Inflation 23 – Macroeconomic Conditions 2023 💰
As inflation continues to impact American consumers, various government and financial rules are being altered to help combat rising prices that have diminished spending power. These changes are often intended to assist individuals in paying lower taxes and saving more money. In November, the 12-month inflation rate was 7.1%, a slight decrease from the 7.7% in October but still near a 40-year high. Starting in 2023, several things, including Social Security benefits and state and local minimum wages, are set to adjust at rates not seen in a generation. Some analysts and business leaders believe that inflation has already peaked and that, although prices may still rise, it will not be as severe as it was in the summer of 2022.Â
However, the higher inflation has already been incorporated into many tax and wage figures that will change in 2023. For example, Social Security beneficiaries will see the most prominent annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in a generation, with benefits increasing 8.7% starting in January. Alongside a rare, one-time decrease in the yearly Medicare premium, fixed-income recipients may receive 100% of the COLA increase for 2023. In addition, the IRS tax brackets corresponding to marginal tax rates are also shifting upward by 7% due to inflation. The IRS has also announced that it will increase the standard deduction for the 2023 tax year. The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly will increase to $27,700, up $1,800 from the previous year. In contrast, the standard deduction for single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately will increase to $13,850, up $900.
What do you think about inflation? Will it calm down in the coming years?
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I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.