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“Third-Party Posts”
The following link/content may include information and statistical data obtained from and/or prepared by thirdparty sources that MVP Insurance Services, deems reliable but in no way does MVP Insurance Services guarantee its accuracy or completeness. MVP Insurance Services had no involvement in the creation of the content and did not make any revisions to such content. All such third-party information and statistical data contained herein is subject to change without notice and may not reflect the view or opinions of MVP Insurance Services. Nothing herein constitutes investment, legal or tax advice or any recommendation that any security, portfolio of securities, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Personal investment advice can only be rendered after the engagement of MVP Insurance Services, execution of required documentation, and receipt of required disclosures. All investments involve risk and past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Most Americans Feel They’re Worse Off Now Than In 2020—Here’s What The Data Says
Key Takeaways A recent Gallup poll showed most Americans feel they are worse off today than four years ago. Data on household finances show that things have changed dramatically since September 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting the economy. Americans have...
Retirees’ Credit Card Debt Levels Are Climbing
Key Takeaways An Employee Benefit Research Institute survey found that more than two-thirds of retirees had outstanding credit card debt in 2024, up from 40% in 2022. Even though inflation has cooled, high prices weigh on retirees. Almost a third of retirees said they...
3 Big Retirement Rule Changes Are Coming in 2025—How They Could Affect Your Savings
Key Takeaways Some provisions related to the Secure 2.0, a federal retirement law, will go into effect in 2025. Workers ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 will be able to make catch-up contributions of up to $11,250 in 2025. Workplace retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b)...
Retirement Vs. Resignation: Which Is Better?
Retirement Vs. Resignation: Which Is Better? There is a big difference between retirement and resignation. However, both involve leaving your place of work. If you choose to retire, you may be entitled to some social benefits such as pension and healthcare, which can...
6 End-of-Year Retirement Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss for 2024
Navigate these tax and retirement milestones to optimize savings and avoid penalties. Staying on top of year-end tasks helps you avoid penalties and take full advantage of tax benefits. Key Takeaways Contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s must be made by...
Three Changes Coming for Social Security in 2025
The Social Security Administration has announced the 2025 final COLA, wage cap, and amount needed to earn SS credits. Anticipating changes coming to Social Security in 2025 can help you start planning for the new year and identify any adjustments you can make to...
7 Things You’ll Be Happy You Downgraded in Retirement
Downsizing for retirement is a good way to simplify your life and cut down on expenses. Making some key changes, like moving into a smaller home, could reduce financial strain and improve your quality of life. It could also give you room to grow in new, unexpected...
Key change coming for 401(k) ‘max savers’ in 2025, expert says — here’s what you need to know
Key Points Many Americans face a retirement savings shortfall, but setting aside more could get easier for some older workers in 2025. Enacted in 2022, the Secure Act 2.0 ushered in several retirement system improvements, including higher 401(k) plan catch-up...
What the Fed’s Rate Cut Means for You
The Federal Reserve just reduced interest rates for the first time in four years. Here’s how it will impact borrowers and saver What goes up must come down, and after four years, that’s finally true about interest rates. The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate on...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Equity and fixed-income markets sold off for the second consecutive week as the Federal Reserve delivered an expected twenty-five basis-point rate cut but pivoted to a much more hawkish stance for 2025, where the committee now expects only two...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The Nasdaq eclipsed the 20,000 level for the first time this week as investors reengaged in buying the mega-cap technology names. Amazon, Google, Tesla, and Meta hit new highs for the year as investors heard about more advances in AI and quantum...
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 forged another set of all-time highs as investors embraced the idea of an economy running at a pace appropriate for the Fed to consider further rate cuts. Leadership in the market toggled back to the mega-cap technology issues, with the communication...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The holiday-shortened week saw the S&P 500 and Dow rise to new all-time highs. Investors cheered the nomination of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, who is seen as a fiscal hawk and someone who will support Trump’s trade policies. US...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Markets bounced back as investors reengaged the pro-growth Trump 2.0 trade. President-elect Trump continued to fill out his cabinet and, late Friday announced Scott Bessent as his nominee for Treasury Secretary. Wall Street has endorsed Bessent,...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA US equity markets pulled back last week as investors took profits from the outsized move higher seen following the US election. Sticky inflation prints, coupled with solid retail sales and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chairman J. Powell,...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA The S&P 500 notched its 50th all-time high of 2024 as investors piled into equities after a decisive US election. Wall Street embraced the idea that President-Elect Trump would enact several pro-growth policies to bolster corporate profits. ...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA It was a very busy week on Wall Street as investors analyzed a deluge of corporate earnings reports and a full economic data calendar. The S&P 500 traded lower for the second consecutive week and could not close out October with a gain,...
Weekly Market Commentary
-Darren Leavitt, CFA Global markets pulled back last week as investors took the opportunity to reduce some risk before a very close US Presidential election. In the US, nearly 20% of the S&P 500 reported earnings. Generally, results came in better than expected;...
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The “Still-Working Exception” and December 31 Retirement
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst As the end of the year approaches, you may have plans to retire on December 31. However, if you are using the “still-working exception” to defer required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k) (or other company plan), you may want...
2025 Year-End Retirement Account Deadlines
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The end of the year always brings a flurry of retirement account deadlines and planning opportunities. This year is no different. And, new for 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings new...
Qualified Distributions and Successor Beneficiaries: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Dear IRA Help, Here is my specific case. I am 84 years old. I opened a Roth IRA on March 30, 2020, with a conversion. I started withdrawing from this conversion on March 10, 2025. Did I satisfy the...
Do QCDs Actually Reduce AGI?
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst It has come to our attention that confusion exists as to how qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) impact one’s taxes. It is said that QCDs can reduce adjusted gross income (AGI). But is this true? Yes, it is true…but...
Trump Accounts and the Pro-Rata Rule: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: We have two grandchildren. One is 18 years old now, and the other will turn 18 next January (2026). Can you help me understand what I can do for each under the new Trump account rules? Ollie Answer: Hi Ollie, You will...
Avoiding the 10% Early Distribution Penalty for Certain Hardship Withdrawals
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Most 401(k) plans (as well as 403(b) and 457(b) plans) offer hardship withdrawals while you are still employed. If the withdrawal comes from a pre-tax account, it will be taxable. And, if you’re under age 59½, it will also be subject to...
Tapping an ESA for Back-to-School Expenses
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education It’s August and that means it is back-to-school time! The 2025-2026 school year is upon us. Kids are already back in the classroom and ready to learn. Any parent will tell you that back-to-school time is an...
The Once-Per-Year Rollover Rule and SEP IRA Contributions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: I recently retired in January and rolled over a lump sum pension from my previous employer into my IRA. Next month, I’m planning to roll over my 401(k) from the same employer into the same IRA as well....
The Craziest Stuff I’ve Heard
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The Ed Slott team has answered literally tens of thousands of IRA and retirement plan questions over the past few years. That is not hyperbole—we track it all. The questions we’re asked run the gamut from basic to extremely...
The following link/content may include information and statistical data obtained from and/or prepared by thirdparty sources that MVP Insurance Services, deems reliable but in no way does MVP Insurance Services guarantee its accuracy or completeness. MVP Insurance Services had no involvement in the creation of the content and did not make any revisions to such content. All such third-party information and statistical data contained herein is subject to change without notice and may not reflect the view or opinions of MVP Insurance Services. Nothing herein constitutes investment, legal or tax advice or any recommendation that any security, portfolio of securities, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Personal investment advice can only be rendered after the engagement of MVP Insurance Services, execution of required documentation, and receipt of required disclosures. All investments involve risk and past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Comparing Plans is Especially Important This Open Enrollment Season Due to Changes in Part D Protections and New Options
Key components of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Part D reforms will be fully implemented for plans offered in 2025. These changes, including the total elimination of the “coverage gap” coverage period, the establishment of a $2,000 cap on beneficiary out-of-pocket...
read more
CMS Finalizes Payment Rule, Including Update to the Custody Definition
Medicare payment rules prohibit coverage for a service if a beneficiary is not financially responsible for the care or if another government entity is obligated to provide or pay for the item or service. For years, the Medicare rules interpreting and implementing this...
read more
Health Care Access Improving in Rural Areas, Challenges Persist
A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) examines trends in health care access and outcomes in rural America. While insurance rates in these areas are improving,...
read more
Millions See Cost Savings Under the Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) made significant improvements to Medicare prescription drug access and affordability, including by restructuring the Part D benefit to limit enrollee expenses. Those changes began in January 2024, when the IRA eliminated cost sharing...
read more
Healthcare.gov Now Open for 2025 ACA Plan Shopping
Now is the time for people who need health insurance in 2025 to shop for coverage. For those without employer, Medicare, or Medicaid coverage, Healthcare.gov or their state exchange is the place to shop for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Most shoppers will be able...
read more
Watchdog Estimates $7.5 Billion Medicare Advantage Overpayment from “Questionable” Health Risk Assessments
When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations, they increase the payments when plans enroll sicker people. This is called risk adjustment, and it is an important guardrail to ensure that all people with Medicare...
read more
What If My Medicare Doctor “Opts Out”?
Finding a doctor you like and trust can be a long process, so I understand that it can be frustrating when your doctor no longer accepts Medicare. If your doctor has “opted out” of Medicare, this means that he or she no longer accepts Medicare assignment...
read more
Home health care through Medicare
It’s important to plan for your health care needs, but sometimes life throws unexpected curve balls. And when that happens, you’ll need to know what’s covered. Fortunately, there are ways you and your loved ones can get the necessary care at home. Here’s what you need...
read more
Correcting the Record: The Facts on Medicare Advantage Payment and Accountability
The Wall Street Journal recently published a story regarding diagnoses and plan payments in Medicare Advantage. The story was fundamentally flawed and overlooked the value of Medicare Advantage for millions of American seniors. Here are the facts: More than 33 million...
read more
Comparing Plans is Especially Important This Open Enrollment Season Due to Changes in Part D Protections and New Options
Key components of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Part D reforms will be fully implemented for plans offered in 2025. These changes, including the total elimination of the “coverage gap” coverage period, the establishment of a $2,000 cap on beneficiary out-of-pocket...
CMS Finalizes Payment Rule, Including Update to the Custody Definition
Medicare payment rules prohibit coverage for a service if a beneficiary is not financially responsible for the care or if another government entity is obligated to provide or pay for the item or service. For years, the Medicare rules interpreting and implementing this...
Health Care Access Improving in Rural Areas, Challenges Persist
A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) examines trends in health care access and outcomes in rural America. While insurance rates in these areas are improving,...
Millions See Cost Savings Under the Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) made significant improvements to Medicare prescription drug access and affordability, including by restructuring the Part D benefit to limit enrollee expenses. Those changes began in January 2024, when the IRA eliminated cost sharing...
Healthcare.gov Now Open for 2025 ACA Plan Shopping
Now is the time for people who need health insurance in 2025 to shop for coverage. For those without employer, Medicare, or Medicaid coverage, Healthcare.gov or their state exchange is the place to shop for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Most shoppers will be able...
Watchdog Estimates $7.5 Billion Medicare Advantage Overpayment from “Questionable” Health Risk Assessments
When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations, they increase the payments when plans enroll sicker people. This is called risk adjustment, and it is an important guardrail to ensure that all people with Medicare...
What If My Medicare Doctor “Opts Out”?
Finding a doctor you like and trust can be a long process, so I understand that it can be frustrating when your doctor no longer accepts Medicare. If your doctor has “opted out” of Medicare, this means that he or she no longer accepts Medicare assignment...
Home health care through Medicare
It’s important to plan for your health care needs, but sometimes life throws unexpected curve balls. And when that happens, you’ll need to know what’s covered. Fortunately, there are ways you and your loved ones can get the necessary care at home. Here’s what you need...
Correcting the Record: The Facts on Medicare Advantage Payment and Accountability
The Wall Street Journal recently published a story regarding diagnoses and plan payments in Medicare Advantage. The story was fundamentally flawed and overlooked the value of Medicare Advantage for millions of American seniors. Here are the facts: More than 33 million...
Regular Review
Your life will change. And your plan must change with it. At our regular plan reviews we check for progress, realign to new information, and address any information that is out of date. Our support team is here for you to get you the answers you need when you need them. Regular plan reviews are just another part of doing it the right way.
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116 East Main Street
Panora, IA 50216
Office: 641-755-3100
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