Author: troyashbacher

Welcome to Kiplinger’s My First $1 Million series, in which we hear from people who have made $1 million. They’re sharing how they did it and what they’re doing with it. This time, we hear from a 51-year-old product manager in construction equipment manufacturing. He’s a self-professed lifetime bachelor living in the Northeast, though he grew up in the Southwest. See our earlier profiles, including a writer in New England, a literacy interventionist in Colorado, a semiretired entrepreneur in Nashville and an events industry CEO in Northern New Jersey. (See all of the profiles here.)Each profile features one person or…

Key Takeaways On November 13, 2025, the IRS announced increases to the contribution limits for 401(k) and IRA accounts. Only 14% of participants contributed the annual maximum in Vanguard-run defined contribution retirement plans such as 401(k)s in 2024. High-income earners are more likely to max out their 401(k)s, but even if you have a modest income you can reach this goal. The power of compounding returns means you have a strong incentive to save as much as possible, as soon as possible. The reality of the U.S. retirement system, which is that you are largely responsible for your own retirement…

If you have Medicare Part B and/or Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you could owe a monthly surcharge based on an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). This surcharge is paid by Medicare beneficiaries for Parts B and D Medicare, in addition to the standard premiums, if their taxable income exceeds certain thresholds. For 2026, the IRMAA income brackets and surcharges increased by approximately 3% and 9% respectively.The Medicare surcharge in 2026 will apply to beneficiaries with income exceeding $109,000 (for single filers and married filing separately) or $218,000 (for joint filers). For these beneficiaries, total monthly Part B premiums…

Artificial intelligence has infiltrated our lives in countless ways, so it’s no surprise that AI is playing an increasing role in college admissions. Your clients need to understand the best ways to utilize this valuable tool during their college search and avoid the ways AI can be misused. Most of the AI attention in the college space revolves around cheating. Some teenagers are using AI to write their college essays. However, limiting AI to legitimate or unethical essay help will deprive students of valuable ways to utilize the tool. Whether you prefer ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude or another option, AI can be a valuable…

Strategizing in advance ­can really pay off when it comes to Medicaid-funded nursing-home placements.

Catherine Collinson is CEO and president of the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on saving and planning for retirement.As Social Security celebrates its 90th anniversary, she discusses current and future pressures on the system — and possible ways forward — with Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine.Q: In a recent Transamerica survey, “Social Security Turns 90,” 71% of workers were concerned that Social Security won’t be there when they are ready to retire. Does that concern you? From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR FREE…

Industrial and infrastructure stocks may soon share the spotlight with the artificial intelligence trade.According to ETF Action’s Mike Atkins, there’s a bullish setup taking shape due to both policy and consumer trends. His prediction comes during a volatile month for Big Tech and AI stocks.”You’re seeing kind of the old-school infrastructure, industrial products that have not done as well over the years,” the firm’s founding partner told CNBC’s “ETF Edge” this week. “But there’s a big drive… kind of away from globalization into this reshoring concept, and I think that has legs.”Global X CEO Ryan O’Connor is also optimistic because the groups support the AI…

Another deal I wanted to mention from the Lululemon sale is the clippable wallets on sale for $19.   You can choose from 6 colors – I love the cloud/white color and this lavender color as well.  These little wallets are so handy.  I have had mine for about 2 years now and both of my girls also have these little wallets.  You can click here to take a look.  See all the other We Made Too Much items by clicking here.

Key Takeaways In contrast to most financial advisors, Munger called wide diversification “protection against ignorance,” useful only when you don’t have conviction.  Holding too many positions, he argued, can raise costs, blunt big winners, and still leave you exposed to market shocks. Munger advocated a balanced approach—owning a few great companies plus low-cost index funds—that can capture upside without unnecessary clutter. But he said “know-nothing” investors—which is most people—should rely on broad market index funds. Diversification is almost a sacred word when it comes to investing, but the late Charlie Munger—Warren Buffett’s longtime partner at Berkshire Hathaway—argued that some investors…

Key Takeaways Warren Buffett says that emotional intelligence is key to making wise investment decisions. Investors with patience and self-control often outperform those who follow emotion in the market. If you’ve ever bought a stock during a market boom, only to panic and sell at a loss, you already know emotions can be costly.  With recent headlines full of stock market swings, it’s natural for investors to be nervous, but Buffett has stayed calm, slowly amassing a record cash pile for potential future purchases. Why is he so steady when others panic? Buffett told those assembled at Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s…