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☆ Save on taxes and bolster your portfolio before year-end with these moves
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

It's September – and that means it's prime time to think about maximizing after-tax returns as the year winds down. Of course, there may be a price to pay for that performance: Uncle Sam will want his share of taxes. Here are a few steps that could help you hold onto more of your portfolio's returns this year. Munis spin out income that's free of federal taxes, and they may be exempt from state levies if the investor resides in the issuing state. By directly giving low basis highly appreciated stock (instead of selling the position and donating cash proceeds), you avoid incurring the capital gains tax.

Persons: it's, Sam, Nathan Hoyt, Joel Dickson, Vanguard's, Dickson, James Shagawat, Roth, Shagawat, Malcolm Ethridge, –, Ethridge Organizations: Nvidia, Regent Peak Wealth, Investors, Roth IRA, Treasurys, Wealth Locations: Atlanta, AdvicePeriod, Paramus , New Jersey, New York , New Jersey, California, Rockville , Maryland

The third-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2024 is Sept. 16, and skipping a payment could trigger a penalty, according to the IRS. Some filers also need estimated payments if they haven’t withheld enough taxes from a full-time or part-time job. Estimated payments can help avoid “refund disappointment or balance due shock,” said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer of Jackson Hewitt. For 2024, the quarterly estimated tax deadlines are April 15, June 17, Sept. 16 and Jan. 15, 2025. You can use your online account, IRS Direct Pay or the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or EFTPS.

Persons: ”, Mark Steber, Jackson Hewitt, there’s, Tricia Rosen, Virgin Organizations: Taxpayers, IRS, U.S . Department Locations: Newburyport , Massachusetts, Puerto Rico

☆ IRS: This 'rule of thumb' shows who needs to make a third-quarter estimated tax payment by Monday
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The third-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2024 is Monday, Sept. 16, and skipping a payment could trigger a penalty, according to the IRS. Typically, you need estimated payments for any income without tax withholdings, such as earnings from self-employment, contract or gig economy work and investment or retirement income. Some filers also need estimated payments if they haven't withheld enough taxes from a full-time or part-time job. Estimated payments can help avoid "refund disappointment or balance due shock," said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer at Jackson Hewitt. You can find adjusted gross income on line 11 of Form 1040 from your 2023 tax return.

Persons: Mark Steber, Jackson Hewitt, — Organizations: Finance, Security Locations: Washington

☆ Senate debates taxes ahead of Trump’s 2025 expirations. It's a ‘make-or-break moment,' lawmaker says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-12 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

With trillions in tax breaks scheduled to expire after 2025, lawmakers are debating policy priorities that could impact millions of families and small businesses. Enacted by former President Donald Trump in 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA, made sweeping tax changes, including temporary provisions that will sunset after 2025 without action from Congress. Some of the expiring TCJA provisions include lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, a more generous child tax credit, higher gift and estate tax exemptions and a 20% tax break for pass-through businesses, among others. "This will be a make-or-break moment for the federal budget and for America's middle class," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in a prepared statement at a Senate hearing on Thursday. In the meantime, lawmakers and organizations are voicing support for certain tax issues before the 2025 deadline.

Persons: Donald Trump, Ron Wyden, — Organizations: Finance, Tax, White House

If the Fed cuts rates on September 18, bank account interest rates are likely to decline further. High-yield savings and money market accounts outearn typical checking or savings accounts even when rates decline. If the Fed decides to cut rates, savings account and CD rates will likely decline. AdvertisementEven in a declining interest rate environment, the best high-yield savings accounts offer a higher annual percentage yield than savings accounts at brick-and-mortar banks. Some of the highest-yield saving accounts include the EagleBank High-Yield Savings Account (0.01% to 5.35% APY), Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier( 5.31% APY), and BrioDirect High-Yield Savings Account (5.30% APY).

Persons: —, they'll, George Salinas, ™, Nate Hanft, there's, Banks, it's, I've, Hanft Organizations: Service, CFS, Manske Wealth Management, Barclays, Connexus Credit, Wealth, Western Alliance Bank, Yield Savings Locations: Salinas

The Federal Reserve is expected to drop interest rates at its next meeting on September 17 and 18. When the Fed rates drop, interest rates for high-yield savings accounts and CDs will drop too. The Fed is the central banking system of the U.S., so if it drops its rates, the best CD rates and high-yield savings account rates drop too. No-penalty CDs let you lock in higher rates while still giving flexibilitySince the Fed is expected to cut rates soon, CDs offering 5% interest can help you earn high interest rates for longer than you could otherwise. Once interest rates are more stable, a high-yield savings account will likely offer rates that are on par with no-penalty CD rates without the need to track term lengths.

Persons: Chloe Moore, Financial Staples, you've, Moore, they're, I've Organizations: Federal, Financial Locations: U.S

Mint shut down back in March, but people are still searching for a replacement budgeting app. Free budgeting apps are becoming less common, but there are still a few options to try. It's left a significant gap for people who prioritize free budgeting tools, and even months after Mint's closure, Reddit users are still looking for a good replacement. "That was Mint's biggest draw, that it was a free budgeting app," explains Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor, and owner of BoujieBudgets.com. AdvertisementWe'll explain the current budgeting app environment and share tips on how you can choose the best budgeting app for you.

Persons: —, Everyone's, It's, Mykail James, Eric Croak, James, Croak, haven't, I've, they've Organizations: Mint, Service, Croak, Quicken

☆ Avoid 'knee-jerk reactions' to candidates' proposed tax increases, financial advisors say. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

With fewer than 60 days until the election, investors may feel stressed by the flurry of tax policy proposals. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris has plans for middle-class tax cuts while raising levies on the wealthiest Americans and corporations. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, aims to extend tax breaks enacted during his first term and end taxes on Social Security benefits. How it compares to recent historyBut there's a big difference between a candidate's tax idea or proposal and signed legislation. "All sorts of things are in presidential budgets that don't get enacted," said CFP and financial therapist Rick Kahler, president of Kahler Financial Group in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Persons: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Trump, Louis Barajas, —, Harris, Rick Kahler Organizations: Republican, Democratic, U.S, New York Young Republican Club, Social Security, International Private Wealth, Finance, Kahler Locations: New York City, U.S, Irvine , California, Rapid City , South Dakota

☆ The utilities sector is up 20% in 2024. Analysts love these dividend-paying names
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Bank of America sees yet another tailwind for utilities: The sector is a way to play falling interest rates. To that end, CNBC Pro used FactSet data to screen the S & P 1500 utilities sector, looking for companies that meet the following criteria. A total return – the stock price plus the value of reinvested dividends – of at least 10% in 2024. The stock offers a dividend yield of 3.0% and has a 2024 total return of nearly 23%. Year to date, the stock has a total return of nearly 38%, and it offers a dividend yield of 2.5%.

Persons: Savita Subramanian, Garrick Rochow, Morgan Stanley, David Arcaro, Diego's, —, Fred Imbert Organizations: Constellation Energy, NRG Energy, Mizuho Securities, Bank of America, Utilities, Real, CNBC Pro, Street, CMS Energy, Consumers Energy, CMS, NextEra, Management, Google, CNBC, PPL Locations: Jackson, Michigan, , Florida, 1Q24, Allentown, Penn

☆ Harris wants to raise the top capital gains tax rate to 28%. How that compares to recent history
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

As the election ramps up, many investors are focused on capital gains taxes and how proposals from both parties could impact their assets. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris last week proposed a 28% tax on long-term capital gains, or profits from the sale of assets owned for more than one year, for those making more than $1 million annually. Her plan would also raise the net investment income tax, or NIIT, from 3.8% to 5%, The Wall Street Journal reported last week. If Harris proposes raising the NIIT to 5%, the combined rate would be 33% for top earners. Biden's plan would raise the combined rate to 44.6%.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Sen, Bernie Sanders, NBC's, Harris, filers Harris, Joe Biden's Organizations: Democratic, Sunday, Finance, IRS, Street Locations: Milwaukee , Wisconsin, U.S, Bedminster , New Jersey

☆ Tim Walz took a $135,000 early withdrawal from a retirement account—that's generally a 'lose-lose situation,' says CFP
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Even more interestingly, Walz told the Journal that he made a roughly $135,000 early withdrawal from a workplace retirement account last year to fund his daughter's college education. Walz is in an unusual situationFor Walz, $135,000 represents a relatively small chunk of what he can expect to earn in retirement. The Wall Street Journal estimates the Walzes' retirement savings at more than $1 million, meaning that the early withdrawal likely represented somewhere in the neighborhood of 10% of the retirement fund. Of Walz and his wife's roughly $300,000 in 2023 income, about $135,000 came from pensions or annuities. But it's especially dangerous for the majority of Americans who will have to rely heavily on their investments to fund their retirement.

Persons: Tim Walz, Walz, Gwen, J.D, Vance, It's, Gerika Espinosa, —, Jamie Bosse, Bosse Organizations: Wall Street, Republican, Street, CGN Advisors, Social Security Locations: Minnesota, Salt Lake City , Utah, Manhattan Kansas

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHow Trump's and Harris' tax plans would affect your walletThe majority of Americans, 56%, say they pay too much in federal income tax, according to an April 2024 Gallup poll. Only 22% believe they receive valuable services from those taxes, according to an AP-NORC January 2024 survey. If the 2017 tax cuts are allowed to expire in 2025, about 62% of taxpayers would see their bills go up, according to the Tax Foundation. This means the 2024 election will determine which political party will get to shape Americans' taxes for years to come.

Persons: Harris Organizations: Tax

Ranking 134 college football teams after Week 2: A historic rise and new No. 134Five things we learned about the College Football Playoff race in Week 2CFP Bubble Watch: The changing perceptions of USC, Iowa State — and Notre DameGet all-access to exclusive stories. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Organizations: College Football, USC, Iowa State —, Notre Dame Get, Athletic

☆ There's still time to max out 401(k) contributions for 2024 — but some investors shouldn't, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

There's still time to boost 401(k) contributions and max out your plan account for 2024, but not everyone should, according to financial advisors. For 2024, employees can defer up to $23,000 into 401(k) plans, up from $22,500 in 2023, with an extra $7,500 for workers age 50 and older. Some 14% of investors maxed out their 401(k) employee deferrals in 2023, according to a 2024 report from Vanguard. Meanwhile, the average 401(k) savings rate in 2023 — including employee deferrals and company contributions — was an estimated 11.7%, which matched a record high from 2022, the same Vanguard report found. If you can afford to go further and max out your 401(k) for 2024, here are three things to consider first, experts say.

Persons: There's, Donald LaGrange, Murphy, Walz's, LaGrange, deferrals, — Organizations: Sylvest Wealth Management, Finance, Social Security, Vanguard Locations: Dallas

☆ How investors can prepare for lower interest rates: It's 'like getting a haircut,' advisor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Lower interest rates are "generally positive for stocks," said Marguerita Cheng, a CFP and chief executive of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Considerations for cash, bonds and stocksFalling interest rates generally means investors can expect lower returns on their "safer" money, advisors said. High interest rates have meant investors enjoyed fairly lofty returns on these lower-risk holdings. Winnie Sun co-founder and managing director of Sun Group Wealth PartnersHowever, such returns are expected to fall alongside declining interest rates, advisors said. "They'll be crying in six months when interest rates are a lot lower," she said.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Andrew Harnik, Winnie Sun, Lee Baker, Powell, Stephen Brown, Marguerita Cheng, Sun, Powell didn't, Ted Jenkin, Carolyn McClanahan Organizations: Getty, Sun Group Wealth Partners, Financial Advisors, Finance, North, Capital Economics, Blue, Sun Group Wealth, Planning Partners Locations: Irvine , California, Atlanta, Jackson Hole , Wyoming, U.S, North America, Gaithersburg , Maryland, Jacksonville , Florida

This means that CD rates of 5% APY will likely decline and get less competitive. CD ladders can help you earn a great rate for longer, no matter what happens to CD rates. The best CD rates for short-term CDs are currently around 5% annual percentage yield, but that might not stay true for long. Building a CD ladder with terms paying 5% or moreRight now, short-term CDs offer better rates than long-term CDs, so our example CD ladder is shorter-term. CD ladders aren't suited to every purposeWhile CD ladders can be a good strategy for locking in high interest rates while maintaining liquidity, they aren't suited to every purpose.

Persons: Uziel Gomez, Gomez, you'll, You'll, Kit Pulliam, They’ve, Kit Organizations: Federal Reserve, AFC, Primeros, Pulliam, Business, Tax, MSN, Vanderbilt University Locations: U.S

☆ Only 15% of Gen Z regularly saves a portion of their paycheck—how to start saving more today
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Jade Thomas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Gen Z adults aren't saving their money. Only 15% of Gen Z regularly puts a portion of their paycheck into a savings account, according to a recent Bank of America survey. And just 1 in 5 Gen Zers are contributing to a retirement account. Gen Z is typically defined as those born between the years of 1997 and 2012. The good news: Gen Zers are still under 30, and have plenty of time to save money and develop smart financial habits.

Persons: Gen Z, Zers, Gen, it's, Douglas Boneparth, Winnie Sun, Sun, you've Organizations: of America, Sun Group Wealth Partners

☆ Trump and Harris both want no taxes on tips. Here's why policy experts don't like the idea
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris both want to end taxes on tips — and some policy experts have already criticized the idea. Her comments come roughly two months after Trump shared a similar idea, also at a rally in the service economy hotbed. Generally, tipped workers are lower-income individuals, and some 37% weren't subject to federal income tax in 2022, the report found. Not taxing tips is "a fairly narrowly targeted tax exemption," said Garrett Watson, senior policy analyst and modeling manager at the Tax Foundation.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Harris, Trump, Vance, Walz, Garrett Watson Organizations: Republican, Finance, Yale University, Tax Locations: Las Vegas, Nevada

☆ Vance wants to raise the child tax credit to $5,000. Here's why that could be difficult
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, former President Donald Trump's GOP running mate, wants to more than double the child tax credit. "I'd love to see a child tax credit that's $5,000 per child. More from Personal Finance:Tim Walz vs. JD Vance: Here's what the candidates could mean for your walletHere's how Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz could help shape the child tax creditThe expanded child tax credit failed in the Senate. Here's what it means for familiesWithout action from Congress, the maximum child tax credit will drop from $2,000 to $1,000 once Trump's 2017 tax cuts expire after 2025. During the pandemic, lawmakers temporarily increased the maximum child tax credit from $2,000 to either $3,000 or $3,600, depending on the child's age.

Persons: Sen, JD Vance, Ohio, Donald Trump's, Garrett Watson, Tim Walz, Kamala Harris Organizations: Republican, NMC, Wollard, Donald Trump's GOP, CBS, Tax, Finance, Columbia University Locations: Eau Claire , Wisconsin

We've explained how current high-yield savings accounts beat inflation rates, and what Fed rate cuts mean for your savings. How does inflation affect savingsIn order to understand how high-yield savings accounts beat inflation, you first have to understand what inflation is. Dixon says that, while high-yield savings accounts are good for shorter-term savings such as emergency funds, investing can be a good longer-term strategy — as long as you understand the risk. If your savings aren't kept in a high-yield savings account, the interest you earn on your savings could be outpaced by the current inflation rate. Using a high-yield savings account can help you save your savings from inflation because current high-yield savings account rates are higher than current inflation rates.

Persons: —, We've, Patrina Dixon, there's, Dorsainvil, Dixon, it's, aren't Organizations: Service, Business, Federal Reserve, Consumer, Dorsainvil, YGC, CME, Am Locations: CFEI, U.S

Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (L), and Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-OH). Child tax creditMinnesota's new child tax credit is unusual in its narrowness, but it is the most generous in the nation for low-income households. However, a permanent federal child tax credit expansion could be difficult, particularly amid a divided Congress and increasing concerns over the federal budget deficit. Despite the failed procedural vote, Crapo voiced openness to negotiating a "child tax credit solution that a majority of Republicans can support." Vance was not present for the Senate vote, but has expressed support for the child tax credit.

Persons: Tim Walz, Sen, JD Vance, Walz, Vance, Cowen, Seiberg, Jared Walczak, Mike Crapo, Crapo, Vance's Organizations: Democratic, Minnesota, Republican, Getty, Convention, Senate, U.S, Tax, Republicans, Senate Finance Committee, Democrats, Yale Law School Locations: Harris, Idaho, U.S

☆ These dividend payers will beat the yields on cash as the Fed cuts rates, Bank of America says
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

However, investors can continue generating portfolio income if they snap up the right dividend stocks. Dividend yields that are too high may also raise the question of whether the company can sustain these payments to investors. Data storage player Seagate Technology made the cut, with a three-year annualized dividend yield of 7.9%, according to Bank of America's analysis. Bank of America rates KeyCorp as a buy, and it sees the company and its peers benefiting as the Fed dials back its policy. Devon, which the bank rates as a buy, this week surpassed the Street's estimates on core earnings per share in the second quarter, per FactSet.

Persons: Savita Subramanian, Wamsi Mohan, Mohan, Ebrahim Poonawala, Kraft, Merck Organizations: Federal Reserve, FedWatch, Bank of America, Seagate Technology, Bank of, KeyCorp, Devon Energy, Kraft Heinz, Simon Property Group Locations: Devon, Bank

☆ Trump wants to cut taxes on Social Security — but it could threaten benefits, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 31, 2024. Former President Donald Trump this week repeated his plan to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits for seniors. But the plan could deplete Social Security and Medicare trust funds sooner, policy experts say. More from Personal Finance:Tim Walz cut taxes on Social Security. 'People are stretched'Unemployment insurance program is unprepared for a recession, experts saySome experts have criticized Trump's plan, citing concerns about the federal budget deficit and the solvency of Social Security and Medicare trust funds.

Persons: Donald Trump, Tim Walz, Garrett Watson Organizations: Social Security, Republican, Social, Fox, Finance, Tax Foundation Locations: Harrisburg , Pennsylvania, U.S, Lago, Palm Beach , Florida

☆ With mortgage rates dropping, should you refinance? 'It could be worth it,' says financial planner
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage rates have plunged in recent days, leaving many homeowners wondering if they should refinance their mortgages. DON'T MISS: Achieve Financial Wellness: Be Happier, Wealthier & More Financially Secure Another consideration is the loan term, which determines how much total interest you will pay on the loan. You can run the numbers through a mortgage refinancing calculator. Of course, with refinancing you'll want to scrutinize the terms of the new agreement to ensure that there are no surprises. You could wait for mortgage rates to drop further

Persons: Dean Tsantes, Hazel Secco Organizations: Mortgage Locations: Virginia, New Jersey

☆ Here's how Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz could help shape the child tax credit
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Tim Walz, seen in Washington, D.C., on July 3, 2024, and Vice President Kamala Harris, seen in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2024. Jim Watson, Chris Kleponis | AFP | Getty ImagesHow Minnesota's child tax credit stacks upHow Walz could shape federal policyAs a key priority for Walz, Minnesota's child tax credit upgrades were the single biggest line item in his latest supplemental budget. The policy could resurface to support an expanded federal child tax credit on the presidential campaign trail. Still, while Walz enacted state tax breaks like other governors, "he was able to turn the dial up a few extra notches," Auxier said. "The child tax credit is probably the most obvious example."

Persons: Tim Walz, Kamala Harris, Jim Watson, Chris Kleponis, Walz, Richard Auxier, Auxier Organizations: Minnesota Gov, Washington , D.C, AFP, Getty, Urban, Brookings Tax, Center, Democratic Locations: Minnesota, Washington ,

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