Good to Know!
Pros and Cons: Fewer Regulations in the U.S.
One of the current administration’s persistent themes has been deregulation — cutting through the red tape in the rules of doing business. In one instance, Donald Trump was filmed standing beside mounds of paperwork to symbolize the amount of regulation the government has implemented since 1960.1 Perhaps the same can be said for the paperwork…
Read MoreA Look at How America Ranks
In his first year in office, President Trump has promoted his “America first” philosophy. This new focus, with its trade protectionism and tough stance on immigration, has somewhat changed the U.S. narrative on a world scale.1 Considering this new emphasis on America first, perhaps it’s worth looking at how the U.S. ranks on the world…
Read MorePutting a Value on Real Property
Real property generally refers to land, but it also can include structures, bodies of water and machinery.1 It typically denotes property of significant value, which is why state and local governments choose to impose taxes on our homes. These levies could be considered a progressive tax, in that people who own more expensive homes likely…
Read MoreFinancial Strategies in 2018
One philosophy of investing, as opined by Warren Buffett, is to be “fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”1 The nation’s eight-year bull market, however, has tested that philosophy. Most market analysts would agree that it was more important to be in the market and taking advantage of gains than to…
Read MoreThe New Tax Law: Things to Consider
Who will be affected by the new tax legislation that went into effect Jan. 1? That is a question many are asking. While “everyone” is likely to see some changes, here’s an idea of how many people fell into each income group. In 2015:1 About 1.4 million Americans accounted for the top 1% of income…
Read MoreHow Changes in Spending Impacts Retirement
Online shopping has become the norm in the Western part of the world. Experts say mature economies adopted e-commerce quickly because of its strong infrastructure and a trusting financial landscape.1 In other words, consumers could count on receiving goods ordered, vendors knew they would get paid and any conflicts were protected by a reputable credit…
Read MoreHow Losing Sleep Could Translate to a Loss of Money
Some teenagers seem to sleep a lot. As parents and grandparents, we can find this rather aggravating. But the fact is, as we get older, our sleep patterns may change, and our sleep can be less restful.1 Perhaps it’s a good idea to let young people sleep in peace while they still can. Scientists say…
Read MoreFinancial Planning to Care for the Caregivers
If you picture yourself receiving long-term care at some point, you likely envision a medical professional sitting bedside, tending to your needs. However, the bulk of long-term care in the U.S. is actually provided by family caregivers.1 According to a recent Merrill Lynch study, 20 million Americans become caregivers each year. Moreover, family caregivers collectively…
Read MoreThe Impact of Income Inequality
As it turns out, income inequality can be an issue for all society, not just the poor. A new study of high-earning clients of a bank’s wealth management unit tracked the fortunes of male and female young adults to learn how income inequity would impact their lives. The assumptions had both genders starting out in…
Read MoreAre We Moving to a Cashless Society?
In the days before cash, people bartered goods and services. Then we established various forms of “cash” payments, from paper bills and coins to checks, credit and debit card payments. It seems that the more we progress, the less we use physical cash. Just because we’re not breaking out a wad of bills doesn’t mean…
Read More