MoneyLetter Blog
The latest insights on the economy and the markets, investment strategies, and retirement
What to Do With Your Tax Refund? Save for Emergencies.
The average federal income tax refund is smaller this year, but it’s still almost $3,000. And for strapped taxpayers, that can provide a financial boost. As of March 31, the average federal tax refund was $2,910, down 10% from $3,226 at the same time last year,...
Why is OPEC Cutting Oil Output?
Here are the main reasons why OPEC+ is cutting output: CONCERNS ABOUT WEAK GLOBAL DEMAND Saudi Arabia has said voluntary output cuts of 1.66 million bpd on top of the existing 2 million bpd cuts were made as a precautionary measure aimed at supporting market...
Markets Got You Down? Consider a Roth Conversion
Nobody wants to pay taxes now when you can defer them to a future year, right? Not so fast. Are there times when it makes sense to take the taxable income you don’t need for current expenses? One of MoneyLetter’s colleagues, Bruce Hardy – portfolio manager for the...
Inflation Hits Stocks, Bonds…and Your Wallet
We commit a lot of editorial space in MoneyLetter to the effects of high inflation on equity and fixed income prices. But what about the effects of inflation on your wallet? Everything from food to gas to home repair products seems to be increasing in price every day....
Know Your Medicare Basics
Let’s get right to it. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and people with certain disabilities or diseases. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).[1] There are four parts to Medicare...
The SVB Situation and Your Financial Picture
You’ve heard the news that Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has experienced a financial shock. In a matter of a few short days, Silicon Valley Bank went under. So, let’s get into the facts that can help put this event into context. The series of events Before interest rates...
What the Banking Panic Means for Fed Rates Next Week
As markets recovered on Tuesday, the banking crisis that kicked off on Friday looked a little less scary, though the turmoil may not be over yet. There is optimism that the problems that sank Silicon Valley Bank and others in the U.S. won’t spread. Of course, there...
Understanding Financial Wellness
Wellness is a concept that has found its way into more and more corners of American life. At its heart, wellness is about adopting practices—like exercising more and eating healthy—that help you live a better life. These practices can also help you improve your...
Overseas Update
Easing of Covid policies key in China There have been some interesting developments in China. After months of market declines Chinese stocks have rallied since November as a relaxing of President Xi’s strict Zero Covid policies occured. The unprecedented protests in...
Even With Inflation Slowing Retirees Should Pay Attention
Recent reports indicates that the rate of inflation is slowing, but consumers are still seeing increases in the prices of basic needs like gas and groceries.[1] The rate that things are becoming more expensive has decelerated and has been for some time. But things are...
Is It Time to Buy More Bonds?
The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates seven times in 2022 – with more to come in 2023 – and the fed funds rate now sits at 4.25% - 4.50%. Fed Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants see the terminal rate hitting approximately 5.1% by mid-2023, a result of more...
Unexpected Taxes in Retirement
When most people think of major retirement expenses, they often consider housing, healthcare, and that trip of a lifetime they’ve been dreaming about for years. But they often fail to consider what could potentially be their biggest expense – taxes. Keep in mind, many...
How to Get Started Writing a Financial Plan
As a MoneyLetter reader, we trust you recognize the importance of spending time organizing and planning your financial future. To help enhance your planning acumen, this article is about how to apply some of our financial planning process to your life. We believe that...
Savings Alternative: Is a MYGA Right For You?
If you are concerned about the volatility in the stock market, but at the same time are concerned about what effect rising interest rates will have on the bond market, maybe you are looking for alternatives. Money markets and even CDs may not have attractive crediting...
Demystifying Solar Investing, Tax Mitigation, and Growth Potential
It’s that time of the year. Leaves are falling, snow is on the mountain tops, and tax filling extension season (10/15) has passed just as investors and taxpayers have healed from last year’s tax bill. As planning begins for tax mitigation for the upcoming 2022 filing,...
10 Proactive Steps to Ensure a Timely Closing
Get ready for listings and start taking proactive steps. Here are some tips to consider when advising sellers listing a home for sale. Do a title examination. A high percentage of properties being sold have title issues, ranging from minor defects that can be...
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