2023 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service announced retirement plan contribution limits for 2023. As retirement plan investors will notice, the changes are more significant than in past years.
Deconstructing a Simple Estate Plan – Last Will & Testament
A simple estate plan typically consists of a will, durable or financial power of attorney, health care directives, including a medical power of attorney and living will, plus perhaps a revocable trust. This four part series will review the structure and purpose of these basic estate planning documents.
In the Community – Humane Society of Scott County
Since 1902, the Humane Society of Scott County (HSSC) has been helping animals in our community. What started off as an organization to promote and enforce humane treatment of horses, has evolved into a full-service animal welfare organization.
Market Viewpoints – Winter 2023
Inflation continued to show some signs of moderating during the fourth quarter of 2022 with the headline CPI reading falling to 6.5% in December after hitting a high of 9.1% in June.
Secure Act 2.0 Legislation: Interesting Changes for Retirement Plan Investors in 2023 and Beyond
During the last few weeks of December 2022, the government passed the most recent rendition of retirement plan legislation. With this comes a number of changes for retirement plan investors.
In the Community – Vera French
Thank you to our friends at Northwest Bank & Trust for giving me the opportunity to share some detail about the work of the Vera French Community Mental Health Center.
“Vera French” is a family of non-profit Iowa corporations encompassing the Vera French Community Mental Health Center (the Center), the Vera French Housing Corporation (Housing), and the Vera French Foundation (the Foundation).
IRS released Notice 2022-53 – Inherited IRA Distribution Rules for Non-Spouse beneficiaries
The passing of the 2019 Secure Act changed the rules starting January 1, 2020, as to when non-spouse beneficiaries must begin taking money from inherited retirement accounts.
A Change to Taxation of Retirement Income in the State of Iowa
Effective January 1, 2023, Iowa taxpayers will catch a break on the state taxes paid on “retirement income”. The new law exempts Iowa taxation on all “retirement income” for those who are disabled or 55 years of age or older. It also exempts retirement income received by a surviving spouses.
Market Viewpoints – Fall 2022
All eyes remain on the Federal Reserve this year as the Fed’s fight with inflation continues to have a large effect on financial markets. Global stock and bond markets continue to struggle this year as the Fed front-loaded rate hikes in an aggressive manner by increasing the Fed Funds rate by 0.75% in each of their last three meetings.
Exciting Changes for the Investment Management Group
As many of you are already aware, we recently announced that the Investment Management Group is taking steps to become an independent trust and investment company. We are very excited about this change as it brings with it new opportunity for us to continue to grow and serve more clients in the Quad Cities region.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Generally, traditional IRA distributions, whether as a required minimum distribution (RMD) or other distribution, are taxable income in the year you receive them. However, there is an exception to this rule that may be advantageous if you are charitably minded and need a tax break.
Scam Alerts: Mortgage Notice and Computer Virus Scams
You probably hear about various online and phone scams frequently, and maybe you are event a victim of the fraudulent “car warranty” phone calls. However, fraudsters have also been using banking scams to target susceptible customers recently.
Retitling Your Assets
You have created a revocable living trust. Great! Now what do you do with it? Setting up your trust by creating a trust document is only the first step in establishing a trust based estate plan. Take a look at what the next steps are and how to retitle your assets.
In the Community – Handicapped Development Center
Handicapped Development Center’s services are essential to allow participants the chance to become active members of the community, but also to make society more inclusive of people with disabilities. Read more in our community spotlight.
How Do I Teach my Children to be Generous People?
We learn the skill of generosity from people who model it for us throughout our lives. Whether from our parents, a relative, a kind neighbor, a scholarship, or help offered during a time of need, we’ve all been recipients of acts of kindness and generosity. Here are a few ways to help teach children about generosity.
Introducing Melissa Uzzell, JD
Melissa Uzzell is the newest member of the Investment Management Group team. She is an attorney with over 14 years of experience in estate planning and administration. She joins us as Director of Fiduciary Services.
Market Viewpoints – Summer 2022
Both the stock and bond markets continued their struggles in the second quarter this year following a rough first quarter. The S&P 500 closed down 20.6% in the first half of the year with the worst start since 1970. Read to find out our perspectives on the current markets and outlook on the U.S. economy.
Preventing Elder Financial Abuse
Almost 20% of older Americans fall prey to financial exploitation totaling $3 billion annually. Various scams are circulating at all times, so please follow these tips and be aware of you and your loved ones’ exposure to fraud.
Tips to Take the Stress Out of Travel
Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but under planning and overspending can lead to financial stressors. Consider the following tips to reduce travel-related anxiety and help you make the most out of your time away—whether journeying across state lines or overseas.
Market Viewpoints – Spring 2022
Both stocks and bonds struggled in the first quarter this year due to a more aggressive Fed posture, inflation risks continuing to increase, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read about what other factors are influencing the market in Market Viewpoints.
The Time to Review Your Life Insurance Is Now
Life changes and priorities have a way of shifting. But one thing stays the same: how important family is and our desire to protect them. That’s why reviewing your life insurance is an important financial decision.
Reaching Your Retirement Goals Despite Volatility
During times of market stress when stock prices fluctuate up and down significantly, it’s normal to worry about your retirement investments. The good news is that you have likely planned for uncertainty and invested in a diversified mix of stocks and bonds which will help your retirement portfolio weather market volatility.
It’s Time in the Market – Not Timing the Market
Market volatility is inevitable, but panicking can be a costly mistake. Selling when stock prices have declined and then buying back in after the markets rebound and stock prices have moved higher simply doesn’t make sense—especially for long-term investors. But unfortunately, this is exactly what happens when investors let emotions influence their decisions.
In the Community – Ridgecrest Village
Ridgecrest Village has been a proud provider of senior services for the Quad Cites for over 50 years! As the leader in retirement communities, Ridgecrest Village has flourished over the years. We look forward to continuing to support our residents and staff to live purposefully and passionately.
Proud to Be QC: Isabel Bloom
Donna Young, owner and sculptor of Isabel Bloom, chats with us about how the Davenport-based shop and studio has evolved over the years while remaining true to the Isabel Bloom brand. This one-of-a-kind local business makes us #ProudToBeQC!
Financial Literacy is Key to Effective Money Management for Teens
April is Financial Literacy Month, and we’re helping adults and teens understand the importance of maintaining smart money habits. From budgeting, interest, and credit to investing and saving for retirement, it’s essential to start teaching our youth early in life how to manage money and prepare for the future.
Proud to Be QC: Me & Billy
Small business owners like Bill Collins of Me & Billy in Downtown Davenport make us #ProudToBeQC and proud to be a part of a community of creative, talented people. Join us for five minutes with Billy as we take a close-up look at this popular local restaurant and bar.
Northwest Bank is Proud To Be QC
Community banks like Northwest Bank are only successful if our customers and communities are, so why we’re focused on building a better QC. We encourage you to take a look at where you deposit your money, because it makes a difference in your community!
Developing and Maintaining Good Credit Habits
Good credit is essential to a strong financial foundation, so it’s important to build and maintain responsible credit practices that demonstrates sound money management principles to help you achieve your short and long-term financial goals. We’re offering some tips to help you get started on the path to great credit!
Market Viewpoints – Winter 2022
The stock market finished 2021 on a high note, with a strong rally into year-end capping another positive year for stocks overall. U.S. stocks continued their outperformance versus both Developed International stocks and Emerging Market stocks. However, the bond market struggled last year.
Significant Events Affecting Beneficiary Designations
Many people own assets that will not be controlled by their Will or Trust. Instead, on the owner’s death, those assets are distributed to designated beneficiaries identified by the owner. Such assets include life insurance, retirement accounts, annuities, stock option plans, and health savings accounts.
In the Community – River Music Experience
Since its founding in 2004 as part of downtown Davenport’s revitalization, the River Music Experience has served as a leader in the Quad Cities’ musical landscape. As it progressed through its early years, it found its place serving community needs by providing inclusive educational programming and high-quality, accessible concerts by local and regional talent.
2022 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
The IRS announced retirement plan contribution limits for 2022. For the most part the 2022 contribution limits are unchanged from the 2021 limits. Learn what the most notable changes are.