Weekly Wrap-up

As we move into a new year, that may come with new year’s resolutions.  Common goals are losing weight, exercising more, spending more quality time with friends and family, eating better, etc.  The start of a new year also provides the perfect opportunity to reflect...

SECURE 2.0 Act Provides Another Solution for Excess 529 Plan Savings 529 plans are popular and tax-smart ways for families to save for education expenses. The plans allow contributions that can grow tax-free and be withdrawn without incurring state or federal taxes...

Dear Valued Friends and Clients, We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you – Asti Financial Management is proud to announce that we are going 100% virtual!  In response to the evolving landscape following the global pandemic, we are closing our Alameda...

Thanksgiving (noun): The act of rendering thanks or of expressing gratitude for favors, benefits, or mercies; an acknowledgment of benefits received. On this day of Thanks, here are some things you can do for your well-being: #1 Feeling Grateful Reflecting on the...

The US tax code is a progressive tax where the more you earn, the more tax you will pay.  One progressive tax that affects retirees is the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA.  IRMAA is an extra charge on Medicare premiums for people with higher incomes....

When it comes to understanding average funeral costs, there is a lot to consider.  You must take into account your loved ones’ final wishes.  I recently wrote about my own father’s death.  We had moved him to California to be with family in his last months.  His wish...

Having recently watched my father pass was a horrible experience.  My father had been in nursing home care for about a year, and we watched him steadily decline.  My family tried everything we could to keep his health robust and provide any medical services that could...

U.S. Treasury yields rose last Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept rates steady but also hinted that it would implement another rate hike before the end of 2023. As a result, the 2-year Treasury yield increased to 5.167%, up nearly 6 basis points. Meanwhile, the...

Smart Tax Planning Strategies Most people put off tax planning until the April deadline or end of year statement shuffling and accounting. By then, it’s often more about the last-minute calculating of tax responsibilities, than a more proactive approach. Efficient tax...

Americans with student loan debt have gotten an almost three-year reprieve on their loan payments.  As part  of the pandemic relief measure, the government paused student loan payments eight times since March 2020.  This pause will end August 30, 2023. In 2022, the...