Stacey

About Stacey Nickens

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So far Stacey Nickens has created 265 blog entries.

5 Considerations When Filing Your 2022 Tax Return

2023-03-01T18:15:02-05:00February 10th, 2023|Blog, Taxes|

The weather is getting warmer. The days are getting longer, and the seasons shifting can only mean one thing: tax season is here again. Shifting from pandemic-specific tax rules that applied in 2021 into a post-Inflation Reduction Act world may be causing some confusion for taxpayers. What credits still apply? Which don’t? How will [...]

Elm3’s Guide to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

2023-07-17T19:05:26-04:00December 9th, 2022|Blog, Investments, Retirement|

Many of us contribute to IRAs, 401(k)s, or other tax-deferred retirement accounts. These accounts allow investors to contribute tax deductible dollars that will then grow tax-free, until withdrawals are taxed in retirement. To ensure that taxes are eventually paid on these funds, the IRS requires holders of tax-deferred accounts to take Required Minimum Distributions [...]

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Before Retirement?

2023-05-11T14:57:05-04:00November 18th, 2022|Blog, Financial Planning, Retirement|

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Before Retirement? By: Stacey Nickens As you prepare for your retirement, you may be considering whether or not you should hold a mortgage in retirement. You may be considering increasing your mortgage payments in order to pay off your mortgage earlier. If you are considering moving or downsizing [...]

5 Ways Giving Can Improve Your Financial Wellbeing

2023-11-20T17:30:22-05:00November 11th, 2022|Blog, Financial Planning|

As we head into the holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for my loved ones and community. Each day, I work to reflect on the ways my co-workers support me, the ways my community members improve my daily life, and the ways my family brings me joy. This sense of gratitude and abundance [...]

Your Take-Home Pay May Increase Under New 2023 Tax Rules

2023-05-11T14:57:41-04:00October 21st, 2022|Blog, Budgeting, Financial Planning, Taxes|

Your Take-Home Pay May Increase Under New 2023 Tax Rules By: Stacey Nickens With inflation on the rise, the IRS has expanded tax brackets, increased certain credits, and raised the standard deduction for the 2023 tax year. These changes could decrease many Americans' tax burdens by allowing more taxpayers to remain in lower income [...]

4 Steps for Weathering a Stock Market Storm

2023-05-11T14:58:14-04:00September 23rd, 2022|Blog, Investments|

4 Steps for Weathering a Stock Market Storm By: Stacey Nickens I love watching The Titanic. I love the romance. I love the suspense. I love the emotional catharsis I feel every time I watch the film. However, just because I adore a movie about a ship sinking, doesn't mean I ever want to be on [...]

Do I qualify for student loan forgiveness?

2023-05-11T14:58:32-04:00September 2nd, 2022|Blog, Financial Planning|

Do I qualify for student loan forgiveness? By: Margaret Nickens In August, President Joe Biden announced a plan to forgive federal student loan debt and introduce a new income-driven repayment plan. He also extended the student loan payment pause through December 31, 2022. With these changes, you may be wondering whether or not your [...]

What are Dividend Aristocrat stocks?

2023-05-11T14:59:09-04:00August 25th, 2022|Blog, Investments|

What are Dividend Aristocrat stocks? By: Stacey Nickens Income-oriented investors often look for stocks with strong dividend yields and consistent dividend payments. Investing in a stock with those attributes can allow you to maintain a fairly consistent income stream in your investment portfolio, regardless of broader market volatility. In looking for income-paying stocks, you [...]

Tax Credit Changes Under the Inflation Reduction Act

2023-05-11T14:59:22-04:00August 19th, 2022|Blog, Inflation, Taxes|

Tax Credit Changes Under the Inflation Reduction Act By: Stacey Nickens On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, enacting legislation designed to combat climate change, support clean energy, and raise tax revenue. The new legislation increases corporate tax rates, offers additional tax credits or expands existing ones, and [...]

Elm3’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

2023-05-11T14:59:37-04:00July 28th, 2022|Blog, Investments|

Elm3's Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) By: Stacey Nickens As investors, we are always inundated with reminders to diversify our portfolios. Diversification involves adding lots of companies to your portfolio, such that your portfolio is exposed to a variety of company sizes, company styles, and sectors. Diversifying your portfolio helps create stability. If one [...]