Blog

The Internal Revenue Service released 2014 contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs last week. With increasing healthcare costs, more expensive trips to the grocery store, and of course, higher taxes, it would be logical that retirement plan contributions would also increase, right? WRONG--t...

If only real life had danger music, like in the scary movies. You know the story, we watch in horror as our favorite character marches aimlessly into a basement, while the villain lurks in the shadows. Movie producers realized a long time ago that slow, droning sounds only added to the tension of a...

As we approach our 45th anniversary, all of us have been discussing what it means to be part of Brighton Securities. The most common refrain across clients and staff was a feeling of unity, teamwork and family. Staff said they feel like their colleagues inspire them to be their best self, everyda...

It's all beginning to fade into a distant memory, even though it was but weeks ago. This was it, the end of a bull market that began in 2009. We had a government that was shut down and the debt ceiling looming only inches above our heads. But like Indiana Jones we barrel-rolled under the closing wal...

Valeant's acquisition of Bausch & Lomb has certainly been felt in our area, and job cuts have become a sad reality for many. We've had questions from several folks about different topics relating to separation from service with an employer, including healthcare, severance, 401(k) options, etc. With...

I came across this piece yesterday, bemoaning the plight of new college graduates who can expect to retire around age 73. Let's make no bones about it, student loans are no fun to pay back (but better than credit card debt). Regardless, the idea that retirement is unattainable until a later age for...

The Affordable Care Act was enacted on March 23, 2010. It contains some tax provisions that are currently in effect and others that will be implemented over the next several years. Here is a brief summary of some of the tax related provisions that we will see: Flexible spending accounts will have...

The IRS will be adjusting many dollar limits and benefits due to inflation. Here are some of the changes starting January 1 , 2013: Deduction for business use of Auto will be 56.5 cents per mile, medical miles increase to 24 cents and charitable miles remain at 14 cents. The annual exclusion for...

Yesterday, Nina E. Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate, released a report to Congress that identifies the priority issues the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) will focus on this year. Below I have cut and pasted a summary of some items presented: Impact of Changes in Tax Law on Taxpayers and the I...

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