Monthly Market Review & Outlook

Good Reasons to Name a Trust as IRA Beneficiary

When a trust is named as beneficiary of an IRA, several possible negative issues may be introduced. For example, after the death of the IRA owner, things can become more complex for the beneficiaries. Trust beneficiaries cannot simply set up their own inherited IRAs....

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State Tax Treatment of 529-to-Roth IRA Rollovers

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst By now, most of you probably know about the SECURE 2.0 Act provision  permitting 529 funds to be rolled over to Roth IRAs. Because of this new law, parents and grandparents can fund 529 plans without worrying as much about having to pay...

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Weekly Market Commentary

Well, the market finally had a significant pullback, but not before the S&P 500 and NASDAQ were able to set another all-time high.  The week began with a deal between OpenAI and AMD, sending AMD shares nearly 24% higher.  The deal catalyzed the technology sector...

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5 Steps for Tax-Free Roth IRA Distributions

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The benefit of funding a Roth IRA is the availability of tax-free distributions in the future. You pay taxes now on your contribution (or conversion) in exchange for tax-free earnings down the road. The rules can...

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401(k) RMD Rollover Problems…and a Last-Minute Save!

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst 401(k) custodians are usually pretty good about distributing required minimum distributions (RMDs) from the plans they oversee. This is especially important when a participant is rolling over his plan balance to an IRA. Why must...

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Weekly Market Commentary

Investors sent US markets to another set of all-time highs despite concerns about an extended government shutdown.  The U.S. government shutdown was largely dismissed by markets last week, which came as a surprise given that several key economic data sets (Initial...

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What Is Medicare? A Friendly Guide to Parts A, B, C & D

Meta: A simple walkthrough of Medicare Parts A, B, C & D—what each covers, who’s eligible, and how they work together.Takeaways: Four parts, different roles Enrollment timing matters Coverage & costs vary by plan and area Post:Medicare is the federal health...

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Another Way to Lose IRA Bankruptcy Protection

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Normally, if you declare bankruptcy, your IRA funds (traditional and Roth) are completely off limits to bankruptcy creditors. But a recent court decision is a good reminder that this isn’t always the case. Bankruptcy protection for IRAs...

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October 15 Deadlines Are Approaching

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education October is almost here. This means fall is in full swing. Along with pumpkin spice lattes, football season, and sweater weather come four important October 15 deadlines you will not want to miss! Avoid the Excess...

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Weekly Market Commentary

The S&P 500 hit a 28th record high for the year before settling lower for the week. Investors endured a choppy week of trading as better-than-expected economic data and better-than-feared inflation data tempered the notion of additional rate cuts.  Several Fed...

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Medicare in 2025: What You Need to Know About Your Coverage

As we step into 2025, understanding your Medicare needs is more important than ever. With healthcare costs rising and plan options evolving, staying informed ensures you have the right coverage to protect both your health and your financial well-being. Whether you’re...

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“IRA Distribution Confusion”

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Traditional and Roth IRA owners often get confused about the distributions they take from their IRAs. Mix-ups and misunderstandings are pervasive. With Roth IRAs, there a number of different factors to consider when withdrawing...

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How are Medicare costs and benefits changing for 2026?

Learn how premiums, out-of-pocket costs and income-related surcharges are changing for 2026 Medicare coverage What are the changes to Medicare benefits for 2026? Medicare changes for 2026 include increases for Medicare Part B and Part A premiums and cost-sharing,...

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IRS Confirms Effective Date of Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Rule

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst In final regulations issued on September 15, 2025, the IRS confirmed that company retirement plans must comply with the SECURE 2.0 Act’s mandatory Roth catch-up rule as of January 1, 2026. That rule requires high-paid employees who wish...

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Weekly Market Commentary

The major US equity market indices forged another set of all-time highs as investors went all in on risk assets after the Federal Reserve announced a twenty-five basis point cut to its policy rate and telegraphed the potential for three more cuts by January 2026. The...

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The 4% Rule: How Much Can You Spend in Retirement?

How much can you spend without running out of money? The 4% rule is a popular rule of thumb, but you can do better. Here are guidelines for finding your personalized spending rate. You've worked hard to save for retirement, and now you're ready to turn your savings...

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Participation in Multiple Retirement Plans

  By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Can a person who works at two different, unrelated companies participate in the retirement plan offered by each of those businesses? Yes. Can this same person receive the maximum annual contributions into BOTH plans? Yes,...

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Weekly Market Commentary

US equity indices posted another set of all-time highs as investors increased expectations for three, twenty-five basis point rate cuts by year's end.  Inflation data reported for the week essentially gave the Fed the green light for a September rate cut....

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Six Changes Coming to Social Security in 2026

Big changes are coming to Social Security in the year ahead, impacting everything from the size of your benefit check to your full retirement age. Here's what you need to know. In January 2026, several changes to Social Security will take effect, impacting everything...

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Fixed Index Annuity

What Is a Fixed Index Annuity? A fixed index annuity is a financial product whose terms are defined by a contract between you and an insurance company. It features characteristics of both fixed annuities and variable annuities. Fixed index annuities are also referred...

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The “Still-Working Exception” and December 31 Retirement

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst As the end of the year approaches, you may have plans to retire on December 31. However, if you are using the “still-working exception” to defer required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k) (or other company plan), you may want...

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2025 Year-End Retirement Account Deadlines

  By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The end of the year always brings a flurry of retirement account deadlines and planning opportunities. This year is no different. And, new for 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings new...

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Weekly Market Commentary

Investors sent the S&P 500 to another all-time high in a holiday-shortened week of trading.  President Trump started the week by asking the Supreme Court to expedite a hearing to challenge the International Trade Court and the Federal Court of Appeals rulings that...

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Vaccines Medicare Covers for Free in 2025

The U.S. is experiencing an outbreak of measles and is on track to have the most whooping cough cases since 1948. These vaccines Medicare covers for free can keep you safe. Did you know that Medicare fully covers many vaccines for its beneficiaries? Well, they do....

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Why Annuities May Be a Safer Bet in 2025

Many people decide to claim their Social Security benefit when they retire. You may be one of them. It could be that you need the money, or maybe you want to invest it in the hope that it grows. While these can be good options depending on your needs and preferences,...

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Do QCDs Actually Reduce AGI?

  By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst It has come to our attention that confusion exists as to how qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) impact one’s taxes. It is said that QCDs can reduce adjusted gross income (AGI). But is this true? Yes, it is true…but...

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Weekly Market Commentary

The S&P 500 posted a gain for the fourth consecutive month as investors continued to embrace the prospects of a September rate cut, a robust economic outlook, and strong corporate earnings.  The much-anticipated second-quarter results from NVidia were met with...

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Seven Medicare Changes Coming in 2026

Learn about the benefits that become permanent features of Medicare in 2026 and other changes as they are released. Knowing how Medicare is evolving and which benefits you can rely on will help you focus on whether Original Medicare or a particular Medicare Advantage...

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Interest in Annuities Is Soaring: Understanding the 2025 Trend

Learn how the market, economy, and demographics are shaping the annuity industry. The annuity industry is having a moment. After years of mixed opinions and confusion around how they work, annuities surged in popularity in recent years, with total U.S. sales reaching...

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Tapping an ESA for Back-to-School Expenses

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education It’s August and that means it is back-to-school time! The 2025-2026 school year is upon us. Kids are already back in the classroom and ready to learn. Any parent will tell you that back-to-school time is an...

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Weekly Market Commentary

US equity markets ended the week with a powerful move to the upside after Fed Chairman J. Powell indicated that the balance of risk had shifted to the labor market, leaving the door open for a September rate cut.  The final day of trading wiped out losses incurred in...

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Annuity Awareness Month 2025: Your Guide to Income Security

Each June, Annuity Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of retirement’s most misunderstood—but potentially powerful—financial tools: the annuity. In 2025, as market uncertainty, inflation concerns, and rising interest rates continue to weigh on retirement...

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The Craziest Stuff I’ve Heard

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The Ed Slott team has answered literally tens of thousands of IRA and retirement plan questions over the past few years. That is not hyperbole—we track it all. The questions we’re asked run the gamut from basic to extremely...

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In ERISA Retirement Plans, Spouse Beneficiaries Rule

  By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst At Ed Slott and Company, we continually stress how important the beneficiary designation form is. Because it’s that form – and not the retirement account owner’s will or other estate planning documents – that usually dictates who...

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Weekly Market Commentary

Global financial markets had another positive week as the Dow Jones Industrial Average finally joined the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ with a new all-time high.  Benign consumer inflation increased the probability of a September rate cut to 99% and fostered the idea of...

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Colorectal cancer screenings can save your life

Get a colorectal cancer screening at no extra cost to you. Learn more about life-saving screening options. Have you been putting off your colorectal cancer screening? It may not be the top of your to-do list, but regular screening tests can save lives. Colorectal...

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6 Ways to Secure Your Finances After Retirement

Although your CalPERS service retirement is a lifetime benefit, and you have other income sources available to you, money can still be tight. Making ends meet is a big concern for many retirees.   Here are six tips for saving money during retirement, as part of our...

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OBBBA Impact on HSAs

  By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education From a tax perspective, a Health Savings Account (HSA) can offer the best of all worlds. Like traditional IRA contributions, HSA contributions are made by the individual with pre-tax dollars. Contributions...

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Get the care you need quickly when you’re sick

Discover six ways to access care fast, even if your doctor is busy. Hint: You may not need to go in person. Doctors’ offices are busier than ever these days. Sometimes it can be tough to book a timely appointment with your primary care provider. You might be sick or...

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5 Random Retirement Account Trivia Questions

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Are the current tax brackets, made “permanent” by OBBBA, really here forever? Not necessarily. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) did extend the tax rates established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “permanently.” But that...

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Weekly Market Commentary

Global financial markets rallied last week as investors stepped in again to buy the prior week’s dip in prices.  Japan, Germany, Spain, and Italy were international market standouts.  In the US, the S&P 500 fell just shy of a new all-time high, while the...

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Six Unanswered Questions on Trump Accounts

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst A recent Slott Report article discussed “Trump accounts,” the new savings vehicle for children created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). As with most new laws, there are a number of unanswered questions about Trump accounts that...

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Mr. T: “I Pity the Fool Who Misses Their RMD”

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Laurence Tureaud, born May 21, 1952, is better known as Mr. T. He is an actor and a retired professional wrestler. He is famous for his roles as B. A. Baracus in the 1980s television series “The A-Team” and as...

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Can You Apply for Medicare Without Social Security?

Key Points You do not need to be receiving Social Security benefits to apply for Medicare. You can receive Social Security benefits as early as 62 and Medicare benefits at 65. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits before your 65th birthday, you’ll be...

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Weekly Market Commentary

Markets forged another set of all-time highs before taking a step back last week as a deluge of information had to be digested by investors.  August 1st was the tariff deadline, and while some deals were made ahead of the deadline, several other countries had their...

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7 steps to prepare for your upcoming retirement

Planning to retire within the next 10 years? Taking these actions now could help bolster your portfolio as you approach your planned retirement date. After decades of working and saving, you can finally see retirement on the horizon. But now isn't the time to coast....

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Reporting a Recharacterization

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst While the ability to recharacterize Roth conversions was eliminated years ago, Roth contributions can still be reversed. A Roth IRA contribution can be recharacterized to a traditional IRA, or vice versa. To recharacterize an IRA...

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Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Mandatory?

Key Points While the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not mandatory, it is a 100% covered preventive service. The Annual Wellness Visit differs from the typical annual physicals you were used to with group coverage. If you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12...

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Roth IRA vs. Roth 401(k): Which Is Better?

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Many of you are familiar with the tax advantages that Roth retirement accounts can bring. Although Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, the contributions grow tax-free, and earnings also come out tax-free after age 59½ if a...

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Weekly Market Commentary

The S&P 500 and NASDAQ reached another set of all-time highs, driven by constructive rhetoric on global trade and positive second-quarter earnings results from influential companies such as Alphabet.  The S&P is up 8.6% year to date, while the NASDAQ is up...

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Getting Ready for Retirement Checklist

If the word “retire” is becoming your new mantra, we suggest you make a retirement checklist before you receive your last paycheck. It’s never too early (or too late) to start planning your retirement. So why not start now, using the handy checklist below. 10 Steps...

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Last Week in Chicago

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Last week in Chicago, the Ed Slott and Company team hosted another successful 2-day advisor training program. A sellout crowd of over 260 financial professionals from across the country joined us for some intense IRA and retirement...

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Why You Need Part D

Key Points Medicare Part D is a voluntary program, but if you do not enroll in a plan, you won’t have coverage for expensive medications. You will also have a late enrollment penalty if you don’t have other creditable coverage. Medicare Part D is a huge time...

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Weekly Market Commentary

U.S. equity markets were little changed for the week; that said, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ were able to forge another set of all-time highs. A busy Q2 earnings calendar saw 12% of the S&P 500 report earnings.  Earnings from several large banks came in better than...

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The Most Important Ages of Retirement

Retirement is a series of milestones that arrive as you age. Here are the ones you should know about. The retirement clock doesn't start the day you stop working. It's better to think of this period of your life as a range of important dates and milestones spread...

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How Trump Accounts Work

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025, includes a new savings vehicle for children called “Trump accounts.” The rules surrounding these accounts are complicated, and many media outlets are reporting...

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3 Retirement Account Takeaways from OBBBA

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). This mammoth domestic policy and tax law is hundreds of pages long and will impact many people in all kinds of ways. What...

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Medigaps

Original Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of most services. But what about the other 20%? Or the other out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or inpatient copays? Let’s discuss Medigaps, which can help cover these costs. What are Medigaps? Medigaps are health...

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Weekly Market Commentary

A barrage of tariff letters sent to over 20 countries by President Trump yielded very little movement in the financial markets.  Trump announced that there would not be additional extensions to negotiations and that tariff levels sent in these letters would go into...

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OBBBA: No IRA Changes, but More Roth Conversions?

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Hopefully Ed Slott and Company is your trusted, go-to source for all things IRA and retirement plan related. Let’s be clear about the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025” (OBBBA), enacted on July 4. There is no “SECURE 3.0” in this...

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How Company Plan Loans Work

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Most company retirement savings plans, such as 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans, are allowed to (but not required to) offer plan loans. According to a survey by the Employee Benefits Research Institute, as of the end of 2022, 52% of 401(k)...

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Weekly Market Commentary

The holiday-shortened week produced another week of gains for US equity indices.  The S&P 500 was up 10.6 % in the 2nd quarter, while the NASDAQ composite rose 17.8%.  Trump’s reconciliation bill was passed by the Senate and subsequently approved by the House,...

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Planning to retire in 2025? Do these 7 things now

A wonderful retirement is the goal of many people, and you want it to come off without any major snags. But retirement plans always face challenges, whether it’s the volatility of the markets, the affordability of healthcare or the risks posed by inflation. Plus,...

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Pro Rata, Not “Double Tax”

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The pro-rata rule dictates that when an IRA contains both non-deductible (after-tax) and deductible (pre-tax) funds, then each dollar withdrawn (or converted) from the IRA will contain a percentage of tax-free and taxable funds...

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Weekly Market Commentary

The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ joined the NASDAQ 100 in forging new all-time highs in an extremely busy week for Wall Street.  A de-escalation of the Iran-Israel-US conflict happened on the twelfth day after Israel's initial strikes.  The US bombed three key nuclear...

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Here’s How Much Medicare Will Cost in 2025

Medicare pays for a bulk of older Americans’ health care costs, but not all. And each year Medicare adjusts key costs that are paid by enrollees. I want to walk through Medicare out-of-pocket costs for 2025. I sure hope those of you who are not yet 65 pay close...

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3 Retirement Mistakes That Can Still Be Fixed in 2025

Retirement planning is rarely perfect. Life throws curveballs—health issues, market downturns, career changes—and even the most diligent savers can stumble along the way. If you’ve made financial missteps or feel unprepared as you approach retirement, you’re not...

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Double Your Pleasure – The 457(b) 2x Catch-Up

  By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst If you’re in a 457(b) plan and are nearing retirement, you may want to consider an often-overlooked rule that could allow you to defer twice the usual annual elective deferral limit (for 2025, $23,000 x 2 = $47,000) in the three...

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Moving Your Roth Account

  By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The year 2025 has been a turbulent time for the economy. Whether due to job loss or persons seeking better investment opportunities in volatile markets, retirement account funds are on the move more than...

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Weekly Market Commentary

Despite there being plenty for investors to consider, the holiday-shortened week ended pretty much where it started. Israel and Iran continued to exchange missile attacks, while global leaders tried to find a resolution to the conflict. President Trump opened the door...

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What If My Medicare Doctor “Opts Out”?

Finding a doctor you like and trust can be a long process, so I understand that it can be frustrating when your doctor no longer accepts Medicare. If your doctor has “opted out” of Medicare, this means that he or she no longer accepts Medicare assignment...

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8 Ways to Keep From Going Broke in Retirement

Budgeting, saving and investing tips to help make your money last as long as you do No matter how diligently you’ve been saving for retirement, it’s hard not to worry about outliving your money. But you can take several steps to contain your expenses, manage your nest...

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