Regulators impact the Chinese stock market. Provided by Marc Aarons With overseas investments, we remind people that, “international markets carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risk, foreign taxes and regulations.” The “political risks” and “regulations” portions of this common disclosure have been on full display in recent […]

COLA and Social Security. Provided by Marc Aarons The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients. It’s now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1,2 It’s all about inflation. Social Security cost of living adjustments […]

Should you withdraw and reinvest your retirement plan money while you are still on the job? Provided by Marc Aarons Did you know you may be able to take your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan and roll it into another type of retirement account while you are still working? Let’s look at how these rollovers […]

A look at the different choices & strategies. Provided by Marc Aarons  If you have a child with special needs, a trust may be a financial priority. There are many crucial goods and services that Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income might not pay for, and a special needs trust may be used to address those […]

Various factors drive used car prices.  Provided by Marc Aarons   Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others. If you’ve been in the market for a used […]

As inflation climbs, the Fed reacts.  Provided by Marc Aarons  At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected. In response, the Fed raised its inflation expectation to 3.4%, up from its March projection of […]

Learn about how legislative changes can help you finance your loved one’s education.  Provided by Marc Aarons  As a parent or grandparent, you know firsthand the challenges of funding a child’s education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Act was passed at the end of 2020 and has changed some of the qualifications […]

Preliminary estimates call for a 4.7% cost-of-living increase.1  Provided by Marc Aarons If there is a “silver lining” to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022. Preliminary estimates call for a 4.7% cost-of-living increase (COLA) in Social Security benefits next year, which […]

In this age of marriage equality, there are new possibilities.  Provided by Marc Aarons The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision streamlined tax and estate strategizing for married LGBTQ+ couples. If you are filing a joint tax return for this year or are considering updating your estate strategy, here are some important things to […]

There are compelling reasons to adopt a wait-and-see approach. Provided by Marc Aarons   Inflation can be a scary word for people who are retired. It’s code for “prices are going up, but my income may stay the same.” The most recent reading on consumer prices put inflation back into the conversation. The Consumer Price Index […]