January 24, 2025 | President Donald Trump’s initial health care policy actions indicate a potential rollback of key Biden-era initiatives aimed at reducing drug costs and expanding access to public health insurance programs. Observers in the health care sector, including policymakers, executives, and advocates, are closely monitoring these developments to predict Trump’s broader agenda. The […]
January 2025 marks a transformative chapter for Blue Shield of California, one of the state’s largest healthcare insurers. With a bold restructuring plan and historic leadership changes, the organization is setting a course for innovation, efficiency, and growth in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. A New Corporate Structure to Streamline Operations To enhance efficiency and
Major Changes at Blue Shield of California: New CEO, New Business Focus Read More »
With the recent declaration of former President Trump as the U.S. election winner and Republicans poised to control both the Senate and House, markets have surged. U.S. equities rallied, while Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar saw significant increases. Yet, despite this positive initial response, investors face considerable uncertainty over how policies will shape up
Republican Sweep Sends Markets Higher, Policy Uncertainty Looms Read More »
Starting in 2024, a new provision under Section 110 of the SECURE 2.0 Act allows employers to offer matching contributions to 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b) plans, and SIMPLE IRAs based on employees’ qualified student loan payments (QSLPs) instead of their traditional elective contributions. This change aims to help employees who are burdened by student loans
IRS Update: Rules for Employer Matching on Student Loan Payments Read More »
New IRS Regulations on the “10-Year Rule” for Inherited IRAs The IRS has published new regulations impacting taxpayers subject to the “10-year rule” for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from inherited IRAs or other defined contribution plans. These regulations, which take effect in 2025, mandate that many beneficiaries must take annual RMDs during the 10-year period
IRS Releases Final Regulations on Inherited IRAs Read More »
Decades ago, Milton Friedman explained that monetary policy impacts the economy with long and unpredictable delays. Recent reports indicate that the effects of the monetary tightening in 2022-23 are starting to wane. Both inflation and economic growth are slowing down. In June, consumer prices dropped by 0.1%, the biggest monthly decrease since the early COVID
The Era of Tight Money is Ending Read More »
What is a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan? A Safe Harbor 401(k) plan is a type of retirement plan that helps employers meet IRS nondiscrimination requirements. These plans require the employer to contribute to employees’ 401(k) accounts, which can help employees save more for retirement and ensure the plan benefits all employees, not just those with
Safe Harbor 401(k) Explained: 2024 Guide for Business Owners Read More »
Election years are known for increased market volatility and generally lower stock returns due to the uncertainty elections bring. Historically, the S&P 500’s average return during election years has been 6.2%, compared to 9.6% in non-election years. Volatility is also higher, averaging 16.5% in election years versus 15.3% in non-election years. Since 1980, the average
Election Insights 2024: Navigating Market Volatility and Opportunities Read More »
In 1973, car radiophones were the only mobile phones available. Fearing AT&T would dominate the market, Motorola had engineer Marty Cooper create a groundbreaking product. Marty asked, “Why call a place when you want to talk to a person?” His question led to the portable mobile phone, now used by 97% of Americans. Just like
A Simplified Guide to Planning Your Social Security Read More »
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently extended relief for certain beneficiaries regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs) through 2024. Notice 2024-35, released on April 16, 2024, provides an extension of existing relief for beneficiaries taking RMDs over a 10-year period following the death of a participant or IRA owner who had already begun RMDs. This extension
IRS Further Extends RMD Relief through 2024 Read More »
