Education

In August of 2020, the Fed announced that it is willing to allow inflation to run higher than normal in order to support the labor market and broader economy. This major policy shift allows inflation to run above the Fed’s 2% goal for some time before the Fed would consider increasing short-term interest rates in an attempt to combat higher prices. These robust changes to the Fed’s long-standing inflation policy further illustrate the importance of understanding how inflation is reported and how it can affect your investments.

One of the investment practices forging ahead in global equity markets is without a doubt the concept of Socially Responsible Investing. As investors become more conscious of the impact of their investments on the environment, human rights, and public health they are making decisions to invest in companies that share their values. Such companies consider the impact of their business practices on all of their stakeholders - that is, their shareowners, customers, clients, employees, the communities in which they operate, and the natural world.

After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021 CAA) was signed into law by President Trump as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact employers and employees. Here’s a quick recap of five key highlights:

Medicare enrollment is automatic for some. For those receiving Social Security benefits, the coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65.1 If you are not receiving Social Security benefits at 65, you may be delaying until you reach full retirement age, or until you reach 70. If you’re coming up on 65 and not receiving Social Security benefits, SSDI, or benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, you can still apply for Medicare coverage.

Your Year-End Financial Checklist
Aspects of your financial life to review as the year draws to a close.

Provided by Daniel Kelley

Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2020.

Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year 2021-22. Applying for the FAFSA allows you to qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federally-sourced aid, such as work-study or student loans. The applications opened on October 1, 2020, and will be accepted until the deadline, June 30, 2022.1

Even though more than half of U.S. households have some form of investment in the stock market, many new parents may still find that creating a financial strategy is the last thing on their minds. And who can blame them? After all, new parents have a million concerns to keep in mind on top of any unexpected financial pressure that may arise. But for young families with discretionary income, creating a financial strategy may be easier than they realize.

Little-Known Homeowners Insurance Facts

You may be surprised to learn what is and is not covered.

 

Provided by Daniel Kelley

 

If you have a homeowners insurance policy, you should be aware of what this insurance does and does not cover. These policies have their limitations as well as under recognized perks.