The Federal Reserve reports that 26% of working Americans have no retirement savings. And among the working Americans who have retirement investment funds, 45% feel that their savings projections fall short of their long-term goals. If you’re a late retirement...
MKR Blog
Don’t Fall Short of Savings Goals by Believing These Common Retirement Misconceptions
Although retirement planning often involves some guesswork regarding the future of the economy as well as each retiree’s individual circumstances, there are some general misconceptions to avoid in order to be sure you’re building a solid nest egg. We go through these...
These Retirement Distribution Plans Will Set You Up for Long-Term Financial Security
A retirement withdrawal strategy can help you establish the appropriate amount of money to take out of your investment accounts each year. The amount you decide to make available to yourself will affect your quality of life in retirement, and you want to make sure...
Social Security Realities You Should Be Aware of When Preparing for Retirement
While Social Security typically plays a role in planning for retirement, it’s important to be clear on the specifics of this benefits program. It definitely can be a source of financial support, but there are a few realities to be aware of so you’re not caught off...
How to Plan for Income Gaps in Retirement
The definition of a retirement gap is when the income you are on track to have when you retire—from sources like Social Security, pensions, part-time work, or a 401(k)—falls short of the income you will actually need to retire the way you want. While you may be...
How to Get Your 401(k) Back on Track After COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has been more than a health crisis—it’s been a financial crisis as well. Business closures, job loss, reduced hours, and limited financial relief led to many savings accounts taking a major hit. As a result, more than 2 million Americans took...
Retirement Plan Options for Small Businesses to Help Attract New Employees
As a small business employer, signifying your commitment to employees’ long-term financial goals by offering a tax-favored retirement benefit is a solid way to draw in and retain valuable employees. Retirement plans may seem complex and costly, but there are...
Roth Conversions Are Trending. Is It the Right Move for You?
Legislative passages in 2020, including the SECURE Act, which made changes to beneficiary distributions, and the CARES Act, which included a waiver of required minimum distributions (RMDs), helped to expand the playing field for savers. These two factors, combined...
The CARES ACT Makes 401(k) Withdrawals Easier, but Should You?
Customarily, retirement savings plans such as 401(k)s are tough to withdraw from before age 59.5 without accruing penalties and tax withholdings, but the CARES Act, which was passed by Congress in response to the economic hit caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,...
Is Social Security Headed for Bankruptcy?
Beginning next year, for the first time in 39 years, Social Security is projected to dispense more money than it takes in, which means that the money being collected by the program will soon not be enough to cover the benefits being paid out. Does this mean that...
How to Grow Your Money When Savings and CD Rates Drop After Rate Cuts
When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, it’s good news for borrowers and consumers, but not so much for savers. The Fed’s recent quarter-point rate cut is a reminder that the annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs)...
Trump’s Pfizer Deal Signals Relief for Drugmakers Facing Tariff Threats
A recent deal between the Trump administration and Pfizer is signaling hope to the pharmaceutical industry. Under Trump's Pfizer deal, Pfizer gets an exemption from pharmaceutical-specific tariffs if the company invests in domestic manufacturing. This key deal is...
Tax Changes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill: Nontaxable Income, Gift Limits, and Overtime Deductions
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) introduced several tax changes designed to boost take-home pay and simplify the tax code. Some major adjustments include nontaxable income, gift limits, estate tax exemption, and overtime deductions. Here’s a look at...
Smart Business Strategies to Prepare for Economic Downturns
Economies always run in cycles, which means that, at some point, inevitably, there will be a downturn. And the best time to prepare for an economic downturn is before things start to take a tumble. In this article, we’ll go over strategies you can use to keep your...
Succession Planning for Professional Services Practices: Preparing to Sell, Merge, or Pass the Firm to the Next Generation
What happens when it’s time to step back from running your professional services firm? Is there a clear path for the future of your business? In this article, we’ll go over how to create a solid succession plan, whether you’re looking to sell, merge, or pass the firm...
How to Maximize the $40,000 SALT Deduction in 2025 Under Trump’s New Tax Law
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) signed by President Trump includes a federal cap on the state and local tax (SALT). Until 2024, SALT was capped at $10,000 under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), but the OBBB increased it to $40,000. The cap will rise by 1% each...
How Tariffs, Economic Uncertainty, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Are Impacting Small Business Earnings
Small businesses are finally seeing signs of life after a rocky few years. Since January, average earnings have climbed by 75%. That’s an encouraging statistic, yet monthly revenues still lag behind the record highs of the past two years. This signals that progress is...
Americans Spend Hours Thinking About Money: Financial Stress, Its Impact, and Practical Solutions to Ease Worries
Recent surveys reveal that Americans spend hours each week thinking about their finances. Rising prices, mounting debt, and uncertainty about the future all contribute to financial stress. Add in steep housing costs, concerns over tariffs raising the price of goods,...
How Small Retailers Can Use Local Partnerships to Drive Foot Traffic and Boost Sales
Small retailers have a rough go competing against big chains and e-commerce giants, but there’s one thing these smaller stores have that Amazon doesn’t: community. Local stores have the opportunity to build connections with their customers. Building partnerships...
Why 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Start or Buy an Independent Veterinary Practice
A noticeable trend in 2025 points to a resurgence in independent veterinary ownership. In an era dominated by corporate consolidation, 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point — especially for veterinarians ready to reclaim ownership, redefine care models, and build...