How can I improve my credit report? Most lenders use credit report information to evaluate the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Borrowers with good credit are presumed to be more creditworthy and...
As with many of life's toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details. ...
As with many of life's toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details. ...
The SECURE Act Offers New Opportunities for Individuals and Businesses The SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act) is major legislation that was passed by Congress as part of...
As with many of life's toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details. ...
As I drove into work this morning and watched the thermometer in my car never get above zero, I was thinking how tough it has been this winter to maintain...
Would you take on a 30-day challenge to spend money only on necessities such as rent, utilities, and groceries? During a no-spend month, many common activities — including dining out, buying...
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold...
According to a recent survey, 76% of Americans reported having at least one financial regret. Over half of this group said it had to do with savings: 27% didn't start...
We’ve all been there before. Bob says he is being bullied by his boss and it’s creating a hostile work environment. When you ask what the leader says to him,...
Unfortunately, data breaches are now normal, everyday occurrences in our society. As a result, many companies are offering services to help you protect your personal information. If you want an...
Unfortunately, data breaches are now normal, everyday occurrences in our society. As a result, many companies are offering services to help you protect your personal information. If you want an...
Unfortunately, data breaches are now normal, everyday occurrences in our society. As a result, many companies are offering services to help you protect your personal information. If you want an...
Unfortunately, data breaches are now normal, everyday occurrences in our society. As a result, many companies are offering services to help you protect your personal information. If you want an...
Raising kids is hard enough, so why not make things easier for yourself when it comes to saving for college? Ideally, you want a savings vehicle that doesn't impose arbitrary...
Since Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett created the Giving Pledge in 2010, more than 200 of the world's wealthiest individuals and couples have committed to giving the majority...
Can you work and receive Social Security retirement benefits at the same time? Yes, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) will apply an earnings test. Part or all of your...
Millennials consistently cite elements like work-life balance and benefits packages as huge factors when considering employers. Salary, it seems, comes secondary in many cases. You can capitalize on this market...
On Sept. 24, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new final rule that updates the salary thresholds that some individuals must meet in order to qualify for...
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are living arrangements that combine independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care on a single campus. CCRCs offer residents a continuum of care throughout...
Like almost everything else these days, the holidays have become a barrage of options and choices, with nearly limitless opportunities to overspend. Here are some tips to help you make...
Each year, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust conduct a survey to examine employer-sponsored health benefit trends. This article summarizes some of its main points....
Independent living communities, also known as rental retirement communities, offer housing options for active seniors and retirees who require little or no assistance with daily activities. Most independent living residents...
Here are 10 things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year....
A recent survey found that more than half of retirees have retirement planning regrets. Unfortunately, many of these retirees had to cut back on their lifestyles to compensate for financial...
Publicly traded companies are required to report their financial performance to regulators and shareholders on a quarterly basis. Earnings season is the often-turbulent period when most companies disclose their successes...
While you may not be able to control every single factor that could interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, you can take control of your sleep...
It’s 8 p.m. on a Sunday. You spent the last two hours dreading the upcoming workweek. As the night progresses, your anxiety only gets worse. Even if this doesn’t sound...
A couple of times now I’ve posted a blog about proposed changes, or the cancelation of those changes to the minimum salary threshold for exempt vs. non-exempt employees. Just last week,...
Some people think employment is all about the money, but they’re wrong. For many, it’s about the opportunities. In fact, Gallup cites “lack of development and career growth” as the...
Most everyone knows someone who has experienced a long term care event. If you’re clients are like mine, they’re thinking about how long term care may affect them. Thoughts like:...
According to Optum’s Wellness in the Workplace study, more than 80% of employers plan to spend more on health care and wellness in the next year than in previous years....
Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services...
Retirement health-care costs will vary depending on your health and longevity, but it may help to have a guideline. These are the estimated savings required for an individual or couple...
Original Medicare — Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance — offers broad coverage, but many services are not covered. Some may be fully or partially covered by...
If you have the opportunity to contribute to both a 401(k) and a health savings account (HSA), you may wonder how best to take advantage of them. Determining how much...
As you move through different stages of life, you will face new and unique financial situations. Did you just get engaged? Perhaps you are wondering how you and your partner...
Publicly traded companies are required to report their financial performance to regulators and shareholders on a quarterly basis. Earnings season is the often-turbulent period when most companies disclose their successes...
A couple of times now I’ve posted a blog about proposed changes, or the cancelation of those changes to the minimum salary threshold for exempt vs. non-exempt employees. Just last week,...
There’s a lot more that goes into finding the right candidate for your company’s opening than just a block of text. That’s why the interview process exists and why, as...
A recent study published in Scientific Reports revealed that spending 120 minutes a week outdoors can improve your health and psychological well-being. Remember, well-being refers to feeling good and living...
In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed rules that would require all Medicare-participating hospitals to post their negotiated prices for standard health care services....
Advisors and high-net-worth individuals with federal estate tax exposure have long relied upon life insurance as a sophisticated planning tool. Life insurance offers a unique combination of liquidity, leverage, and...
In mid-July, Capital One announced that the personal information of more than 100 million of its U.S. customers was compromised in one of the largest data breaches involving a bank....
Even though your child is just in high school, he or she may still have to deal with certain financial challenges. Whether this involves saving for an important purchase like...
The FAFSA, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the federal government's financial aid application. The FAFSA is a prerequisite for federal student loans, grants, and work-study....
Eating healthy doesn’t always mean sacrificing your favorite meals. Although it may not seem like it, you can still stay on track with your diet when enjoying a meal out...
In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed rules that would require all Medicare-participating hospitals to post their negotiated prices for standard health care services....
Ever since a legal secretary named Ida May Fuller received the first Social Security retirement check in 1940, Americans have been counting on Social Security to provide much- needed retirement...
Each year for its Retirement Confidence Survey, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) surveys 1,000 workers and 1,000 retirees to assess how confident they are in their ability to afford...
The financial challenges millennials face can be overwhelming. Many young adults have to figure out how to pay off college loans, save to buy a home or start a family,...
To prepare for open enrollment, group health plan sponsors should be aware of the legal changes affecting the design and administration of their plans for plan years beginning on or...
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your emotions, as well as others’. It’s similar to empathy, but the ability to manage the emotions effectively is key....
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently updated its website to include more resources to help employers with their annual reporting obligations. Find the resources on this blog....
Here are some tips directly from the FTC to help you avoid becoming a victim of the Social Security imposter scam....
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam artist who is trying to steal money or personal information, you're not alone. According to the Senate Special...
If you're the parent or grandparent of a current or prospective college student, you might be interested to learn what's new in the world of higher education....
Research consistently points to time away from work as improving productivity, lowering stress and reducing absenteeism. Unfortunately, many employees still hold onto their paid time off (PTO) and end up...
Estate planning is the process of managing and preserving your assets while you are alive, and conserving and controlling their distribution after your death. There are four key estate planning...
Health officials issued a final rule that expands the usability of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), read more in this blog....
Defensive investment strategies share a common goal — to help a portfolio better weather an economic downturn and/or bouts of market volatility. But there are some key differences, including the...
Sen. Bernie Sanders—an independent senator from Vermont and 2020 Democratic presidential contender—proposed a plan that would cancel $1.6 trillion in student loans. Sanders’ proposed plan would be funded with a...
In these days of social media overload, when anyone can post, or tweet, in the heat of the moment from their phone, what can employees say about their employers, coworkers...
In these days of social media overload, when anyone can post, or tweet, in the heat of the moment from their phone, what can employees say about their employers, coworkers...
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at improving price and quality transparency in health care. The order is intended to increase the availability of health care price...
Taxpayers are required to pay most of their tax obligation during the year by having tax withheld from their paychecks or pension payments, or by making estimated tax payments. Estimated...
If you were unpleasantly surprised by the amount of tax you owed or the amount of your tax refund when you filed your 2018 tax return, it may be time...
Do you have a tendency to push off important tasks? Do you do things at the last minute, or maybe not do them at all? If so, you're not alone....
Investing in foreign stocks provides access to a world of opportunities outside the United States, which may help boost returns and manage risk in your portfolio. However, it's important to...
The following blog shows the health savings account (HSA) limits that will apply for 2020, along with the 2019 limits for comparison purposes. ...
No matter how much money you have or which life stage you're in, becoming financially independent starts with a dream. Your dream might be to finally pay off the mountain...
What does the term “performance review” mean to you? To many people, it means sitting down at the end of the year with a manager to discuss how you conducted...
U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta recently said that he “fully expects” OSHA inspections to increase once new inspectors are trained. Stay within compliance with these tips from the blog....
Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020. This proposed rule describes benefit and payment parameters under the...
In the growing “gig economy,” individuals perform jobs on a one-off or short-term basis, typically through an online application or job marketplace. On April 29, 2019, the Department of Labor...
Job figures continued to rise in April, officially bringing unemployment to its lowest in 50 years— 3.6%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We outline some employer takeaways...
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that most employees in the United States be paid at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay at...
As an investor, you probably pay attention to nominal return. However, to estimate actual income or growth potential in order to target financial goals — for example, a certain level...
Some of the recent changes to the standard deduction and itemized deductions may affect your ability to obtain an income tax benefit from your charitable contributions. Incorporating charitable giving into...
One of the best parts of our work is that we have the opportunity to see the internal workings of many organizations. It’s always amazing to see how many different...
One of the best parts of our work is that we have the opportunity to see the internal workings of many organizations. It’s always amazing to see how many different...
You've put in the hard work as a college student and finally received your diploma. Now you're ready to head out on your own. And though you may not have...
Many investors may be inclined to review their portfolios only when markets hit a rough patch, but careful planning is essential in all economic climates. So whether the markets are...
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, approximately 9 percent of U.S. employers allow their employees to bring their dogs to work every day. With this trend on the...
On March 7, 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule that would change the salary thresholds for the “white collar” overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released a The Economics Daily (TED) report on civilian access to paid and unpaid family leave in 2018. These statistics provide insight into...
According to a Gallup poll, 70 percent of U.S. workers aren’t engaged at work. This statistic should alarm employers across the country, as low engagement means employees are not committed...
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, President Donald Trump delivered the 2019 State of the Union Address (SOTU). The SOTU is an annual message delivered by the president to a joint...
Workplace wellness programs have many benefits, but employers must carefully design them to comply with several federal laws. Recent developments have created new compliance challenges for 2019, we break them...
There is no magic formula to determine how much you or your child should borrow for college. But there is such a thing as borrowing too much. How much is...
Early this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020. This proposed rule describes benefit and payment parameters...
college income-share agreement, or ISA, is a contract between a student and a college where a student receives education funding from the college today in exchange for agreeing to pay...
A financial crisis can be scary at any age, but this is especially true when you're in your 40s or 50s. Perhaps you're way behind on saving for retirement or...
If you follow financial news, you've probably heard many references to "the Fed" along the lines of "the Fed held interest rates," or "market watchers are wondering what the Fed...
Early this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020. This proposed rule describes benefit and payment parameters...
Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in North America and Europe reached its second highest level on record in 2018. There were 19,501 deals worth $3.6 trillion — a 6.3% increase...
I love change. Sometimes too much. Early on in my career, I learned a great lesson about change. I had a brainstorm about a way to rearrange our office space...
Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that may violate federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with...
Getting into the practice of saving will help you become more financially secure. Plan ahead so you have money waiting for you at retirement and can afford unexpected costs along...
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has extended the deadline for employers to submit EEO-1 Reports for 2018. The reports are now due by May 31, 2019. Catch the rest...
Tax filing season is here again. If you haven't done so already, you'll want to start pulling things together — that includes getting your hands on a copy of your...
If you need to renew your driver's license, you may want to get a REAL ID. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacts the 9/11 Commission's recommendation...
Chances are, you probably have your Social Security number memorized, so you may not have had to use your card in awhile. However, there are times when you may be...
Each year, the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) surveys employers to gauge trends in retirement plan features and participation. Results are used by employers and plan participants to benchmark...
Holding a mix of stocks and bonds is fundamental to building a portfolio that can pursue growth while potentially remaining more stable than a stock-only portfolio during market downturns. Many...
Year over year, participation in 529 plans continues to rise. Anyone can open an account, lifetime contribution limits are typically over $300,000, and there are tax benefits if the funds...
Effective March 29, 2019, Michigan’s Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) requires covered employers to provide paid medical leave to their eligible employees. Key requirements under the PMLA are laid out...
Did you know that Social Security may pay benefits to your eligible family members when you die, helping to make their financial life easier? Take the quiz in this blog...
When it comes to exercising, there’s a difference between pushing yourself to your limits and overexerting yourself. Oftentimes, this difference is very small, which is why it’s so important to...
Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020. This proposed rule describes benefit and payment parameters under the...
As a business owner, you should be aware of some recent federal tax legislation changes. Many of the changes can affect the bottom line for the business as well as...
Infographic: Typical child-care fees vary widely by state, as do other living costs, but this blog brings you national averages. ...
As a business owner, you should be aware of some recent federal tax legislation changes. Many of the changes can affect the bottom line for the business as well as...
When planning for retirement, it's important to consider a wide variety of factors. One of the most important is health and its associated costs. Thinking about your future health and...
Tax filing season is here again. If you haven't done so already, you'll want to start pulling things together — that includes getting your hands on a copy of your...
On Dec. 20, 2018, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) removed the incentive limits from its final wellness plan rules. The rules allowed employers to offer wellness incentives of up...
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created reporting rules under Code Sections 6055 and 6056 that require certain employers to provide information to the IRS about the health plan coverage they...
Tom was frustrated. As the CEO, both he and his organization talked a lot about the importance of culture. They knew that they had to provide a great...
A new year brings new issues for HR professionals to contend with. Some challenges are similar to previous years (overtime uncertainty), while others are more unique and complicated (legal marijuana...
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 1 in 3 women has a form of cardiovascular disease. And, heart disease is the leading cause of hospital stays for...
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of...
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of...
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of...
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of...
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of...
In late 2018, the IRS began issuing enforcement letters related to employers’ compliance with the employer shared responsibility rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the 2016 calendar year....
According to Business Insider, getting in shape is consistently the most popular New Year’s resolution in the United States. While making lifestyle changes, as approved by a doctor, is not...
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of...
Flexibility just might be the key to building a family in the workforce. Your job is the foundation for general financial security, including retirement. In addition to providing you with...
Women can face unique challenges when planning for retirement, in this blog we lay out three hurdles they face and discuss ways to be proactive in retirement planning....
Changing careers can be rewarding for many reasons, but career transitions don't always go smoothly. Your career shift may take longer than expected, or you may find yourself temporarily out...
It's almost impossible to overstate the importance of taking the time to plan your estate. Nevertheless, it's surprising how many American adults haven't done so. You might think that those...
After a significant amount of debate and anticipation, Governor Snyder signed revised versions of the Paid Medical Leave Act and the Michigan Minimum Wage laws on Friday. After advising...
On Dec. 14, 2018, a federal judge ruled in Texas v. United States that the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) is invalid due to the elimination of the individual mandate...
Is bulk buying worth it? In theory, buying goods in bulk seems like a smart, money-saving strategy. But in practice, is it really worth it? Next time you're out shopping, consider...
While estimates vary, experts suggest that more than 5.7 million Americans may have Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States,...
If you're a small-business owner, you probably pour your heart, soul, and nearly all your money into your business. When it comes to retirement planning, do you cross your fingers...
If you don't know what happened to your money during the past year, it's time to find out. December and January are the perfect months to look back at what...
Our most recent blog post “Can I Bring My Bong to Work Now?” raised a lot of questions relating to marijuana use in the workplace in light of the recent...
Shopping online is especially popular during the holiday season, when many people prefer to avoid the crowds and purchase gifts with a few clicks of a mouse. However, with this convenience...
Michiganders woke up to the news on Wednesday that marijuana is now legal for recreational use. So what does that mean for employers? Is your drug policy up...
In today's digital world, massive computer hacks and data breaches are common occurrences. And chances are, your personal or financial information is now susceptible to being used for credit fraud...
Here are 10 things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. Effective planning requires that you have a good understanding of...
When we get asked about what is the biggest impact on a business, we advise employers to look at their hiring process. If you bring in the right talent, it...
When the game isn't going your way, call a time out and check out these financial lessons from football....
The biggest names in technology powered stock market gains and bouts of volatility in 2017, and the trend continued into 2018. The S&P Information Technology sector index posted a 13.19%...
It’s a Monday morning after a big weekend and your alarm goes off. You’re probably thinking “Do I really have to go to work today?” Well, maybe not. Earlier this...
If you're saving for a child's college education, at some point you'll want to familiarize yourself with a college net price calculator, which is an invaluable tool for estimating financial...
Comparatively speaking, of all the different types of life insurance available, term is usually the least expensive. Generally, term life insurance provides protection for a stated or defined period of...
For the 2019-2020 school year, the federal government's financial aid form, the FAFSA, can be filed as early as October 1, 2018. It relies on current asset information and two-year-old...
