U.S. Banking Crisis: Should You Be Worried?
Mar 27, 2023 12:45:00 PM
written by
The Retirement Group
With the media focused on these and other related stories, you might be concerned about your own deposit accounts. The good news is that most individuals don't need to worry. Here's why.
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posted in Financial Planning, Finances, 2023, Banking
IRS Issues Guidance on State Tax Payments
Mar 16, 2023 10:30:00 AM
written by
The Retirement Group
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posted in Financial Planning, Tax, Retirement, IRS, 2023
IRS Releases Standard Mileage Rates for 2023
Mar 14, 2023 10:30:00 AM
written by
The Retirement Group
Due to recent increases in the price of fuel, the IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business purposes for 2023. However, the standard mileage rates for medical and moving expense purposes remain the same for 2023. The standard mileage rate for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for charitable purposes is set by statute and also remains unchanged.
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posted in Financial Planning, Mileage, IRS, 2023
The Debt Ceiling and Deficit Spending
Mar 2, 2023 11:15:00 AM
written by
The Retirement Group
On the day the limit was reached, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen instituted well-established "extraordinary measures" to allow necessary borrowing for a limited period of time. While Yellen projects the extension will last until early June, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates it may last until sometime between July and September. However, the CBO cautions that if April tax revenues fall short of its projections, the Treasury could run out of funds earlier. 2–3
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posted in Financial Planning, Retirement, 2023, Spending, Debt
Market Month: January 2023
Feb 2, 2023 2:54:22 PM
written by
The Retirement Group
The Markets (as of market close January 31, 2023)
January proved to be a bumpy ride for investors, with stocks ultimately ending higher to begin the new year, despite concerns that the economy may be headed toward a significant slowdown or even a recession. Nevertheless, each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid gains in January, led by the Nasdaq as tech stocks rebounded from a rough 2022. Stocks began the month by climbing higher over the first two weeks of January. However, equities lagged mid-month, only to rebound at the end of January, closing out the month on a positive note.
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posted in Financial Planning, Stock Market, 2023, January
Is the Yield Curve Signaling a Recession?
Jan 12, 2023 8:45:00 AM
written by
The Retirement Group
Long-term bonds generally provide higher yields than short-term bonds, because investors demand higher returns to compensate for the risk of lending money over a longer period. Occasionally, however, this relationship flips, and investors are willing to accept lower yields in return for the relative safety of longer-term bonds. This is called a yield curve inversion, because a graph showing bond yields in relation to maturity is essentially turned upside down (see chart).
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posted in Financial Planning, 2023, Recession
Student Loan Repayment Delayed Again to Future Date in 2023
Dec 14, 2022 2:33:38 PM
written by
The Retirement Group
The Biden administration has announced another extension for repayment of federal student loans to an unspecified date in 2023 due to legal challenges that have blocked implementation of the student loan debt relief program. The previous payment moratorium was set to expire on December 31, 2022.
Under the new extension, student loan payments will resume 60 days after the student loan debt relief program is implemented or the lawsuits are resolved. If the courts have not resolved the issue by June 30, 2023, payments will start 60 days after that.1
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posted in Financial Planning, Student Loans, 2023
College Cost Data for 2022-2023 School Year
Nov 30, 2022 1:53:52 PM
written by
The Retirement Group
Every year, the College Board releases new college cost data and trends in its annual report. The figures published are average cost figures based on a survey of approximately 4,000 colleges across the country.
Over the past 20 years, the average price for tuition, fees, and room and board has increased 46% at public colleges and 30% at private colleges over and above increases in the Consumer Price Index, straining the budget of many families and leading to widespread student debt.
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posted in Financial Planning, Retirement, College, 2023
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here: How Are Costs Changing for 2023 and How Will it Effect Fortune 500 Employees?
Nov 3, 2022 1:44:36 PM
written by
The Retirement Group
As a Fortune 500 employee or retiree, it is vital that you fully understand Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, and how you can best utilize it. Medicare's Open Enrollment Period — which runs from October 15 through December 7 — is your annual opportunity to switch your current Medicare health and prescription drug plans to ones that better suit your needs. Just in time for Open Enrollment, 2023 Medicare premiums, deductibles, and other costs have been announced, and surprisingly, some of these costs are lower than they were last year.
What to consider
We urge all Fortune 500 employees and retirees to start by reviewing any materials your plan has sent you. Look at the coverage offered, the costs, and the network of providers, which may be different than last year. Maybe your health has changed, or you anticipate needing medical care, or new or pricier prescription drugs. If your current plan doesn't meet your health-care needs or fit your budget, you can make changes. But if you're satisfied with what you currently have, you don't need to do anything. The coverage you have will continue.
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posted in Financial Planning, Medicare, 2023
Retirement Legislation Awaits Further Action
Oct 21, 2022 3:05:03 PM
written by
The Retirement Group
Legislation that could benefit Fortune 500 employees and retirees with individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and retirement plans such as employees in Fortune 500 companies, is currently moving through Congress. The Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022 has passed almost unanimously in the House. A similar bill (with some differences), the Enhancing American Retirement Now Act, has been drafted in the Senate but will have to wait until Congress is back in session in November for further consideration. If the Senate passes its bill, the House and the Senate would need to reconcile the two bills, and then each would vote on the reconciled bill.
Some significant provisions in the proposed legislation that may aid in your Fortune 500 retirement planning are summarized below.
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posted in Financial Planning, Retirement, 2023, Legislation