amriphoto Amid the nationwide flurry of tax cuts, two states are voting on whether to enact a “millionaire tax” on top earners in November. In California, Proposition 30 would add a 1.75% levy on annual income of more than $2 million, in addition to the state’s top income tax rate of 13.3%, beginning Jan. 1.
Personal finance
Brandon Bell | Getty Images It’s no secret that higher prices are taking a bite out of household budgets. They also appear to have made some people change their retirement savings habits: Inflation has caused 54% of adults to either reduce or stop their contributions, according to a new report from Allianz Life. Additionally, 43%
Fly View Productions | E+ | Getty Images For individuals or families that get — or could get — health insurance through the public marketplace, the opportunity to choose coverage for 2023 is nearing. Open enrollment, when you can pick a health plan for next year, runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 15 for the federal
nd3000 | iStock | Getty Images Despite signs of a cooling housing market, home prices are still relatively high, resulting in bigger down payments. Over the past year, average down payments in the country’s 50 biggest metros have grown by more than 35%, according to a LendingTree report, based on 30-year fixed-rate mortgage data from
Insta_photos | Istock | Getty Images If you’re eager to secure 9.62% annual interest for Series I bonds for six months, the deadline is quickly approaching. You must purchase I bonds and receive your confirmation email by Oct. 28 to lock in the record 9.62% rate, according to TreasuryDirect. The rate is expected to drop
BartekSzewczyk | Getty If you’ve already maxed out 401(k) plan contributions for 2022 and you’re eager to save more for retirement, some plans have an under-the-radar option, experts say. For 2022, you can defer $20,500 into a 401(k), plus an extra $6,500 for investors 50 and older. But the total plan limit is $61,000 per
Sarah O’Brien hard at work writing about personal finance. Salvatore Agostino One of the best benefits of being a personal finance reporter is my keen ability to recognize the many money mistakes I’ve made in my life. I’ve already divulged a few in the first iteration of this confessional two years ago. While some of
When it comes to getting into college, every little bit helps. Often college hopefuls turn to applying early to their top school to gain that edge. By demonstrating a preference to a particular college, studies have shown, an early application can give you a leg up, which goes a long way in the hyper-competitive world
Xavierarnau | E+ | Getty Images Social Security benefits will go up by more than $140 per month on average in 2023, as a record 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment kicks in. Exactly how much of an increase the approximately 70 million Americans who rely on the program for income will see will vary. More than 65
Getty Images If you’re planning to sell investments or rebalance your taxable portfolio, you may be less likely to trigger a tax bill in 2023, experts say. This week, the IRS released dozens of inflation adjustments for 2023, including higher income tax brackets, increased standard deductions, bigger estate tax exclusions and more. The agency also
Bernd Vogel | Getty Images Ultra-wealthy Americans can soon protect more assets from federal estate taxes, the IRS announced this week. Starting in 2023, individuals can transfer up to $12.92 million to heirs, during life or at death, without triggering a federal estate-tax bill, up from $12.06 million in 2022. Since married couples may share
Mike Mergen | Bloomberg | Getty Images If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, now’s the time to evaluate your prescription drug coverage for 2023. In addition to checking during Medicare’s annual fall open enrollment whether you can get a more cost-effective plan, you should be aware of some legislative changes taking effect next year that may