
The REAL Cost of Luxury
When most people buy things, they see only the price tag; but that doesn’t reveal the REAL cost, especially when it comes to luxury items. The real cost of luxury can be more than they realize.
When most people buy things, they see only the price tag; but that doesn’t reveal the REAL cost, especially when it comes to luxury items. The real cost of luxury can be more than they realize.
It’s an election year, and while the headline topics dwell on the border, January 6th, the age of the candidates, and all the rest, few are talking about the “3rd rail” of politics: social security.
You can expect a few politicians will come up with innovative approaches (they know will never reach the floor for a vote), but it does make for good campaign sound bites. It can be confusing.
Believe it or not, investing during working years was the easy part. Just keep accumulating! Even better, the money you put aside wasn’t taxable. Such a deal! Tax-delayed doesn’t mean tax-free however.
It depends on how much you have invested in the market. If you’re a conservative retiree, should you care?
Inflation deflates purchasing power. We all know that. After all, money is worth only what it buys.
So, you want to dive into the stock market without losing your sanity or, more importantly, your hard-earned cash? Here’s a strategy that’s not exactly ‘rocket science’ – Here’s a risk-free investment strategy that’s a ‘diet version’ of a financial plan. It surely doesn’t cover all the bases, but it’s sure to spice up your next dinner party conversation.
Rollercoasters are fun – at the amusement park. Not so much in your retirement account. And that’s where bad financial behavior gets costly.
There are a lot of myths surrounding Roth conversions and this one might rank near the top, and you should know why. It’s important to have some historical perspective.
Given the size of our growing national debt it’s no wonder so many people believe taxes will be higher in the future. We have an ageing population and there are a number of factors at work: There’s the annual deficit plus money needed to fund Medicare and Social Security, just to mention a few.
Congress labeled it the SECURE Act, because it’s a better sell to the public. But, what Uncle Sam really wanted to do was make their spending programs more secure – hence, securing reelection.
If you’ve changed jobs or are getting ready to retire, don’t leave your old retirement account behind. Rolling over your employer-sponsored plan—like a 401(k) or 403(b)—into an IRA or new employer’s plan keeps your money growing tax-deferred and gives you more control over your investments.
The Big Picture:
For years, baby boomers drove the housing market, and much of the economy, as they moved into their first homes, began raising families, and moved-up to larger homes finally ending-up in the “McMansions” we’re all familiar with today. The boomers are now older—they’re no longer moving up. In fact, they’re just beginning to “decumulate” and downsize.