The 2017 tax cuts may not have been as beneficial for middle class Americans as advertised. Many provisions, including increased standard deductions and favorable tax brackets, are set to expire unless Congress extends them. Other hidden costs, such as increased property taxes and excise taxes, can offset some of the savings. Consider consulting a tax advisor for personalized advice on how to minimize tax exposure given these complexities.
Despite the cooling of wage growth nationwide, certain sectors, including legal, dental, child care, and medical information, are experiencing relatively strong earnings growth. The job market remains healthy, and this growth in specific sectors is a positive sign. While high wage growth may not necessarily translate to high salaries in all cases, it does provide opportunities for workers seeking higher earnings.
The tax filing deadline for most Americans is April 15th. Those who haven't filed can still apply for an extension until October 15th, but taxes owed must be paid by April 15th. Many can file taxes for free through IRS Free File or Direct File. If someone owes a balance but doesn't file, they can expect penalties and interest. The IRS also suggests filing electronically for a faster refund.
Many colleges and universities have extended enrollment deadlines due to ongoing delays with financial aid applications. While some Ivy League schools are sticking to the May 1 deadline, most institutions have given students more time to make informed decisions about college choices based on their financial aid packages. This flexibility aims to ensure that students can consider all their options before committing to a school.
Americans now estimate needing $1.46 million for a comfortable retirement, but experts say this "magic number" is less important than having a high savings rate. Financial literacy advocates emphasize setting clear goals and prioritizing saving rather than focusing solely on an estimated retirement amount.
Goldman Sachs' first-quarter results exceeded expectations, driven by a surge in trading and investment banking revenue. Fixed income and equities trading, as well as fees from debt and equity underwriting, all increased significantly. The bank's asset and wealth management division saw solid growth, although it slightly missed expectations. Goldman remains heavily reliant on Wall Street activities for revenue, but its emphasis on asset and wealth management is a key area for future growth.
British stock trading app Freetrade finally turned a small profit in the first quarter of 2024. This is significant as the company had been making losses in previous years. The positive results have encouraged investors who have been waiting for the company to become profitable. Despite facing competition from large players like Robinhood, Freetrade's CEO remains confident about its growth prospects.
Selling a home can be more expensive than you think. You'll likely pay 6-10% of the sale price in fees, which includes commissions, legal fees, and perhaps repair costs. You may also spend money on staging, repairs, title insurance, settlement services, and transfer taxes. However, a recent ruling could allow sellers to negotiate lower commission rates with real estate agents.
Inflation has persisted at 3.5% despite the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, leaving markets on edge. While the economy remains strong, the Fed prioritizes inflation control over interest rate cuts, posing a dilemma. Experts discuss the possibility of the Fed's policy being too loose, while others advise maintaining it due to inflation and financial risks. The ongoing inflation has resulted in falling real incomes, becoming a political challenge for the Biden administration as it affects consumers and households.
President Biden has announced a new plan to forgive student loan debt. This revised plan aims to target specific groups of borrowers, including those facing financial hardship. It offers up to $20,000 of debt forgiveness for undergraduate loans and $20,000 for unpaid interest on federal loans. The plan is expected to face legal challenges, as the Supreme Court previously struck down a similar attempt.
The US housing market is facing a downturn due to high interest rates. Mortgage payments have hit record highs, making homeownership expensive. While home prices remain high, there are signs of a slow down. More homes are going on the market, and pending sales are decreasing. New home prices are dropping, but existing home prices are still near record lows. Buyers are facing longer wait times to sell their homes, and more homes are being sold below the asking price.
For the second year in a row, fewer students earned college degrees, a trend fueled by rising costs and student debt. Despite this decline, more students than ever earned certificates. This suggests a shift towards shorter-term and vocational programs, as students prioritize job training over traditional four-year degrees. The decline in degrees is also attributed to the ongoing pandemic, a problematic FAFSA process, and state funding cuts for higher education.
