QLAC 101

August 15, 2024

If you’ve saved well for retirement, then you may find you can cover your living expenses without needing to withdraw from your retirement accounts. But if you think that by age 73, you won’t need your full required minimum distributions or RMDs, then you might want to consider getting a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC. 

Anyone between the age of 18 and 75 can purchase a QLAC, but there may be some people that this annuity makes more sense for. If you’re looking to avoid the market risk on some retirement accounts and ensure a steady, guaranteed income in retirement, a QLAC is probably a good fit for you. If you also have concerns about the longevity of your savings and having enough money later in life, then you may benefit from a QLAC. 

Here’s everything you need to know about a QLAC before deciding if it’s right for you.

How a QVAC Could Lower Your RMDs

A QLAC is a deferred fixed annuity contract sold by insurance and financial companies that you purchase with money from a retirement account, like a 401(k) or an individual retirement account (IRA).It’s important to know that Roth IRAs cannot be used to purchase QLACs as they do not come with RMDs to begin with.

RMDs are mandated starting at the age of 73 as of this year, but that will rise to age 75 in 2033. One appeal of the QLAC is that it can reduce the balance in your retirement accounts used to calculate those RMDs. “People tend to spend their RMDs,” says Steven Kaye, a financial planner in Warren, New Jersey. “So a QLAC forces people—in a good way—to leave more money in their IRAs,” he says.

One way to avoid using your RMDs is to use the funds from one of your retirement accounts to purchase a QLAC, which will guarantee that you receive regular payments for as long as you live. “So, if you used 25% of a $400,000 qualified account, your $100,000 purchase of a QLAC would immediately reduce your RMDs by 25%,” says Jerry Golden, investment advisor.  “And the income from a QLAC could be deferred until as late as age 85,” he says.

When you choose a QLAC, you’ll be able to set your payout date, which is when you’ll begin receiving payments. Just like with Social Security, the longer you wait to receive payments, the higher the payments will be. Once you have a QLAC, you’ll be able to delay RMDs until the payout date of your QLAC, which can be no later than age 85.

The Tax Benefits of Having a QLAC

Once you withdraw money from your QLAC, you’ll need to pay income taxes on it. However, a QLAC can be an efficient tax planning strategy. For example, by using $100,000 of a traditional IRA to purchase a QLAC, you’ll reduce the balance of your IRA by $100,000, which will lower the amount you’ll need to take out for RMDs. The lower your RMD, the lower your income will be on that, which could significantly reduce the income tax you’ll owe.

QLAC Contribution Limits and Inflation Riders

You are now permitted to buy a QLAC for up to $200,000 from an eligible retirement plan. Previously, you were limited to whichever was lesser of $145,000 or 25% of your account balance. The current $200,000 upper limit is a combined cap that applies to all of your eligible retirement accounts, even if you take money from different accounts or purchase more than one QLAC. But if you and your spouse have your own eligible retirement accounts, then you can each spend up to the $200,000 limit on your own QLACs.

Since a QLAC locks in future payments, you are protecting your retirement money from market dips later in life. But unless you purchase an inflation rider with your QLAC, which will lower the initial amounts you receive from an annuity, your monthly payment may lose value over time.If you’re considering acquiring a QLAC, then you’ll want to work with a financial advisor to make sure you’re picking the right one.

Considering Your Spouse When Purchasing a QLAC

Some QLACs offer a survivor payout, also referred to as contingent annuity payments. These would continue your annuity payments to your designated beneficiary, which is usually a spouse, after your death. Other QLACs offer death benefits that would return any unused premiums to your beneficiaries through a lump sum or series of payments. If you have a spouse or individuals who will depend on your annuity after your passing, then you need to make sure any QLAC you choose has one of these features. Without these features in your annuity, your survivors would get nothing.

In addition to making sure your QLAC comes with a survivor payout or death benefit, you may also consider getting a joint QLAC with your spouse. If you’re married, a joint QLAC would provide income payments that continue for as long as one of you is alive. The only downside to choosing a joint contract is that it decreases your income payments, compared to a single life contract.

When a QLAC Isn’t For You

If you’re 65 and in poor health, you probably don’t want to wait until age 85 to start receiving income payments, so a QLAC may not benefit you at all. “If the probabilities are that you have a longer than average life expectancy, QLACs can be a windfall,” says Artie Green, a financial planner. “But if you have a shorter than expected longevity, of course, that works against you with any annuitization.” QLAC recipients can use their funds on whatever they want, but often they spend it on late-in-life health care or housing costs. The purpose of a QLAC is longevity protection that could minimize or even eliminate the risks of running out of money.

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There are really only two scenarios in which a QLAC is a good fit. The first is if you have reached age 73 and do not need your RMDs to cover expenses. The second is if you think you’ll reach 73 and not have enough funds to pull from. QLACs can be a safeguard that guarantees you an income late in life, while also reducing your need for RMDs and even lowering your income taxes on them. At Insureyouknow.org, you may keep all of your financial and retirement planning in one place, making it easy for you to forecast and plan for your future.

Six Things to Know about SIMPLE IRA

April 30, 2024

Offering a SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) to employees is an effective way for small businesses to offer their employees a retirement plan. At a glance, this plan allows both the employer and employee to make contributions, and there are less reporting requirements and paperwork involved for the small business owner. Besides the ease in which these plans can be established for employees, the main perks are tax incentives for both the employer and the employee. “They are fairly inexpensive to set up and maintain when compared to a conventional retirement plan,” says client advisor at First American Bank Karina Valido. “For employers, contributions are tax-deductible. For participants, contributions and earnings are not taxed until withdrawn.”

Even though the SIMPLE IRA is a straightforward retirement option, here are six things to know about this plan, whether you’re an employer or an employee.

1. Employee Contribution Limits in 2024

With a SIMPLE IRA, an employee can, but isn’t obligated to, make salary reduction contributions. In 2024, the maximum amount an employee under the age of 50 can contribute is $16,000. With a SIMPLE IRA, you may also contribute to another retirement plan as long as both contributions don’t exceed the yearly limit. The annual limit for combined SIMPLE IRA and 401(k) contributions in 2024 cannot be more than $23,000 or $30,500 for people who are 50 or older. Since an employer cannot offer both plans, this would only apply to those employees who held a previous account elsewhere.

2. Employer Contribution Requirements

Employers must do one of two things: match employee contributions or make nonelective contributions. If an employer chooses to match each employee’s salary reduction contribution, they must do so by up to 3% of their employee’s compensation. While an employer may choose to match less than 3%, they must at least match 1% for no more than two out of five years. If an employer chooses to make nonelective contributions of 2% of the employee’s compensation, they must do so for every employee, regardless of having some employees who are making their own contributions. So if an employer chooses to make nonelective contributions, then they must also match the contributions of those employees who choose to contribute to their own plans.

3. SIMPLE IRA Tax Advantages

For employees, salary reduction contributions to their SIMPLE IRA reduces their taxable income and their investments will grow tax-deferred over time. Because it’s a tax-deferred account, you won’t need to pay capital gains taxes when you buy and sell investments within the account. Plus, unlike many other retirement plans, such as a 401(k), employer contributions to a SIMPLE IRA are immediately vested and belong to the employee.

Employers also benefit from tax incentives with the SIMPLE IRA. They can get a tax credit equal to 50% of the startup costs, or up to a maximum of $500 per year, for three years. This credit is in addition to the other tax benefits they will receive from contributing to employee retirement plans.

4. All About Withdrawals

During retirement, withdrawals will be taxed as regular income. Before the age of 59 ½, there’s a 10% penalty on withdrawals in addition to the income taxes you would owe. With the SIMPLE IRA, the withdrawal penalty rises to 25% if the money is taken out within two years of the plan being contributed to. Under qualified exemptions, like higher education costs or first home purchases, then you may avoid an early withdrawal fee, but you would still have to pay the taxes.

5. Eligibility for SIMPLE IRAs

The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 created the SIMPLE IRA. It was designed with small businesses and self-employed individuals in mind and meant to be simple, accessible, and inexpensive. “A SIMPLE IRA is a small-business-sponsored retirement plan that, as the name indicates, is simple to establish and maintain,” explains financial advisor at Marsh McLennan Agency Craig Reid. “Available to U.S. companies with 100 or fewer employees, SIMPLE IRAs are a cost-effective alternative to the mainstream 401(k) plan.”

In order to be eligible for a SIMPLE IRA, an employer must have fewer than 100 employees and have no other retirement plan in place. They must also make contributions each year. For an employee to be eligible, they must receive at least $5,000 in compensation during any two prior years and expect to receive the same during the current year.

6. The Difference Between SIMPLE IRA and SEP-IRA

Both a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP-IRA) and a SIMPLE IRA are employer-sponsored retirement plans that offer employees a tax-advantaged way to save for their retirement. Contributions in each grow tax-deferred until they are withdrawn during retirement. They are each designed to be easily established in small businesses, especially when compared to a 401(k).

One key difference between the two plans is that while a SIMPLE IRA allows both the employer and employee to make contributions, the SEP-IRA only allows the employer to contribute. The SEP-IRA, though, does allow higher contributions, which will be limited to $69,000 in 2024, compared to $16,000 in 2024 for the SIMPLE IRA. The other main difference between the two plans is that any employer can offer a SEP-IRA, while only businesses with less than 100 employees qualify for offering the SIMPLE IRA.

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If you’re a self-employed individual, a small business owner, or you have recently begun working for a small business that offers you a SIMPLE IRA, it will benefit you to know the upsides of having one and understand the rules around the plan. With Insureyouknow.org, you can store all of your financial information and records in one place so that you may stay organized and allow yourself the best decision-making process in your retirement planning.

2024 Changes that Would Impact Your Retirement Finances

April 1, 2024

Changes to retirement regulations are making 2024 out to be the perfect time to reexamine your retirement planning and make sure you’re getting the most out of your savings.

“The rules are constantly changing,” says director of Personal Retirement Product Management at Bank of America Debra Greenberg. “It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with what’s new to see whether it makes sense to take advantage of it.”

Here’s what you should know about several changes to retirement regulations in 2024.

It Pays to Plan for Retirement

While the changes to retirement regulations may seem small, Americans need all the help they can get right now. According to the National Council on Aging, up to 80% of older adults are at risk of dealing with economic insecurity as they age, while half of all Americans report being behind on their retirement savings goals.

“The IRS adjusts many things each year to reflect cost of living and inflation,” says Jackson Hewitt’s chief tax information officer Mark Steber. “It happens each year and taxpayers shouldn’t be alarmed — they might even have a bigger benefit.” Since retirement contributions are pre-tax, saving for retirement actually lowers your taxable income, which may even place you into a lower tax bracket. Plus, you may even be eligible for a tax credit of up to 50% of what you put into your retirement accounts.

Contribution Limits Will Increase

The contribution limits for a traditional or Roth IRA are increasing in 2024. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA will go up to $7,000, up from $6,500 last year.

Individuals will be able to contribute more to their 401(k) and employer-based plans as well. For those who have a 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, the contribution limit is increasing to $23,000 in 2024, which is $500 more than last year. Those who are 50 and older, can contribute up to $30,500 into the same accounts.

Starter 401k Plans are Possible

In 2024, employers who don’t sponsor a retirement plan may offer a Starter 401(k) deferral-only arrangement. A starter 401(k) is a simplified employer-sponsored retirement plan with lower saving limits than a standard 401(k). Employers are not allowed to make contributions, and employee auto-enrollment is required. In 2024, the annual contribution limit to this plan will be $6,000. Beginning this year, employees with certain qualifiable emergencies may also make penalty-free withdrawals from their 401(k) of up to $1,000, though they would still have to pay the income tax on those withdrawals.

529 Plans Can Now be Converted Into Roths

For parents who will no longer need their 529 funds for their children, the Secure 2.0 Act will allow for a portion of the 529 to be rolled into a Roth IRA. Beginning January 1st, the funds can either be used for educational expenses or put toward retirement, as a Roth IRA rollover. You may rollover up to $35,000, free of income tax or any tax penalties. The only limitations are that the 529 must have been in place for at least 15 years, and certain states may not allow the rollover.

Changes to Social Security and RMDs

In January, Social Security checks will increase by 3.2% due to the latest COLA, or cost-of-living adjustment. On average, Social Security monthly benefits will increase by $59 a month, from $1,848 to $1,907. Those who receive survivors or spousal benefits will receive even more.

For 2024, the maximum benefit for a worker who claims Social Security at FRA (Full Retirement Age)is $3,822 a month, which is up from $3,627 in 2023. For 2024, the FRA is 66 years and 6 months for those born in 1957 and 66 years and 8 months for those born in 1958. That means that anyone born between July 2, 1957 through May 1, 1958 will reach FRA in 2024.

The IRS uses a calculation based on the amount in your retirement account and your life expectancy to determine the minimum amount you are required to take out each year, known as RMDs (required minimum distributions). Secure 2.0 increased the age for starting RMDs from 72 to 73, effective in 2023. If you are subject to RMDs, then you must make your withdrawal by the end of this year or by April 1st next year if it’s your first year being eligible. So if you turn 73 in 2024, you’ll have until April 1, 2025 to make your first RMD.

Rising Medicare Costs

Anyone receiving more Social Security but paying Medicare premiums may not feel much of a difference in their increased Social Security benefits since standard Medicare Part B premiums are rising by 6%. As many participants have their Medicare premium deducted right from their Social Security payment, the $9.80 increase will take a portion of the average $59 benefit increase. The annual deductible will also increase this year from $226 to $240.

Insureyouknow.org It will always be important to review your retirement savings every year, but this is  becoming even more important to do in the face of rising costs and changing regulations. With Insureyouknow.org, storing all of your financial information in one easy-to-review place can help you ensure that you are still on track to meet your retirement goals at the start of each annual review.

How 2024 Inflation Adjustment Will Affect Your Paycheck

March 15, 2024

This year may come with slightly larger paydays for some Americans. This is because of the new changes to taxable income and deductions that the IRS has put in place in order to help taxpayers with inflation. With the cost of living increasing without wages and salaries doing the same, the new tax adjustments are meant to help consumers deal with higher prices.

As federal income tax brackets are adjusted by 5.4% this year, the change could result in a small paycheck bump, depending on what your withholding is. Since the consumer price index only declined by .1% in November 2023, many Americans are struggling financially.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 tax changes that might affect your bottom line.

Decoding Tax Bracket Creep

The new IRS tax brackets and increased standard deductions have been in effect since January 1st. These adjustments will apply to your next tax return in 2025. It’s standard for the IRS to make changes every year to account for inflation. This is done to help people with the rising costs of living and prevent “bracket creep,” which happens when inflation forces people into a higher income tax bracket without their real income having increased.

So even if you make more money this year, these changes may keep you from falling into a higher tax bracket. You may even find that you have fallen into a lower tax bracket and see an increase in your take-home pay. This becomes even more likely if your pay has stayed the same as in the previous year. For example, if you made $45,000 last year, you would have been in the 22% tax bracket. In 2024, the same $45,000 income places you in the 12% bracket, which means you’ll owe less federal taxes and have less money withdrawn from your checks.

Choose Your Deduction and Know Your Taxable Income

The federal income tax bracket that you fall into determines how much you’ll pay in taxes for the year. Your tax bracket excludes the standard deductions or any itemized tax deductions. Most people with simple taxes claim the standard deduction, which reduces their taxable income. If you receive wages from only one job and receive a W-2, then the standard deduction is usually the best way to maximize your tax refund. But if you are self-employed or have specific deductions you want to claim, then you may elect to itemize your deductions instead.

Once you calculate your taxable income by subtracting either the standard or itemized deductions from your adjusted gross income, then you’ll know which bracket you fall into and how much income tax you should owe. “You always want to keep a running total in your mind of how your income is changing,” says certified financial planner Roger Stinnett. “Because it’s complex.”

2024 Tax Brackets and Standard Deductions

For the 2024 tax year, both the federal income tax brackets and the standard deduction were raised. These amounts will apply to your 2024 taxes, which you won’t file until 2025.

For those married filing jointly with a combined income between $23, 201 and $94,300, the estimated taxes owed would be $2,320. For a single taxpayer with an income between $11,601 and $47,150, they would owe $1,160, plus ten percent of any amount over $11,600.

The standard tax deduction for 2024 for those who file single will be $14,600, which is a $750 increase from 2023. For those married and filing together, the standard deduction will be $29,200, which is a $1,500 increase from last year.

Watch Your Withholdings

The federal and state withholdings on your paycheck will determine whether or not you’ll owe taxes at the end of the year or receive a refund from overpaying throughout the year. Regardless of your changes to your income, you may be placed in a lower or higher tax bracket because of the new adjustments.

It will be important to keep track of any life changes that may affect your filing situation, such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, retirement, buying a home, having to file for bankruptcy, and more. If you know your situation has changed since the previous year, it will be important to adjust your withholding by filing a new W-4 with your employer. If you had a large refund or owed a large amount last year, then this is a sign to check your withholding.

Other 2024 Tax Changes to Know

The IRS also announced higher contribution limits for tax-deferred retirement plans for the 2024 tax year. Americans may now contribute up to $23,000 into their 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans, which is $500 more than in 2023. The limit on annual IRA contributions also increases to $7,000, up from $6,500 the previous year. For those that save for added healthcare costs, the FSA contribution limit has also increased to $3,200, which is up from $3,050 for 2023. And if you collect Social Security, then you’ll receive a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment in 2024.

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The purpose of these tax changes is to help taxpayers feel the pain of inflation less. If you’ve noticed a higher paycheck, then different withholdings may be why. Figuring out whether or not you’ll be falling into a different tax bracket this year will help you determine if you’ll be benefiting from the new changes. Insureyouknow.org can help you store all of your financial information and tax preparation documents so that when it comes time to file, the process will be as painless as paying less taxes in 2025.

How to Cut Down on the Cost of Owning a Car

February 15, 2024

In 2023, the average cost of owning a new car was $12,182 a year or $121 a month according to AAA. In addition to car payments, insurance, and maintenance costs, the price of gas is $5 a gallon,, which means that most U.S. households will spend $2,750 on gas per year. “If you are living paycheck to paycheck, it could put you over the edge,” says Ivan Drury, senior manager for Edmunds.com, a car shopping site. “But even if you are not, it’s very emotional. It’s in your face twice a week.”

The good news is that by cutting your expenses in other areas, such as with car insurance, you can save money and make up for the added charges at the pump. Besides simply driving less, which isn’t an option for many people, here are a few ways to make car ownership more affordable.

1. Shop Around For Car Insurance

According to J.D. Power, only 1 in 7 drivers changed auto insurers last year, but shopping around for lower premiums could save you a lot of money. In addition to your location and the type of car you own, other factors affect your rates, including your age and credit score. If you’ve improved your score within the last year, this one factor may lower your car insurance bill.

You can collect quotes through an insurance agent or use an online search engine, such as Experian, who claims to have saved drivers an average of $961 a year or $80 a month in 2021. Calling around or doing a quick search takes only fifteen minutes and could shave a lot of money off of your premium.

2. Check For Discounts and Adjust Your Existing Policy

Your existing carrier may offer discounts you don’t even know about, such as for paying your bill online and in advance. According to Zebra, paying your bill early online saves the average customer $170 a year. Bundling insurance policies, such as combining your homeowners and auto insurance, is another way insurance companies incentivize their policies through discounted rates.

There are usually three types of coverage on any given insurance policy, including liability, collision, and comprehensive. While most states require drivers to carry some amount of liability coverage, eliminating collision and comprehensive coverage could save you up to $900 a year. You may also opt to lower your car insurance premium by raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000. This makes sense if you don’t have a new or expensive car and can afford to pay the deductible if anything were to happen.

3. Outside Financing And Refinancing

One of the smartest ways to avoid high interest rates on a car payment is by securing outside financing. Compared to what the dealership will offer you, this can save you a ton of money in interest alone. Your local bank or credit union can help you shop around for the best offer. If you already have a monthly car payment, the next best thing to do is to look into refinancing your loan. Drivers who benefit the most from refinancing are those who have improved their credit score since initially securing their loan.

Of course if you can purchase a car outright, avoiding any kind of financing is always the very best option. If it’s possible for you to stick to a budget and save up, you may even be able to negotiate a better deal on the purchase price of your desired vehicle. Forty percent of the cost of owning a car is actually depreciation, which can equal more than $3,000 annually. That means that buying a gently used car is a great deal, without the rapid decline in value.

4. Sell One of Your Cars or Trade it Out

If you have a luxury or oversized vehicle, then trading your vehicle or a more practical car is always an option. Once you have a simpler car, you’ll save money on gas, insurance, and even maintenance costs. “Less fancy cars are more reliable,” says editor of Autotrader Brian Moody. “They have fewer gadgets.”

If your family has more than one car, then you may be able to sell one of them and end up saving a lot of money every month. Many families find that they adjust to sharing a vehicle, and when you need your own car for some reason, using Uber or Lyft periodically may still cost less than owning a vehicle. 

5. Save on Gas

Nearly twenty percent of the cost of car ownership comes from fuelling up. Unless your vehicle requires premium fuel, save by filling up with regular gas. You may also choose to slow down as gas mileage increases at lower speeds. If you can, try driving less, such as by walking to close destinations or starting a carpool for work. If you are able to get your annual mileage below 7,500, then your insurance company might even give you a discount on your coverage for that too. 

6. Save up for Maintenance

The cost of vehicle maintenance is equal to fourteen percent of the total cost of owning a car. By keeping up on routine maintenance and using synthetic oil, you will avoid more expensive issues down the road. When a large repair does arise, always call around to get quotes and go with the best deal. Since emergencies happen, setting up a sinking fund for unplanned car expenses is always a good idea. By putting away only $83 a month, you’ll save up $1,000 a year, which could be used for an unforeseen mechanic bill. “You could set aside money every week,” suggests Lauren Fix of Car Smarts. “Then the money will be available rather than using a credit card at a high interest rate.”

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The less money you spend on your car, the more you’ll have for other expenses in your life, from groceries to vacations. With Insureyouknow.org, you can store all of your vehicle and financial records in one place. That way when it’s time to refinance, shop around for better insurance, or sell your car, everything you need will already be at your fingertips. There’s never a good reason to throw away your hard-earned money on unnecessary expenses.

Which is Best: Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account?

February 1, 2024

While a health savings account (HSA) and a flexible savings account (FSA) both help you to set money aside for health care costs, they are not the same. Both accounts are often offered by employers, but it is possible to open an HSA independently as long as you have a HSA-eligible health plan in place. FSAs however are strictly employer-based and can only be contributed to if your employer offers them to you. Here are six key differences to know between HSAs and FSAs.

1. An HSA Belongs to You, Not Your Employer

Whether or not you opened up a HSA through your employer-offered insurance, the funds within your HSA belong to you forever. You may even use your HSA to cover health insurance costs if you leave your current job. On the other hand, FSA funds belong to your company, and when you leave them, you forfeit your FSA.

This is not to say a FSA can’t be advantageous, as long as you intend to stay with your current employer. “The FSA basically works with any kind of health insurance plan,” says Roy Ramthun, president of HSA Consulting Services. “So from that perspective, the ‘flexible’ in the name is pretty good.”

2. Both Accounts Have Contribution Limits

Each year, the IRS determines maximum annual amounts that can be contributed to both HSAs and FSAs. Employers may also apply their own limits to their employee FSAs. For 2024, the IRS individual contribution limits for HSAs will be $4,150, while the family limit will be twice that. In 2024, the maximum contribution for FSAs will be $3,200. While a HSA has a higher contribution limit, your employer may be contributing to your FSA for you, which may allow you to contribute more of your earnings into your own HSA.

3. HSA Funds Carry Over

With an HSA, you may carry over unused funds from year-to-year indefinitely. This is helpful when you have more in your account than you can use before the year’s end. With the HSA, your funds won’t go wasted. This is why it is a great way to save up for unexpected health costs down the road.

Alternatively, FSA funds must be used before the year is over, or you’ll forgo the existing funds when the calendar year starts over. Some employers may allow you to carry over part of the funds or provide you with a grace period to use your funds, which is generally two and a half months. Since FSAs are offered through your employer, it will be important to inform yourself of their policies around the account.

4. FSAs are More Accessible at the Beginning of Each Year

While your FSA funds don’t rollover, if you or your employer plan to contribute your entire limit at the beginning of the year, then that entire amount is available to you immediately. HSA funds accumulate over the year, which means that if you need access to more coverage midyear, you may not have enough money in your HSA to pay your medical bills. The upside to this is that you should be able to reimburse yourself for previous medical expenses from your HSA once those funds become available.

5. The HSA Can be an Investment Strategy

Unlike an FSA, the HSA can gain interest over time. Couple this with the fact that your funds carry over year to year, and the HSA offers the potential for growing quite a sizable nest egg for potential health care coverage. According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, an average retired couple age 65 in 2023 may need up to $315,000 saved just to cover health care expenses in retirement, while a single individual will need approximately $157,500.

6. At 65, the HSA Can Act as a 401K or IRA

Before the age of 65, you will be subject to a 20% penalty if you use your HSA or FSA funds for anything other than medical expenses. But once you’re 65 or older, that fee is waived, which means that those HSA funds are only subject to income taxes no matter how you use them. While you avoid the 20% penalty over the age of 65 with a FSA as well, those funds can still only be used for health care coverage.

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Both HSAs and FSAs can prove to be valuable parts of a health coverage plan. Whether or not your employer offers a FSA to you in addition to health insurance coverage for you and your dependents will of course factor into your decision making about whether or not an added HSA will be necessary. Insureyouknow.org can help you store all of your financial and medical information in one place so that you can stay organized and make the best decisions when planning for your family’s health coverage.

Saving for Your Next Vacation is Easy With a Plan

November 15, 2023

With world oil prices up, so is the cost of everything else. And now that interest rates are on the rise in an effort to combat inflation, hotel prices have risen by ten percent at many popular destinations. The benefits of traveling though are not worth foregoing due to rising costs. Travel is beneficial to your mental health by helping you feel calm and relieving stress and tension. With a little bit of creativity and determination, anyone can save up for a vacation and even get a great deal on travel costs.

How to Save for a Yearly Vacation

The best way to save for a vacation is to plan for it. If you have a specific trip in mind, start thinking about how much it will cost. Then create what is known as a sinking fund. If you think your vacation a year from now is going to cost $2,400, then put away $200 into an account every month. In a year’s time, you would have what you need for that vacation. If you continued the habit, then you’d have that vacation money saved every year.

When bills come in and unexpected expenses pop up, it can become difficult not to dip into your savings. This is why it’s important to keep your vacation account or sinking fund out of reach. Set up an automatic transfer for your savings every month instead of relying on yourself to transfer the money when you get paid. Gaby Dunn, author of Bad With Money, advises separating your money from your general savings so that you don’t use it for a different expense. “It’s also a good idea to open a specific account just for your vacation fund,” she suggests.

Once you’ve determined how much you’ll need to save, it then becomes time to get serious about sticking to a budget. “Many times, people will design their vacation and then attach dollars to it,” says Jesse Mecham, the founder of You Need a Budget. “But it’s better to come up with a reasonable number first, then whittle away at it when you start planning the trip. The reality is that we have only so much money.”

Budgeting really becomes about determining where you’re wasting money and where you can save money. Here are five easy ways to save for your next vacation::

• One of the best ways to cut back on spending is to eat out less often and cook more meals at home. “Anyone I’ve talked to who has saved up a lot of money or paid off a lot of debt has cut back on eating out,” says Mecham. “Learning how to meal plan has been the overarching approach that has worked.” It might take some getting used to, but meal planning on the front end of your week can save a lot of money in the long run that you can put toward your travel budget.
• Study your spending habits and cut back on buying unnecessary items. It might be coffees to-go, books that could have been borrowed  from the library, or impulse clothing purchases. Notice your spending weaknesses and then get disciplined about avoiding  those temptations.
• You may have some sneaking subscriptions to streaming services, apps, or memberships that you’re not using often enough to make them worth the added strain on your budget. Take an inventory and see which subscriptions you could go without. The twenty or so dollars you’re spending a month on something you’re not even using could easily go toward your sinking fund instead.
• Savings account interest rates are often higher with online banks than brick and mortar banks. Kelly Johnson of the travel blog, Snap Travel Magic, suggests finding the highest-yield savings account. Then, “Put 5% of each paycheck,” she advises,
  directly into the account.”
• Use credit cards that reward you, whether it’s a bonus sign-up offer, regular cash back percentages on money spent, or points that can be put toward travel expenses. “Many credit cards offer sign up bonuses in which you can earn free cash back, extra airline miles and travel points for spending a certain amount of money within the first few months of account opening which you can use to cover a big portion of your travel expenses,” says shopping consultant Andrea Woroch.  

The most important thing when it comes to saving for your travel goals may be to stay motivated. Keep in mind why you’re budgeting by placing a picture of your desired destination somewhere you look often or making it the background image on your phone or computer. This way, if you’re tempted to make a purchase through your phone, you’ll be reminded of why you’re working so hard to save money for your dream vacation.

How to Get the Best Deals on Travel Costs

If you’re willing to be flexible with where you travel to, there is another way to score inexpensive tickets. Companies such as Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying allow you to seize temporary deals. By entering your home airport into Google Flights, choosing a desired departure date, and leaving the destination blank, people can find startling low prices on round trip tickets. This is not to say you should forego your dream trip for a deal on plane tickets. This is just one strategy to consider if you’re more in need of a break than of an actual place you have in mind.

Knowing how to avoid the high season in certain places is an artform worth mastering. Besides dealing with less crowds on your vacation, you can also take advantage of lower prices on almost all of your costs. While school schedules affect peak travel times, time off varies depending on the location. The ideal time in most places is likely going to be in between seasons or “shoulder season,” such as May in tropical destinations and October in colder places, including Europe. A little research will tell you when it’s best to travel to the destination you have in mind.

Next, shop around and compare the prices of hotels and rental properties. For instance, the advantage of having a kitchen in a rental may vary widely based on where you’re going. In some places, it will be less expensive to eat out than to cook and vice versa. Whichever you choose – hotel or rental – pay close attention to reviews, especially with Airbnb, where only travelers who have stayed there are allowed to leave a review.

How to Save Even When Traveling

Once you’ve worked hard saving up for a trip and doing your research to get the best deal on transportation and lodging, you’ll want to avoid getting caught up in the moment on your trip and go crazy with frivolous spending. The biggest trap people fall into is the cost of meals on vacation.

One way to avoid overpriced dining is to eat where the locals do. Walking fifteen minutes in any direction out of the city can make a huge difference. Not only will you spend less at restaurants, but you’ll have a more authentic dining experience. Asking the locals for suggestions is another best practice to find places to eat, as most people will love the opportunity to share their recommendations.

Just as in avoiding the peak time to travel somewhere, the same goes for restaurants. Making reservations a little earlier or later than when everyone else is will cut down on the costs of that meal, as many restaurants provide specials outside of peak times. Another way to budget is to plan on one splurge meal a day. If you eat a light breakfast and grab a small lunch on the go, then spending more on dinner won’t feel as glutiness.

Beyond eating, be open to free activities, and again: do your research ahead of time. There are many museums that offer free or reduced admissions on certain days and times. Then there’s the gardens, parks, and general sightseeing that are always free-of-charge. Always check for local markets to get a taste of local fare and the unparalleled experience of people-watching in a new place.

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Getting serious about saving money for travel will also help you to get your finances in tip-top shape and make the most out of your money in your everyday life. While you keep your eye on your goals, Insureyouknow.org can help you stay organized by storing all of your financial records, budgets, and plans in one place. Making a plan and sticking to it will be well worth it when you have the means to take a well-deserved holiday, perhaps even more than just once a year.

Legal and Financial Planning for Those with Alzheimer’s and Their Caregivers

November 1, 2023

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, then there are certain things that you will need to plan for legally and financially. An estimated 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, and it is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly decreases memory and thinking skills, while dementia involves a loss of cognitive functioning; both cause more and more difficulty for an individual to perform the most simple tasks. Though a diagnosis can be scary, the right planning can help individuals and their families feel more at ease.

Putting Legal Documentation in Place

Christopher Berry, Founder and Planner at The Elder Care Firm, recommends three main disability documents that should be in place.

First, there needs to be a financial power of attorney, a document that designates someone to make all financial decisions once an individual is unable to do so for themselves. If an individual lacks a trusted loved one to make financial decisions, then designating a financial attorney or bank is an option.

The next document that needs to be in place is the medical power of attorney that designates someone to make medical decisions for an individual. In many cases, it may be appropriate to appoint the same person to be the financial and medical power of attorney, as long as that person is well-trusted by the individual. In the event that something happens to the original power of attorney(s), successor (or back-up) agents for power of attorney(s) should also be designated.

The last document is the personal care plan, which instructs the financial and medical power of attorney(s) on how best to care for the individual in need. For instance, those entrusted to the care of an individual will need to make sure they sign medical records release forms at all doctor’s offices; copies of the power of attorney or living will should also be given to healthcare providers.

These three documents provide a foundation to make decisions for the individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia when they no longer can themselves. It’s ideal to include the individual in these conversations in the early stages of their diagnosis, so that they may be a part of the decision-making process and appoint people that they will feel most comfortable with during their care.

How to Pay for Long-Term Care

Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, the level of care an individual needs will increase over time. Care costs may include medical treatment, medical equipment, modifications to living areas, and full-time residential care services.

The first thing a family can do is to use their own personal funds for care expenses. It’s important for families to remember that they will also pay in their time, as many children of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia will become the main caregivers. It may be wise to meet with a financial planner or sit down with other family members, such as your spouse and siblings, to determine how long some of you may be able to forgo work in order to provide full time care.

When personal funds get low or forgoing work for a period of time becomes difficult, long-term care insurance can be a lifesaver. The key to relying on long-term care insurance though is that it needs to be set up ahead of the Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnoses, so considering these plans as one ages may be smart.

Veterans can make use of the veterans benefit, or non-service-connected pension, which is sometimes called the aid and attendance benefit. This benefit can help pay for long-term care of both veterans and their spouses.

Finally, an individual aged 65 or older can receive Medicare, while those that qualify for Medicaid can receive assistance for the cost of a nursing home. If someone’s income is too high to receive Medicaid, then the spenddown is one strategy to know; under spenddown, an individual may subtract their non-covered medical expenses and cost sharing (including Medicare premiums and deductibles) from their available income. With the spenddown, a person’s income may be lowered enough for them to qualify for Medicaid.

Minimizing Risk Factors During Care

Research published recently in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that nearly half of patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia will experience a serious fall in their own home. Author Safiyyah Okoye, who was at John Hopkins University when the study was conducted, recommends minimizing risks such as these by safeguarding homes early on in diagnoses. “Examining the multiple factors, including environmental ones like a person’s home or neighborhood, is necessary to inform fall-risk screening, caregiver education and support, and prevention strategies for this high-risk population of older adults,” she states.

The good news is that since the progression of Alzheimer’s is often slow, families have plenty of time to modify the home for increased safety.

In addition to fall prevention modifications, other safety measures may include installing warning bells on doors to signal when they’re opened, putting down pressure-sensitive mats to alert when someone has moved, and using night lights throughout the home. Coats, wallets, and keys should also be kept out of sight, because at some point, leaving the home alone and driving will no longer be safe. Conversations about these safety measures, such as when an individual will have to stop driving, are ones that caregivers should have early on with their loved ones. Including individuals in their future planning while they are still cognitively sound will help both them and their caregivers feel more comfortable with the journey ahead.

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It’s important to remember that even though receiving an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be devastating, it is not the end. People with Alzheimer’s can thrive for many years before independent functioning becomes difficult. Both patients and caregivers will feel more calm through planning ahead. Insureyouknow.org can help caregivers stay organized by storing all of their important documents in one place, such as financial records, estate planning documentation, insurance policies, and detailed care plans. Above all, there is hope for those with Alzheimer’s; research is happening every day for potential therapies and future treatments.

Five Things To Know About the Capital Gains Tax

September 15, 2023

It’s never too early to start planning for tax season. While much of what you own will experience depreciation over time, any profit made from something you sell may be subject to the capital gains tax. So if you think you’ll be making a return on a previous investment this year, then you’re going to want to be well-versed in the capital gains tax.

Understanding the Capital Gains Tax

A capital gains tax is a tax on profits made from the sale of assets, such as stocks, businesses, real estate, and other types of investments. When you sell anything and make a profit, the U.S. government views that profit as taxable income. The capital gains tax is calculated by deducting the original cost of the asset from the total sale of that asset. It’s important to understand the capital gains tax guidelines, such as profits made from real estate or collectibles, which come with their own unique rules. Understanding the rules can help you make the best decisions about your capital gains income.

In order to minimize losses and maximize your gains, here are five things to know about the capital gains tax.

The Real Estate Rules

If a person sells their home for $250,000 or less, or a married couple sells their home for $500,000 or less, then they are exempt from the capital gains tax; this exemption is only available once every two years. If you sell your home or any other investment property for more than that but reinvest the money made from the sale into a new property, then you would also be exempt from paying taxes on your real estate gains; this is known as the 1031 exchange. Cory Robinson, financial portfolio manager says, “That’s the beauty of taking gains: You can immediately reinvest.” For a home to qualify as a primary residence, you must have lived in it for at least two years, or two years out of a five year period. It’s important to understand the rules around property sales, so speaking with an advisor is always recommended before selling your home. “Familiarize yourself with the capital gains tax exclusion rules and consult a tax advisor,” says financial analyst Greg McBride. “If the property has been your primary residence for less than 24 months, for example, you may decide to hold off until you’ve reached that threshold to avoid capital gains tax.”

The Difference Between Short and Long-term Capital Gains

Put simply, if you have held any asset for less than a year before selling it, then that asset is considered a short-term capital gain and is subject to a higher capital gains tax; if you own that asset for longer than a year before selling, then your profit is considered a long-term gain and subject to a lower tax rate. This is why selling any asset before you’ve owned it for at least 12 months should be avoided if possible.

Investment and Rental Property Strategies

The rules around investment property are different since their value typically depreciates over time. A 25 percent rate then applies to the gain from selling real estate that depreciated, because the IRS wants to recapture some of the tax breaks you’ve been getting due to depreciation, known as Section 1250 property. If you sell a rental property that you have not lived in for at least two years for over $250,000 (or $500,000 if married), then that property could be subject to not only the depreciation rate but a capital gains tax that is based on your income bracket. One wat to avoid this could be to invest in property in opportunity zones, areas identified as economically disadvantaged, which are tax-free when sold after ten years. Deducting expenses, such as home improvements, repair, and even closing costs, is another way to lower the amount of profit that is subject to the capital gains tax.

Your Income Bracket Determines Your Capital Gains Tax Rate

Tax rates are determined by your tax bracket, so a lot of people will actually pay no capital gains tax on the sale of long-term assets if they fall in the 0% tax rate. For the 2023 tax year, a single person that made up to $44,625, and a married couple that made up to $89,250 jointly would not have to pay any capital gains taxes.

Keep Track of Both Gains and Losses

When an asset is sold for more than what it cost, it results in a capital gain, but when the asset is sold for less than it cost, it results in a capital loss. If you have both gains and losses, it will be important to know your net gain, or your gains minus your losses; only net gains are subject to the capital gains tax. If you only have losses in a given year, then capital losses could actually lower your taxable income. This loss is limited to $3,000 per year per person (or $1,500 if you’re married). If you have an excess of $3,000 in losses, then those losses can actually be carried forward to future tax years.

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It’s never a good idea to buy or sell assets solely for tax purposes, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be well aware of the rules around the capital gains tax. Insureyouknow.org can help you store all of your financial records in one place, so that it’s easier for you to keep track of your assets and taxable income. Before selling any investment, it’s important to know the laws unique to your state and speak with an advisor, who will know best what taxes you may be held responsible for. It’s good to know that for many, zero taxes on gains are actually possible.

5 Benefits of Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

August 17, 2023

For many Americans, a home mortgage is one of the heftiest and lengthiest investments they will make in their lifetime. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, mortgages accounted for 71% of combined household debts in 2022. The good news is with proper planning, this stressor can be eliminated. Depending on your financial position, opting to pay off your mortgage early can make a positive impact on your finances. It can simultaneously offer you a sense of peace and stability and provide greater financial freedom.

“Paying off your mortgage is a major milestone,” said Meaghen Hunt of Bankrate. “It’s a moment to celebrate, but also to take specific steps to ensure you’re the legal owner of the property, and to continue paying your homeowners insurance and property taxes on your own.”

1. Reduce Interest Costs

The more time you carry a mortgage for, the more interest you will pay. Paying off your mortgage early allows you to save significantly on interest. Laura Tarpley of Business Insider estimates that paying off your mortgage early could save you tens of thousands of dollars. “Just make sure to clarify with your lender that all extra payments will just be going toward your principal, not interest,” she cautioned.

2. Live Debt-Free

Forbes estimates that nearly 10 million American homeowners who are still paying off their mortgages are 65 years of age or older. That is a significant number of individuals still saddled with debt well into their old age. The increased financial security of having a paid-off mortgage means greater room in your finances to address other debts. The funds spent to make a mortgage payment can be redistributed to pay off other outstanding debts such as loans, credit card balances, and more. Overall, the ability to live debt-free without the stress of having to make a substantial payment is a significant benefit.

Hunt cautions that you may see your credit score suffer after paying off your mortgage especially if it was the only debt you carried. Although there is a brighter side. “In some cases, your score can improve, depending on what other kinds of credit you’ve borrowed,’ she added.

3. Eliminate Monthly Payments

Most homeowners can expect to pay off their homes in 30 years making normal monthly payments. Not having to meet monthly payments frees up a sizable amount of money that can be invested in other, potentially high-earning, endeavors. This could allow for more wealth to be generated over time. Additionally, if you are unable to make your monthly payments due to financial instability, you are protected from losing your home.

4. Be Financially Free

Mortgage payments often make up a substantial portion of one’s expenses and are also multi-year, with the average mortgage spanning between 15-30 years. Paying off your mortgage ahead of schedule frees up funds and allows for greater room to direct funds to other places.

 “For people nearing retirement, a paid-off mortgage means they have that much more free cash flow from their fixed income when they stop working,” said Miranda Marquit of Bankrate. “It allows you to tap the equity in your home if you need money in the future.”

5. Have Peace of Mind

Arguably one of the most advantageous benefits of having a fully paid mortgage is the right to own your home outright. Additionally, it protects you from the instability of the housing market which can lower the value of your home.

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Having a mortgage paid off early provides many advantages, such as money saved long-term that permits debt and interest-free living and greater availability of funds to direct towards other investments. While not having to keep up with costly monthly payments into your retirement sounds appealing, it is important to take inventory of your finances before making the decision to pay off your mortgage early. Use insureyouknow.org to keep a track of your payments and debts to determine if an early mortgage payment is the right fit for you.