UBCNews

The Reality of SECURE 2.0 If you're between 55 and 70, SECURE 2.0 quietly changed several levers that control your retirement income, taxes, and timing. Memorizing the new rules isn't hard. It's knowing which ones affect your financial situation and whether your financial advisor or wealth manager knows enough about weaving them into a comprehensive plan. Chicago RIA Goldstone Financial Group recommends asking incisive questions—starting with the five "essential questions" framework outlined in Essential Questions to Discuss with Your Retirement Advisor . Key Questions To Ask Today What's our step-by-step plan (process) for adapting to new SECURE 2.0 provisions? RMD age shifts: Required Minimum Distributions now start at age 73 (rising to 75 in 2033), per law changes summarized by the IRS and congressional text. A later RMD start can open a window for Roth conversions in your 60s. Action to ask for: a coordinated "Retirement Roadmap" that sequences S...

How Artificial Intelligence Is Quietly Transforming Everyday Dental Care Artificial intelligence is no longer limited to experimental labs or futuristic concepts. In dentistry, AI tools are increasingly embedded in daily operations, influencing everything from diagnostics to scheduling. Professional surveys and academic reviews suggest that adoption is accelerating, driven by rising patient expectations and growing pressure on practices to deliver outcomes consistently and efficiently. The Complexity Challenge in Modern Dental Practices Dental care has become more sophisticated , but that sophistication often brings operational strain. Clinicians balance accuracy, administrative demands, patient communication, and new developments in dental technology. Traditional workflows frequently rely on manual interpretation, fragmented software systems, or time-intensive processes that leave room for inconsistency. These challenges are not always visible to patients, yet they directly affect wai...

Key Summary First appointments typically last 45 to 60 minutes and cover your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals through a structured conversation with your provider. You will need a private space and stable internet connection to complete your evaluation, along with a list of current medications and any relevant medical records you can access. Your provider will ask direct questions about mood, sleep, relationships, and daily functioning to build an accurate picture of your mental health needs and current challenges. Diagnosis may happen during the first visit or require additional sessions depending on the complexity of your symptoms and how much information you can provide, and telehealth psychiatry services often follow this same timeline. Treatment recommendations may include medication, therapy referrals, lifestyle changes, or a combination based on your specific situation, preferences, and what your provider believes will work best. You final...

Estate planning is often postponed until families face probate or state tax bills. In Illinois, where the estate tax exemption has remained fixed at $4 million since 2013 and the top rate stands at 16%, planning ahead determines whether wealth passes smoothly or is eroded by avoidable costs. A Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) plays a critical role in this process. Unlike commission‑based brokers, fiduciary RIAs are legally bound to act in a client’s best interests. That duty matters when retirement portfolios, Social Security timing, and family legacies intersect. Why Estate Planning Goes Beyond Legal Documents Many people equate estate planning with wills, trusts, or powers of attorney. But modern estates involve far more: 401(k) balances, IRAs, taxable brokerage accounts, pensions, and healthcare provisions. Wealth transfer cannot be managed in isolation from these assets. An integrated approach often proves more effective. For instance, delaying Social Security can boost annual...

Key Takeaways Tampa Bay's subtropical climate, with humidity levels often averaging between 60% and 90% for much of the year and exceeding 70% on most days, creates ideal conditions for hidden mold growth that requires strategic detection methods beyond visual inspection alone. Air sampling captures airborne mold spores to detect elevated indoor concentrations compared to outdoor baselines, while surface sampling identifies specific mold species and active growth on materials. Licensed mold assessors combine both air and surface sampling protocols to provide thorough assessments that identify current problems and underlying moisture sources. Professional equipment including air sampling vacuum pumps and moisture meters reveals hidden moisture intrusions that contribute to mold development in areas homeowners cannot see. TampaBayMold.net's stated approach addresses Florida's unique mold challenges through advanced detection technology and strategic sampling methods that prot...

Key Takeaways The Congressional Budget Office projects that immigration will boost US GDP by $7.2 trillion over the next decade, demonstrating immigrants' massive economic value. Immigrants contribute $382.9 billion in federal taxes and $196.3 billion in state and local taxes annually while filling critical labor gaps across industries from agriculture to construction. Mass deportations would cost taxpayers at least $315 billion and reduce GDP by up to 6.2%, proving such policies harm rather than help the economy. Historical patterns show politicians have repeatedly scapegoated immigrants during economic uncertainty, despite evidence contradicting claims about crime and job displacement. From colonial foundations to modern innovation hubs, every major period of American growth has been powered by immigrant contributions. Immigration Projects $7.2 Trillion GDP Boost Over Next Decade The numbers tell a compelling story about America's economic future. The Congressional Budget Off...