What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, they are also commonly used to describe the business cycle. The business cycle – also known as the economic cycle – refers to fluctuations in economic activity over several months or years. Tracking the cycle helps …
Social Security has been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you. 1. SSA.gov, 20252. Investopedia.com, May 15, 20243. SSA.gov, 20254. SSA.gov, 20255. SSA.gov, 20256. EBRI.org, 20257. SSA.gov, …
“If the current annual inflation rate is 3 percent, why do my bills seem like they’re 10 percent higher than last year?”1 Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments. What Is Inflation? Inflation is defined as an upward …
Taxpayers and businesses spend an estimated 7.9 billion hours a year complying with tax-filing requirements, which is worth $413 billion in economic value just to comply with tax regulations.1 As complex as the details of taxes can be, the income tax process is fairly straightforward. However, the majority of Americans would rather not spend time …
The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2024, there over nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.1 At first glance, ETFs have a lot in common with mutual funds. Both offer shares in a pool of investments …
Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops. “Are you aware the registration on your car has expired?” You’ve experienced one of the costs of procrastination. Procrastination can cause missed …
Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time, the performance of different investments can shift a portfolio’s intent – and its …
When a family member passes away, there are many decisions that need to be made and many emotions to handle. The last thing anyone thinks about is taxes. Unfortunately, even the deceased can’t escape taxation. If the departed family member earned taxable income during the year in which they died, then federal taxes may be …
If your red, white, and blue Original Medicare card is lost or stolen, or you can no longer use it because it is too faded or damaged, you can replace it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). You can also order or print a replacement card by logging into your mymedicare.gov account. If you get Medicare health …
Staying Active in Retirement Over the last couple of years doctors have made clear the benefits of regular physical activity, especially for older adults. In fact, adults 65 and older gain substantial health benefits from regular physical activity. Being physically active can increase mobility, lessen the chance of injury, and lead to an overall better …
