US equity markets recovered a bit after the rough October returns, though still down over the past two months. For the year, US large caps are holding a solid gain but small caps are roughly flat. At the sector level, the monthly return range was about 9%, with Health Care having a positive 7% and...
The 2019 Medicare Part B premiums have been set. There is a small increase of 1.1% or $1.50/month for the standard premium up to $135.50/month. Those with a higher income that are impacted by income related adjustments (IRMAA) have the same % increase but will see a slightly higher dollar increase...
As you are probably aware, almost all asset classes were down this past month. Even the usual favorable effects of rising bond prices didn't help except for short-maturity treasuries and currency-hedged international bonds. There was a small bounce at the end of the month in equity markets to...
Last month I posted the 2019 Social Security inflation adjustment estimate of 2.8% based on 2 of the 3 months' CPI data available at that time. This morning the final CPI-W data point was released and the final inflation adjustment for benefits is 2.8%, the highest since 2012. Unlike last year when...
The fall season brings us changing leaves, harvest, football - and the inflation adjustment for Social Security benefits and maximum salary subject to Social Security payroll taxes. The final CPI-W data point will be released October 11th but with 2 of the 3 data points known, an early estimate can...
It is hard to believe but soon there will be “back to school specials”. One critical supply many college students need is student loans. This year's fashion includes a higher interest rate. Like most products linked to interest rates, the rate is up from the previous year. The rate charged depends...
Every year the Social Security and Medicare Trustees released a report updating the financial health of the Trust Funds. These programs provide a very important financial base for retirees. The primary source of funding is the payroll tax (FICA) of 7.65% (double if self-employed). Additional...
"Fed holds key interest rate steady" - Chicago Tribune, May 3, 2018
You likely have seen similar headlines - and at times the rates may be raised or lowered - and maybe the headline used FOMC instead of Fed. This post gives a very brief description of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and...
For those with Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) and a need for borrowing, the last nine years provided extremely low interest rates – and therefore low interest charges - on amounts borrowed. It was the flip side for savers earning close to nothing on cash savings. And unlike credit card or...
