Wealth Advisory
3.2% Cost-of-living Adjustment in 2024
The Social Security Administration recently announced a 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2024. While this is higher than its 2.6 percent average annual increase over the past two decades, it is down from an 8.75 percent increase in 2023, which marked the largest in 42 years. This increase is slated to affect 66 million […]
AAF Wealth Management Q3 Market Insight
The intricacies of market performance are deeply intertwined with various external factors, including inflation, interest rates, political shifts, geopolitical affairs, and natural disasters. This includes, sadly, the current humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. It is heart-breaking to see these events unfold in a region whose people have known such profound suffering for far too […]
From the Desk of Carmen Grinkis
Clients often come to us because of some kind of transition or challenge. They may be heading into retirement, navigating a divorce, or coping with the loss of a loved one. In all these cases, there is so much more to consider than how investments are performing. Especially as we age, we find ourselves building […]
From the Desk of Jonathan Bloom
On the Desk This time of year, we have an opportunity to step back and understand how things are progressing with your financial plan. Between interest rates, inflation, market volatility, and year end on approach, there is plenty to consider and still time to make strategic adjustments. It brings to mind one of my favorite […]
From the Desk of Kevin Hodson
On the Desk The Federal Reserve just concluded their most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on 9/20. In the post-meeting presser Wednesday afternoon, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that the Fed is “close to done raising interest rates.” However, they’re not about to ease up on the Federal Funds Rate which presently stands at 5.25% […]
From the Desk of Andy Hammond
On the Desk The last few months of the year are always a busy time. We’re helping our clients with year-end planning, tax strategies, and budgeting that comes into play with 2024 just around the corner. Last year, the name of the game was tax loss harvesting, and we still have room to be strategic […]
Asset Protection Strategies for High-Net-Worth Individuals
Asset protection strategies can form a legal and financial separation between professional and personal assets. This can limit your personal liability should a legal or creditor claim be made against your business, rental property, or professional practice. Asset protection strategies can also be designed to safeguard assets during a divorce and can notably enhance your […]
IRS Postpones RMD Penalties for Inherited Retirement Accounts
AAFCPAs and AAF Wealth Management would like to make clients aware that the IRS has issued penalty relief in 2023 for individuals who have not carried forward required minimum distributions (RMDs) on inherited retirement accounts. This guidance applies only to accounts inherited by non-spouse heirs where the decedent had been taking RMDs. Confusion arose in […]
Recent Ruling Elevates Privacy of Holdings in Massachusetts Trusts
AAFCPAs and AAF Wealth Management would like to make clients aware of a recent ruling that makes Massachusetts an attractive jurisdiction for clients looking to create a trust for future generations while still keeping its holdings private. This could be especially beneficial for older generations looking to create a trust for younger generations without disclosing […]