About Carla Merlak

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So far Carla Merlak has created 187 blog entries.

Market Insights with Mark DiOrio, CIO at Brookstone Capital Management

Curious about what the next decade holds? Recent Goldman Sachs research suggests we might see only 3% annualized stock market returns, raising questions for anyone planning for retirement. In this video, Mark DiOrio breaks down this forecast, offering his perspective on what it means for your portfolio. He also discusses how the recent election cycle could shape [...]

2024-11-07T12:52:35-07:00November 7th, 2024|financial news|Comments Off on Market Insights with Mark DiOrio, CIO at Brookstone Capital Management

IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2025

IR-2024-273, Oct. 22, 2024WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today the annual inflation adjustments for tax year 2025.Revenue Procedure 2024-40 PDF provides detailed information on adjustments and changes to more than 60 tax provisions that will impact taxpayers when they file their returns in 2026.Notable changes for tax year 2025The tax year 2025 adjustments [...]

2024-10-23T11:54:43-07:00October 23rd, 2024|Tax, Tax Season, Uncategorized|Comments Off on IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2025

Social Security Announces 2.5 Percent Benefit Increase for 2025

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5% in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 2.6%. The [...]

2024-10-23T11:49:34-07:00October 23rd, 2024|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Social Security Announces 2.5 Percent Benefit Increase for 2025

Already taking social security? Then this email isn’t for you. If you are born 1954 to 1962 and are NOT taking your benefits, this is an important time for YOU!

Understanding the Ages to Take Social Security BenefitsSocial Security benefits provide crucial financial support for retirees, but deciding when to start receiving these benefits can significantly impact your lifetime income. Once you make a decision and apply, there are very few situations where you can change the election. Here’s a general breakdown of the different [...]

2024-10-10T10:12:10-07:00October 10th, 2024|retirement, Social Security, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Already taking social security? Then this email isn’t for you. If you are born 1954 to 1962 and are NOT taking your benefits, this is an important time for YOU!

How to invest when interest rates are cut

Mark DiOrio, CIO, at Brookstone Capital Management talks about ideas moving forward with anticipated Fed interest rate cuts. WATCH VIDEO     Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and (insert your DBA name here) are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered [...]

2024-10-07T08:49:47-07:00October 7th, 2024|financial, financial news|Comments Off on How to invest when interest rates are cut

Portfolio Stress Test

Should you consider a portfolio stress test? With so many of you on your own when it comes to making decisions on your life savings, a little professional guidance can go a long way.  When was the last time you stress tested your 401k or IRA? Why a Portfolio Stress Test Can Benefit You In [...]

2024-09-19T09:54:29-07:00September 19th, 2024|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Portfolio Stress Test

Mark DiOrio shares his thoughts on the stock market through yearend

CFO of Brookstone Capital Management, Mark DiOrio addresses the outlook for the stock market moving forward in this informative video:

2024-08-22T13:07:04-07:00August 22nd, 2024|financial|Comments Off on Mark DiOrio shares his thoughts on the stock market through yearend

Importance of Record Keeping for Small Businesses

I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the critical importance of record keeping for small businesses. Effective record keeping not only ensures compliance with regulatory requirements but also plays a pivotal role in the strategic management and growth of our company. Here are a few key reasons why maintaining accurate records is essential: Financial [...]

2024-08-06T10:33:42-07:00August 6th, 2024|Business, financial, Tax, Tax Season|Comments Off on Importance of Record Keeping for Small Businesses

Importance of Personal Tax Planning Throughout the Year

As we continue through another year, I wanted to highlight the significant benefits of engaging in proactive personal tax planning. Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, or employee, effective tax planning can make a substantial difference in optimizing your financial situation and ensuring compliance with tax obligations.  We, at Merlak Tax, recognize this and encourage [...]

2024-08-06T10:30:41-07:00August 6th, 2024|financial, life insurance, retirement, Social Security, Tax|Comments Off on Importance of Personal Tax Planning Throughout the Year

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