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Passed in December 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0 includes :
RETIREMENT SAVING RULE CHANGES
Higher catch-up contribution allowances
For those age 60-63, the catch-up contribution limit will increase to the greater of $10,000 or 150% of the regular catch-up amount for 401(k) and similar type plans. The higher allowance is effective starting in 2025.
Cost of living adjustments to IRA catch-up contributions
Individuals age 50+ can currently contribute an additional $1,000 to either a traditional or Roth IRA. Beginning in 2024, catch-up contributions will be indexed for inflation.
REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION (RMD) CHANGES
RMD age increased to 73, but individuals can still do Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) at 70 ½. Beginning in 2023, a one-time QCD of up to $50,000 can be directed towards a split-interest entity such as a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT), Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) or Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA).
TRANSFER OF EXCESS 529 FUNDS TO A ROTH IRA
Effective in 2024, a beneficiary’s unused 529 funds may be transferred to a Roth IRA in the name of the beneficiary, subject to several rules:
• The lifetime amount that can be transferred is $35,000 and is subject to the annual contribution limits.
• The 529 plan must be established for at least 15 years.
ROTH RULE CHANGES
Roth employer plan distributions
Effective 2024, individuals will no longer be required to take distributions from Roth accounts from employer plans.
Roth-style version of SEP and SIMPLE IRA accounts
Effective in the 2023 tax year, you can now create SIMPLE Roth IRA and SEP Roth IRA accounts.
CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS REQUIRED TO BE ROTH FOR HIGH WAGE EARNERS
Catch-up contributions for high income earners must be made in Roth accounts starting in 2024. The new rule applies to catch-up contributions for 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457 (b) plans.
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Erin Weber. Erin is a Financial Advisor with the Weber Group of Raymond James. She may be reached at 878.208.1285 or Erin.Weber@RaymondJames.com. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
Your financial goals, aspirations and investment needs are just that yours. And your financial plan should reflect that. So rather than ask you to settle for an off-the-shelf investment program, Weber Group at Raymond James is here to provide you with personalized financial planning based on your goals, your time frame and your particular tolerance for risk.We can provide you with just the right combination of financial services, support and guidance that make the most sense for you. Well also be there to help you each step of the way in the pursuit of your personal financial goals.Theres more to your financial life than just investments. Comprehensive planning encompasses an in-depth review and analysis of all aspects of your financial life to help you see the big picture and enable us to personalize a plan for addressing every detail.Our principal belief is that everything begins with a well-designed financial plan. Were highly adept at seeing the big picture of your financial life, and then addressing all the details that make the plan work including identifying and resolving any gaps that may have previously been overlooked.At Raymond James, we have a straightforward approach to doing business. We believe that putting clients needs first is the best way to ensure their success and, in turn, the long-term success of our advisors and the company. We call this our Service 1stSM philosophy. With our strong focus on clients and our commitment to supporting those who serve them, weve become known as the premier alternative to Wall Street, providing the products, services and support of even the largest firms, within an environment that values strong, personal relationships.Raymond James focuses on doing what's right for its clients, associates and communities. And as you'll find in the firm's Corporate Responsibility Report, this commitment drives our mission to build a more sustainable future for all through environmental, social and governance best practices.Sticking to our core principles of client first, conservatism, independence and integrity, Raymond James has steadily grown to become one of the largest independent financial services firms in the industry, but our core values ensure well never be so big that we dont have time for what matters most: you and your family.The markets change, but our values will always be the same. Client first is at our core, supported by conservatism, independence and integrity.Erin Weber is a vice president of investments with Raymond James, for the office in Cranberry, Pennsylvania. She is a founding partner of the Weber Group, a team within a team approach, at Raymond James. Erin works alongside her father, Senior Vice President of Investments Al Weber. Along with assistant, Katie Burr, the team strives to give clients a comprehensive investment experience by providing a high level of service, through shared expertise, for the individual and institution. With over 30 years of financial experience, there is a strong likelihood the team has interacted or worked with someone in a situation very similar to yours.She holds both bachelors and masters degrees from The Pennsylvania State University, along with the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Erin is a licensed agent for life, accident and health insurance. She has her Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duquesne University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner. Erin also is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor professional and a member of the Financial Planning Association. She has presented at international, national and state conferences in the field of education and co-authored multiple papers in the area of maximizing educator effectiveness. Based on her background in educational innovations, Erin strongly believes that she can best assist individuals and families by helping them understand the concept and elements of financial planning.Erin is advisory board president of Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington, and has mentored professionals and students from multiple universities. She is guiding several initiatives to help women and college students become financially literate and is the Vice Chairman of the Center for Financial Literacy at Penn State Behrend. Erin is a member of the Womens Leadership Council for the United Way, and volunteers at The Center for Women, Pennsylvania Women Work and Strong Women, Strong Girls. Because of her significant involvement in helping and mentoring women, she was a 2020 ATHENA Award nominee.She is very active in the area of physical fitness and won an international video contest promoting a healthy lifestyle. Erin also enjoys golfing and is a life-long resident of the Pittsburgh area, currently residing in Wexford, Pennsylvania.
Your financial goals, aspirations and investment needs are just that yours. And your financial plan should reflect that. So rather than ask you to settle for an off-the-shelf investment program, Weber Group at Raymond James is here to provide you with personalized financial planning based on your goals, your time frame and your particular tolerance for risk.We can provide you with just the right combination of financial services, support and guidance that make the most sense for you. Well also be there to help you each step of the way in the pursuit of your personal financial goals.Theres more to your financial life than just investments. Comprehensive planning encompasses an in-depth review and analysis of all aspects of your financial life to help you see the big picture and enable us to personalize a plan for addressing every detail.Our principal belief is that everything begins with a well-designed financial plan. Were highly adept at seeing the big picture of your financial life, and then addressing all the details that make the plan work including identifying and resolving any gaps that may have previously been overlooked.At Raymond James, we have a straightforward approach to doing business. We believe that putting clients needs first is the best way to ensure their success and, in turn, the long-term success of our advisors and the company. We call this our Service 1stSM philosophy. With our strong focus on clients and our commitment to supporting those who serve them, weve become known as the premier alternative to Wall Street, providing the products, services and support of even the largest firms, within an environment that values strong, personal relationships.Raymond James focuses on doing what's right for its clients, associates and communities. And as you'll find in the firm's Corporate Responsibility Report, this commitment drives our mission to build a more sustainable future for all through environmental, social and governance best practices.Sticking to our core principles of client first, conservatism, independence and integrity, Raymond James has steadily grown to become one of the largest independent financial services firms in the industry, but our core values ensure well never be so big that we dont have time for what matters most: you and your family.The markets change, but our values will always be the same. Client first is at our core, supported by conservatism, independence and integrity.Erin Weber is a vice president of investments with Raymond James, for the office in Cranberry, Pennsylvania. She is a founding partner of the Weber Group, a team within a team approach, at Raymond James. Erin works alongside her father, Senior Vice President of Investments Al Weber. Along with assistant, Katie Burr, the team strives to give clients a comprehensive investment experience by providing a high level of service, through shared expertise, for the individual and institution. With over 30 years of financial experience, there is a strong likelihood the team has interacted or worked with someone in a situation very similar to yours.She holds both bachelors and masters degrees from The Pennsylvania State University, along with the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Erin is a licensed agent for life, accident and health insurance. She has her Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duquesne University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner. Erin also is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor professional and a member of the Financial Planning Association. She has presented at international, national and state conferences in the field of education and co-authored multiple papers in the area of maximizing educator effectiveness. Based on her background in educational innovations, Erin strongly believes that she can best assist individuals and families by helping them understand the concept and elements of financial planning.Erin is advisory board president of Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington, and has mentored professionals and students from multiple universities. She is guiding several initiatives to help women and college students become financially literate and is the Vice Chairman of the Center for Financial Literacy at Penn State Behrend. Erin is a member of the Womens Leadership Council for the United Way, and volunteers at The Center for Women, Pennsylvania Women Work and Strong Women, Strong Girls. Because of her significant involvement in helping and mentoring women, she was a 2020 ATHENA Award nominee.She is very active in the area of physical fitness and won an international video contest promoting a healthy lifestyle. Erin also enjoys golfing and is a life-long resident of the Pittsburgh area, currently residing in Wexford, Pennsylvania.