As the year comes to an end there are some things you may want to consider before 2021 arrives in just a few weeks. Increase your retirement savings. The maximum amounts allowed to 401k and IRA retirement plans remains unchanged for 2021 at $19,500 ($26,000 if over 50) and $6,000 ($7,000 if over 50) respectively. Consider saving as a percentage versus a dollar amount. Some 401k plans allow you to increase your percentage savings automatically every year. Replenish your emergency fund if necessary. Three to six months of living expenses is a good idea. If you found yourself using more during the pandemic, consider an emergency fund of six to nine months. Consider lowering your debt. Reducing and eliminating debt could mean making extra payments on your mortgage or vehicles. It may also necessitate refinancing your mortgage. With current rates as low as they are, it may be wise to […]
Independent financial advice: IRA, Social Security, income tax, and all things financial
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Jim Blankenship, CFP®, EA
Phone 630-40-DUCKS (630-403-8257)
jim@blankenshipfinancial.com
Twitter: BlankenshipFP / Financialducks
Facebook: Jim Blankenship
LinkedIn: BlankenshipFP
Amazon: Author PageJim provides expert guidance for
your Retirement, Education Funding,
and Income Tax issues and concerns.In addition to this blog, you’ll find Jim’s writings all around the internet, as he is a regular contributor to Forbes.com, TheStreet.com, and FiGuide. Several other sites also republish his work.
He has also written five books on Social Security, IRAs, 401(k) plans, and Medicare. See below for more on the books.
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Sterling Raskie, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®
Phone 630-40-DUCKS (630-403-8257)
sterling@blankenshipfinancial.com
Twitter: SterlingRaskie
LinkedIn: SterlingRaskieSterling provides expert guidance for your Retirement, Insurance, Education Funding, Investments and Income Tax issues and concerns.
In addition to this blog, you’ll find Sterling’s writings all around the internet. Sterling is also an adjunct professor teaching courses in math, finance, investments and insurance.
The books!
The latest in our Owner’s Manual series, A 401(k) Owner’s Manual, was published in January 2020 and is available on Amazon at this link. This book includes all of the updates to retirement plans with passage of the SECURE Act.
A Medicare Owner’s Manual, is updated with 2020 facts and figures. This manual is available on Amazon at this link.
Social Security for the Suddenly Single can be found on Amazon at this link. This book is narrowly-focused on divorcee Social Security strategies and rules. It is also available in a Kindle version.
Sterling’s first book, Lose Weight Save Money, can be purchased by clicking this link. The book is also available on Kindle, which you can find at this Kindle version link.
An IRA Owner’s Manual, 2nd Edition is available for purchase on Amazon. Click the link to choose the paperback version, or the Kindle version.
Jim’s book – A Social Security Owner’s Manual, is now available on Amazon. Click this link for the Amazon ordering page.Queuing Waterfowl
In case you hadn’t already noticed, this blog doesn’t have much to do with ducks – or any waterfowl for that matter.
No, what we’re doing here is talking about all things financial; getting your financial house in order. Here in the Midwest, “getting your ducks in a row” implies organization, which is one of the outcomes of having a better understanding of your financial life.
I hope you find the answers you’re looking for among the articles here, and perhaps a smile. If you can’t locate your answer, drop me an email or give me a call – we’ll see what we can find for you.
And if you’ve come here to learn about queuing waterfowl, I apologize for the confusion. You may want to discuss your question with Lester, my loyal watchduck and self-proclaimed “advisor’s advisor”.
