What you need to know about Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021
SECURE Act 2.0 focuses on incentivizing people to save more for retirement. But will it be passed?
Understanding Medicare IRMAA Brackets and How to Plan Early
Planning ahead for IRMAA surcharges has become more important as the bracket tiers narrow and Medicare premiums increase.
Can insurance companies charge the unvaccinated higher premiums?
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?
Back to School Planning is More Expensive This Year
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.
Securing childcare when you head back to the office
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.
What charitable deductions look like in 2021
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.
Three Considerations When Moving to Assisted Living
POWWOW, LLC was recently featured by Linda Lecomte, REALTOR® in her new Andover-area inspired website and newsletter Shop Dine the Andovers.
Monthly child tax credit payments start July 15. Here’s what parents need to know.
Should Cryptocurrencies Be A New Asset Class?
Ask yourself three questions before you use actual dollars to buy cryptos In very simple terms, there are three main…
When you need to consider estimated tax payments
Passive income can unintentionally cause tax penalties for late or underpayments. This is avoidable by making estimated tax payments.
Federal Student Loan Pause may extend beyond September 30, 2021
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.
Why does rising inflation make stock prices fall?
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.
Why I Love Health Savings Accounts
Health Savings Accounts are a tax-trifecta savings vehicle that are often overlooked due to bias against the less popular Flex Savings Accounts.
6 Tips to Spring Clean Your Finances
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.
How to ask for more Financial Aid, and hopefully get it!
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...
Event: The Affordability of Elder Care
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.
Visting Aging Family Members After COVID
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?
What’s In The $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Package?
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.
2 Pieces of Savings Advice to Reconsider
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.
Preparing for College: Tips and Tricks
There is a ton to consider as you decide on the right college. Make sure you've considered all your options and resources.
The History and Business of Valentine’s Day
About half of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending a total of $21.8 billion despite coronavirus.
Second Opinions: When to Call a Doctor vs a Medical Advocate
When receiving treatment options for a diagnosis, learn when you may want to reach out to a doctor vs a health advocate.
Finding Financial Aid for Private Schools
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.
What Can the Best/Worst Stocks of 2020 Tell us?
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.
New Year, New Me – Financial Resolutions
News Years Resolutions - In bite size pieces Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year.…
Keeping the Holidays Happy During COVID-19
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.
Elder Care and College Planning Can Create a Sticky Situation for The Sandwich Generation
Commonplace strategies for helping an aging parent can blow up in your face if you have a college-bound child. Read how.
Gift Ideas for Seniors
It's the holiday season and we're in shopping mode. Kids and significant others may be relatively easy to navigate, but…
Preparing your kids for the holidays during COVID-19
The holidays are here as we struggle to find balance between safe and sane during COVID-19. Your children are likely looking forward…
The Best Way to Choose a Plan During Medicare Open Enrollment Season
Do work with an enrollment agent. Don't assume your coverage from last year makes sense for this year. Keep the…
How tax planning may be impacted after the election
Read about how tax planning opportunities could change in the coming years due to the upcoming election.
A Refresher on Medicare Plans
Open enrollment is here, but not all the rates for 2021 have been listed yet due to pending legislation! So…
Halloween Tips from a CFP®!
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
Effective options to reduce credit card debts without hurting your credit If you have a lot of credit card debts…
Budget Basics for College Students
One extracurricular activity that every student can master while in college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s daily spending…
How the S&P500 fairs after an Election Year
Everyone is asking - how will my goals be impacted by the upcoming election?When it comes to the stock market,…
Downsizing Your Home Without Upsizing Your Stress: Tips for Seniors
If you’re worried about downsizing your home, you really shouldn’t be. While finding the right home for your budget and…
Should I be paid for my caregiving efforts?
Even if you're not providing hands-on physical care for an aging parent, you're still likely spending a ton of time…
4 Ways College Admissions Will Change Next Year
The coronavirus is bringing waves of changes to how we approach everyday tasks and traditions. The same will be true…
Where to put your next dollar
Your checking account is at an all time high and you're eager to do something more with your money. Anything…
Is Consolidating Credit Card Debt Your Best Bet?
I've recently had some questions about consolidating credit card debt. These questions usually come from clients who have 5+ cards…
Hidden Gems inside the CARES Act
Apart from stimulus checks, small business loans, and expanded unemployment, there are a few "hidden gems" sprinkled throughout the CARES…
Tax Deadlines Extended until July 15!
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes by 90 days,…
Before You Refinance Student Loans, Read This
Student loan debt presents a serious financial burden for countless graduates. Even the XY Generation (you?) is struggling to earn…
How to care for the elderly during Coronavirus mania
If you're related to a loved one in the hospital, rehab or living in a retirement community, you may have…
The Markets and Coronavirus
What's happening?The last couple weeks have certainly been rough on everyone. Stock markets across the world have been on a…
3 Factors cause almost a 100% chance of seniors falling
I recently read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD. His insight perfectly blends medicine and emotion when it comes to…
401(k) Loans: Pros and Cons
You might be considering taking out a loan from your 401(k). But before you do, you should know the rules…
Everything Child-Related to the new “SECURE Act”
The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. Many changes were made that will materially impact retirees,…
Vets, Don’t Miss Out on “Hidden Benefits”
As a veteran you may feel like you're participating in an Easter egg hunt to find all your benefits. This…
Think S.M.A.R.T
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 2020-21 FAFSA is now available
The deadline for the 2019-2020 FAFSA is midnight, June 30, 2020. The earlier you file, the more grant money you are…
What to Know About Commingling Money With an Aging Parent
Hindsight on Real Estate
My husband and I have had the fortune (or maybe misfortune?) of being involved in a number of personal real…
Time’s Up! Paying for College
Lately, I've had a number of clients and prospects ask how to pay for college. Not in the future -…
Can I Afford Elder Care?
As a Certified Financial Planner™ specializing in elder care I am asked this question daily. Unfortunately, all too often the…
What to know before taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit
It's important to understand the fine print of your home equity line of credit (HELOC). Make sure not to get…
The Unexpected Cost of Early Retirement
While success can be defined in a multitude of ways, most boil down to one simple desire – financial freedom.…
Caught in the middle: When sibling and aging parents don’t get along
It's your birthday, and mom, age 81, gives you a call. After pleasantries, she mentions how short-tempered your brother has…
Who Should Prepare Your Taxes?
This year I had many families and small business owners asking for CPA recommendations. Surprisingly, the recent tax code changes…
Where to put your kid’s cash gifts
Question: What are my options for cash or checks given to my child?Piggy Bank: Some people enjoy the visual appeal of…
Budgeting Tips for the Sandwich Generation
Becoming a Better Negotiator
Negotiating is a critical life skill to master, but yet it's largely untaught in a traditional school setting. We encounter…
My #1 Most Asked Question on Elder Care
Whenever I discuss elder care I can count on being asked one question..."What if I run out of money?"Long-term elder…
Meet Quentara Costa of Powwow – Boston Voyager Magazine
Take These 5 Steps Now So You Don’t Become A Financial Burden On Your Kids
Don’t Let Magical Thinking Jinx Retirement Planning
Fantasizing that the money will somehow appear isn't helpful. Here's what is.
Who should buy your teen’s first car?
Did you feel attacked at your last family get-together from the mere mention of your intent to pay or not…
Adding it up: Here’s how much Americans spend on financial vices
Whether it’s alcohol, cigarettes or junk food, we all indulge in something we know we probably shouldn’t.
Experts weigh in: Here’s when you should reach key financial milestones
Maybe you have an idea of when you’d like to buy your first home or retire from the workforce. But…
What three things make for a successful retirement?
The idea of retirement conjures different lifestyle images and meanings for any given person. While some are counting down the…
Is the cost of children busting your budget?
Today, roughly one in five women in the United States do not have children. For the first time in U.S.…
Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Will your estate be subject to any of these common pitfalls? Titling property jointly with your children as a substitute…
How you can help your contractor during renovation
Does working alongside your contractor help or hurt?Renovations are something most home owners endure either by choice or necessity. Due to…
Your child can succeed in college despite losing IEP
Make sure your child is aware of the process to receive support for their learning disability in collegeI recently met…
Ask Brianna: Help Your Parents Based on Need, Not Your Guilt
The Taxing Effects of Selling Your Home
Because of the generous capital gains exclusion on selling a primary residence, you may find that you do not owe…
Dodge Toys and Boost College Savings
"85% of parents expect their child to graduate with debt, estimating an average of $45,000 in student loans" according to…
When Parents Won’t Accept Help
"I can't hear you... LALALALALALALALALALALA"I recently presented on elder care to seemingly dissimilar groups. Despite their backgrounds, they all had…
Are my “collectibles” worth keeping?
As my husband rolled coins the other day he started muttering about the value of wheat pennies and who's actually…
Tackling Your Kid’s Closet
Is it just me, or does making a bed instantly provide a feeling of accomplishment? For me, it doesn't have…
Talking Tax
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Gross Income (Salary, Investment Earnings, etc.) - Allowable Deductions, Credits, and Exemptions =Adjusted Gross Income…
Should I sell product as my side hustle?
Powwow, LLC was interviewed by Mental Floss to discuss common client mis-steps. The article positioned my response as being "annoyed"…
How to get over your estate planning fears
6 Factors That Could Influence CD Interest Rates
CD interest rates can be higher than a typical checking or savings account and are affected by these factors.
Understanding the Impending Tax Legislation
Feeling insecure in your ability to banter on about politics, taxes, and headline news the next time you sit down…
Is Genetic Testing a Good Idea?
During the recent holiday season I was peppered with advertising promoting the idea of gifting DNA and ancestry kits. I'll…
Forms of Business Ownership
Inspired by a question in the North Andover Mom's Facebook Group! As a business grows from a hobby or planned…
How to become Legally Responsible for Older Adults
Q: My aging parent has a will naming me executor, isn't that enough for me to take control now? A:…
Resolving IRS Problems
If there’s anything as disconcerting as having the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) call you about a problem, it’s having to…
Evaluating Credit Cards
A credit check for credit cards... When you apply for a credit card you are required to fill out a…
Bayberry Assisted Living: Panel Event on Navigating Elder Care
Quentara Costa visited Bayberry at Emerald Court alongside Patrick Curley of Curley Law Firm in Wakefield, MA to discuss elder…
FINRA Creates New Rule to Help Seniors
"The person you named 10 years ago to be your power of attorney isn't necessarily the correct fit for today…
3 Ways Your House Could Help You Retire
Powwow, LLC was interviewed by CBS MoneyWatch to discuss how home equity can be utilized for retirement. In my years…
Should You Use Credit Cards to Pay for Child Care?
Five things to consider before financing daycare NerdWallet recently interviewed POWWOW for an article on an issue plaguing most young…
How Tech Can Help You Be a Great Caretaker
... Even from hundreds of miles away! Most of us want to have a role in caretaking our aging loved…
Elder Financial Abuse within Families
"Making the call [on elder fraud] is simple when the thief isn’t related to the client. But when the miscreant…
Making sure your money will last in retirement
"A recent Merrill Lynch Age Wave survey showed 37% of people over 50 believe they may need long-term care during…
