International conflicts and other global events dominated the news in early 2026, most notably the U.S. action in Venezuela and pressure to obtain control of Greenland, as well as anti-government protests in Iran and a snap election in Japan. These... Read more
On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs that were larger and different in structure than expected. Over the next two days, the S&P 500 Index plunged by 10.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 9.3%, and the tech-heavy... Read more
Tax-deferred retirement savings accounts, including IRAs and employer-based plans, are an appropriate way to build assets. Your accounts can potentially grow without losing ground to income taxes each year, and depending on the account type and your income level, you... Read more
As tax filing season approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers to watch for scams that can cause identity theft, financial loss, or criminal penalties. The agency’s “Dirty Dozen” list, published annually since 2002, highlights 12 common tax schemes. Phishing and smishing:... Read more
Did you know that if you postpone claiming Social Security past your full retirement age, you have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when you finally apply? Receiving retroactive benefits in a... Read more
In much of the United States, the public school that a child is allowed to attend is determined by the location of the family’s residence. As a result, the inventory of homes for sale near the best schools is often... Read more
At their December meeting, Federal Reserve officials estimated that the U.S. economy grew 1.7% in 2025, a year plagued by uncertainty around costly new tariffs. The forecast for 2026 growth was raised to 2.3% — a significant jump from the... Read more
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, includes many provisions that affect higher education. Here are some key changes and the implications for students, parents, and colleges. New borrowing limits and payment pause rules... Read more
With Americans contributing about $592 billion to charitable organizations in 2024, it is clear that charitable giving remains a powerful way to support the causes that matter most.1 In addition to advancing philanthropic goals, charitable donations may offer tax advantages.... Read more
“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” This famous saying, adapted from 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns, could apply to many aspects of life, including retirement. In 2025, four out of 10 retirees said they retired earlier... Read more