Capitol Hill is producing more drama than Hollywood. We’ve got bold statements, ultimatums, cliff-hangers, and confusing sequels. We’ve even got folks paddling up to Senators’ party boats to discuss tax reform. Let’s recap what we know with some educated speculation about what could happen next. [Scroll down to the bottom for the nitty-gritty if youContinue reading “Latest on Taxes”
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Storms ahead? What you need to know
The stock market got a little crazy this week. Is a storm coming? Let’s take a look at what’s driving markets right now. (Scroll to the end if you just want my takeaways.) A few things are driving the market volatility: Fears of a financial crisis in China. China’s overheated real estate bubble is startingContinue reading “Storms ahead? What you need to know”
Taper tantrum part deux?
How are you doing? Are you making plans for fall or taking a step back to reassess? There’s a lot to weigh right now, so I’m curious to hear your thoughts. One big thing you may have heard about in the headlines is the Federal Reserve’s hint that it might start “tapering” soon.1 Could theContinue reading “Taper tantrum part deux?”
$50 burgers (should we worry about inflation?)
How much inflation can the country afford before we’re in trouble? Let’s discuss. First, let’s get on the same page about some basics. If you’ve noticed the price of a thing increasing over time (say, your favorite candy bar or the cost of college tuition), that’s inflation in action. Economists use the broad increase (orContinue reading “$50 burgers (should we worry about inflation?)”
Economy & Taxes
Two things to discuss today: the economy (getting better) and taxes (going up?). Let’s dive in. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and brighter. The economy is booming and we’re getting much closer to pre-pandemic levels of economic growth.1 COVID-19 cases are declining, as the math starts to work forContinue reading “Economy & Taxes”
Higher taxes in 2022?
More spending = higher taxes? That seems likely with a $2 trillion American Jobs Plan (that could eventually cost trillions more) on the table to bolster America’s crumbling infrastructure and invest in R&D.1 What could those tax hikes look like? Let’s consider the possibilities. Though President Biden committed to not raising taxes on folks earningContinue reading “Higher taxes in 2022?”
Rescue bill (what’s inside)
So, the next (final?) round of stimulus was signed into law by President Biden. Let’s dive in. The $1.9 trillion bill called the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes stimulus checks, child tax credits, jobless help, vaccine-distribution money, healthcare subsidies, and aid for struggling restaurants. What’s not inside? A higher minimum wage. Here’s aContinue reading “Rescue bill (what’s inside)”
Biden’s pen (what’s in it for you)
I hope you’re well. After months of election uncertainty, Joe Biden was inaugurated as our 46th president, bringing the peaceful transfer of executive power that defines us as a democracy. President Biden’s pen has been busy, busy, busy so let’s dive into some new policies that could impact you. Student loan freeze: The Department of EducationContinue reading “Biden’s pen (what’s in it for you)”
Season two of 2020?
Does it feel like 2021 yet? The twists and turns so far make it seem like 2020 is dragging into a second season. As an American, I’m shocked and worried, and I’m wondering how political disagreements turned into excuses for violence. As a financial professional, I know that the politics, protests, and rioting in DCContinue reading “Season two of 2020?”
Stimulus bill (what’s inside)
I’m dropping you a quick note about the new economic relief package that was just signed into law. What’s in the box? The rescue package includes:1 $600 direct payments to adults and dependent children An extra $300/week in unemployment benefits through at least mid-March 2021 $325 billion in small business aid Vaccine distribution funding FoodContinue reading “Stimulus bill (what’s inside)”