Divorce can be a very emotional time. It is important to not ignore the impacts on you financially. Divorce can devastate your retirement plan but you need to be proactive and take action. Here is a good article from MSN that can provide helpful information and tips. Remember, I am her for you or someone [...]
In this month’s recap: Stocks hit some turbulence, turning cautious amid slowing economic growth, and policy debate in Washington. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Carla Merlak, October 2021 U.S. Markets The stock market hit a pocket of turbulence in September, with investors turning cautious amid Delta variant infections, slowing economic growth and ongoing policy debate [...]
End-of-the-Year Money Moves Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2021. Provided by Carla Merlak What has changed for you in 2021? For some, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step. Did you [...]
Mark DiOrio, CFA, Chief Investment Officer at Brookstone Capital Management, shares his 3rd quarter market outlook on this quick zoom presentation. CLICK HERE Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Carla Merlak/Merlak Tax Advisory Group, Inc. are independent of each other. Insurance products and services [...]
A strong force in the housing market: single women Jerry DuPaw of Guaranteed Rate shared a great article: READ FULL ARTICLE Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Carla Merlak/Merlak Tax Advisory Group, Inc. are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not [...]
Ease your mind about financial uncertainty: When it comes to your financial security, providing you the tools, resources and education to make the best decisions has always been my priority. We are all feeling the stress during these times of uncertainty but it is different for each person. You may be worried about health issues [...]
CARES Act – Unemployment Unemployment Benefits - Unemployment insurance provisions now include an additional $600 per week payment to each recipient for up to four months, and extend UI benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and those with limited work history. The federal government will provide temporary full funding of the first week of regular [...]
CARES Act – Charitable Contributions What changed: The CARES Act includes three major changes to charitable giving. The first change relates back to RMD suspensions for 2020. You can still do a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) of up to $100,000 from your IRA to a qualified charity in 2020. The direct distribution to a charity would not show [...]
IRA Distribution Exceptions – New coronavirus-related distribution exception What changed: A coronavirus-related distribution is one that is made after January 1, 2020 and before December 31, 2020 for an individual or their spouse who is diagnosed with COVID-19 or if they experienced adverse financial consequences caused by the coronavirus, such as being laid off, having hours [...]
Required Minimum Distributions What changed: Perhaps the biggest retirement-related change the CARES Act made was suspending all required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts for 2020. These accounts include 401(k)s, inherited retirement accounts, 403(b)s and 457(b)s. The provision is very broad and is not a push off to 2021 – you will not have to take [...]
