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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on Monday introduced a bill in the Senate that would impose a new tax on the assets of America’s wealthiest individuals. Why it matters: The plan, which Warren introduced along with Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) is similar to a proposal that was the centerpiece of Warren’s campaign for the presidency in 2020. […]

Zillow is making cash offers on houses using its ‘Zestimate’ home value tool Initial cash offers based on Zestimates are only available in 20 cities Zillow is using its “Zestimate” to make cash offers on houses. The real estate listing website announced Thursday that its Zestimate — Zillow’s home value estimation tool — could be considered an […]

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that the “Excelsior Pass” is being tested again at tonight’s Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Here are four things you need to know about the program, according to the governor’s office: Excelsior Pass uses proven, secure technology to confirm an individual’s vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test through […]

Get a better handle on your Gmail inbox with these must-have tips and tricks that will turn you into an email pro. If you use Gmail daily on a computer for work or personal use — or both at the same time as I do — are you making the most of Google’s email client? Gmail has a host […]

Information for small business owners to consider. On Monday, Feb. 22, the White House announced several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that went into effect on Wednesday, Feb. 24. These changes are intended to further target “the smallest businesses and those that have been left behind in previous relief efforts.”1 If you’re a […]

What’s different and how can you adapt your search? I know everyone is tired of hearing the words “unprecedented” and “2020” together. So I’m going to say that this last year was…extremely unordinary. And it’s probably safe to say that many of us are eager to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. The coronavirus pandemic […]

Oftentimes, hiring managers must sift through hundreds of resumes before finding at least a few good ones. At the same time, coming across the really bad ones can be relieving, because it means they can discard it and quickly move on to the next. Peter Yang the CEO of a resume writing company and former hiring manager at major companies, including […]

The hiring process has changed drastically over the past year, with the new normal seeing interviews and assessments occurring remotely. This has taken time getting used to for both candidates and recruiters, even though there are still the same boxes to tick. Asking a question during an interview can often feel daunting, especially over a […]

Summary: The waiting period between your final interview and the company’s decision can be stressful. What should you do while waiting to hear if you got the job? And how can you avoid ruminating about the position? As tempting as it may be to reach out to the hiring manager — especially if you thought […]

Here’s what the financial forecast may have in store. It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania, and initial public offerings (IPOs) that double in price on the first day of trading.   But a recent […]

Zillow’s CEO is warning that the future of work could create a ‘two-class system’ where those who come into the office are viewed as better employees Highlights: Zillow CEO Rich Barton discussed the future of work during the company’s Q4 earnings call. A hybrid model could create a “two-class system” that negatively impacts remote workers, […]

The Capital Asset Pricing Model is by no means a perfect theory. But the spirit of CAPM is correct. It provides a useful measure that helps investors determine what return they deserve on an investment, in exchange for putting their money at risk on it. No matter how much you diversify your investments, some level […]

An article that is personal. My daughter is a teacher of students on the autism spectrum and sees what is possible.  Clearly, wider workplace inclusion is needed for neurodiverse individuals. The inclusion gap is being closed through the power of business leaders  Highlights: Americans who are neurodiverse should be given more employment opportunities, says EY’s […]

According to a survey of UK motorists, nearly 95 percent of people have been pronouncing the name of car manufacturer BMW wrong. Now, car manufacturers being from all around the globe can throw up a few mispronunciations on occasion – Porsche vs Porsch-ha, for just one example. It’s Porsch-ha, by the way. However, BMW should be one of the easier ones, […]

  Getting started with your household budget. Budgeting towards needs and goals. One of the objectives of creating a household budget is that, as time moves on and the various household members advance in their careers, they are likely to make more money. Knowing where that money goes can help direct that money to not […]

The notion of vaccine passports is gaining steam around the world.  These European countries are launching now. It’s becoming clearer that in the not-too-distant future, international travelers will require some sort of vaccine passport or vaccine certificate, as a growing number of countries get behind the idea. The appeal is that these documents would allow […]

Crowdfunding is a way for people, businesses and charities to raise money. It works through individuals or organizations who invest in (or donate to) crowdfunding projects in return for a potential profit or reward. Investing this way can be risky, so make sure you know what you’re doing. What is crowdfunding? If a company or […]

Home prices shot up in 2020 and many experts expect them to continue climbing. While this growth is largely driven by limited inventory amid a national homebuying frenzy, there are many individual factors that determine a home’s value. “Some of the most substantial factors that affect the property [price] are about the property itself, such […]

You often hear about how important it is to get exercise in daily, whether that be an at-home workout or lifting weights. Perhaps, even more frequently as of late, you hear about the importance of stepping away from your work from home station to stretch your legs and get moving. Now more than ever, in […]

Even the most seasoned investors are prone to their influence.  Investors are routinely warned about allowing their emotions to influence their decisions. However, they are less routinely cautioned about their preconceptions and biases that may color their financial choices. In a battle between the facts & biases, our biases may win. If we acknowledge this […]

Your fellow taxpayers have successfully claimed write-offs for many things that most of uswouldn’t even imagine. But be careful if you plan on following their lead. As you struggle with your tax return, trying to come up with some extra deductions to pump up your refund or reduce what you owe, don’t you sometimes think […]

Key Takeaways A stock buyback occurs when a company purchases outstanding shares of its own stock with excess cash or borrowed funds. A buyback increases the value of outstanding shares by reducing the number of total shares on the market, which increases the earnings per share (EPS). One alternative to repurchasing shares of its own […]

Insider trading seems like it should be black and white — if you don’t use secret stock tips to make a quick buck, you should be good to go. But what about doing it unintentionally? The pandemic has caused millions of people to work remotely, often within earshot of roommates, relatives and spouses. Gone are […]

By now, you’ve probably heard that an army of amateur investors ganged up on short sellers, causing them painful losses while sending shares of the beleaguered retailer GameStop soaring. You also may be asking, OK, but what is short selling? Short selling has nothing to do with summer wear or workout gear. It’s a common but controversial […]

Explaining the many types of 1099 forms and their uses. What is a 1099 form? This is a record of payment from an individual or entity, showing a payment, generated for your records. The individual/entity sends a copy to both the payee as well as the I.R.S.1 Who might be sending 1099s? Clients send their […]

If you pulled money from your 401(k) plan or individual retirement account last year to get through tough times, now is the time to consider next steps. Millions of Americans tapped 401(k) and IRA balances to access emergency cash amid the Covid pandemic, as allowed under the federal CARES Act. The federal CARES Act that […]

Couples can reap substantial rewards by staggering their retirement timing. When you have a partner, you might assume that you need to make sure you retire in lockstep. After all, what’s the good of having a retirement if your beloved isn’t right there with you? As it turns out, there are actually some benefits associated […]

Wall Street has no shortage of curious acronyms, but here is one you have likely been hearing more and more of: SPACs. Special Purpose Acquisition Companies have actually been around for decades, but are suddenly proliferating like, well, a global virus. Sometimes called “blank check” shell corporations, SPACs are designed to take companies public without […]

Senior housing occupancy hits record lows which suggests more seniors are staying home and getting help from home-based providers Senior housing occupancy in the U.S. hit a record low in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC). The record downturn is further proof that seniors […]

Information you should know.  The 10-year Treasury yield has climbed higher since the New Year, which means that some bond prices are dropping. You may have seen the headlines that say, “10-Year Yields Over 1%.” For some, the first time they experience a change in bond prices is when they open their monthly statement and […]

WhatsApp’s rivals got a massive boost after the messaging app announced last week that it would make users share some personal data with its parent company, Facebook. Summary: • Signal downloads skyrocketed 4,200% after WhatsApp announced it would force users to share personal data with Facebook. • Signal is top of both Google and Apple’s app […]

Your dream of homeownership may be closer than you think with this Roth IRA exception. If you’ve been faithfully contributing to your Roth IRA account, the IRS is giving you a bonus: The ability to use funds to build or purchase a new home without incurring taxes or penalties. If you qualify, you can make your homeownership […]

Here’s How You Could Turn A Profit On The Deal One of the major arguments against leasing a car is that, unlike a vehicle that’s purchased and financed outright, at the end of the term you turn it in to the dealer and walk away with no equity. But that’s not always true. In fact, […]

The IPO market is manic. Stocks haven’t been this expensive since the dot-com era. The Nasdaq 100 has doubled in two years, leaving its valuation bloated — all while volatility remains stubbornly high. It’s a setup that’s left investors sitting on fat returns from 2020, a year that defied easy explanation. It’s also one that […]

The IRS is pushing back the beginning of the 2020 tax season to Feb. 12. The IRS is delaying the start of the 2020 tax filing season to Feb. 12, according to an announcement Friday from the agency. On that date, the IRS will start accepting and processing last year’s tax returns.  Normally, the agency […]

Part of the rosy picture associated with retirement is the thrill of kissing that monthly mortgage payment good-bye—on the presumption you’ll have paid it off by then. Lately, there has been a shift in thinking that has seen many financial planners suggest that retirees continue to carry a mortgage into and throughout retirement. Reinvest the […]

KEY POINTS Before you move your money, be sure you know the rules that differ between 401(k) plans and IRAs. If the rollover process is done incorrectly, it could be considered a distribution, which would make it subject to taxation and, possibly, an early withdrawal penalty. There are also some situations that call for caution […]

To date, 147 million second stimulus checks have been scheduled by the federal government.  If you don’t get yours, you can claim the money when you file your tax return.  That doesn’t necessarily mean you will get more money back from Uncle Sam. If you don’t receive your second stimulus check in your bank account or the […]

Consider this: If you’re someone who often rents cars, you might want liability insurance to help protect your assets from an accident lawsuit, like your house and savings. That’s where non-owner car insurance comes in. It’s a good way for drivers who don’t own a car to get auto liability insurance. Liability coverage pays for […]

Owing taxes on mutual funds that lost money seems impossible…It’s not. Mutual fund investors may have to deal with some additional unpleasantness this tax season when they realize they may actually owe capital gains taxes on mutual funds that lost them money this year. Mutual funds—especially actively managed mutual funds—generate a lot of taxable events, […]

Visa Inc. is partnering with cryptocurrency startup BlockFi to offer a credit card that rewards purchases with Bitcoin rather than airline miles or cash.  Users of the Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card will receive 1.5% of their purchases back in the world’s most-valuable digital asset, and a lump sum $250 in the crypto-asset if they spend […]

Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Russell Okung believes in bitcoin. In May, Okung tweeted he wanted to be paid in bitcoins. Now, he’s trying to make it happen, though not through any help from the Panthers.  Okung himself even appeared to confirm the news, tweeting he had been “paid in Bitcoin.” The idea apparently means so much to him that […]

Pushes cryptocurrency market value past $1 trillion  The digital coin hit an all-time high of $40,188 at around 1:15 p.m. ET, just a few hours after blowing past the $39,000 level, according to data from Coin Metrics.  Bitcoin was 13.1% higher from a day earlier. The cryptocurrency is up over 30% since the start of […]

Look before you leap. Hardly a day goes by that the topic of bitcoin or other cryptocurrency assets doesn’t come up in meetings with clients and prospects or from friends and relatives who want to know, “what all the buzz is about?” The message is the same, regardless of who’s asking. Cryptocurrency is not a […]

The important facts presented in a clear and concise way  On December 21, 2020, both houses of the United States Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the Act), a nearly 6,000-page omnibus spending bill, which includes within it a COVID-19 stimulus package that provides approximately $900 billion in emergency relief to individuals and businesses as the […]

This holiday season is unlike any other and it caps off a year that has been unequaled. Throughout this season we wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties.  We wish you connections with family and friends even if they may not be in person.  We wish you the warmth of memories from holidays past […]

Life and financial factors that can sometimes be overlooked. We all have our “blue sky” visions of the way retirement should be, yet our futures may unfold in ways we do not predict. So, as you think about your “second act,” you may want to consider some life and financial factors that can suddenly arise. […]

Companies are considering compulsory Covid vaccination requirements as a condition of employment.  Can you be fired if you refuse?   As difficult as the research, development and distribution stages have been, some experts argue the hardest part of fighting the virus is actually what comes next: convincing the U.S. population to take the vaccine.   Roughly four […]

HSA’s offer a rare triple tax advantage.  Here are 3 ways to use HSA’s without jeopardizing its special tax treatment.   Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are accounts for individuals with high-deductible health plans.  Funds contributed to an HSA are not taxed when put into the HSA or when taken out, as long as they are used […]

The future of grocery stores will be a win-win for both stores and customers with cashierless checkout, smart charts and robotics that will clean up on aisle five   On one hand, stores want to decrease their operational expenditures that come from hiring cashiers and conducting inventory management. On the other hand, consumers want to decrease […]

Hotel pet policies are complicated, inconsistent, and full of gotcha fees. With a little preparation you can avoid most of these costs and headaches.   Here’s the basics of staying at hotels with your pets.   What ‘pet-friendly’ means (and doesn’t)…A pet-friendly hotel is generally one that allows some animals on the property under some conditions. However, […]

Should professional practices look into them? In corporate America, pension plans may be fading away. Only 14% of Fortune 500 companies offered them to full-time employees in 2019. In contrast, legal, medical, accounting, and engineering firms are keeping the spirit of the traditional pension plan alive by adopting cash balance plans.1 Owners and partners of […]

The debate over buying vs. renting has raged for years.  Let’s take a look at the true cost and benefits of buying a home.    ▪  Logan Kane, Macro, portfolio strategy, real estate, and author contends that buying a home typically carries an IRR of between 7 and 14 percent, depending on tax considerations, leverage, […]

Amazon is about to see whether shoppers wary of contact with package delivery drivers would rather let them into the garage instead. Would you give up some privacy for this luxury?  Amazon.com Inc. is about to see whether shoppers wary of contact with package delivery drivers would rather let them into the garage instead. The […]

To the surprise of critics who have long been calling for the demise of the  this strategy, balanced portfolio’s of stocks and bonds have performed well in 2020 A balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds for decades was among the few venerated precepts in investing. Yet doubts about the approach grew after the pandemic hit […]

Mortgage rates are at or near historic lows.  What is the forecast for December and early 2021?  Americans have more clarity today than they did just a few weeks ago. For proof, consider that there will be a new president and administration come January. And coronavirus vaccines appear to be coming soon. These developments, in […]

What employees need to know. Is your employer giving you restricted stock units (RSUs)? Here are some details about RSUs, which differ from stock options in both their nature and taxation. Remember that this article is for illustrative purposes only and not a replacement for real-life advice. Please contact a tax, legal, or accounting professional […]

Thanksgiving will look and feel a little different this year for all of us.

Roughly 12 million Americans will lose their unemployment benefits on December 26 when two major pandemic programs expire, according to a new report from the Century Foundation, putting an already fragile economic recovery at further risk as the coronavirus again surges to record levels.

Year-end bonuses for most Wall Street workers are expected to decline this year compared with 2019 due to the impact of the COVID-19 impact on the U.S. economy, compensation firm Johnson Associates Inc said on Thursday.

More buyers are skipping home inspections. Tales of bats, termites and asbestos should make you think twice.

The Rule of 55 is an IRS provision that allows you to withdraw funds from your 401(k) or 403(b) without a penalty at age 55 or older. Read on to find out how it works.

Over 9 million homeowners and renters do not expect to be able to make their housing payments for November. Many of them are shielded from losing their homes, but the rules are confusing and there is uncertainty about what comes next.

According to Bloomberg.com, U.S. president-elect Joe Biden's proposed policies — from tax hikes to health-care changes — could shape the way millions of Americans save, spend and manage their finances for years.

Choosing to earn a living from home once the pandemic ends is a privilege that you should pay for, according to strategists from Deutsche Bank AG’s research arm.

With a lot of people facing financial uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic, now is the right time to get your personal finances in order — particularly, your credit report. Here are ways to dispute inaccurate or false information from your credit report.

November 11 is Veterans Day – a day to honor and remember the bravery, contributions, and sacrifices of our armed services members who have defended us so ably, who have run toward danger rather than away from it, who have helped to sustain our freedom through their courage and service. Yes – you can thank […]

If an investor chooses a non-human financial advisor, what price could they end up paying?

It may be time to set your social media profiles to private. Starting in 2021, debt collectors will be able to contact you via text, email and even your social media accounts.

You can tap money from your IRA tax-free by rolling it over to a health savings account, one of the most powerful tax-advantaged savings tools. But you need to follow a specific procedure to avoid an unexpected tax bill. Here's what you need to know.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the annual inflation adjustments for the tax year 2021, including tax rate schedules, tax tables and cost-of-living adjustments.

Companies are wrestling with how to bring staff back to the office in a safe and fair manner. One US firm has created an algorithm to try and solve the puzzle.

45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their investments due to the upcoming 2020 presidential election.

If you’re looking to buy a new fridge you may be out of luck. Earlier in the pandemic, there was a run on toilet paper. Now it seems that customers looking to buy a refrigerator are facing long waiting times as models are back-ordered across the country. There are also shortages for other major appliances including dishwashers, dryers and some microwaves.

Rich families in the United States are hearing from their consultants that they must act now or risk losing millions of dollars.

The overall size of the economy is expected to hit precrisis levels by the fourth quarter of next year. But the country's labor market will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2024, according to S&P Global.

China bought 1.46 trillion yen ($13.8 billion) in medium to long-term Japanese government bonds on a net basis between April and July. That was 3.6 times more than the same period last year.

There's been a drop in activity. What's next?

I did this with my own family. You should too.

San Francisco could soon become the first major American city to lower its voting age to 16. If the measure is passed, it would mark a major step in a growing movement to extend voting rights to younger Americans.

Amazon One palm recognition technology lets folks checkout in stores, wrack up loyalty points, enter venues, and badge into work with no added accessories.

Grocery stores across the United States are stocking up on products to avoid shortages during a second wave of coronavirus.

The LIBOR, short for London Interbank Offered Rate, is a fluctuating short-term interest rate that influences the way other interest rates are set in the world of finance. It is also used to gauge the overall health of the financial lending system on a global scale.

Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds.

A look at these securities, in light of the Federal Reserve's new outlook.

Here's what you need to know.

What the Fed's new policy may mean for you.

Why you should refrain from making this move. Thinking about borrowing money from your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 account? Think twice about that because these loans are not only risky, but injurious, to your retirement planning. A loan of this kind damages your retirement savings prospects. A 401(k), 403(b), or 457 should never be viewed […]

You may see some significant tax benefits by making these moves. The end of 2018 presents bond investors with opportunities. This is a prime time to consider bond swaps (or tax swaps as they are sometimes called), in which you sell certain bonds at a loss and replace them with others. Every investor wants to […]

Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds. What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for 2019? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives, from building your retirement fund to lowering your taxes. You have […]

How global returns and proper diversification are affecting overall returns. “Why is my portfolio underperforming the market?” This question may be on your mind. It is a question that investors sometimes ask after stocks shatter records or return exceptionally well in a quarter. The short answer is that while the U.S. equities market has realized […]

Some alterations to the Internal Revenue Code were less publicized than others. Late last year, federal tax laws underwent sweeping changes. Nearly a year later, you can be forgiven for not keeping up with them all. Here is a look at some important (yet underrecognized) adjustments that may affect the numbers on your 2018 federal […]

We are very excited to announce the launch of our new website and social media links We are pleased to launch our new website, www.AlternativeWealthGroup.com social media links. Aside from an updated look, the new website features simple navigation that highlights the services and capabilities for our 3 Divisions: AWG Wealth Management, AWG Real Estate Advisors, AWG 1031 […]