Americans could save on taxes this year because of historically large inflation adjustments set by the IRS. The agency adjusted many of its 2023 tax rules to help taxpayers avoid “bracket creep.” That’s when workers get pushed into higher tax brackets due to the impact of cost-of-living adjustments to offset inflation, despite their standard of…
Online brokerages are battling each other to win your account. And some are willing to pay up for it. Surprisingly lucrative bonuses are up for grabs if you open an account with a brokerage or refer a friend to an online broker. Most of the major online brokerages are doing it, including E-Trade, Charles Schwab…
One of the best things about real estate investment trusts (REITs) is the diversity of property types, which allows investors to choose subindustries as well as the ability to choose an investment based on its dividend income or recent momentum. Some income investors buy REITs strictly for high-yielding dividends. Other REIT investors look for ongoing…
Earning more money can make it easier to pay the bills, fund your financial goals and spend on hobbies or “fun,” but what income is considered to make you rich? The answer can depend on several factors, including where you live, what type of job you have, how much you save or invest and how…
A Roth IRA can be a great place to stash your retirement savings. Unlike a traditional IRA, you won’t have to pay income tax on the money you withdraw or be required to take a minimum amount from your account each year after you reach a certain age. These retirement accounts are available to just…
The current rate is good, but if you hold off until just before the next change, it could be even better. Another year, another $10,000 you can buy in Series I bonds. The once-obscure Treasury investment soared in popularity last year because of its enticing inflation-adjusted rate, which peaked at 9.62%. That leapfrogged bank deposit…
The Rules You Need to Know—Plus a Pitfall You’ll Want to Avoid. Do you have a 401(k) plan through work? You can still contribute to a Roth IRA (individual retirement account) and/or traditional IRA as long as you meet the IRA’s eligibility requirements. You might not be able to take a tax deduction for your…
The largest nominal-dollar increase for Social Security checks in history comes with a downside. Every month, close to 66 million people — mostly retired workers — receive a Social Security benefit. Although this monthly payout isn’t particularly large, with the average retired worker bringing home $1,677 a month as of October 2022, it’s nevertheless a…