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Big Raises Are Coming in 2022, So Make Your Game Plan Now
Do your research, focus on your contributions and be willing to walk away With employers gearing up to boost spending on pay in 2022, there has rarely been a better time to go after a raise. Companies are setting aside an average 3.9% of total payroll for wage...
You Can Redraw Work Boundaries This Year—and Make Them Stick
Zoom calls at 8 a.m., emails at midnight. The workday ballooned during the pandemic—but it’s possible to push back without jeopardizing your careerHave we forgotten how to say no?Our boundaries have been scrambled by two years of working through a crisis, often from...
Lumber Trading Is So Hot That It Almost Never Happens
Big swings in lumber futures prices are preventing traders from laying bets, giving them time for other things; ‘Gone fishing’ Lumber futures are on another wild ride, but trading them has gotten pretty boring. Bored of trade In 25 of this year’s 35 trading sessions,...
U.S. Jobless Claims Fall Amid Tight Labor Market
Total number collecting unemployment benefits through state programs falls to lowest level since 1970 Help wanted sign at a New York City restaurant last month. Continuing claims for jobless benefits are at the lowest level since 1970. PHOTO: LEVINE-ROBERTS/SIPA...
Fed Official Leaves Door Open to Larger Rate Increase in March
Governor Michelle Bowman calls for ‘prompt and decisive action to lower inflation’ Michelle Bowman speaking at a Fed Listens event in Washington, D.C., in 2019; Ms. Bowman says she expects ‘uncomfortably high inflation’ will persist through the middle of 2022....
Made a profit selling your home?
Here’s how to avoid a tax bomb this filing season KEY POINTS Home sales profits may be subject to capital gains, taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% in 2021, depending on income. You may exclude earnings up to $250,000 if you’re single, while married homeowners may subtract up to...
Your Guide to Retirement Planning
This retirement planning guide can help you get your finances ready for retirement. Retirement savers need to choose a low-cost mix of stocks and bonds that suits their risk tolerance.(GETTY IMAGES) Getting ready for retirement requires consistent saving, prudent...
Think twice before buying this type of life insurance:
‘People who shouldn’t be sold this policy are being sold it’ “I went on my mission asking different experts and CFPs if permanent insurance is scam.” Twenty/20 When it comes to life insurance, you have two main options: term or permanent. Term life insurance is a...
Here’s how the new IRS life expectancy tables affect required withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k) plans
KEY POINTS Using the modified tables should be generally straightforward for most account owners, although there are a couple of situations that may be trickier this year. One of those instances involves anyone who delayed their 2021 withdrawal until this year under...
Here’s what’s new with 401(k) plans this year
KEY POINTS A couple of provisions that were in the 2019 Secure Act may become more apparent this year. Other changes to 401(k) plans could be on their way, given the bipartisan support for new retirement legislation in Congress. Contribution limits also are higher...
Social Security may be a ‘treasure trove’ for you and your family.
But first you have to navigate some complex rules KEY POINTS You may be overlooking the biggest potential source of funds in your retirement planning. For many people, their lifetime Social Security benefits represent one of their biggest assets. Knowing the ins and...
The ultimate retirement planning guide for 2022
Josephine Flood | CNBC On the surface, retirement planning hasn’t changed all that much over the years. You work, you save and then you retire. But while the mechanics may be the same, today’s savers are facing some challenges that previous generations didn’t...