How Will Taxes Impact My Retirement Income? Proper tax planning enhances your financial security throughout retirement

Taxes can significantly affect your retirement income, reducing the amount available for spending. Understanding how different income sources are taxed and implementing tax-efficient withdrawal strategies can help minimize tax burdens and maximize savings. Taxable vs. Tax-Advantaged Income Retirement income falls into three categories: Taxable Income: Withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and some Social Security…

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Your Guide to Taxes for Self-Employed and Gig Workers

A cheat sheet on the taxes, breaks and business deductions that apply to workers who get 1099s By Ashlea Ebeling Taking on a gig job means taking on new tax responsibilities. You might not think you’re in business, but if you’re reselling items online, tutoring or pet sitting, for example, the money you make is generally…

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Key Tax Numbers That Have—and Haven’t—Changed for 2025: A cheat sheet for new brackets, deductions and credits you need to know for filing 2024 taxes and for this year’s tax planning

By Laura Saunders The U.S. tax code has many provisions that are adjusted for inflation and some that aren’t. Here’s a selection of key numbers to help with tax planning for 2025 and tax prep for 2024, plus useful references. Some of these might change depending on what Congress does later this year. For now, though,…

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Five Things You Did Last Week for Your Finances: Small, intentional choices can steadily build a more secure financial future

Recently, federal government employees received an email asking them to reflect on their work by listing five things they accomplished in the past week. The idea behind this exercise was to encourage employees to recognize their contributions, stay focused on their goals, and maintain accountability. This got me thinking: What if we applied the same…

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2024 Taxes: 8 Things to Know Now

Here are eight things to keep in mind as you prepare to file your 2024 taxes. 1. Income tax brackets shifted a bit There are still seven tax rates, but the income ranges (tax brackets) for each rate have shifted slightly to account for inflation. For 2024, the following rates and income ranges apply: 2. The…

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Important Considerations When Building Your Retirement Plan in Your 40’s, 50’s and Beyond

As individuals enter their 40’s, 50’s and beyond, retirement planning takes on added significance. With retirement looming closer, it becomes increasingly important to reassess financial goals, adjust savings strategies, and ensure a secure financial future. Here are some important considerations for continuing to build your retirement plan in your 50s and beyond: Evaluate Retirement Goals:…

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Strategies for De-Stressing During the Last-Minute Tax Filing Deadlines

As tax season rolls around each year, it often brings with it a wave of stress and anxiety for many individuals. The thought of gathering receipts, organizing documents, and navigating complex tax forms can be daunting. However, amidst the chaos, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and find ways to de-stress. Here are some strategies…

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