2 Expensive Mistakes Most Retirees Make — and How to Avoid Them
A new study by economists John Duffy and Yue Li highlights two costly errors retirees often make: claiming Social Security benefits early and underspending during retirement. Early claiming permanently reduces monthly payouts, while conservative spending leaves retirees with unused wealth and lower life‑quality. The research provides experimental evidence that delayed benefits lead to slower asset decumulation, improving financial security. Experts advise balancing longevity risk with appropriate spending to maximize retirement well‑being.
Here's What Smart People Are Saying About NYC's Proposed Annual Pied-À-Terre Tax on Homes Worth $5 Million or More
New York City’s mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have unveiled a pied‑à‑terre tax on second homes valued over $5 million, projected to generate up to $500 million in annual revenue. The proposal has split experts: the Fiscal Policy Institute hails...
Founder Liquidity Without Compromising on Growth
Founder liquidity—selling a portion of personal equity—can free up cash without forcing an exit or diluting the company. The article explains that secondary transactions let founders sell shares directly to investors, sidestepping new funding rounds. Structured deals can even preserve...
3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund
The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) advises taxpayers to allocate their refunds toward three pillars: building an emergency fund, paying down high‑interest debt, and investing for the long term. Refunds this year are expected to be roughly 10% larger thanks to...
2 ETF Smart Leverage Portfolio Could Beat The S&P 500 By 200% Over 25 Years
A new research note proposes a two‑ETF smart‑leverage strategy that could outpace the S&P 500 by roughly 200 % over the next 25 years. The method blends a core equity ETF with a leveraged counterpart, applying higher exposure only when market conditions are...
Are Your Retirement Savings on Track at Ages 55 to 60? Take Our Quiz
JPMorgan released retirement‑savings benchmarks for households earning $80,000 to $300,000, outlining target balances at ages 55 and 60. The model assumes a 65‑year retirement, a 5% annual gross savings rate, and a target‑date fund portfolio lasting 35 years. Targets range...
Bessent Says to Adjust Your Paycheck Withholding — but Mistakes Could Trigger a Tax Bill, Experts Caution
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged workers to revise their 2026 paycheck withholding, promising an automatic boost to take‑home pay. The IRS has not updated its withholding tables despite new 2025 tax law provisions, leaving many employees to rely on the...
Good Financial Reads: Smart Tax Moves Most People Miss
The article outlines four under‑utilized tax strategies: the live‑in flip, which lets investors treat a renovated primary residence as a Section 121 exclusion‑eligible sale after two years; donating appreciated securities instead of cash to avoid capital‑gain tax while securing a charitable...
You Have Some Options for Dealing With Rising Property Taxes
Property taxes rose 3% in 2025, pushing the average single‑family home bill above $4,400. The increase reflects higher home values and, in many jurisdictions, higher tax rates as local governments grapple with inflation‑driven costs and reduced federal aid. The Northeast...
“Clients Are Philanthropic” An Advisor’s Guide to DAFs
Wealth advisor Mike Flux launched his own donor‑advised fund (DAF) with a $35,000 CAD (≈$26,000 USD) in‑kind donation, using the vehicle to illustrate its low entry barrier and tax efficiency. He argues DAFs let clients pursue strategic philanthropy without the administrative...
Ask the Tax Editor, April 17: Questions on Tax Refunds and Penalties
The article answers four frequent taxpayer questions: how to correct a wrong bank account for a refund, why paper‑check refunds are delayed as the IRS phases them out, the mechanics behind the underpayment penalty, and eligibility for first‑time penalty abatement....
3 Questions to Ask Before Deciding if a Roth Conversion Is Right for You
Roth conversions let retirees shift tax liability from future withdrawals to today, but the decision hinges on three core questions. Taxpayers must assess whether their future tax rate will exceed the current rate, ensure they can cover the conversion tax...
How Much Money Should Gerry, in His 70s, Have in Equities, Bonds and Cash?
Gerry, a Canadian retiree in his late 70s, wonders whether to shift his blue‑chip equity portfolio into risk‑free GICs despite higher taxes. The Financial Post advice stresses a hybrid approach: keep a cash/GIC buffer for three‑to‑five years of income, then...
How Football and Annuities Can Defend Against Risk in Retirement
The article warns that the S&P 500’s CAPE ratio of 39.59 – the highest since the dot‑com era – signals elevated market valuations and likely muted equity returns. It draws parallels between football defensive tactics and retirement investing, urging investors to...
Where a Trump Account Might Fit in Your Financial Strategy for Your Newborn (Agree With Him or Not, Your Child...
The Treasury is introducing a new "Trump Account" that functions like a low‑cost, tax‑deferred retirement vehicle for children born between 2025 and 2028. Eligible newborns can receive a $1,000 federal grant when parents file IRS Form 4547 with their 2025 return....