Secure Tax & Accounting, Inc.

07/13/2026

Federal Reserve officials were divided on where interest rates could go next, according to minutes from the June meeting.

At that meeting, the Fed voted unanimously to keep its benchmark interest rate in the 3.5% to 3.75% range.

The minutes show that some officials saw a case for lower rates if inflation eases, while others saw a case for higher rates if price pressures remain elevated.

Inflation was a major part of the discussion. Officials noted that tariffs, energy prices, and supply disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz could keep inflation elevated in the near term.

They also discussed how demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure could put upward pressure on prices for technology products and electricity.

For households and businesses, the broader takeaway is that interest rate decisions remain closely tied to incoming economic data. Inflation, energy costs, employment, and market conditions can all influence how policymakers approach future rate moves.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released minutes from its June 16-17 meeting.

07/13/2026

Recovery. Recession. Gross Domestic Product. Learn the language of economic cycles.

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

07/13/2026

🗓️ "Let's talk about it in December."

By December, choices can be limited. Mid-year is often the sweet spot for preparation.

✅ The bracket picture is clearer than it was in January.

Roth IRA conversion timing is flexible within the calendar year, but the bracket math can influence the outcome.

Six months of runway means scenarios can be modeled, not rushed.

If the market dips before year-end, the same tax math may change. Those windows rarely give notice. Keep your tax, legal, or accounting professional in the loop if you see an opportunity.

December conversions can be reactive.

Mid-year conversions can be designed.

If you’re wondering about timing, we welcome a discussion.

📋 To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

07/12/2026

Whether you realize it or not, you’ve allocated your assets.

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

07/11/2026

Do you know how missing the best and worst market days might affect your portfolio?

All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.

07/10/2026

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common in today's digital world. Make sure you're prepared with this helpful checklist of steps to take if you've experienced a breach. Stay informed, change passwords, monitor credit accounts, and more.

This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.

07/09/2026

Concerned about identity theft? Some things to leave at home.

Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with data breaches at major companies and financial institutions.

07/08/2026

Treasury yields moved slightly higher after new employment data offered another look at the labor market.

The 10-year Treasury yield rose to around 4.40%, while the 2-year Treasury yield moved to about 4.125%.

Treasury yields matter because they can influence borrowing costs across the economy. The 10-year Treasury is often connected to rates on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, while the 2-year Treasury tends to reflect expectations around Federal Reserve policy.

The latest job openings data showed 7.6 million openings in May, above economists’ expectations.

Investors are also watching energy prices, inflation expectations, and upcoming labor-market reports for clues about the broader economic picture.

For households and businesses, Treasury yields can offer useful context on where borrowing costs may be headed and how markets are reading the economy.

U.S. Treasury yields were higher on the final trading day of June as traders digested more jobs data.

07/08/2026

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years. Explore what that means in this helpful piece.

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

07/07/2026

Increase worker productivity and motivate your employees with these five simple and inexpensive ideas.

Five creative (and inexpensive) ideas for motivating your employees.