Some midsize and large companies are looking to compete for talent by offering more generous retirement benefits, creating a potential boon for workers, according to a survey by the consultancy Callan. The survey found that 16% of these businesses plan to either reinstate company matches for 401(k) funds or boost the amount they are contributing to these accounts.

As people make provisions for how their estates should be handled when they die, they should consider their digital assets, including cryptocurrency, airline rewards and credit card points. Planning professionals discuss how to make these digital assets accessible to heirs and how to make the process of passing them on go more smoothly.

Some retirees may find their monthly Social Security benefits payment is lower than expected. Possible reasons include diminished spousal benefits if they have not yet reached full retirement age, collecting Social Security while still working and higher Medicare premiums.

When people fail to create a will and engage in estate planning, their loved ones ultimately pay the price, financial planner Rick Kahler writes. The lack of estate planning affects surviving family members in many ways, Kahler writes, including, "demands on their time, increased complexities and costs to the estate, strain on family relationships, the need to make decisions about treasured family heirlooms and history."

Analysts have offered projections on how interest-rate increases from the Federal Reserve would affect the stock market. Truist co-Chief Investment Officer Keith Lerner says 11 of 12 rate-increase cycles since the 1950s have boosted stocks, while Strategas Securities says rate increases might prompt near-term disruption, but there is a consensus expectation the S&P 500 will end 2022 with gains.

Retirement professionals took to social media to defend target-date funds after the National Bureau of Economic Research circulated a report suggesting they produce suboptimal results for many investors. Christine Benz, personal finance director of Morningstar, said in a tweet that the funds "really simplify things/improve outcomes for a lot of people."

It might not be the right time to perform a Roth conversion if the investments in the account have appreciated significantly, writes Erik Carter of Financial Finesse. On the other hand, a Roth conversion could be attractive as a means to lower future required minimum distributions.

Capital gains tax rates in 2022 will adjust for inflation compared with 2021. In addition, taxpayers who exceed certain thresholds of adjusted gross income may be subject to the 3.8% surtax on net investment income.

US workers can expect to see their pay increase an average 3.4% this year, a larger increase than wage hikes doled out during the past two years, according to a Willis Towers Watson survey. Companies are becoming more competitive on compensation due to the tight labor market and inflation.

A real-world example illustrates why advisers should address the potential need for skilled nursing care when working with clients who have aging parents, Dan Solin writes. Solin shares several questions related to estate plans, irrevocable trusts and Medicaid that are a necessary part of a comprehensive financial plan.

I am the editor of several SmartBrief newsletters focused on retirement and capital markets. I love all things personal finance and believe financial literacy is key to security and leveling the playing field.

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