It's time to make sure you're financially accounted for before the new year rolls around. It may be maxing out HSA and retirement plans, settling debt, or holding realistic assumptions about your spending habits. Here is a full list to consider tackling.
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different Medicare Part/Plan options and their costs for 2023.
There have been so many recent announcements related to 2023 adjustments, let’s just tackle them all together!
Open enrollment for Medicare is here (October 15 - December 7), and POWWOW encourages clients aged 65+ to work with a trusted resource to ensure existing coverage is still suitable.
Do Roth IRAs make sense from a tax perspective? The first question may not be whether it’s “right” for you, but whether you’re eligible to even open one at all. That's where Roth Conversions come into play.
There are big differences in the quality of nursing homes and the care they provide. 2 Sisters Senior Living Advisors help us identify and prioritize criteria for this difficult decision.
Calculate a school’s return on investment to determine whether it is a good investment or not.
Feelings have run amok after Biden outlines his executive action for student loan forgiveness. Read about the program and my own thoughts.
Solar panels, corporate taxes, and Medicare prescription drugs - oh my! Read the highlights of Biden's latest bill.
Market downturns, like the one through the first half of 2022, could be a good time to adjust your fund portfolio to minimize the tax bite. Here’s how to calculate the best ways to do that – now and in the future.
Adult children often find themselves unprepared in the position of primary caregiver for their parents. Finances (and even more importantly TIME allocated toward supporting family) can be very dicey for members of the Sandwich Generation.
From one of our favorite local attorneys, Adam Minsky discusses the likelihood of Biden offering additional forgiveness and deferment on student loans, despite Republicans submitting a bill to resume payments.
Raising rates may be throwing the market into turmoil... but it's finally an opportunity to make some money on cash!
Direct PLUS loans have become very popular in college planning. This post by Student Aid should answer all your major questions. It also goes into good detail on how to start repaying them after graduation vs at disbursement.
When agreeing to move forward at a retirement community, be prepared for the paperwork so you don't encounter delays.
With the cost of gas and electricity skyrocketing in the past year, many households are looking to clean energy alternatives.
June 24 & 25. Programs are free and open to the public. To register for sessions and/or keynote speakers please call the senior center or register online
Although the college application process begins in earnest during your senior year, there are things you can be doing along the way to ensure you're ready to put your best foot forward.
The housing market has been frustrating for buyers, but there are signs that those frustrations might be easing.
If you've owned a LTC policy for 10+ years you've likely received a premium increase. Should you accept it or adjust coverage instead?
Questions about retirement often center around the financial logistics, but how your time will be spent should also be considered.
Is there an end game to the student loan repayment extensions? (Redirect to Nerd Wallet)
Wondering how to prepare for travel apart from packing a bag? Here is the shortlist of what I did to ensure myself, family, and clients would be taken care of in case of an emergency.
One of the most common questions for anyone planning for retirement is: “What’s the best age to start taking Social Security benefits?” Read how the program works, how it's changed, and what to consider.
Despite it being no secret that money can cause a breakup, being on the same page about finances is not usually considered at the start of a relationship.
Lately, I've had a number of clients and prospects ask how to pay for college. Not in the future -…
Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to cultivate better financial health.
With the CARES Act expiring in January 2022, many will be asked to resume student loan payments - but can they afford to pay?
Will cash app and marketplace transactions be reported to the IRS? For many more than ever before - yes!
Effectively benefiting the next generation comes in all shapes and sizes, learn about your options to gift relative to your net worth.
It's the holiday season and we're in shopping mode. Kids and significant others may be relatively easy to navigate, but…
Keep the kids busy this Thanksgiving! Enjoy this coloring page that can decorate your table.
Have you seen a Roth option available in your 401(k)? Read on to help determine if it's the right option for you.
Social Security benefits for millions of Americans will increase 5.9% in 2022. Taxable wage maximum for SS tax increases to $147k.
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different…
Will cash deposits above $600 soon be reported to the IRS? Technically no, but for some effectively yes.
Read how COVID factors into Halloween along with financial savvy tips.
SECURE Act 2.0 focuses on incentivizing people to save more for retirement. But will it be passed?
Planning ahead for IRMAA surcharges has become more important as the bracket tiers narrow and Medicare premiums increase.
Given the average cost of a COVID-19 hospitalization in 2020 ran about $42,200 per patient, will the unvaccinated be asked to bear more of the cost of treatment, in terms of insurance, as well?
While the checklists grow and the kids soak in the last few minutes of summer break, it’s important to remember college planning and back-to-school shopping.
Your office may be reopening and you're in a position to secure and afford child care. The Balance does a great job explaining care options.
Charitable donations create charitable deductions which dollar-for-dollar reduce your taxable income. Special legislation in 2020 and 2021 benefits even those taking a Standard Deduction.
POWWOW, LLC was recently featured by Linda Lecomte, REALTOR® in her new Andover-area inspired website and newsletter Shop Dine the Andovers.
Ask yourself three questions before you use actual dollars to buy cryptos In very simple terms, there are three main…
Passive income can unintentionally cause tax penalties for late or underpayments. This is avoidable by making estimated tax payments.
Federal student loan payments and collections are set to resume in October 2021. There is a chance that the pause may be extended or a ramp-up plan will be put in place.
There is so much chatter about inflation impacting the stock market - not to mention gas, lumber and chlorine skyrocketing in price, what's the deal? Here's a primer.
Health Savings Accounts are a tax-trifecta savings vehicle that are often overlooked due to bias against the less popular Flex Savings Accounts.
It's officially Spring, and your closet may not be the only thing that needs a good clean-out. What about your financial habits? Watch my video on how to fix up your finances.
Acceptance letters are rolling in and it's time to make a decision on college. If your top pick is more expensive than the rest... ask for more aid. Here's how from Student Loan Hero...
On April 13, Quentara will review what to consider financially when assessing care options and how to increase your chances of retaining independence. Via Zoom. RSVP here.
65% of people with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance. What's your plan in the event aging loved ones didn't fair well during COVID?
President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package cleared its final hurdle in Congress on Wednesday despite no Republicans voting in favor of it. The plan contains a range of measures such as a further direct round of payments to most Americans, amounting to more than $400 billion.
We can get tunnel vision when it comes to following "Rules of Thumb." I dare you to push back when it comes to maxing out 529 Plans and 401(k)s.
There is a ton to consider as you decide on the right college. Make sure you've considered all your options and resources.
About half of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending a total of $21.8 billion despite coronavirus.
When receiving treatment options for a diagnosis, learn when you may want to reach out to a doctor vs a health advocate.
With COVID-19 forcing remote and hybrid learning models, many families are considering private school options. Read about how K-12 schools may offer financial aid.
The 2020 performance for the major U.S. indices was nothing short of impressive, especially given the headwinds of COVID-19 and the drama surrounding the presidential election.
News Years Resolutions - In bite size pieces Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year.…
The holidays are here as we struggle to find a balance between safe and sane during COVID-19, all while our children are watching. Here is some great tips from pediatricians on how to keep calm and carry-on.
Commonplace strategies for helping an aging parent can blow up in your face if you have a college-bound child. Read how.
The holidays are here as we struggle to find balance between safe and sane during COVID-19. Your children are likely looking forward…
Read about how tax planning opportunities could change in the coming years due to the upcoming election.
Halloween is my favorite time of year because it offers certain qualities other holidays lack: It's an opportunity to be…
Effective options to reduce credit card debts without hurting your credit If you have a lot of credit card debts…
One extracurricular activity that every student can master while in college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s daily spending…
Everyone is asking - how will my goals be impacted by the upcoming election?When it comes to the stock market,…
If you’re worried about downsizing your home, you really shouldn’t be. While finding the right home for your budget and…
Even if you're not providing hands-on physical care for an aging parent, you're still likely spending a ton of time…
The coronavirus is bringing waves of changes to how we approach everyday tasks and traditions. The same will be true…
Your checking account is at an all time high and you're eager to do something more with your money. Anything…
I've recently had some questions about consolidating credit card debt. These questions usually come from clients who have 5+ cards…
Apart from stimulus checks, small business loans, and expanded unemployment, there are a few "hidden gems" sprinkled throughout the CARES…
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes by 90 days,…
Student loan debt presents a serious financial burden for countless graduates. Even the XY Generation (you?) is struggling to earn…
If you're related to a loved one in the hospital, rehab or living in a retirement community, you may have…
What's happening?The last couple weeks have certainly been rough on everyone. Stock markets across the world have been on a…
I recently read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD. His insight perfectly blends medicine and emotion when it comes to…
You might be considering taking out a loan from your 401(k). But before you do, you should know the rules…
The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. Many changes were made that will materially impact retirees,…
As a veteran you may feel like you're participating in an Easter egg hunt to find all your benefits. This…
A fellow blogger liked my approach to personal finance by making S.M.A.R.T goals. Read how she implemented this into her…
The deadline for the 2019-2020 FAFSA is midnight, June 30, 2020. The earlier you file, the more grant money you are…
My husband and I have had the fortune (or maybe misfortune?) of being involved in a number of personal real…
As a Certified Financial Planner™ specializing in elder care I am asked this question daily. Unfortunately, all too often the…
It's important to understand the fine print of your home equity line of credit (HELOC). Make sure not to get…
While success can be defined in a multitude of ways, most boil down to one simple desire – financial freedom.…
It's your birthday, and mom, age 81, gives you a call. After pleasantries, she mentions how short-tempered your brother has…
This year I had many families and small business owners asking for CPA recommendations. Surprisingly, the recent tax code changes…
Question: What are my options for cash or checks given to my child?Piggy Bank: Some people enjoy the visual appeal of…
Negotiating is a critical life skill to master, but yet it's largely untaught in a traditional school setting. We encounter…
Whenever I discuss elder care I can count on being asked one question..."What if I run out of money?"Long-term elder…
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