Healthcare costs

Which is better? An SEP plan or solo 401(k)?

With their pro bono efforts, advisors have helped clients manage thousands in debt, plan for future health care costs and even offered healthy recipes.

But health care is probably more expensive.

Guiding them through the fine print of narrow networks, deductibles and copays could become a key differentiator.

The limit on deductible contributions to health savings accounts will jump by $50 for individuals and $100 for families next year.

Some seniors are missing out on a potential 20% tax deduction, and “no one is talking about what a wonderful retirement planning technique" it is, says an expert.

When financial emergencies compel early withdrawals from clients' retirement accounts, they face income tax and often an additional 10% penalty.

The number of health savings accounts has topped 25 million, and employer contributions also have increased after several years of decline.

Even middle-class households who have health insurance are at risk, as a researcher points out that they are the ones who filed for the most bankruptcies.

Maryland and New Jersey are among the least-appealing places for employees to spend their post-work years, due in part to affordability, health costs and overall quality of life.

Virginia and Colorado are among the most-appealing locations for retirees to spend their golden years, due in part to top scores in affordability, health-related factors and overall quality of life.

The stock market typically recovers from bear markets in far less time than most doom-and-gloomers think, says an expert.

When trying to predict and plan for Alzheimer’s, diabetes and other genetic diseases, certain tests seem attractive. Are they worth the time and money?

A widely held view is that a lot of spending is wasted on “heroic” measures at the end of life, but it’s difficult to know which patients are in their final year.

Millennials are already behind in savings compared to where their parents stood at similar ages.

Many of the bill’s provisions are taken from the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act, which enjoyed some bipartisan support.

Assisted-living expenses increased 7%, according to one study, which is triple the rate of inflation.

Clients should turn to their own timeline before making any changes to their portfolio during a market correction.

While tax reform has been a mixed bag for muni bonds, a few factors working in their favor include constrained supply this year, as well as historically low defaults.

About that tax deduction, it’s not enough of a reason to keep a mortgage. Remember, it’s only a deduction, not a credit.