Link to Printable PDF: 2025 02 February Newsletter Steady Growth in Real Wages Wages rose strongly with inflation beginning in mid-2021, but the pace of price increases was faster than wage increases, leading to a loss of buying power despite higher income. Real wages — adjusted for inflation — actually declined during this period. For example, at the height of inflation in June 2022, wages increased at an annual rate of 6.7%, but real wages declined by 2.4%. Inflation has dropped … [Read more...]
What’s New for 2025?
To help you stay informed, here are five changes you can look forward to in the new year. Higher catch-up contributions for some. As of January 1, individuals ages 60 through 63 may be able to make increased catch-up contributions (if offered) to their workplace plan. The catch-up amount for people age 50 and older is $7,500 for 2025, but for people ages 60 through 63, the limit will be $11,250.1 Cap on out-of-pocket Medicare drug costs. A bit of welcome news for people with Medicare Part … [Read more...]
Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch
Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays. The Employment Situation Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes the Employment Situation Summary report based on information from the prior month. The data for the report is derived primarily from two sources: (1) a survey of approximately 60,000 households, or about 110,000 … [Read more...]
Erb Financial: January 2025
Link to Printable PDF: 2025 01 January Newsletter Do You Have a New Year's Resolution? One out of three U.S. adults typically plan to make New Year's resolutions. Younger people are more likely to make resolutions, and they tend to place more emphasis on finances, happiness, and mental health, whereas older people tend to emphasize physical health. Experts suggest that it's easier to keep resolutions that are specific and measurable, and it can be helpful to reward yourself for meeting … [Read more...]
July 2020 Newsletter
Erb Financial Taxes * Planning * Investments Foreign Tourists More than 79 million foreign tourists visited the United States in 2019; these countries were the top sources of visitors from overseas. Tapping Retirement Savings During a Financial Crisis The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act includes provisions that temporarily augment the circumstances when retirement savers can access their money during a … [Read more...]
June 2020 Newsletter
Erb Financial Taxes * Planning * Investments Student Debt: It's Not Just for Young Adults Recent college graduates aren't the only ones carrying student loan debt. A significant number of older Americans have student debt, too. Mid-Year Is a Good Time to Fine-Tune Your Finances The first part of 2020 was rocky, but there should be better days ahead. Taking a close look at your finances may give you the foundation you need to begin moving … [Read more...]
