Semiconductors & Hardware
In the semiconductor and hardware space, advanced semiconductor firms and equipment suppliers play a crucial role in developing the chips needed to support artificial neural networks, large data centers and cloud storage facilities. Unsurprisingly, these companies have experienced significant growth due to the increasing demand for AI—and data storage and processing—in recent years.
Examples of companies in this space include:
Nvidia, AMD, TSMC, ASML, LAM, Tokyo Electron, Broadcom, Apple, Intel, Dell, HP, Super Micro, Lenovo, Arista Networks, Cisco, Coherent, Lumentum, Infinera, Qualcomm
AUGUST
Save on Sales Tax
Many states have a sales tax holiday in August—meaning they waive the normal state sales tax on items such as clothing, school supplies, severe weather preparedness equipment and even energy-efficient appliances. Consider waiting until then to make these purchases and put the money you save toward your financial goals (or perhaps a late-summer vacation).
Software
On the software side, some companies have begun developing and implementing AI technologies within their existing programs. Indeed, these companies may use AI to help drive business or efficiency gains within their software programs.
Examples of companies in this space include:
Salesforce, ServiceNow, Oracle, SAP, Workday, Intuit, Adobe, Synopsys, Cadence Design, Atlassian, C3.ai, HubSpot, Fortinet, Palo Alto
MAY
Financial Spring Cleaning
After tax season has passed, store your tax forms and records somewhere secure and discard older documents you no longer need. The IRS generally has three years from the date you file your taxes to audit you (six years if you are self-employed), so you’ll want to keep records of past returns for reference. The IRS has a “How Long Should I Keep Records?” resource that offers guidance depending on your situation. Make sure to shred any unnecessary documents to protect your information.
Speaking of taxes, if you received a large refund or paid a hefty bill, now is a good time to adjust your tax withholdings. Try using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to help determine how much to withhold from your paycheck or retirement account distribution.
SEPTEMBER
College Savings Month
September is National College Savings month, so why not jumpstart college savings for your children or grandchildren by opening (or contributing to) a 529 college savings plan? Contributions to a 529 plan grow tax-deferred, and as long as you use them for qualified expenses (such as tuition, room & board, books, etc.) the withdrawals are tax-free. Many states also offer a tax credit or deduction if you make a contribution to your state-sponsored plan.
Unsure of how much college will cost? Try this handy cost calculator as a starting point. You may also consider preparing a FAFSA application, as October 1 marks the start of the filing period for the following academic year.
OCTOBER
Get Smart About Credit
The third Thursday in October marks National Get Smart About Credit Day, which promotes learning about good credit habits. Take a look at your outstanding debt and make a plan for paying it off. Prioritize high interest debt such as credit card debt and personal loans before tackling auto loans and mortgages.
Did you know you are eligible to get a free copy of your credit report from Equifax, Experian, and Transunion once per year? Take a look at your credit reports and check for anything that looks out of place—removing incorrect information can help boost your score, giving you access to better rates.
JULY
Summer Status Check-in
With half the year behind you, now is a great time to look back on the financial goals you set in January. Has your budget held up as you expected? Are you meeting your savings goals? If so, pat yourself on the back and keep it going for the rest of the year! If not, consider making adjustments to get yourself back on track. Staying on track with savings and spending year after year goes a long way toward meeting your long-term goals.
JUNE
Get an A+ in College Planning
June 30 marks the annual deadline to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year. The FAFSA is used to determine your child’s eligibility for federal student aid, as well as certain state and school-specific financial aid. Some states and colleges have their own financial aid deadlines independent from FAFSA. You can look up yours on the Federal Student Aid website.
The FAFSA enrollment period runs from October 1 – June 30. That means the earliest you can file for the following academic year is October 1.
Is Your Insurance Right for You?
National Insurance Awareness Day falls on June 28 each year. Take this opportunity to review your home, auto, life, disability, and umbrella policies to ensure you have appropriate coverage at the best possible price. Now may be a good time to shop around and see if you can save on your premiums as well.
APRIL
Tax Time!
If you haven’t filed already, the deadline to do so (or file an extension) is April 15. If April 15 falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline will be on the next business day.
Feel like you’re paying too much? You have until Tax Day to make deductible contributions (if eligible) to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for the prior tax year. Looking to save on taxes in the future? April 15 is also the deadline to make Roth IRA contributions for prior year.
First Time RMD Deadline
For your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), you may delay taking a distribution until April 1 of the year after you turned 73. The April 1 deadline only applies to your first RMD after reaching age 73. All subsequent RMD deadlines are Dec 31.
Cloud Infrastructure
Major Tech and Tech-like companies and those with cloud infrastructure, cloud storage and computing businesses have also seen a rise in demand as they expand their computing and storage capabilities.
Examples of companies in this space include:
Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Oracle, Meta, Alibaba, Baidu
Semiconductors & Hardware
Tax Time!
The deadline to file your taxes is April 15. Plus, an important RMD deadline to kick off the month. Click to learn more.
AI Categories
Cloud Infrastructure
Financial Spring Cleaning
May is a great time to organize your tax information and update your records. Click to learn more.
MAY
Financial Spring Cleaning
Get an A+ in College Planning
File for federal student aid for the upcoming academic year before the June 30 deadline. Click to learn more.
JUN
Get an A+ in Financial Planning
Software
Summer Status
Check-in
The halfway point is a good time to reflect on your annual financial goals and make any necessary adjustments. Click to learn more.
JUL
Summer Status Check-In
Save on Sales Tax
Looking to save on a major purchase? Many states feature a sales tax holiday in August. Click to learn more.
AUG
Save on Sales Tax
College Savings Month
Get a jumpstart on college savings for your children or grandchildren. Click to learn more.
SEP
College Savings Month
Get Smart About Credit
Review outstanding debt and make plans for paying it off. Click to learn more.
OCT
Get Smart About Credit
Reflect and Look Forward
Look back at the goals you set in January and consider how you might improve upon them next year. Click to learn more.
DEC
Reflect and Look Forward
Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
Evaluate your health insurance options for next year by participating in an enrollment period. Click to learn more.
NOV
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise