News
3 tips for handling financial stress in volatile times
April 22, 2025
Money-related stress is top of mind for most Americans, according to a new AICPA survey that shows more than 70% feeling either cautious or uncertain about their financial situation. Some respondents are taking steps to shore up finances with less spending or more saving, and the AICPA is offering advice for managing financial stress as part of National Financial Literacy Month.
Retirement snapshot: 3 things to know about the average pre-retiree
April 07, 2025
Yes, every candidate for retirement is different. But, whether you’re an individual beginning to eye retirement or a financial planner with a constant eye on helping your clients successfully retire, a snapshot of the typical would-be retiree can provide perspective worth considering.
13 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund
March 11, 2025
If you have a refund check coming your way, consider using it to bolster your personal balance sheet.
With Trump tax cuts set to expire, tax pros tell businesses not to wait to develop a succession plan
March 10, 2025
There are many reasons for a business owner to develop a succession plan. It can ensure continuity and minimize disruptions, especially in the face of an unexpected death. It also can help prepare employees for future leadership roles.
Gig workers unaware of lower 1099-K threshold
January 31, 2025
Millions more taxpayers will be receiving the Form 1099-K in the mail this year for the first time if they were paid $5,000 or more last year through a service such as Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, StubHub, Etsy and Airbnb, and most won't be expecting it.
DOL’s ‘retirement security rule’ runs into obstacles
January 13, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) "retirement security rule" (RIN 1210-AC02), which was scheduled to take effect this past September but has been temporarily blocked by the courts, faces doubtful prospects because of court challenges and the change in presidential administration.
DOL’s ‘retirement security rule’ runs into obstacles
January 13, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) "retirement security rule" (RIN 1210-AC02), which was scheduled to take effect this past September but has been temporarily blocked by the courts, faces doubtful prospects because of court challenges and the change in presidential administration.
Proposed regulations address 401(k), 403(b) automatic enrollment requirement
January 13, 2025
Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations addressing certain SECURE 2.0 Act provisions, including a provision that would require most newly established 401(k) and 403(b) plans to automatically enroll eligible employees beginning with the 2025 plan year.
Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations on new Roth catch-up rule, other SECURE 2.0 Act provisions
January 10, 2025
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations today addressing several SECURE 2.0 Act provisions relating to catch-up contributions, which are additional contributions under a 401(k) or similar workplace retirement plan that generally are allowed with respect to employees who are age 50 or older.
IRS urges many retirees to make required withdrawals from retirement plans by year-end deadline
December 13, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those aged 73 and older of the deadline to take required minimum distributions from individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) and other retirement plans, and highlighted updates introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act.
Answering common questions about HSAs and Medicare enrollment
November 25, 2024
Americans age 55 and over hold an estimated $52 billion in their health savings accounts (HSAs), according to HSA investment company Devenir's most recent research. It's no surprise that as clients approach Medicare enrollment, they are increasingly interested in continuing to fund their HSAs to provide for current and future health care expenses.
Save for retirement now, get a tax credit later: Saver’s Credit can help low- and moderate-income taxpayers save more in 2025
November 25, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service today reminded low- and moderate-income taxpayers that they can save for retirement now and possibly earn a tax credit in 2025 and future years.
Planning for 2025's tax brackets and retirement rules
November 04, 2024
Cooling inflation will bring some relief in the form of slightly lower taxes next year. An average inflationary adjustment of 2.8% under IRS guidance for 2025 released earlier this month came in lower than the 5.4% hike for this year and a boost of more than 7% across the seven federal income brackets in 2023, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Tax Foundation.
401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000
November 02, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2025 has increased to $23,500, up from $23,000 for 2024.
Treasury and IRS issue guidance on long-term, part-time employees in 403(b) retirement plans and announce delayed applicability date for related final 401(k) regulation
October 03, 2024
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance addressing long-term, part-time employees in 403(b) retirement plans under the SECURE 2.0 Act, which applies to 403(b) plans beginning in 2025. These plans are similar to 401(k) plans but are generally for employees of charities and public schools.
Using behavioral science in a financial-planning practice
September 23, 2024
By understanding influences on clients' decision-making, CPA financial planners can work with them better and operate a practice more effectively, Michael E. Kitces highlighted in a presentation at the AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE conference in June about how to use behavioral finance in a financial-planning practice.
34% of U.S. employees age 50+ want to phase into retirement
August 29, 2024
While millions of older workers are aiming to delay retirement, many others are looking to begin winding down sooner than later.
IRS reminder: Employer educational assistance programs can still be used to help pay off workers’ student loans through Dec. 31, 2025
August 28, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service today issued a reminder that employers who offer educational assistance programs can also use them to help pay for their employees’ student loan obligations through Dec. 31, 2025.
Connecticut Expands Paid Sick Leave Law in 2025 but Limits Employers’ Control over How it is Used
August 22, 2024
On May 28, 2024, Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation expanding Connecticut’s 2011 Sick Leave Law. The new legislation is effective on January 1st, 2025. The law covers more employees, expands the reasons under which employees may use paid sick leave, and reduces the required hours to accrue paid sick leave.
To prepare to teach financial literacy, CT educators go back to school
August 22, 2024
Next Gen Personal Finance, CT Financial Scholars provide professional development to help schools meet new requirements.