Core Insights - Retirement introduces the challenge of managing a fixed income amidst rising living costs and longer life expectancies [1] - Small increases in spending can significantly undermine retirement plans, highlighting the importance of controlling expenses [2][4] Spending Control - Establishing a sustainable savings habit early, ideally saving 5% to 10% of income, is crucial for long-term financial health [3] - Consistent portfolio rebalancing and disciplined diversification are essential for ensuring that retirement funds last [6] Financial Management Strategies - Gradually increasing savings and automating the process can help retirees manage their finances effectively [7] - Tracking spending is vital to maintain control over finances and ensure that funds are not depleted prematurely [7]

Core Insights - The funded status of the largest corporate defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. improved significantly to 104% in 2025, up from 101% in 2024, driven by strong market returns and stable interest rates [1][2][5] Group 1: Funded Status Improvement - The aggregate pension funded status for 349 Fortune 1000 companies reached an estimated 104% at the end of 2025, with pension obligations decreasing from $1.16 trillion in 2024 to approximately $1.11 trillion in 2025 [2][5] - The historical trend shows a steady increase in funded status from 77% in 2008 to 104% in 2025, indicating a positive long-term trajectory for pension plans [4] Group 2: Investment Performance - Pension plan assets remained robust, totaling $1.16 trillion at the end of 2025, with overall investment returns averaging 11% for the year [5] - Domestic large-cap equities saw an 18% increase, while small/mid-cap equities rose by 12%, and long corporate and government bonds gained 8% and 6% respectively [5] Group 3: Challenges and Strategies - Despite the overall improvement, there is a notable divide between well-funded and underfunded plans, with underfunded plans facing challenges in improving their status [6] - Plan sponsors of underfunded plans are advised to monitor potential required contributions and consider a holistic approach that combines investment, funding, and risk transfer strategies for 2026 [6]

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $WLDN--Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLDN) announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Compass Municipal Advisors, LLC ("Compass†) by its subsidiary, Willdan Financial Services. Compass is an independent municipal advisory firm headquartered in the Southeastern U.S. The terms of this transaction were not disclosed. Willdan expects the acquisition of Compass to expand its geographic footprint and enhance its municipal advisory and publi. ...

Core Insights - The article discusses important tax considerations for home buyers and sellers in 2025, particularly focusing on first-time buyers and the implications of recent tax law changes [1] Group 1: Tax Deductions for Home Buyers - Mortgage interest and property taxes are generally deductible, providing potential tax benefits for home buyers in 2025 [2] - The standard deduction for 2025 is set at $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for joint filers, suggesting that itemizing expenses may be more beneficial for those with higher deductible expenses [3] - The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" has increased the state and local tax deduction limit to $40,000, although this limit is lower for higher-income taxpayers [4] Group 2: Importance of Record Keeping - Maintaining excellent records for tax returns is crucial for home buyers, as emphasized by financial experts [5] - It is important to save all documents related to home purchases and mortgages, as well as receipts for home improvements, which can help reduce capital gains tax when selling the home [6] - The IRS considers substantial upgrades that improve the home's structure and livability as applicable for tax deductions, while normal wear and tear repairs do not qualify [7]

Core Viewpoint - Jim Wyckoff has extensive experience in the stock, financial, and commodity markets, contributing to his expertise in market analysis and reporting [1][2]. Group 1: Professional Background - Jim Wyckoff has over 25 years of involvement in various financial markets, including roles as a financial journalist and market analyst [1]. - He has worked with notable organizations such as FWN newswire, Dow Jones Newswires, and TraderPlanet.com, showcasing his diverse experience in market analysis [2]. - Wyckoff is the proprietor of "Jim Wyckoff on the Markets," which offers analytical, educational, and trading advisory services [2]. Group 2: Educational Background - Jim Wyckoff holds a degree in journalism and economics from Iowa State University, which underpins his analytical skills in financial markets [2]. Group 3: Current Engagements - Jim provides daily market updates and technical analysis on Kitco.com, indicating his ongoing engagement with market trends [3].

Group 1 - Jim Wyckoff has over 25 years of experience in stock, financial, and commodity markets, including roles as a financial journalist and reporter on commodity futures trading floors in Chicago and New York [1] - He has covered every futures market traded in the U.S. at various times throughout his career [1] - Jim is the owner of the "Jim Wyckoff on the Markets" analytical, educational, and trading advisory service [2] Group 2 - He has worked as a technical analyst for Dow Jones Newswires and served as the senior market analyst with TraderPlanet.com [2] - Jim is also a consultant for the "Pro Farmer" agricultural advisory service and was the head equities analyst at CapitalistEdge.com [2] - He holds a degree in journalism and economics from Iowa State University [2] Group 3 - Daily updates and technical analysis are provided by Jim on Kitco.com, including both AM and PM roundups [3]

fizkes/Shutterstock Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. While TV shows make home flipping look easy, in reality, it’s a high-risk investment. Professional flippers often put in a lot of sweat equity, or they have a network of trusted contractors who work at a fair rate. They also typically spend a lot of time analyzing real estate market trends to ensure they can make a profit. Must Read If you just dive into flipping without these advant ...

分组1 - Jeanne won a $15 million jackpot from a $50 scratch-off card, but after taxes, her total winnings will be approximately $4.5 million [4][18] - The federal tax on her winnings will be around $2.73 million, placing her in the highest federal income tax bracket of 37% [2][20] - The state income tax in Ohio will take about $262,000 from her total winnings, as she falls into the top state income tax bracket of 3.5% for 2024 [1][2] 分组2 - Jeanne had the option to choose between a lump sum of $7.5 million or an annuity of $600,000 per year for 25 years, totaling $15 million [4][19] - By opting for the lump sum, Jeanne will have immediate access to cash but will face a significant tax burden, reducing her effective winnings [3][25] - The annuity option would allow her to pay taxes based on the annual payment, potentially leading to a lower overall tax liability over time [20][26] 分组3 - Investing in growth-oriented assets like stocks, real estate, and alternative investments is suggested for managing large cash windfalls [5][6] - Accredited investors can access commercial real estate investments, which tend to perform well in the long term, providing a potential avenue for maximizing lottery gains [7][9] - Fine art and agricultural land are also highlighted as alternative investment options that can offer stability and long-term appreciation [15][16]

Group 1 - Jim Wyckoff has over 25 years of experience in stock, financial, and commodity markets, including roles as a financial journalist and reporter on commodity futures trading floors in Chicago and New York [1] - He has covered every futures market traded in the U.S. during his journalism career [1] - Jim is the owner of the "Jim Wyckoff on the Markets" analytical, educational, and trading advisory service [2] Group 2 - He has worked as a technical analyst for Dow Jones Newswires and as a senior market analyst with TraderPlanet.com [2] - Jim is a consultant for the "Pro Farmer" agricultural advisory service and was the head equities analyst at CapitalistEdge.com [2] - He holds a degree in journalism and economics from Iowa State University [2] Group 3 - Daily updates and technical analysis are provided by Jim on Kitco.com, including both AM and PM roundups [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the reasons clients choose to part ways with their financial advisors and provides guidance on how to manage this transition effectively [4][5]. Group 1: Reasons for Client Departure - The leading reasons clients leave their financial advisors include: quality of financial advice and services (32%), quality of relationship with an advisor (21%), cost of services (17%), dissatisfaction with returns (11%), preference for managing their own finances (10%), and poor quality communication (9%) [8]. Group 2: Managing the Transition - It is important for clients to view leaving an advisor as a business decision, similar to changing other service providers [5]. - Clients should notify their advisor of the decision to leave in a polite and professional manner, ensuring all account details and documents are prepared [6]. - Clients must review any outstanding fees or charges and ensure the transfer of assets does not trigger tax consequences [7].