The Federal Reserve is maintaining its federal funds rate at 4.25% to 4.50%, carefully balancing economic growth and inflation concerns. While Fed decisions impact interest rates and markets, their effects are influenced by many global factors, making precise predictions difficult. For investors, staying informed and focusing on a personalized financial plan is the best way to navigate these changes and manage savings, investments, and debt wisely.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes many favorable tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including lower tax rates, higher standard deductions, and expanded credits. It introduces key changes like increased SALT deduction caps, enhanced child and dependent care credits, and new deductions for car loan interest and seniors. Understanding these updates is essential for effective multi-year tax planning to optimize your financial decisions under the new law.

Many investors are concerned with the effect of election results. Do past results suggest a useful strategy to deal with election-year uncertainty? The answer is yes, but not as you would imagine. Vote with your ballot, not with your life savings.

Paying down your mortgage as you approach or reach retirement may provide peace of mind and financial benefits. Or, it could potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars if you accelerate the payments. What is the best approach of carrying a mortgage in retirement for your situation?

In a bear market, our first reaction might be to make a change in our financial portfolio. However, if your assets are invested properly, you should be able to survive the down turn without much overall loss.

To avoid burnout at work or bad morale among employees in light of the post-COVID era, consider making changes: a four-day workweek, a hybrid work model, or taking a sabbatical. Of course, don’t forget some basic changes you can make at home as well.

Should I pay off debt as I approach retirement? It’s not an easy question, and you should consider both financial and non-financial aspects. Debt, if done right, can indeed be an arrow in the quiver as one enters retirement.

The feeling of having a home equity line is a lot like owning an RV. Many don’t know why they bought it, are not using it, and are paying unnecessary costs. Others, however, are using it at the right time and swear that having one is well worth the hassle.