A worrisome trend continues. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that last year the average life expectancy for Americans declined by 0.1 years to 78.6 years. Since 2014 the U.S. has lost 0.3 years in life expectancy. For comparison life expectancy is 84.1 years in Japan and 83.7 years in [...]
You’ve heard it before. Lots of content for the sake of content. Most stuff garbage and a waste of time. We like to pass along the exceptions. We strongly recommend the 9/30/18 shareholder letter from Tweedy, Browne. As always it’s an honest, plain language discussion of markets, economies, results and how value investing fits into [...]
Generally assets held in a retirement account such as a 401(k) or IRA are exempt from the claims of creditors. The tests are: the amount in the account must be retirement funds the account the funds are held in must be one that’s exempt from taxation under certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code A [...]
Last year Oregon became the first state to implement a mandatory retirement plan for companies not offering a retirement plan to their employees. Continuing to blaze the trail the state is now expanding the program to individuals so that the self-employed and/or so-called gig economy workers may benefit. Plan participants invest through IRA-like accounts that are [...]
Yesterday the IRS announced inflation-adjusted limits for 401(k) contributions, the SS wage base, etc. Highlights and the full technical bulletin may be found here and here.
In our instant gratification world it’s important to learn lessons (and there are sooooo many) that teach us what we already know but are quick to dismiss: slow and steady wins the race – always!
It’s easy to form habits. Some are good like brushing our teeth or exercising. Some not so much like smoking or being rude to others. To counteract habits we have to be break patterns - be deliberate and change how we think for how we view what is happening around us is arguably more important [...]
According to the Social Security Administration next year’s benefits will increase by 2.8% as the average recipient will see his/her benefit increase by $39/mo. Similarly the maximum Social Security tax will increase by $279 as the “wage base” or the amount of earnings subject to the 6.2% tax will jump from $128,400 in 2018 to [...]
A new law allows people to freeze their credit at no cost. Freezing credit prevents lenders from accessing a person's credit report. Since pulling credit is a key part of the approval process for credit cards, mortgages, car loans and the like a freeze can be an effective measure against fraud. Freezing credit is easy: [...]
A moral will is an attempt to transfer an intangible legacy – a heartfelt expression of what truly matters most in a person’s life. It is designed to let heirs better understand the values, principles, beliefs and life lessons that inspired and motivated the giver. Here are some things to know when considering drafting one: [...]