completely outside of our health-care system. Medicaid is a needs-based health-care program, and eligibility requirements to receive long-term care under the program vary from state to state. "You might think about the average duration of long-term care along with the average costs to build a long-term care fund." Long-term care insuranceThe middle path involves buying insurance designed to help pay for long-term care. This can include long-term care insurance or whole life insurance with a long-term care rider.

Persons: Christine Benz, Morningstar, Spencer Look, CNBC's, SurveyMonkey, Yusuf Abugideiri, Yeske Buie, they'll, Gerika Espinosa, you'd Organizations: Medicare, Morningstar, Care Survey, Benz, Medicaid, Centers, Services, American, Aging, Administration for Community, American Association for, Care Insurance, CNBC Locations: U.S, Vienna , Virginia, Salt Lake City , Utah

In 2025, millions of retired Americans will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for benefit payments, according to the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration on Oct. 10 unveiled a higher threshold for earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes, known as the “taxable maximum” or “wage base.”The limit shifts annually based on the national average wage index. How the Social Security tax calculation worksThe Social Security payroll tax rate is 12.4%, with workers paying 6.2% through paycheck deductions. Concerns over Social Security solvencyThe latest Social Security adjustments come amid growing concerns about the program’s solvency. In the meantime, some advocates have pushed to increase the Social Security wage base to provide more funding.

Persons: Sean Lovison, “, Lovison, ’, Alicia Munnell Organizations: Social Security Administration, Social, Social Security, Medicare, Security, Center for Retirement Research, Boston College Locations: Philadelphia

☆ I used to think it was strange when married couples kept finances separate. Now I do it with my husband.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-11 | by ( Allison Raskin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

"I Do (I Think)," explores essential conversations of marriage for a Gen Z and millennial audience. When I grew up and started hearing about married couples who had separate finances and alternated who paid for dinner, I found it weird at best and unsettling at worst. My view on married couples with separate finances changedNow that I'm older, I see it all differently. Different states also have different levels of protection for married couples who divorce, which can impact what extra steps you feel you do or don't need to take. I'm not financially savvy and I'm also hyperaware that money conversations can be deeply emotional in ways we aren't always equipped to handle.

Persons: Allison Raskin, —, John, I've, Stacy Francis, Francis Financial, I'm, Stacy, Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Kathleen, Marguerita Cheng, Dominique Broadway, Dominique Organizations: New York Times, Service, Wall, US, Bureau, Corp, IRA, HarperCollins, Hanover Square Press Locations: Hanover

☆ 3 money moves you can make today to feel wealthy, according to CFPs
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-11 | by ( Judy Lagrou | In Judylagrou | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Luckily, feeling wealthy is less about the money in your bank account and more about your attitude toward the money you already have. In short, your ability to feel wealthy depends on "what your experiences and perceptions on money are." This involves letting go of a well-known number like $1 million and embracing your personal financial journey, she says. Goals such as establishing an emergency fund or improving your credit score, when reached, can help you feel wealthy without having to build a huge net worth. In other words, you don't need $1 million in hand today to feel wealthy — just a plan to grow your money over time.

Persons: Paul Morrone, —, Rachel Elson, Elson, Morrone, There's Organizations: Northwestern Mutual Locations: North Haven , Connecticut, San Francisco , California

A credit score under these thresholds is also called a sub-prime credit score, which means that creditors might think twice when reviewing your application for a credit line. However, a combination of serious negative marks on your credit score may seriously hurt your credit score, putting you on the lower end of the score range. Minimal credit history: A minimal credit history means you haven't been using credit (like a credit card or loan) for much time. While one credit check on your credit report may dent your credit score by a few points, several of these in a short period of time will significantly hurt your credit score. While one credit check on your credit report may dent your credit score by a few points, several of these in a short period of time will significantly hurt your credit score.

Persons: VantageScore, aren't, you'll, Enoch Omololu, Erik Beguin, Kendall Meade, Jennifer, Read Organizations: New Canadians, Austin Capital Bank, Business, Yahoo, Finance, CBS, MSNBC, CNBC, Forbes, Black Enterprise, USA, The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, Business Journalists Locations: annualcreditreport.com, America, TheGrio, New York City

As the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, investors should review their bond portfolio, which could see a boost from dovish Fed policy. Typically, bond prices and market interest rates move in opposite directions. While it may be tempting to cling to cash, it will become “less attractive, less productive as interest rates fall,” Ward said. Many corporations leveraged rock-bottom interest rates during the pandemic to strengthen balance sheets and refinance debt, said Ward. As interest rates fall, those longer-maturity bonds should reward investors, experts say.

Persons: ”, Scott Ward, ” Ward, Ted Jenkin, Ward, “, Jenkin Organizations: Federal Reserve, dovish Fed, Fed, Morningstar, Bond, CNBC’s Locations: Birmingham , Alabama, Atlanta, “

☆ As interest rates fall, it's a 'fantastic time' to revisit bonds, advisor says — here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, investors should review their bond portfolio, which could see a boost from dovish Fed policy. However, the Fed policy shift could be good for parts of the bond market, experts say. Typically, bond prices and market interest rates move in opposite directions. "This is a fantastic time to revisit bonds again," said certified financial planner Scott Ward, senior vice president of Compound Planning in Birmingham, Alabama. While it may be tempting to cling to cash, it will become "less attractive, less productive as interest rates fall," Ward said.

Persons: Scott Ward, Ward Organizations: Federal Reserve, dovish Fed, Finance, SEC, Fed Locations: Birmingham , Alabama

☆ October is the most popular time to use this tax-savings strategy to offset thousands of dollars in income: Morgan Stanley
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Morgan Stanley notes October as a key month for tax-loss harvesting. Tax-loss harvesting can also be used to offset income by up to $3,000 a year. There are a couple of ways to counter your tax bill through tax-loss harvesting. IRS rules allow you to reduce your taxable income by up to $3,000 in a year from capital losses. According to the Morgan Stanley note, stocks that are susceptible to downward price pressure due to tax-loss harvesting typically see the most downside in October.

Persons: Morgan Stanley, —, Chris Chen, Chen, that's Organizations: Service, Insight Financial, Walmart, Target

☆ Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025: Here's how benefits may change
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, could be 2.5% next year, Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security and Medicare analyst, predicted last month. The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the COLA for 2025 on Thursday. Social Security COLAs have averaged about 2.6% over the past 20 years, according to the Senior Citizens League. More from Personal Finance:House may force vote on bill affecting pensioners' Social Security benefitsWhy children miss out on Social Security survivor benefits72% of Americans worry Social Security will run out in their lifetimesCould the Social Security COLA estimate change? The official Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will factor in one more month of government inflation data when it is announced.

Persons: Mary Johnson, Joe Elsasser, Elsasser, Alicia Munnell, Johnson, Hurricane Helene Organizations: Social, Social Security, Social Security Administration, Senior Citizens League, Center for Retirement Research, Boston College, Finance, Urban, Clerical Workers

☆ The money you forfeit when you cash out of your 401(k) can be staggering
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —When you quit your job, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what to do about the money in your retirement account if you’ve been saving in your company’s 401(k). Roll it over to another tax-deferred retirement account such as an IRA or the 401(k) at your new job. While a majority of 401(k) participants who switch jobs choose the first or second option, a large minority cash out, according to recent studies. Here’s why: The features of a 401(k) plan may differ from employer to employer. While many now auto enroll employees in the plan, the default savings rate coming out of your paycheck may differ.

Persons: you’ve, Robert Persichitte, Tom O’Saben, she’ll, “, ”, Paul Brahim, — Organizations: CNN, Vanguard Investments, Yale School of Management, National Association of Tax, Financial, Association, Vanguard, ” Vanguard Locations: New York City, Los Angeles, Colorado

☆ Warren Buffett's S&P 500 bet paid off. Experts weigh in on whether it's still a winning strategy
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

True to its name, the S&P 500 index includes 500 large U.S. companies. They are the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust , which trades under the ticker SPY; iShares Core S&P 500 ETF , with ticker IVV; and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF , which trades as VOO. Future index performance could be 'muted'The S&P 500 index has continued to make headlines for new all-time highs in 2024. Goldman Sachs just raised its S&P 500 index forecast for 2024 to 6,000 up from 5,600 to reflect expected earnings growth. S&P 500 'hard to beat in the long run'Investing in the S&P 500 index is a popular strategy.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Berkshire, Morningstar, VOO, Larry Adam, Raymond James, Adam, Goldman Sachs, Tom Lee, Bryan Armour, Armour, Sean Williams, Williams Organizations: Berkshire Hathaway, Cnbc, Nbcuniversal, Trust, Vanguard, U.S, ETF, Fundstrat Global Advisors, CNBC, Morningstar, Cadence Wealth Partners Locations: St . Petersburg , Florida, U.S, Concord , North Carolina

I'm still a big fan of taking out life insurance, so I suggested a cheap life insurance plan I found from Corebridge Direct. To help settle our argument, I asked certified financial planner Ryan Nelson if buying cheap life insurance is worthwhile or if it's better to invest that money elsewhere. Those who achieved financial independence might not need a cheap life insurance planI asked Nelson if there was anyone who would be better off skipping out on paying for a cheap life insurance plan. In these circumstances, I'd strongly recommend they connect with an advisor that does not sell life insurance," Nelson said. That means that a cheap life insurance plan is better than not having one at all.

Persons: Ryan Nelson, —, We've, I'm, Nelson, it's, I'd Organizations: Service, Corebridge

☆ Your tax bracket may increase after 2025. Here's how it could affect your brokerage account
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-08 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Without action from Congress, trillions of tax breaks enacted by former President Donald Trump will expire after 2025, including lower federal income tax brackets, among other provisions. Higher rates after 2025 could impact some brokerage accounts since investors pay annual taxes on earnings, experts say. If you sell investments that you have owned for one year or less, the profits incur "short-term capital gains," or regular income taxes. Generally speaking, it's good to avoid short-term gains as much as you can. Actively managed mutual funds often trigger capital gains payouts, even when investors haven't sold shares, which can be a costly year-end surprise.

Persons: Donald Trump, Samantha Pahlow, Ferguson Wellman, Shea Abernethy, haven't, Abernethy, Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo Organizations: Ferguson, Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Exchange, Investment Counselors Locations: Portland , Oregon, Winston, Salem , North Carolina, Orlando , Florida

☆ Many Americans would rather talk about politics than money. Not having those conversations can cost you
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-07 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Kamil Krzaczynski | AFP | Getty ImagesThere are few topics Americans would rather not talk about more than money. 'Missed opportunities' of not talking about moneyFor both couples and families, not having those crucial financial conversations can cost them, financial advisors say. Have talks 'before an emergency situation arises'On a positive note, some money conversations are happening more regularly, U.S. Bank's research found. Still, 45% of respondents say they are unaware of their parents' financial situation, U.S. Bank found. To work past financial standoffs, it helps for couples to create a more welcoming environment to engage their partners in money conversations, Cherry said.

Persons: Kamil Krzaczynski, Wells, Scott Ford, Preston Cherry, Cherry, it's, Ford, Winnie Sun, Douglas Boneparth, Boneparth, Ted Jenkin, It's, Jenkin, Couples, — Organizations: AFP, Getty, U.S . Bank, CNBC FA, Sun, Wealth Partners, CNBC FA Council, Bank, Finance Locations: Chicago , Illinois, Wells Fargo, Green Bay , Wisconsin, Irvine , California, New York City, U.S, Atlanta

☆ For retirees, here's what to do with required withdrawals when you don't need the money
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-07 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Skynesher | E+ | Getty ImagesFor some retirees, the deadline to take required withdrawals from retirement accounts is approaching — and those who don't need the money have options, experts say. Since 2023, most retirees must take required minimum distributions, or RMDs, from pre-tax retirement accounts starting at age 73. Brokerage assets could be subject to capital gains taxes, whereas pre-tax retirement funds incur regular income taxes. Unlike mutual funds, most ETFs don't distribute capital gains payouts, which can save brokerage account investors on annual taxes. There's no charitable deduction, but QCDs don't count toward adjusted gross income, meaning retirees don't need to itemize tax breaks to claim it.

Persons: Judy Brown, you'll, Berkemeyer, You'll, Karen Van Voorhis, Daniel J, Galli, QCDs, It's Organizations: SC, H, D.C, Abrin, Goodman Financial, Galli & Associates, Galli & Locations: Washington, Baltimore, Houston, Norwell , Massachusetts

☆ How companies can ease the strain on employees taking care of elderly parents or ill family members
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-06 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Taking care of an elderly parent or seriously ill spouse or family member can be physically and emotionally draining — and expensive for the caregiver in more ways than one. While employers have been expanding their benefits to help employees start families and more easily care for their children, they are now thinking more holistically about what it means to support employees’ family lives, including benefits for things like elder care, Izbicki said. Fuller constructed a return-on-investment model to assess the value of providing caregiving benefits. Given the high cost of replacing employees, reducing turnover can mean the cost of providing caregiving benefits will more than pay for itself. Protecting caregivers’ financesWorking caregivers navigate a lot: Finding doctors, heath care aides and assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Persons: caregiving, ”, Melinda Izbicki, Mercer, Izbicki, Joseph Fuller, Fuller, ” Fuller, Danielle Miura, Miura, ” Miura Organizations: CNN, AARP, National Alliance for Caregiving, Harvard Business School Locations: United States

☆ Three years ago, this Florida high school started a skilled trades program — now there's a waiting list to get in
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-05 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Angela Ramirez-Riojas, 18, is enrolled in Riverview High School's construction academy. Courtesy: Riverview High SchoolFor Angela Ramirez-Riojas, 18, going to college was always plan B. Ramirez-Riojas, who is a senior at Riverview High School in Riverview, Florida, enrolled in her school's recently opened vocational program in construction. "Construction trades is not just the physical part, there's other parts of it that encompass the whole industry," Lahdenpera said. In fact, new construction hires earn more than new hires in the professional services, according to payroll-services provider ADP.

Persons: Angela Ramirez, Ramirez, Riojas, I've, isn't, Erin Haughey, Riverview's, Haughey, Jeff Lahdenpera, It's, Lahdenpera, Katie Alderman, Ted Jenkin, Gen, There's Organizations: Riverview, Riverview High School, Finance, Teens, Neal Communities, Associated Builders and Contractors, Junior Achievement, Citizens Bank Locations: Riverview, Riverview , Florida, Lakewood Ranch , Florida, Atlanta

☆ Here are the pros and cons of renting versus owning a home in those retirement years
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

However, many are renting in their retirement years. Most older adults, those at least 65 years old, own their homes, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. Renting in retirement years can be a positive because older people can avoid costly maintenance associated with the upkeep of a home. "Renting often offers more amenities, less maintenance, more accessibility," said Jennifer Molinsky, director of the housing an aging society program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies. And unlike younger renters, adult renters in retirement years could be especially vulnerable to rent hikes because they are on fixed income, experts say.

Persons: Jennifer Molinsky, Roth, Lazetta Rainey Braxton, Braxton Organizations: Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University, Finance, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ Why your Roth IRA conversions could have 'unintended' tax consequences
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As year-end approaches, you may be eyeing Roth individual retirement account conversions. The strategy, however, boosts your income, which can have other tax consequences, experts say. Roth conversions shift pretax or nondeductible IRA funds to a Roth IRA, which provides future tax-free growth. Otherwise, you could lose eligibility for certain tax breaks or unexpectedly trigger tax hikes. Here are a couple of other major tax issues to watch, experts say.

Persons: eyeing Roth, Roth, JoAnn May, Helene Organizations: Roth IRA, Asset Management, Finance, Social Locations: Riverside , Illinois

☆ Student loan payment 'on-ramp' ends, putting some borrowers at risk of delinquency
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

watch nowThe one-year grace period for student loan borrowers who miss a payment expired this week. The goal of the 12-month "on ramp" to repayment was to give borrowers some breathing room as they worked student loan payments back into their budgets. Some borrowers haven't made payments in yearsCongress initially passed legislation to allow federal student loan borrowers to pause their loan payments in March 2020 as part of the Covid economic response. It's now been roughly a year since student loan payments resumed. TransUnion data shows that just over half of student loan borrowers made payments over the past several months.

Persons: servicers, haven't, they've, Billy Hensley, Intuit Credit Karma, Karma, Brandon Bell, Ted Jenkin, Jenkin, Sallie Mae's, delinquencies, Liz Pagel, hasn't, Pagel, Andrew Housser, Housser Organizations: National Endowment, Financial Education, CNBC, Financial Wellness, Board, Intuit Credit, Rice University Library, Getty, CNBC's, College, Finance Locations: HOUSTON , TEXAS, Houston , Texas, Atlanta

☆ This strategy can maximize yield even as interest rates fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The strategy is meant to minimize interest rate risks, explained Saraja Samant, a manager research analyst at Morningstar. Wisdom Tree has two Treasury ladder ETFs: a one- to three-year fund and a seven- to 10-year fund. Schwab has Treasury bond ladder strategies in separately managed accounts operated by its Wasmer Schroeder Strategies' team. "They can add to or take from the entire bond ladder all at once, which is challenging to do with an individual bond ladder." The 'comfort' of a ladder To build a Treasury ladder, investors can go to Treasury Direct or use a broker dealer and tailor it to their needs, Samant said.

Persons: you'll, Saraja Samant, Robert Scrudato, Schwab, Schroeder, Barry Glassman, Morningstar's Samant, Samant, Michael Kessler, Glassman, Kessler, he's Organizations: Federal, Morningstar, Treasury, BlackRock, Securities and Exchange Commission, Wealth, Albion Financial, AAA Locations: Vienna , Virginia, Salt Lake City

☆ How to factor in Social Security benefits when saving for retirement
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Today, on average, Social Security benefits may replace about 40% of a person’s pre-retirement income assuming they start collecting benefits at their full retirement age. To be in those categories your earnings are often at or near the annual maximum income subject to the Social Security payroll tax. If you had to replace $24,000 in Social Security benefits, you might need a $600,000 portfolio. If you have no idea what Social Security benefits are promised to you under current law, get an official estimate based on your average career earnings to date from the Social Security Administration. Or …17% in 2035: The cut could be reduced and delayed until 2035 if the Social Security retirement trust fund is merged with its trust fund for disability benefits.

Persons: Mari Adam, Adam, you’ll, Shai Akabas, ” Akabas, ” Adam, you’re, don’t, “ You’re, ” Organizations: CNN, Social Security, Security, Social Security Administration, Center, Social, IRA

And bitcoin IRAs overall may not be the best way to get exposure to digital assets into your retirement portfolio, he adds. Read on for more on the pros and cons of bitcoin IRAs, and which investors they may make sense for. Self-directed bitcoin IRAs offer many of the same tax benefits as regular IRAs, like tax-deferred growth in traditional IRAs and tax-free withdrawals from Roth IRAs. Supports IRA rollovers, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k)sCheck mark icon A check mark. Supports IRA rollovers, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k)sCheck mark icon A check mark.

Persons: Bitcoin, Rollovers, Roth, bitcoin IRAs, Chris Chen, Read, Chen, Roth IRAs, they've, bitcoin, it's, Bitcoin IRAs Organizations: BitcoinIRA, Insight Financial, IRA, Better, Pew Research, SEC, CFTC Locations: cryptocurrency, U.S, bitcoin

Search resuls for: "Certified Financial Planner"

25 mentions found