Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Defer income to next year Consider opportunities to defer income to 2024, particularly if you think you may be in a lower tax bracket then. For example, you may be able to defer a […]
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The Markets (as of market close October 20, 2023)
Last week proved to be a rough one for the market as investors fled from equities following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s indication that interest rates would remain higher for longer. The escalation of the Israel-Hamas war also weighed on Wall Street and global markets. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here declined by at […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close October 13, 2023)
Wall Street closed last week with mixed results. The Nasdaq and the Russell 2000 closed lower, while the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Global Dow edged higher. Several big banks kicked off third-quarter earnings season with upbeat returns, which helped quell concerns over the developments in the Middle East. Inflation continued to prove stubborn, […]
Read MoreMedicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15
If you are covered by Medicare, it’s time to compare your current coverage with other available options. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. Medicare plans can change every year, and you may want to switch to a health or prescription drug plan that better suits your needs or […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close October 6, 2023)
The market ended last week with mixed results. The tech-heavy Nasdaq made it two straight weeks of gains, while the S&P 500 also ended the week in the black. The remaining benchmark indexes listed here ended last week lower despite a late-week rally. Wall Street tried to predict what the Federal Reserve would do after […]
Read MoreRising Oil Prices Could Pose the Latest Threat to the Economy
Oil prices have increased more than 30% since late June, driving up transportation costs for consumers and businesses and putting financial markets on edge. On September 27, West Texas Intermediate crude — the U.S. benchmark for oil prices — topped $93 per barrel, the highest level since August 2022. Brent crude (the global oil benchmark) […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close September 29, 2023)
The market returned mixed results last week, with the Russell 2000 and the Nasdaq advancing, while the Global Dow, the Dow, and the S&P 500 shed value. Bond prices fell, pushing 10-year Treasury yields up for the fourth straight week. The dollar advanced, while gold prices dropped. Crude oil prices ticked higher after slipping the […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close September 22, 2023)
Last week was a tough one for the markets. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here fell, with the Nasdaq notching its largest weekly decline since March. Many of the market sectors decreased, with only information technology and energy posting modest gains. The yield on 10-year Treasuries, an important indicator of the economy, climbed 11.0 […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close September 15, 2023)
The markets turned in a lackluster week, with only the Dow able to eke out a gain. The remaining benchmark indexes listed here lost value as investors tried to digest mixed economic data, this week’s Federal Reserve meeting, and the impact of the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike. Ten-year Treasury yields settled at 4.32%, the […]
Read MoreClaiming the Home Energy Audit Tax Credit
When considering making energy-saving home improvements, it may be helpful to have a home energy audit done. Fortunately, there is a federal income tax credit available equal to 30% of the amount paid for home energy audits, up to $150 per tax year. (There are also credits available for many other energy-saving expenditures.) The IRS […]
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