As of October 1, 2025, the federal government will stop accepting and issuing most paper checks. Tax payments, refunds, Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits will all move to direct deposit or electronic payment systems. While this may feel like one more digital hurdle, it brings faster processing, fewer delays, and less risk of fraud. Now is the time to review your setup and make sure you’re ready.
The biggest tax law since 2017 is here. The “OBBBA” reshapes tax rates, deductions, student loans, business rules, and estate planning, all while cutting social support and adding to the deficit. Our new guide breaks it all down and shows what steps might make sense for you and your family.
Every U.S. state holds unclaimed money. From forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payouts and more, all just waiting to be returned. If you’ve ever moved, changed your name, or closed an account, you could have money in your name. The best part? It’s free and easy to check. Whether you're in Nevada, California, or beyond, this guide shows you exactly how to search and claim what’s yours.
The repeal of WEP and GPO means higher Social Security benefits for millions of public employees. Teachers, firefighters, and healthcare workers are already seeing higher Social Security benefits, including lump sum payments averaging $6,710 and monthly increases starting in April 2025. See how these changes might impact you.
Were you surprised to receive a Medicare IRMAA letter from the Social Security Administration? Beware that certain income levels can increase your Medicare premium by up to 286% - an increase called "IRMAA." And yet, some people might still pursue this increase. If you're among the 8% of all Medicare participants who received an "IRMAA" letter, here's what you need to know.
It's the time of year again to review Medicare options. The Open Enrollment Period — which begins on October 15 and runs through December 7 —is an opportunity to switch to a better Medicare health and prescription drug plan. Let's review the Open Enrollment Period options and look at changes to Medicare benefits for 2025.
“Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American” in a recent data breach. While you shouldn’t live in fear, it’s wise to assume that your personal data may be accessible online in some form. Here are the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of identity theft and other forms of misuse. Chief among those steps is freezing your credit.
By January 1, 2025, nearly every small business owner must file an online "beneficial ownership information" (BOI) report. Filed just once (or with any ownership changes) and for free, nearly every business except certain sole proprietors and other limited exceptions should consider itself required to file (including LLCs, corporations, s-corporations, limited partnerships, family limited partnerships, even some HOAs, and others). Within, we review how we would file a BOI report as a ≥ 25% owner or control person and answer common questions we hear regarding the online form at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/boir/html.
As winter settles in, reflect with us on sunnier times. Envision your finances as a garden—what actions would deserve your attention? Here are our four favorite items worth tending to as 2024 approaches… plus a reflection on how to make the most of the remaining year.
For those who need financial aid to pursue their dreams, here is how to proceed. The sooner you apply for the FAFSA®, the more likely your efforts will pay off.
Major highlights and an interactive checklist to help you to decipher the SECURE 2.0 Act, a 4,155-page bill enacted on December 29, 2022. Employers and the government play a role in your retirement, but much of the preparation ultimately falls on you. That’s America for you. The good news is, you get to call your own shots. The bad news is, you have to!
An illustrated world review of selected capital market results in 2021.
Here are six of the best 2021-year-end practices that we're sharing with clients.
An illustrated world review of selected capital market results in 2020.
There’s hope the load will lighten in the new year, fast approaching. While we prepare for a fresh start, here are six financial best practices for year-end 2020 and beyond, none of which require any heavy lifting.