How to Improve your Credit Score
Your credit score is more than just a number; it’s a critical component of your financial picture. A high credit score can unlock lower interest rates on loans, better credit card offers, and even impact your ability to rent an apartment or acquire a motor vehicle. Here are some actionable steps to take if you’re […]
3 Thoughts for the Recently Graduated Physician Assistant
Congratulations on completing your PA curriculum and good luck as you start your career in the healthcare profession! After years of hard work and sacrifice, you are finally ready to start earning a steady paycheck. Given the significant change in income, it’s important to take the time now to develop smart financial habits. Here are […]
Advisor-Managed vs Outside-Managed Accounts
Most clients have investment accounts in each of the three major tax buckets: tax-deferred (ex. 401(k)), tax-free (ex. Roth IRA), and after-tax (ex. Brokerage account). Due to the different tax statuses, each account type “behaves” differently. When investors save adequately across these accounts, there are a myriad of benefits. From a tax management standpoint, a […]
Changes for Unused Funds from 529 Plans Beginning in 2024
To address investor concerns related to 529 Plan savings going unused, a provision of SECURE ACT 2.0 allows the opportunity to rollover unused 529 education savings into a Roth IRA in the beneficiary’s name, penalty free. As a result, investors should feel a sense of relief about leftover 529 savings that weren’t used for education. […]
Estate Planning Awareness Month
October is Estate Planning Awareness Month, which serves as an important reminder for all of us to take time to review our estate plans or create one if we haven’t already. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or elderly – it’s important for everyone to have a plan in place to protect your […]
SAVE – Student Loan Repayment Program
With over 28 million borrowers of Federal student loans resuming payments following a multi-year hiatus, the Biden-Harris Administration released a new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. Known as the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, this IDR approach calculates monthly payments according to a borrower’s income and family size, ultimately forgiving any outstanding balances after […]
Another IRS Rule Change For RMDs!
The original SECURE Act enacted back in 2019 made two notable changes (among many) for those who owned retirement accounts. The first major change increased the age at which account owners must begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from their tax-deferred retirement accounts from age 70 ½ to 72. The second major change addressed how […]
EVs and Tax Credits
When deciding what electric vehicle to purchase, tax credit eligibility can be a big factor. All-electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles purchased new, in 2023 or after, may be eligible for a federal tax credit. However, there are various qualifications for both the buyer and the manufacturer that must be met in order […]
NYSaves 529 Direct Plan – Target Enrollment Portfolios
For those saving in the NYSaves 529 Direct Plan, you’ve likely received an email by now announcing the transition from Age-Based Portfolios to Target Enrollment Portfolios happening July 28th, 2023. If you’re currently using a custom allocation from the investment options within the plan, this change will not impact your account. However, if you are […]
How to Capitalize on High-Interest Rates
Recent periods of high inflation have led to an increase in interest rates to levels not seen in well over a decade. During times like these, it’s important to continue to stay diligent and avoid leaving money on the sidelines earning low returns that are outpaced by inflation and losing purchasing power. With interest rates […]
