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How to think about inflation and investments
There has been a lot of talk lately about inflation, in great part because inflation has been so low for so long, but recently had a small spike. Unfortunately, when inflation is low, investors tend to forget it is a “sleeper risk,” gradually eroding their purchasing power and lowering after-inflation returns. Below are thoughts to consider. Why does monetary policy matter when it comes to inflation? Historically, periods of major…
Save more in 2021: 6 opportunities for midlife professionals and business owners
As you reach certain midlife milestones, you gain opportunities to save more money, whether through tax-deferred vehicles or identifying key expenses where you may be overpaying. Business owners also have a chance to bounce back from what may have been a slower year in 2020 with some favorable tax rules. Which of these options can you take advantage of this year? Delay tax payments Business owners who had a down…
Wealth and happiness – the surprising factor that can increase well-being
Does money buy happiness? Wealth and happiness are often paired together. As you earn more income, invest more into the market, or reduce your debt, you likely feel more life satisfaction. This seems obvious, and many studies* prove this to be correct. However, in a study conducted by researchers from UC, Riverside, a surprising factor emerged about how you can improve your overall feeling of well-being: the amount of cash you have…
Gen X insurance: how to put proper midlife protections in place
If you’re a Gen X-er, it’s likely your life is starting to look very different than it did in your early years when you were just beginning your career and starting a family. Now you’ve made significant headway in your career, earn a higher income, and have amassed significantly more wealth. Your children may be approaching the age where they can begin driving or they’re getting ready for college. You may also have…
What California homeowners need to know about Proposition 19
On election day, the narrow passage of Proposition 19 in California brought good news for some homeowners. The new law allows homeowners who are over 55, or disabled, or victims of wildfires or other disasters to transfer the tax base of their primary residence to a replacement residence. This expands on the current law which allows homeowners over 55 to retain their tax base within their own county or some reciprocal counties,…
Inflation’s effect on 2021 retirement contribution limits
The IRS released the dollar limits for 2021 qualified retirement plan contributions. For 2021, employees’ and owners’ ability to defer compensation and invest for their future remains about the same as 2020. Because of low inflation, most of the common contribution levels were left unchanged, with defined contribution total dollar amounts (from employee and employer contributions combined) increasing by only $1,000. Although individual contribution levels have not increased, super savers ,who focus…