A promising way to jumpstart the U.S. economy is by helping more entrepreneurs establish their own businesses. The 30.2 million U.S. small businesses represent 99.9 percent of all businesses in this country. They employ nearly half (47.5 percent) of America’s total workforce. If you need further proof that small businesses can provide an economic boost,…

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The total cost of Social Security will exceed its income resources this year for the first time since 1982. For now, trustees expect current taxes, interest income on reserves and trust fund asset reserves to provide the funding necessary for both Social Security and Medicare. However, trust fund reserves are projected tobe depleted at the…

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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. Considering this new emphasis on America first, perhaps it’s worth looking at how the U.S. ranks on the world…

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Although it’s taken a back seat to domestic concerns over the past year, cybercrime is still on the rise. Attacks such as “Wannacry” shut down health care systems and businesses across the globe in 2017, and the World Economic Forum estimates cybercrimes cost the global economy about $445 billion a year. It is a unifying…

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When employer-sponsored 401(k) plans were introduced in the 1980’s, an unexpected consequence occurred: Pensions stopped being the norm. One reason is that companies found 401(k) plans less expensive than traditional defined benefit plans. At the time, 401(k) plans were touted as an opportunity for greater earnings and a richer retirement lifestyle. While it’s true that…

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Each person is unique. We are composed of many variables, such as genetics, family influence, geographic influence and even the birth order among siblings – a veritable combination of the forces of biology and society.1 So when it comes to managing your finances, the debate isn’t about nature versus nurture; it’s both. For example, consider two siblings raised…

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As we head into the final quarter of 2017, it’s a good idea to stay cognizant of any tax issues that may affect your finances come April 2018. Now is the time to review your investments and income distribution plans to help ensure you don’t trigger additional taxes or penalties later on.   We can…

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Many large companies offer employees a 401(k) plan with some degree of matching contribution. Although this is a good employee benefit to have, you always should pay attention to the fees involved in your plan. Your plan provider charges various fees to invest, manage and administer the plan, and those fees are passed on to…

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Is it a secret that American politics are contentious, divided and rocky? Yet, one topic has the potential to bring both sides to the table: Infrastructure.   The Republicans and Democrats may not agree on the details; after all, infrastructure spending necessitates funding. Conservatives worry about additional taxes or increasing government debt, while liberals oppose…

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