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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…
Create your own Blue Dot to experience Blue Zone benefits
What if you had the recipe of life choices that could help you live longer, healthier, and happier? That is exactly what studies show happens in “Blue Zones,” parts of the world with unusually high numbers of happy centenarians. If you don’t live in a Blue Zone, you do not have to move. You can strive to create your own Blue Dot right where you are. Read on for some of…
An opportunity within a crisis within a crisis within a crisis
In this time of national stress, the global coronavirus pandemic and the economy have taken a back seat to the centuries-old and often ignored and re-opened wounds of the Black community. Individuals, companies and other institutions have a new opportunity to listen and create a better path. We stand in support of equality and dignity WealthStep condemns racism and discrimination and stands in support of equality and dignity for all…