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The views reflected by the author in this article are subject to change at any time without notice. Quality Senior Benefits LLC deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third-party sources included in this article, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.
5 Dos and Don’ts When Lending Money to Loved Ones
Helping friends or family shouldn’t mean hurting your finances Let’s face it: Money is tight for many people. And if you have loved ones in your life who are struggling financially, you may feel inclined to help them. If you do, proceed with caution. According to a...
11 Mistakes Retirees Make at the Supermarket
It’s not just inflation. Your bad habits may explain why you’re paying too much for groceries. Retirees living on fixed incomes have been feeling the pinch of rising grocery costs. Grocery prices in February rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, according to the U.S....
Retire with confidence: Master your finances and lifestyle
Discover steps to help you prepare for retirement Imagine this: After decades of hard work and dedication, you’re just 12 months away from the retirement of your dreams. Exciting, right? But hold on, this final stretch is crucial. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared...
7 Strategies for More Income in Retirement
“Old age is always fifteen years older than I am.” —Bernard Baruch, American financier, investor, statesman and philanthropist One of the biggest fears people have is running out of money in retirement. And for many Americans, this is a very real risk, not an...
How an annuity can help as you plan for retirement
As you approach retirement, you may be wondering what are the next steps for your investments. An annuity may be an effective tool for you in retirement planning by providing a steady and reliable income stream. With 2024 being the year with the greatest number of...
9 Ways Retirement Will Be Different in 2025
How changes in Social Security, Medicare, 401(k) contributions and more will affect your finances Retirement is not static. Even when the kids are gone and the career is done, your lifestyle and expectations are constantly evolving. So are your finances. Areas key to...
Important Tasks & Decisions for Each Phase of Retirement Planning
Important Tasks & Decisions for Each Phase of Retirement Planning Retirement. It tends to be a catch-all word that generally refers to the light at the end of the tunnel after years of hard work. It’s a time to enjoy the things in life that matter the most, like...
Retirement Challenges in 2025: Market Volatility, Inflation and Social Security
Inflation, uncertain markets and a limited Social Security COLA are among the financial hurdles for retirees in 2025. Key Takeaways High interest rates may complicate investment decisions for retirees. Social Security recipients are getting a 2.5% raise, which may lag...
3 Social Security Changes Retirees Need to Know About in 2025
Key Points A modest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will make benefit checks bigger. Note that higher earners will pay a bit more in Social Security taxes. Retirees still earning income may have some of their benefits temporarily withheld. The $22,924 Social Security...
The views reflected by the author in this article are subject to change at any time without notice. Quality Senior Benefits LLC deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third-party sources included in this article, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The S&P 500 avoided a fifth straight week of losses as investors continued to assess the impact of Trump’s policies. A late rally on Friday afternoon, fueled on heavy volume from quarterly options' expiration, helped propel the S&P 500...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Investors endured the fourth consecutive week of losses in US equity markets as concerns around tariffs and their impact on the economy continued to weigh on sentiment. Several investment banks decreased their assessment of US equities and...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Economic growth concerns weighed on US financial markets as manic trade policy fostered uncertainty and volatility. It was a hectic week as investors tried to make sense of Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The announcement that...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Growth concerns entered the market narrative as investors continued to look at policy uncertainties on tariffs and the strains on geopolitical relations. The Trump administration confirmed that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would be effective...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The holiday-shortened week saw the S&P 500 hit all-time highs, but late in the week, the move abruptly succumbed to consolidation pressure. Investors are worried about valuations, trade tensions, inflation, and declining consumer sentiment. A...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Despite all of the uncertainties within the investment landscape, global markets were able to post nice gains last week. Fourth-quarter earnings continued to roll in with notable results from Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Roku, Cisco Systems, Draft...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Uncertainty about global trade continued to be at the top of investors' minds as Trump announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada while levying 10% on Chinese goods. Mexico and Canada's immediate reaction was to place tariffs on US goods. But an...
Weekly Market Commentary
Darren Leavitt, CFA US financial markets were extremely busy last week as a rush to download a Chinese AI platform called Deep Seek from Apple’s App Store seemingly changed the narrative around artificial intelligence in a heartbeat and on multiple fronts. Capital...
Weekly Market Commentary
Darren Leavitt, CFA Wow, what a week! US markets were closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. It was a historic day indeed. The global markets were poised for a barrage of executive...
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QCDs and 529-to-Roth IRA Rollovers: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: I am 70 years old and do not have to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) for three years. Can I do a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from my IRA now? Or, do I have to wait until age 73 when I have to start...
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...
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...
Required Minimum Distributions and IRA Transfers: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Can I satisfy my required minimum distribution (RMD) from my 401(k) by taking it from my IRA instead? Answer: No, that is not allowed. You may aggregate RMDs from your IRAs if you have multiple accounts,...
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...
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...
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and SEP IRAs: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: Does the new $6,000 additional deduction for seniors under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) also apply if the senior itemizes their taxes? Thanks, Robert ANSWER: Robert, The new $6,000 addition to the standard...
Trump Accounts – A Hot New Bombshell Enters the Tax-Advantaged Account Villa
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Summer of 2025 brought us the new season of the hit TV show, Love Island. When a new contestant arrives on this popular reality dating show, its viewers know that “another hot bombshell has entered the villa.” The...
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 Professional training program. A sellout crowd of over 260 financial professionals from across the country joined us for some intense IRA and...
The views reflected by the author in this article are subject to change at any time without notice. Quality Senior Benefits LLC deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third-party sources included in this article, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.
12 Things Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare
Learn how to navigate the system to get the best coverage for your loved one Medicare can be complicated when you’re making your own health care decisions, but it has an extra layer of complexity when you’re trying to help a sick or aging relative navigate the system....
read more
Preparing for Future Health Care Needs
Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated. But rules vary greatly from state to state. In some cases, decisions are left up to the health care providers and...
read more
Get the care you need quickly when you’re sick
Discover 6 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...
read more
7 Medicare Changes You’re Seeing in 2025
Expensive medications? You’ll save thousands. Dementia or mental health care? More options Key takeaways Changes from Inflation Reduction Act are in effect now. Lower out-of-pocket limit in Part D drug plans erases old “donut hole.” You may find weight loss...
read more
It’s Time to Shop for Medicare, and 2025 Brings Big Changes
A bumper crop of revisions, including a stronger drug benefit, means the plan you enrolled in for 2024 may not be the best fit next year. Americans on Medicare will see big, and welcome, changes next year. The program’s prescription drug insurance will be much...
read more
5 big changes to Medicare 2025 plans you should know during open enrollment
Big changes to Medicare plans are in store for 2025 as open enrollment is underway. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for older adults ages 65 and older. Open enrollment for 2025 Medicare plans runs through December 7. Some major changes in 2025 include a...
read more
Capturing the Opportunity: Medicare Advantage Trends to Watch in 2025
Key lessons learned from the 2025 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP); plus actionable strategies for Medicare Advantage plans looking to improve member experience and reduce costs. 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for Medicare plans nationwide. As the market...
read more
What You’ll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2025
“How much can I expect to pay out of pocket for Medicare coverage?” It’s something you might be wondering if you’re age 65+ or about to turn 65. Medicare expenses are a big concern for many older adults, especially those on a fixed or limited income. The first step to...
read more
The Medicare Part D Donut Hole Disappears in 2025
Key takeaways: The Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the “donut hole” will end in 2024. As of January 1, 2025, Medicare Part D plans will have a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit. If you reach that threshold, your plan will pay for all of your covered medications in full...
read more
12 Things Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare
Learn how to navigate the system to get the best coverage for your loved one Medicare can be complicated when you’re making your own health care decisions, but it has an extra layer of complexity when you’re trying to help a sick or aging relative navigate the system....
Preparing for Future Health Care Needs
Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated. But rules vary greatly from state to state. In some cases, decisions are left up to the health care providers and...
Get the care you need quickly when you’re sick
Discover 6 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...
7 Medicare Changes You’re Seeing in 2025
Expensive medications? You’ll save thousands. Dementia or mental health care? More options Key takeaways Changes from Inflation Reduction Act are in effect now. Lower out-of-pocket limit in Part D drug plans erases old “donut hole.” You may find weight loss...
It’s Time to Shop for Medicare, and 2025 Brings Big Changes
A bumper crop of revisions, including a stronger drug benefit, means the plan you enrolled in for 2024 may not be the best fit next year. Americans on Medicare will see big, and welcome, changes next year. The program’s prescription drug insurance will be much...
5 big changes to Medicare 2025 plans you should know during open enrollment
Big changes to Medicare plans are in store for 2025 as open enrollment is underway. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for older adults ages 65 and older. Open enrollment for 2025 Medicare plans runs through December 7. Some major changes in 2025 include a...
Capturing the Opportunity: Medicare Advantage Trends to Watch in 2025
Key lessons learned from the 2025 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP); plus actionable strategies for Medicare Advantage plans looking to improve member experience and reduce costs. 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for Medicare plans nationwide. As the market...
What You’ll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2025
“How much can I expect to pay out of pocket for Medicare coverage?” It’s something you might be wondering if you’re age 65+ or about to turn 65. Medicare expenses are a big concern for many older adults, especially those on a fixed or limited income. The first step to...
The Medicare Part D Donut Hole Disappears in 2025
Key takeaways: The Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the “donut hole” will end in 2024. As of January 1, 2025, Medicare Part D plans will have a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit. If you reach that threshold, your plan will pay for all of your covered medications in full...