Author: troyashbacher

Much of the attention surrounding the recent November 4 elections centered on key races in states including New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.However, Texas voters made a move of their own, approving Proposition 2. That amendment to their state constitution will solidify a ban on Texas capital gains taxes, including those on unrealized gains.But wait: isn’t Texas already a state with no income tax? Why would voters need to prevent a tax on capital gains that has never been imposed? As you might expect, answers to these questions involve economic and political considerations. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal…

With the giving season officially underway, December 31 marks your critical tax deadline for charitable giving. About 30% of annual gifts occur before year-end, making this the prime time for taxpayers to maximize their 2025 itemized charitable donations tax deduction.And for high-income earners, charitable giving in 2025 is particularly vital. Tax legislation in 2026 will cap the maximum federal tax benefit at 35%, effectively making contributions this year far more valuable. Plus, a new rule next year might further reduce the allowable charitable deductions for donors with complex gifting strategies.Here’s what you need to know. From just $107.88 $24.99 for…

This week, we break down what to know before buying into a practice, rethink what “net worth” really means, explore how to best use an Air National Guard retirement paycheck from ages 57 to 65, and highlight important basics on special needs trusts.   Things to Consider Before Buying Into a Physician-Owned Practice  “I’d love to write in to ask some questions about buying into a physician-owned private practice. Can you do a podcast answering some of the following? Ask what are the questions you need to ask? What’s a typical buy-in and how best to do it—take a loan,…

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers premium tax credits to help make health insurance more affordable. Under original Affordable Care Act provisions, an income cap for premium tax credits was set at 400% of the federal poverty level. Above that threshold, federal financial assistance was not available, creating a “subsidy cliff.” The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and later the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) temporarily expanded eligibility for tax credits to people with incomes over 400% of poverty, in addition to providing more generous support for people at lower incomes. Enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of this…

Being a loyal customer is usually considered a good thing. Many brands reward loyalty with discounts, perks, or special offers that make you feel valued for sticking around. It’s a relationship built on trust and the idea that long-term customers should benefit from their commitment.But when it comes to car insurance, that loyalty can sometimes work against you. Staying with the same insurer year after year might actually be costing you more. Instead of rewarding your consistency, some insurance companies quietly raise your rates over time.This practice, often called a loyalty penalty, means you could be paying higher premiums simply…

Getting an offer accepted on a home — a monumental task in some markets — is only one of the initial steps in the homebuying process. For many buyers, the success of their homebuying efforts hinges on the ability to secure financing, and thousands of mortgage applications are denied each year. Though the share of homes bought with cash is at historic highs, according to the National Association of Realtors, the overwhelming majority of home purchases are made with a mortgage. Understanding how mortgage lenders process, and sometimes deny, these loan applications can help prospective buyers succeed. In the past…

Published: Nov. 13, 2025 at 9:13 a.m. ETThe federal government may have just resumed operations, but many Americans could be facing another shutdown Thursday — at their local Starbucks.Timed to coincide with Starbucks’ SBUX annual “Red Cup Day,” on which customers can receive a free reusable holiday-themed cup, the Starbucks Workers United union said more than 1,000 baristas have launched an “open-ended” labor strike.

As financial advisors progress in their careers (and lives), their attention is often pulled in many directions as opportunities present themselves. Some will be professional, such as speaking engagements or prospect inquiries; others personal, from community service to family obligations. Many of these requests are meaningful and made with good intentions. But if the advisor says “yes” to all of them, the result can be an overcommitted calendar, drained energy, and very little capacity to do the work that moves their businesses and lives forward. At the same time, saying “no” can feel awkward, and many advisors may fear that…

This week, I am thankful: for our cats This is a kitty who got shut out of a bedroom for interrupting homework. And this is a kitty who has a thick winter coat right now. Ok, and maybe some extra fat. that I canceled/postponed my New Mexico trip I feel glad for a few reasons. First, the airport situation does indeed seem rather sketchy at the moment. Secondly, I spent the entire day yesterday working on homework for the Worst BSN Class in the World. I would neverrrr have gotten it all done on time if I’d flown yesterday. that…

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 01: (R-L) Michael Page of England punches Shara Magomedov of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at anb Arena on February 01, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Chris Unger | Ufc | Getty ImagesTKO Group Holdings — the parent company of UFC and Zuffa Boxing — has signed a multiyear partnership with Polymarket to bring real-time prediction markets into live combat sports.The deal makes UFC and Zuffa Boxing the first sports organizations to incorporate prediction market technology into live events. Polymarket will provide real-time data visualizations…