Year-End Tax Planning
While tax season is still several months away, year-end will be here before we know it. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure you’re taking advantage of the tax-planning strategies that make sense for your unique situation. Here’s a short list of topics we’ll be discussing with our clients over the next few […]
New Options for SUNY ORP at TIAA
Starting July 23, 2024, TIAA is offering a new lifecycle fund program and an investment option for the SUNY Optional Retirement Program. SUNY Targeted Allocation Retirement Series (STARS) The STARS program is a hands-free approach that utilizes a combination of investment options to arrive at an allocation based on the participant’s projected retirement date. STARS […]
Revisiting I-Bonds
I-Bonds were a fantastic investment opportunity in 2022 as inflation rates were the highest we had seen in decades. I-Bonds purchased from May 1st through October 31st of 2022 earned a return of 9.62% (annualized) for the first six months. Since then, rates on I-Bonds purchased during that period in 2022 have been much more […]
Retirees and Part-Time Work: Navigating the Tax Complexities
Businesses everywhere face the challenge of finding and retaining valuable employees. To fill these gaps, many employers are turning to retirees. With years of experience, institutional knowledge, and for many a desire to stay busy while earning income, they are an excellent candidate to help bridge the employment gap. Confronted with the offer of highly […]
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 […]
Maintaining Equity Exposure in the Current Interest Rate Environment
In today’s interest rate environment, some investors are tempted to lock in “guaranteed” returns through fixed income instruments yielding 5% or more. However, investing solely in fixed income would be a mistake for most long-term investors. Discussed below are a few reasons why that is the case: Higher Long-Term Returns Over the past 90 years, […]
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 […]
Tax Time – What to do with your refund?
Receiving a tax refund can be a great way to boost your savings, pay down debt, or invest in your future. But once you have that money in your pocket, where should you put it? Here are some of the best places to save a tax refund. Emergency fund An emergency fund is a crucial […]
Consumer Sentiment Vs Market Returns
It’s safe to say that both, market prices and investor confidence have taken a hit since the start of the year. Heading into 2022, we had experienced three years of S&P 500 performance averaging over 20% annually- not to mention this was all while dealing with a global pandemic. Since then, the S&P 500 has […]
