December 3, 2018
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the new supplemental Part B and prescription drug Part D premiums for calendar year 2019, which are detailed in the tables below. The 2019 standard Part B premium has increased to $135.50/month on average (or higher, depending on your income, from $134/month in 2018). Due… Read more »
November 29, 2018
Transitioning to retirement can be both exciting and overwhelming, but taking a proactive approach to retirement planning can help ensure you have the means to enjoy what you’ve earned through a lifetime of work. There are many considerations to note – in addition to income – that will have an impact on your retirement. Talking… Read more »
November 28, 2018
Each year the Social Security Administration announces its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The announcement relates to the increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January. This year, 67 million Americans will see a 2.8 percent increase in their Social Security and SSI benefits… Read more »
November 20, 2018
The start of the holiday season also marks the beginning of year-end planning at JNBA. We have included below some key planning items to consider prior to the end of 2018. Investment Portfolio Review. The end of the year is a great time to look at your investment and retirement accounts to better understand how… Read more »
November 19, 2018
As family and friends gather for Thanksgiving, you may find yourself at the same table as young adults who are just starting out in their financial journey. If you’re a parent or grandparent looking to share financial advice with a young family member while you have their attention – and their appetite – there are… Read more »
November 16, 2018
Last night, I was honored to join dozens of amazing leaders at the 2018 Top Women in Finance Awards. Finance & Commerce hosted this annual event, and it’s a favorite of JNBA’s. Minnesota is home to a growing number of women who are moving the financial industry forward, while at the same time making major… Read more »
November 14, 2018
The holiday season can be an inspirational time of year that encourages generosity and giving to charitable organizations in your own community and around the world. Below are a few simple tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking about making charitable contributions prior to year end. Have a gifting strategy. The holidays are not… Read more »
November 13, 2018
Throughout the second half of summer, JNBA’s Investment Committee warned that divergences between U.S. and foreign markets had elevated risks for the possibility of a broad-based market pullback. While U.S. equities ignored these signals through September, they caught up in a hurry in October with the large cap S&P 500 dropping 7% while the small… Read more »
November 9, 2018
We’ve covered a lot of ground in the past few days on our series on negotiating: remove the emotion, be patient and listen, be ready to compromise, and do your homework. My final tip for negotiating: don’t fall in love. The minute you fall in love with a deal, you’re emotionally invested. And do you… Read more »
November 8, 2018
In our series on negotiating, we’ve covered tips like remove the emotion, be patient and listen, and be ready to compromise. Our fourth tip: Do your homework. Know the facts. Negotiating can be stressful and high-stakes – showing up to a conversation poorly prepared isn’t going to help matters. Rather, knowledge is power. Take time… Read more »