The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in 2017, ushered in sweeping changes to the U.S. tax code—reducing tax rates, doubling the standard deduction, limiting certain itemized deductions, and increasing estate tax exemptions. But many of these provisions were temporary, and without congressional intervention, they are set to expire at the end of 2025. If Congress allows the TCJA …
Why Women Are Delaying Retirement
It may be a wise financial choice. It may be a good idea for a woman to retire later rather than sooner. Leaving the workplace after 65 may help position a woman for slightly greater retirement income and reduce some of the pressure of funding her “second act.” Women tend to receive smaller Social Security payments than men. This doesn’t …
When Spouses Combine Finances
After you marry, to what degree should your financial lives be shared? Many couples who marry also wed their finances together. Whether they partly or fully merge their finances, many couples may see more advantages than disadvantages to taking this step. Some young married couples decide to create joint accounts early. Without a joint checking or savings account, the matter …
Don’t Discount Your Will
A self-created last will and testament may lead to problems. As an early step in estate planning, you may be tempted to write your own will. There are some good reasons why you shouldn’t. While do-it-yourself wills may be cost-effective and make the process of will creation relatively simple, they also have shortcomings. DIY wills tend toward the basic and …