Many retirement account owners remain unaware of the potential consequences that arise when they overlook details related to their accounts and the tax code. A review of recent court cases underscores this reality, with startling outcomes that can financially alter the lives of surviving beneficiaries. A prime example is the…

In August, the financial burden of utility bills, particularly electricity, loomed large for many Americans, with the national average reaching $185.59. A report from LendingTree highlighted significant disparities in electricity costs across various states, indicating that residents in some areas face bills that exceed the national average substantially. Connecticut emerged…

Mortgage rates have seen an upward trend recently, with the latest data from Zillow indicating an increase in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 6.42%, up seven basis points, and the 15-year fixed rate rising to 5.79%, up 11 basis points. This rise is linked to the recent movement of…

Between March 2022 and July 2023, the Federal Reserve executed an aggressive monetary policy by raising its benchmark interest rate 11 times, primarily to combat inflationary pressures. This surge in the federal funds rate resulted in a significant increase in interest rates for money market accounts (MMAs), leading many savers…

Building a multi-generational family business requires careful consideration and a strategic approach that emphasizes legacy, collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning. Lessons drawn from industry leaders, such as Firestone Walker, a prominent craft brewery founded by David Walker and Adam Firestone, highlight key strategies for ensuring that a family business remains…

A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is an attractive financial product for those seeking a secure option to store savings while earning interest. CD accounts generally offer interest rates above what traditional savings and checking accounts yield, making them an appealing choice for individuals looking to grow their savings. However, it’s…

In the wake of the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts, many savers have found themselves disheartened as traditional savings account interest rates continue to dwindle. The current national average for such accounts is a mere 0.43%, as reported by the FDIC. However, there is still hope for those seeking…

A significant 68% of Americans lack a valid will, putting their loved ones at risk of unnecessary conflict and legal complications. According to a survey by LegalShield cited by InvestmentNews, 58% of U.S. adults either have experienced or know someone who has faced familial disputes due to inadequate estate planning.…

In recent months, prospective homeowners have grappled with rising mortgage rates that at times seemed relentless. However, new data from Freddie Mac indicates a noteworthy shift. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has seen a decrease for the third consecutive week, settling at 6.60%, while the 15-year fixed rate has…

Bentonville, Arkansas, has become a focal point for rapid economic growth and demographic shifts over the last fifty years, primarily driven by the influx of major corporations such as Walmart and Tyson Foods. This transformation has significantly altered the socio-economic landscape of the region, elevating areas surrounding these corporate headquarters…

In September, the Federal Reserve enacted a significant decrease in its benchmark interest rate, cutting it by 50 basis points, which was followed by another reduction of 25 basis points in November. These cuts are reflective of broader economic conditions and have led to a decline in deposit interest rates…