Recently, there have been many headlines in the news around I savings bonds, known as I bonds or inflation bonds. These headlines have caused much confusion around the topic, and we wanted to clear up what I bonds are, how they can be utilized, and pitfalls to watch out for when considering them for your portfolio.
Read MoreHave you heard about The Inflation Reduction Act? It has recently passed the House and the Senate, and was signed into law by President Biden. This bill will come into effect quickly, which is why it is an excellent opportunity to share a little bit about what this means and some things you can do to prepare for the Inflation Reduction Act.
Read MoreAs you may recall, the SECURE Act was passed in late 2019 to apply in the years 2020 onward. Although complex, many of the rules around inherited IRAs were relatively straightforward up until very recently, that is. The IRS provided guidance on these SECURE Act provisions this year, surprising many, specifically around distributions and payouts on inherited accounts.
Read MoreAverage mortgage rates are now above 6%. Although a 3% increase may not seem like much, consider that this 3% increase means that interest rates have doubled in just about six months. So, how does this rise in interest rates impact the real estate market in 2022?
Read MoreFinding opportunities to make the most out of difficult markets is key to long-term success. Just because an investment has dropped does not mean you can't make the most of the situation. Tax loss harvesting is a strategy we often use to do just that. When used properly, effective tax loss harvesting can increase the after-tax return you realize in your non-retirement accounts.
Read MoreWith people living longer and retiring earlier, many face a challenge if most, or even all, of their assets are in traditional retirement accounts. Why? Because they can't take the money out if they do want to retire early! That's precisely where Rule 72(t) can come into play for early retirement.
Read MoreAre you thinking about hiring an attorney to implement your estate plan? You are not alone! Many of our clients here at Mainsail find themselves in this position at some point. However, the most crucial question is: who needs an estate plan? The answer may or may not surprise you!
Read MoreTraditional advice suggests those with higher income should always invest in the traditional, pre-tax, side of the retirement accounts available, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. This general rule of thumb assumes that you will be paying more in taxes today than in retirement and that deferring taxes is always better. But, is this traditional advice still true?
Read MoreAre you familiar with a TSP or Thrift Savings Plan? While many have heard of a 401(k) Plan, Federal employees are offered a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). A TSP is a tax-deferred retirement savings and investment vehicle specifically designed for Federal government workers, including military workers.
Read MoreAs a financial planner, I often get the question from my clients, "Do I need to hire an accountant?" As we head into tax season, I wanted to address how an accountant can benefit you and when it might be time to consider hiring an accountant.
Read More2021 was another rollercoaster ride, and I think many of us are looking forward to what the new year will bring! As the year winds down, it’s a great time to reassess our financial situation and planning considerations. Every calendar year, the IRS adjusts contribution limits for retirement plans to account for inflation. As we look ahead, we again have some changes for 2022 retirement plan contributions.
Read MoreIn honor of International Fraud Awareness Week and with Cyber Security Awareness Month behind us, it seemed appropriate to write about what seems to be an increasing and ever-present threat looming out there on the internet. In fact, a number of our clients have had close calls with some sort of cyber security threat. Here are some common email phishing and spoofing scams, and how to handle the scam should it happen to you.
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