Sjoberg & Holmstrom Financial Services is closed for the holidays. We will reopen on January 4th at 8 a.m. You can leave a message at 320-679-5183, we are monitoring those messages.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Monday, December 28, 2020
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Your Safe Money Show topics for December 26th
Coming up on this Saturday's (December 26th) Your Safe Money Show, we’re going to look at good debt and bad debt, yes there is a difference. Also, if you’re cohabitating (living together) and not married, there are things to be aware of especially with money matters. And if you start to see memory issues with your parents, I’ll have ways to help them with their finances.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Stimulus
Well the big news this week, Congressional leaders on Monday the 21st, announced they'd agreed on a second round of stimulus to help the ailing U.S. economy. What’s in the ~$900 billion goodie bag: Direct payments. Those who made under $75,000 in the 2019 tax year will receive checks for $600, plus $600 per child. There’ll be added unemployment benefits of $300 per person, however the $300 supplement could face delays for at least three weeks, or a maximum of six to eight weeks in some states Why? Because of difficulties in programming new benefits into computer systems during the holidays. Some state programs don’t have the resources and technology needed to add programs instantly. The takeaway for unemployed Americans is that they may have to wait through part of January to get access to benefits that stopped at the end of December. Benefits are typically restored beginning the date of enactment, so there shouldn’t be a gap in someone’s eligibility, just a gap in when they will get paid. There’ll be $300 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which supports small businesses. A $15 billion injection to help airlines rehire over 32,000 workers who were furloughed in October, plus more for airports and air travel-related industries. Amtrak will receive $1 billion, and public transit systems will nab $14 billion. $25 billion for rental assistance, plus an extension to the federal eviction moratorium.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Highlights for Saturday December 19th Your Safe Money Show
Your Safe Money Show topics for Saturday December 19th. If you are a “snowbird” I have a checklist when it comes to your insurance. We’ll look at retirement rule changes in 2020 and how they affect you. And how do you open a Roth IRA? I’ll go over that, so you understand the steps involved. Listen at 7:30 a.m. at Nice 95 5 KBEK. They stream live at kbek.com. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
How to handle inheritance
I have been reading that economists figure that baby boomers have $30 to $48 trillion in personal assets that they will pass down over the next 25 years or so. Some say it will be the greatest wealth transfer in history. I have some ideas if you think you might receive an inheritance or if you are the one leaving money to family.
Monday, December 14, 2020
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Your Safe Money Show topics for December 12th
This is what we're planning for our December 12th Your Safe Money Show. If you have a mortgage do you pay that off or invest for retirement? It’s a big decision and I’ll break that down for you. Also, I’ll explain, how if you were born in 1960 your Social Security benefits could be taking a hit. And should you roll over an IRA to an HSA? There’s some interesting tax benefits to this.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
MnSure Open Enrollment deadline is December 22
Now that Open Enrollment for Medicare has finished up, we need to talk about MnSure Open Enrollment. You have until December 22nd to update or change your plan to be ready for January 1st coverage. If you have questions or want an appointment call 320-679-5183.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Debit versus Credit Cards
I had a question this week about debit cards and credit cards which is better? Like most things there’s pros and cons for both. Here’s some basic information. If your debit card is stolen or used without permission, it falls under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act. If you tell your bank before any charges are made, you won’t lose anything. If you tell them within two business days, the most you’ll lose is $50. If you tell them after the two-day mark but within 60 days of getting your statement, your maximum liability is $500.But if you tell your bank after that 60-day point, there’s no limit to how much you can lose. Now if your credit card is stolen or used without permission, it falls under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If you tell the company before any charges are made, you’re not liable for anything. If you tell them afterward, the most you can lose is $50, and it probably won’t even be that. That’s because the four major card companies — American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover — all have $0 fraud liability policies. A credit expert says with debit cards, that’s your money that was stolen. With credit cards, that was the bank’s money that was stolen. When you use your debit card at the grocery store for example that money comes out of your account right away. With a credit card there’s a wait as the charge goes through the company like Visa ect. Other things to consider, a credit card builds credit if handled properly, where a debit card does nothing with your credit score. Alright I hope that clears up some of the confusion around credit and debit cards.
Monday, December 7, 2020
Thursday, December 3, 2020
December 5th Your Safe Money Show highlights
Coming up on Saturday (December 5th) Your Safe Money Show. I have some steps for you to follow so you can gain control of your retirement. Now more than ever there’s fear when it comes to your finances in retirement, I’ll have how to overcome those fears. And the pandemic is reshaping life insurance for the better, I’ll tell you how that’s happening. Listen at 7:30 a.m. at Nice 95.5 FM KBEK. They stream live at kbek.com. To hear recent shows go to our podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Medicare Open enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th. If you'd like an appointment to get help with choices available call 320-679-5183.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Earned income tax credit
Today
I wanted to talk about the Earned Income Tax Credit. It's geared toward working people with
low to moderate incomes, and for some families, it can offer as much as $6,728
in cold hard cash. For whatever reason folks aren’t claiming this, so I’ll
share what you need to do to claim in 2021. The most important aspect of the
earned income tax credit is that it's a refundable tax credit. With most tax credits, if you don't owe taxes, then the credit ends up going
unused. But as a refundable tax credit, the EITC is different. If you don't
need to use your EITC to reduce your tax bill, then the IRS will actually cut
you a check for the unused portion. That's unusual among tax credits, and it
effectively makes the EITC a way that the federal government can get money to
those who need it most – and have earned their right to receive it. To get the
earned income tax credit, you have to meet several requirements. The most
important one is that you need to have earned income from work, whether it's a
traditional job or a side gig. If you run your own business, your net income
also counts as earned income for EITC purposes. However, things like investment
income, pensions, Social Security, or unemployment benefits don't count as
earned income. There’re income limits and filing status and how many children that
qualify, so you’d need to check on these criteria to see if you meet them. To
claim your earned income tax credit, you have to file a federal tax return.
That's the case even if your income is low enough that you ordinarily wouldn't
be required to file. You can go to the IRS. gov website and they have all the
information there or ask your tax person. Don’t leave this money on the table.
There’s close to 30 million people who qualify and close to 6 million don’t
claim this credit.
Monday, November 30, 2020
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Highlights for November 28th Your Safe Money Show
Here's what were planning for our Saturday November 28th Your Safe Money Show. There’s something called “Hospital at Home” and I’ll explain what it is and can it be utilized more in the future. When it comes to retirement planning there’s one surprising factor that seems to be left out and I’ll have everything you need to know about 401(k)’s.
Listen at 7:30 a.m. at Nice 95.5 FM KBEK. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving!
Everyone at Sjoberg & Holmstrom Financial Services and Your Safe Money Show wants to wish you and your family blessings and look forward to better days ahead.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
What NOT to carry in your wallet
I want to share the worst things you can keep in your wallet or pocketbook. Today if thieves get some of this information, they have the keys to your financial city. This seems like a no brainer but do not carry your Social Security card. Most of us memorize our number from a young age and you seldom would ever have to show your card to anyone. Rarely anyway, so do not carry that card with you. Do not carry a spare house key in your wallet or purse. More than likely your address is in your wallet now they have a key to get in. Store a spare key with a trusted neighbor or hide where you can get at it if needed. I know not as many people use checks today but don’t carry a bunch of blank checks and only have what you will need with you. Many of us have multiple credit cards. It's best to limit how many you have with you. Make a photocopy of the front and back of all your cards and store in a safe place. If they're lost or stolen it’ll be easier to access the information you’ll need. Many retirees still may have old Medicare cards with their Social Security numbers printed on them in their wallets. Carry only your new Medicare card. Medicare has stopped issuing Medicare cards with Social Security numbers on them and replaced them with new paper cards. The new Medicare cards have a number on it that's unique to you. And finally, gift cards. I can see carrying them with you so you can use them on a whim, but they can be lost or stolen and there’s no way to really prove they were yours.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Highlights for November 21st Your Safe Money Show
Here's what we have planned for this Saturday's (November 21st) Your Safe Money Show. HSA (Health Savings Accounts) have benefits you might not know about, these can work well for the right person. People worry about leaving debt after they die. I'll have what you should know about this. And if you want to add grandchildren to your will here’s what to consider. Listen at 7:30 a.m. at Nice 95.5 FM KBEK. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Cost of Medicare going up
We have an update about Medicare’s premium going up. Officials announced recently the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $148.50 in 2021.The $3.90 increase is 2.7% more than the 2020 figure of $144.60, according to information released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The deductible for Part B, which covers outpatient care, durable equipment and some other services, will be $203 next year, up $5 from $198 in 2020. Meanwhile, the deductible for Medicare Part A (hospital coverage), which is per benefit period (which generally starts when you are admitted to the hospital) will be $1,484 in 2021, up $76 from this year’s $1,408.
Monday, November 16, 2020
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Highlights for November 14th Your Safe Money Show
Here's what you can expect on our Saturday November 14th Your Safe Money Show. There are some changes for Social Security in 2021 I’ll go over those changes. The Fed has kept rates near zero. What benefits does that create for your pocketbook? And the refinancing boom continues in 2020 as rates remain low, I’ll talk about that too.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
IRS information
The Internal Revenue Service will resume sending balance-due notices to U.S. taxpayers this month. The IRS shut several mail processing centers in the spring due to COVID-19, and the backups forced the agency to store millions of pieces of mail temporarily in trailers. Taxpayers will begin seeing updated notices in late October or early November. The notices alert individual taxpayers that they have a balance due and what their payment options are. Some also tell taxpayers that they may be subject to a lien if they don’t pay promptly, and others note that the recipients must pay immediately or face a levy on their state income tax refunds.
Monday, November 9, 2020
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Highlights for November 7th Your Safe Money Show
Coming up on Saturday's (November 7th) edition of Your Safe Money Show. For this week's show I am going to give you a guide to retirement planning decade by decade, from your 20’s through retirement. So many people are having a second career in retirement I’ll have tips on how best to do that. And unfortunately, since Covid there are more Social media scams than ever, I’ll tell you what to watch for. Listen at Nice 95.5 KBEK at 7:30 a.m. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Open enrollment information
We've been getting calls about going to various locations, like we have in the past, to help folks during MnSure open enrollment. We are unable to do this because of Covid restrictions at libraries ect. But we are helping at our office in Mora at 139 Union Street or over the phone. To make an appointment call 320-679-5183.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Spare change
OK I have a question for you, what do you do with your spare change? A recent survey found that most Americans — 55.5% — let their spare change just sit there and don’t do anything with it. That’s up significantly from a similar survey done in 2016, when only about 38% of respondents said they let their change go to waste. Over the years I’ve known folks that take that spare change after a year or two, they cash it in and use it for a vacation, or other fun purchase. In today’s world they have apps where you can use your spare change for an investment. For example, if you buy a coffee for $3.65, 35 cents will automatically get added to your portfolio via the debit or credit card you’ve connected to the app. Instead of paying in cash, pocketing the coins and then tossing them in the pile on your dresser, you can pay with a card and invest your spare change without even thinking about it. I see this being especially useful for a younger person simply because they don’t use cash very often and this could be a good way for them to save without really trying. They call this Micro-investing and there’s pro’s and con’s like anything, but it is an option to save and put that spare change to good use. For more information go to yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Monday, November 2, 2020
Thursday, October 29, 2020
October 31st Your Safe Money Show topics
For our October 31st edition of Your Safe Money Show.
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Social Security trivia
Here's another piece of Social Security trivia.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Costlier life insurance for men over 55 who smoke
I saw this headline the other day and thought I better pass this along if you haven’t heard. Life insurance is getting costlier for men 55 and older who smoke. That demographic saw the biggest increases for life insurance policies from September to October, with average premiums rising between $6.12 and $12.56 a month. The prices are based on actuarial rate tables for 11 life insurance carriers. The article basically said that smokers and older folks face a higher risk with Covid, and that’s why rates increased. They also said that overall pricing hasn’t increased much for all demographics with the pandemic but they are “navigating” an unprecedented situation and time will tell. I am a former smoker, so there's no judgement here, but if you can stop smoking there's many benefits and better rates on insurance would be one of them. If you have questions go to the website yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Monday, October 26, 2020
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Your Safe Money Show highlights for October 24th
Here's what we're working on for our Saturday October 24th Your Safe Money Show. Having a financial plan is so important and once you have that plan it needs to be reviewed. I'll explain how often you should have that review. When it comes to your IRA, Individual Retirement Account, there are things you need to know before making withdrawals. And we all have certain "quirks" when it comes to handling our money, I'll discuss how much our family and upbringing determine our good or bad money habits. Listen at 7:30 a.m. at 95.5FM KBEK. They stream live at kbek.com. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Social Security history
Here's a little Social Security history lesson.
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
COLA for Social Security 2021
Seniors on Social Security will see their benefits increase by 1.3% come 2021. Well it’s better than no raise at all but, it's the lowest seniors have gotten in four years. To compare last year the COLA was 1.6% and that means on average if you are on Social Security you’ll get about $20 more. Now Part B premiums for Medicare will go up but hopefully not by too much. Thanks to Medicare's hold harmless provision, seniors who pay their Part B premiums directly out of their Social Security benefits can't see their benefits decrease due to Medicare increases. Or, to put it another way, a beneficiary who gets a $20 raise as a result of 2021's Social Security COLA can't be hit with more than a $20 monthly increase in Medicare premiums. Speaking of Medicare, Open enrollment is happening now until December 7th. Call for an appointment if you'd like help looking at your plan options. 320-679-5183.
Monday, October 19, 2020
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Highlights for October 17th Your Safe Money Show
Here's what we have planned for the October 17th edition of Your Safe Money Show. I'll have health insurance terminology, so you’ll better understand the various terms especially during Open enrollment. I’ll also have you consider Social Security as a number, but I am not saying 62, 65 or your full retirement age, I’ll explain. Did you know there are some things you’ll spend more money on in retirement, I’ll tell you what those are. And how much does it cost to raise a child? Listen at 7:30 a.m. at 95.5 FM KBEK. They stream live at kbek.com. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Roth IRA contributions for 2020
We have recent news on Roth IRA contribution limits for 2020, they will remain the same as in 2019. The maximum amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA for 2020 is $6,000 if you're younger than age 50. If you're age 50 and older, you can add an extra $1,000 per year in "catch-up" contributions, bringing the total contribution to $7,000.
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Thursday, October 8, 2020
What to expect on Your Safe Money Show Saturday the 10th of October
Coming up on Saturday's (10-10) Your Safe Money Show. The pandemic has more people doing estate planning like making a will, I’ll go into some detail on this. It’s become a real problem, being forced into an early retirement. I’ll have what to do next if this happens to you. And there are certain documents you need to have, to apply for Social Security benefits, I’ll have what those documents are. Listen at 7:30 a.m. at 95.5 FM KBEK. They stream live at kbek.com. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Social Security Guide
What is the origin of the term "Social Security?"
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Medicare Advantage compared to traditional Medicare
I get many questions about the difference between Medicare Advantage plans and traditional Medicare. You can choose to sign up for traditional Medicare: Parts A, B and D, and a supplemental policy. Or, you can go an alternative route by signing up for Medicare Advantage, which provides medical and prescription drug coverage through private insurance companies. Also called Part C, Medicare Advantage has a monthly cost, in addition to the Part B premium, that varies depending on which plan you choose. With Medicare Advantage, you don't need to sign up for Part D or buy a supplemental policy. Like traditional Medicare, you'll also have co-payments, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs. In many cases, Advantage policies charge lower premiums than supplemental plans but have higher cost-sharing. Your choice of providers may be more limited with Medicare Advantage than with traditional Medicare, and recent research has found that sicker enrollees often dump Medicare Advantage in favor of original Medicare. Open enrollment for Medicare starts October 15th and runs until December 7th. To make an appointment to get help looking over plans and the best options for you call 320-679-5183.
Monday, October 5, 2020
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Your Safe Money Show topics for October 3rd
As I pulled resources for the show this week, I realized that “snowbirds” are in a tough predicament these days deciding how to handle Covid, and if they can do what they did before, there’s a lot to figure out, so I have some insight on that. And as long as we're talking about travel, insurance companies are adapting to this “Covid” world we're living in and they are offering travel insurance that covers Covid. No matter how many times we discuss Medicare, laying the basics out is always helpful as we get ever closer to Open enrollment starting October 15th. Listen at 7:30 a.m. Saturdays at 95.5 FM KBEK. They stream live at kbek.com. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Changes to Open Enrollment
This year during Open enrollment for MnSure we are unable to meet with folks at various library locations because of Covid. We can assist you in our office in Mora by appointment. We can also help with a phone call or if you'd like a video appointment. We are setting appointments now for Medicare Open Enrollment which starts October 15th and runs until December 7th. MnSure Open Enrollment starts November 1st and goes until December 22nd. Call 320-679-5183 or go to the website yoursafemoneyshow.com
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Caregivers Act
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is about to increase the scope of its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) to include eligible veterans who suffered serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975. Benefits of the program include monthly stipends, medical training and health insurance. The expansion is set to go into effect Oct. 1. Many veterans have multiple chronic health problems and that leaves them especially vulnerable to serious illness if they get Covid. There’s a push to keep vets at home and limit time at VA medical centers if at all possible, but caregivers need help. The program “saves money in the long run,” because it provides compensation to spouses, parents and other partners of severely injured veterans who would otherwise require expensive care in a facility. Caregivers also are eligible for medical benefits and training. For more information go to caregiver.va.gov
Monday, September 28, 2020
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Your Safe Money Show topics for September 26th
Coming up on the September 26th Your Safe Money Show.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Your Guide to Retirement Benefits
When did Social Security start?
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Medicare Open Enrollment
Were less than a month away from open enrollment for Medicare and Part D prescription drug coverage, which starts October 15th and runs through December 7th. Why is this important, well having the right coverage for you and your situation is key and you might actually save money depending on what plan fits you best. Changes you can make include swapping from original Medicare (Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical coverage) to a private Medicare Advantage plan. You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, as well as join a prescription drug plan. There are many options with Medicare and your health concerns and drugs you take, have to be considered so you get the best plan for your particular circumstances, and that's why there's open enrollment each year.
Monday, September 21, 2020
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Your Safe Money Show highlights for September 19th
Coming up on the September 19th Your Safe Money Show. I have results from a Kiplinger Alliance for Lifetime Income poll: called Americans and retirement security. There’re some interesting findings you’ll want to hear. We're less than a month away from Open enrollment for Medicare and I’ll have ways to save money with enrollment. And I hope you never lose your wallet, but I have steps to take if you should lose your wallet, someday this will be good information to have. Listen at 95.5 FM KBEK at 7:30 a.m. They stream live at kbek.com. Hear recent shows at the podcast page at yoursafemoneyshow.com.