2026 Retirement Account and Contribution Limit Updates
The new year brings several changes to retirement account contribution limits and benefit thresholds. Below is a summary of the key updates for 2026: 401(k) Contribution Limits The elective deferral limit for 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans has increased to $24,500 for 2026. The catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over has […]
Politics and Your Portfolio: Why Diversification is Your Best Defense
In the wake of U.S. elections, emotions often run high — especially when it comes to how political outcomes might affect financial markets. Financial Planning magazine asked 320 advisors “how will the US election outcome influence your retirement plan?” A staggering 90% anticipated a negative impact on their clients’ portfolios. This survey was from 2016, […]
Making the Case for International Exposure
“Why would I invest in anything other than the S&P 500 if it continues to do so well?” This is a question that is commonly asked by many of our clients over the past few years. To truly optimize your portfolio and ensure you’re not missing out on potential opportunities, it’s crucial to understand the […]
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 […]
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, […]
Commentary from Fed Meeting (September, 2023)
Each month, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) issues its position on the current economic conditions and outlook on future forecasts and projections. The main areas of focus are inflation, unemployment and interest rates. Here are a few takeaways from Chairman Jerome Powell’s press conference: As predicted, the FOMC voted to hold the federal […]