Posts by Adam Wishard, CFP®
Retirement Account Changes Coming in 2020
The most significant changes to retirement accounts and 529 plans in years are set to take place in 2020. The SECURE Act was made law by Congress and the President last week. In addition, the retirement contribution limits have changed modestly for 2020. Retirement Account Limits 2020 2019 Elective Deferrals 401(k) / 403(b) $19,500…
Read MoreMoving the Needle in Financial Literacy
The data is out there. Student loans total $1.5 trillion in the U.S. and the average credit card balance for young people is just under $6,000. Most Americans don’t regularly pay their credit card in full every month, and 35% of all Americans have a debt that is currently in collections. These are only a…
Read MoreIf it Makes You Happy…
“If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad?” – Sheryl Crow Clients often ask us how often they should look at their portfolio balance. We have a handful of clients who look at it every single day, as soon as the stock exchange closes. Is this healthy? Do the…
Read MoreWhat is a Charitable Remainder Trust and when would I consider using it?
The first reason you would consider a CRT is because you are charitably inclined. This vehicle can provide a way to give, when you might otherwise be unable to do so. In addition, if you are considering an action that has a significant tax liability and/or you need to generate income, this type of trust can provide certain advantages.
Read MoreTerrorist Attacks & Stock Markets
In light of last week’s terrorist attack in Brussels, the Washington Post reviewed historical attacks and their effect on the US stock market. The table below was taken from a Charles Schwab study on the length of market recoveries after the initial shock hits the markets. While terrorist attacks are no doubt a human tragedy,…
Read MoreDo the Social Security File and Suspend and Restricted Application changes impact you?
In November, Congress decided to eliminate both the option to file and suspend your application and the option to file a restricted application. Fortunately, they are not closing the door on these options immediately, giving people who qualify for these benefits the opportunity to decide what they would like to do. If you qualify, filing…
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