For the past decade, borrowers have enjoyed historically low mortgage rates. So why are rates suddenly on the rise?
A strong economy tends to force mortgage rates up because of inflationary fears. Rising inflation causes fixed-income investments, such as bonds, to lose value. And that causes their yields to rise. Mortgage rates usually follow long-term bond yields. When yields go up, home loan rates tend to go up, as well.
The tax year will be ending on December 31. If you have plans to make charitable gifts to family members, it’s last call to make those donations for 2018.
If you have the financial ability and devotion to make lifetime gifts to family members, consider making them annually. The inflation adjustment for 2018 has increased the amount you can gift without being subject to a per-individual gift tax – $15,000 individual, or $30,000 for married couples. Keep in mind that gifting decisions should reflect any additional wealth transfers or estate planning steps you already have in place.
We all want a home that reflects our tastes, sensibilities and unique styles. But sometimes, it doesn’t exist. At least, not yet. Here’s a quick guide to building your dream home.
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information in order to take over or open new accounts, file fake tax returns, rent or buy properties, or do other criminal things in your name. There’s a new victim of identity theft every two seconds*.
At its most effective, wealth management is a multi-faceted approach—addressing risk and tax issues, estate planning and charitable gifting, and perhaps college and long-term care planning. It’s unlikely to find one single financial professional who’s equally well versed in all these disciplines. Acknowledging that reality, the LPL Financial Advisors of MaxWealth Management located at Lake Michigan Credit Union frequently collaborates in a team effort, to draw on their collective understanding to the benefit of their clients.
Americans are living longer, healthier, and more active lives than ever. That means saving for a longer retirement is critical.
