Author: troyashbacher

Heat pump systems can heat and cool, while a central air system only cools. A central air conditioning system (AC) is typically paired with a furnace or boiler, creating a full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.Heat pumps typically cost more upfront than a traditional central air system, but they are more energy efficient and can help you save on ongoing utility costs. Heat pumps can be especially worth the investment in moderate climates, but the systems may occasionally struggle to produce heat effectively in extreme cold (or cool as well as an air conditioner in extreme heat). Heat…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Stocks were choppy to start Friday, but took a notable turn higher after a speech from New York Fed President John Williams temporarily eased rate-cut worries. Still, the main indexes finished with big weekly losses – putting them on track for their worst November in years.The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by a quarter-percentage point at its September and October meetings. And one month ago, futures traders were pricing in 98% odds of another rate cut in December. But expectations eased back in recent weeks after Fed Chair Jerome Powell said a December cut wasn’t…

Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this week released its list of examination priorities for 2026, which includes a combination of focus areas from previous years (e.g., RIAs’ use of emerging technologies, data security, adviser-broker dual registrants) and topics such as the operational complexities and potential conflicts of interest surrounding RIA mergers and acquisitions activity (amidst a record pace of dealmaking) and the use of alternative investments (including advisers’ consideration of costs, risks, and conflicts of interest when it comes…

Many retirees are drawn to $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans because they seem to offer comprehensive coverage without a monthly cost. The idea of paying nothing for health insurance each month is appealing, especially for those on fixed incomes. However, it is important to understand what “$0 premium” truly means, and the trade-offs that can accompany these plans.Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy StepsLet us help you navigate your Medicare journey What Does $0 Premium Really Mean? When a Medicare Advantage plan advertises a $0 premium, it does not mean you are getting free health care. You must still pay…

The IRS issued guidance for workers eligible to claim the temporary deductions for tip and overtime compensation for tax year 2025 and is updating some income tax forms and instructions to help taxpayers claim the deductions. Notice 2025-69, published Friday, clarifies how workers can determine the deduction amount without receiving a separate accounting from their employer for cash tips or qualified overtime on information returns such as Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, or a Form 1099. H.R. 1 provisions The provisions on tip and overtime compensation were enacted as part of H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly known as the…

This year, consider skipping the traditional pumpkin pie and wow your guests with this easy and delicious Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake recipe! Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake This is a dessert recipe I created for Thanksgiving many years ago. It combines two of my favorite flavor combinations- pumpkin and turtle (aka: chocolate and caramel!), into one delicious cheesecake recipe. It’s fancy enough for people to think you spent a lot of time on it, but honestly, it’s pretty easy as far as dessert recipes go! Ingredients in Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake Oreos. You can also use any other chocolate wafer cookie if you don’t…

This is supposed to be a good time to buy a rental property, right? People keep saying we’re in a “buyer’s market,” and that you have more negotiating power than usual. But how do you find these deals in the first place? If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, we’ve got several strategies, tips, and tricks that will help you find GREAT real estate deals faster!Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are answering more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first up, you’ll hear from a rookie investor who can’t seem to find any good off-market deals. Despite…

Published: Nov. 21, 2025 at 3:41 p.m. ETRecent developments overseas have the potential to complicate the White House’s agenda to bring down borrowing costs, while heightening competition for investors in the U.S. and Japanese bond markets.Aggressive fiscal-stimulus efforts by the cabinet of Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, have created a spike in long-dated yields of Japanese government bonds and further weakness in the yen USDJPY in the past few weeks. It’s a situation that is being likened to the September-October 2022 crisis in the U.K., which stemmed from a crisis in confidence over a package of unfunded tax cuts…

Updated for tax year 2025. Get ready to mark these important dates on your calendar. Here are the most important tax deadlines and due dates for taxpayers in 2026 — and answers to some common tax questions. Key tax deadlines What are the tax deadlines for 2026? Depending on your tax situation and what kind of filer you are, there are different tax dates to be aware of. Below are the important tax dates and deadlines for individual filers, including those who are retired, an employee, or self-employed. Tax Tip: Estimate your potential income taxes using our income tax calculator before filing. Jan. 15,…

Key Takeaways Social Security recipients will see a 2.8% COLA increase in 2026, but some of that boost is to be offset by rising Medicare Part B premiums. The monthly Medicare Part B premium will rise almost 10% to $202.90 per month, cutting into the 2026 COLA announced last month. That extra cash landing in your Social Security check next year? Don’t spend it just yet. Medicare just announced its 2026 premiums, and they’re about to take a bite out of your cost-of-living raise. For the average retiree, what looked like a $57 monthly boost will shrink to just $39…