![]() How will the rescue plan affect you?As you know, President Biden has signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide more economic relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. What elements of this legislation will affect you? How much risk should you take before retirement?Your relationship with risk can change noticeably over time. When you started saving for retirement, you may have been willing to take on more investment risk, which translated into a relatively high percentage of stocks and stock-based mutual funds in your investment portfolio. Business owners' issues go beyond 'mom and pop' labelBut regardless of whether you apply for one of these loans, you can take other steps to help maximize the benefits you get from your business – and perhaps even extend its longevity. Resilience is key to meeting financial goalsYou can demonstrate this resilience by answering these questions: What is your specific goal? What obstacle do you face in achieving this goal? How can you overcome this obstacle? How Can Women Overcome Obstacles to Financial Security?On March 8, we observe International Women's Day, a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. What can investors learn from 2020?Now that we're a few weeks removed from 2020, it's a good time to reflect on such a momentous year. We can think about developments in the social and political spheres, but we also learned – or perhaps re-learned – some valuable lessons about investing. Estate Planning for Blended Familiesf you're in a blended family, you're already aware of the emotional and financial issues involved in your daily life. But what about the future? When it's time to do your estate planning – and it's never too soon for that – you'll need to be aware of the entanglements and complexities that can get in the way of your vision for leaving the legacy you desire. Tax-Smart Investment Moves for Higher EarnersYour financial and tax advisors can help you determine if these moves make sense for your needs. If they do, you may want to start incorporating them into your long-term investment strategy. With Ultra-low Rates, Should You Still Invest in Bonds?Of course, while the 10-year Treasury note is an important benchmark, it doesn't represent the returns on any bonds you could purchase. Remote Work May Offer Financial BenefitsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have been forced to work from home. Pre-Retirees: Plan Now for Health Care CostsIf you're close to retirement, you'll have several financial issues to consider. But you'll want to pay attention to one of the most important of these issues: health care costs. How to Respond When Risk Tolerance Is TestedRisk tolerance may appear less bothersome in the abstract but seem quite different in reality. For example, you might initially think you wouldn't be fazed by short-term market downturns, no matter how severe. However, when the financial markets really decline, as happened when the COVID-19 pandemic struck last March, you might find yourself being more concerned than you thought you would be. Avoid Tapping Into 401(k) EarlyBut touching your 401(k) before you retire may not be a good idea, as it can lead to some unwanted consequences. Are You Still Planning to Retire Early?Even without a crisis, it's not a bad idea to review your important life goals from time to time. So, in thinking about the possibility of early retirement, consider these factors. Consider These Year-end Financial MovesWe're nearing the end of 2020 – and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn the calendar page on this challenging year. Managing Your Retirement Plan Under a New EmployerYour employer-sponsored retirement plan is a valuable asset. But sometimes things happen that can affect the status of your plan. So, for example, if you work for a hospital that changes ownership, and you have been participating in a 403(b), 457(b) or 401(k) retirement plan, what should you do with it now? Ideas for Thanking Your FamilyIt's almost Thanksgiving. And although 2020 may have been a difficult year for you, as it has been for many people, you can probably still find things for which you can be thankful – such as your family. How can you show your appreciation for your loved ones? Protect Your Finances from "Cyberthieves"You've no doubt heard reports of personal data being stolen and used for financial fraud – anything from online shopping on your credit cards to actual theft from your financial accounts. This problem won't go away anytime soon – but you can take steps to defend yourself. Protect Your Family from Long-term Care CostsLike everyone, you want to remain physically and financially independent throughout your life. But if you lose some of this freedom, the last thing you'd want is to become a burden on your family. How can you keep this from happening? What Should Investors Know About the Election?The upcoming election is, of course, big news. But there's more than one way to look at it. As a citizen and voter, you have your own preferences about the issues and the candidates. But as an investor, should you be rooting for any particular outcome? Caregivers Must Also Care (Financially) for ThemselvesIf you're a caregiver, possibly for a loved one dealing with an illness such as Alzheimer's disease, you're probably already facing some significant emotional and physical challenges – so you don't need any financial ones as well. Yet, they are difficult to avoid. What steps can you take to deal with them? Avoid Financial Mistakes During RetirementWhen you retire, you've learned a lot about all sorts of things, helping you avoid some of the mistakes you made earlier in life. However, you may still be susceptible to financial missteps specifically related to your retirement years. How can you dodge these errors? |
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