By all accounts, the U.S. economy is humming along on all cylinders. Inflation is down (but not out), unemployment is still low by historical standards and GDP growth is healthy. Worker wages continue to rise. What should Middle-Class Millionaires be concerned about? If you feel the need to worry, then consider consumer debt. Since the … Continue reading “Debt Rising, Consumption Falling?”
Debt Rising, Consumption Falling?
Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know
Social Security can be complicated, and as a result, many Middle-Class Millionaires don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind. 1. Social Security Is a Critical Source of Retirement Income Some have the perception that Social Security is … Continue reading “Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know”
New Highs. Now What?
We’re all reading headlines telling us that the stock market has reached all-time highs, something that never happened in 2023. Many investors who have a worrisome mindset will think that means that there’s a high likelihood that we’ll see a downturn in the near future. The markets have nowhere to go but down from here, … Continue reading “New Highs. Now What?”
Important Birthdays Over 50
Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half” to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, “and-a-half” birthdays start making a comeback. In fact, starting at age 50, several birthdays and “half-birthdays” are critical for Middle-Class Millionaires to understand because they … Continue reading “Important Birthdays Over 50”
Preparing for the Sunset
When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Act passed in 2017, we were told that all of the provisions—lower tax rates, much more generous estate tax exemption—would sunset at the end of 2025. That seemed a long way off back then. But now it’s 2024, less than two years before what could be a … Continue reading “Preparing for the Sunset”
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Traditional IRA contribution limits are up $500 in 2024 to $7,000. Catch-up contributions for those over age 50 remain at $1,000, bringing the total limit to $8,000. Remember, once you reach age 73, you … Continue reading “New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024”
Effective vs. Marginal Tax Rates
What you think is your tax rate may not actually BE your tax rate. For instance, if you report just over $182,000 in adjusted gross income, the tax table says you’re in the 32% tax bracket. But you aren’t going to be paying anywhere near 32% of your reported income to Uncle Sam. There is … Continue reading “Effective vs. Marginal Tax Rates”
The Economics of Tax-Loss Harvesting
’Tis the season when many financial services professionals look at the best way to offset the taxable dividend distributions their clients might be receiving, using losses that can be ‘harvested’ by selling under-water investments and booking the losses on taxable (that is, not IRA or Roth) accounts. This is not always a trivial exercise; a … Continue reading “The Economics of Tax-Loss Harvesting”
Charitable Contribution Complexity
If you donate money to somebody in need, you can write off that gift on your tax returns, right? If only the charitable contribution laws were that simple. The actual rules say that you can itemize your charitable donations on Schedule A of IRS Form 1040. But (and these are enormous ‘buts’) only if you’re … Continue reading “Charitable Contribution Complexity”
The Looming Revert
Nobody is talking about the fact that the tax provisions in the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017 are due to revert back, after December 31, 2025, to what they had been in 2017—just 26 months from now. But if and when that threshold is crossed, it could be a rude awakening for a … Continue reading “The Looming Revert”