With another week of intense market volatility and uncertainty over the economic impact of COVID-19, we find ourselves in challenging but not unfamiliar circumstances. Like many of you, we’ve weathered crises like this before and have come out stronger on the other side. Modera has been around since 1983.
Whether you’re close to retirement or already there, there are things you may already know about receiving Social Security. You may know that, in most cases, you will need to be at least 62 before you can start collecting. Sounds simple enough. But there are other rules regarding Social Security benefits, especially when it comes to taxation, that are more complex and often confusing.
I have been reviewing the benefits of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) with clients as a way to get the most out of their charitable giving considering many are now seeing the impact the recent tax law change has had on the deductibility of donations.
By now, you are undoubtedly aware the ADA recommended dentists postpone “elective procedures” through April 6 to help “flatten the curve” of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Since elective procedures are estimated to comprise >90% of modern dental practices, most offices are closing, with dentists coming in only for emergencies.
This week, the global financial markets got sick as a result of the coronavirus. Major U.S. stock indexes have declined about 8% over the past week while international stocks have fallen about 6% (2/18-2/26/2020). Hardest hit were stocks of companies that are related to travel or those that rely on components that are manufactured in Asia, such as technology companies and automotive manufacturers, as well as some retailers.
Getting ready for retirement really means being able to answer two important questions: 1. How will you pay for your retirement? 2. How will you spend your time in retirement?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “fiduciary” is both an adjective meaning “of, relating to, or involving a confidence or trust,” and a noun meaning “one that holds a fiduciary relation or acts in a fiduciary capacity.” But what does that mean in terms of your relationship with Modera? Here we’ve answered questions that may help to clarify the meaning.
For many months, the recurring theme in the news has been the economy: when will we experience a recession or bear market and how bad will the downturn be? Unfortunately, the economic commentary has, more than ever it seems, become infused with politics. The political noise makes it hard to maintain a clear-eyed, objective view of where we are economically.
Good news. Once again the IRS has increased the employee contribution limit for 401(k) and other retirement plans in 2020. The contribution limit has been increased from $19,000 in 2019 to $19,500 in 2020 for employees participating in the following types of employer-sponsored retirement plans:
Chances are, you have more than one financial professional in your life. If you’re a client of Modera, in addition to your financial advisers, you may also have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who does your tax planning. Since your CPA has a different role in your financial life than your Modera advisers, we find it most advantageous for you if we all work together.
