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National Savings Day
Use This Annual Reminder as an Opportunity to Strengthen Your Financial Future. Saving money isn't just a smart financial habit; it's an important step toward securing a prosperous and secure future. Mark your calendars! National...
Read MoreThe Q4 Playbook: Scoring Financial Touchdowns
With the final quarter of the year on the horizon, it's time to gear up for Q4 financial planning. The end of the year provides a unique opportunity to assess your financial landscape, recalibrate your goals, and set a course for a...
Read MoreWhat Does Financial Wellness Really Mean?
The concept of wellness is used often, generally when referring to a balanced and fulfilling life overall. But what does it mean when someone refers to their financial wellness? Financial wellness encompasses all aspects of an...
Read MoreLife Insurance Awareness Month
As the seasons transition and we enter fall, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of securing your loved ones’ future. September is primarily recognized as Life Insurance Awareness Month, a season dedicated to highlighting...
Read MoreDebunking Common Myths about IRAs and 401(k)s
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) plans are powerful tools for securing a financially stable retirement. However, misconceptions and myths can hinder individuals from making informed decisions about these essential...
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Ten Birthdays Impacting Your Retirement Income
Your age significantly affects how much money you'll have during your retirement years, and different retirement benefits have different eligibility ages. Over the course of 23 years, from age 49 to 72, you'll need a financial...
Read MoreHow Do Annuities Really Work?
An annuity is an investment product that is designed to provide a guaranteed income stream for a predetermined period, often for the rest of one’s life. An annuity is typically purchased from an insurance company, and the purchaser...
Read MoreRetirement Tips for the High Net-Worth Individual
Retirement is a major milestone in the life of every individual, and it is no different for high-net-worth individuals. If you’re one of these individuals, you may think that being comfortable means you can worry less about retirement...
Read MoreThe Role of Dividends for Income Generation
One investment and income strategy that can be useful when it comes to setting yourself up for retirement is one involving dividends. Dividends are regular payouts to shareholders based on the profits of the company. If you own some...
Read MoreSpring Cleaning for Your Financial Strategy
Come springtime, you might be thinking about doing some spring cleaning, whether it’s cleaning out your garage, throwing out old items, or rearranging your furniture. However, it’s important not to forget to do some spring cleaning on...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy – Do the Little Things
The concept of financial literacy refers to knowing the basics of financial concepts to make smart decisions. Specifically, financial literacy can help prevent costly mistakes that could derail your life plans, prepare you for...
Read MoreThe Importance of Savings Accounts
In the world of retirement strategizing, the focus tends to be on 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, or other retirement investment accounts. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about the traditional savings account.Savings accounts can have...
Read MoreTeaching Financial Literacy to Your Kids or Grandkids
As an adult, you may have had tough learning moments when it comes to financial management. It could have been when you failed to pay your rent on time or got too deep in credit card debt. To keep your children or grandchildren from...
Read MoreIntroducing Financial Literacy Month
Financial Literacy Month is not only a celebration, it’s a challenge to take care of your finances as best you can. This month can be your opportunity to review your finances and take a concerted approach to improve them. But what’s...
Read MoreShould You Engage in Tax-Loss Harvesting?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what if there’s a way to reduce the taxes I owe when I sell stocks or rebalance my portfolio?” then you should know about the tax-minimization strategy called tax-loss harvesting. It’s important to know...
Read MoreHow Taxes Work on Social Security
You may not know it, but Social Security income is taxed! However, your tax burden isn’t simply a gross income tax, and there are unique factors that dictate your tax rate and overall tax liability. First, not all Social Security...
Read MoreStriking a Balance Between Tax and Income
In retirement, it’s not about receiving as much income as possible. During your working years, it might be, but when you’re the one paying yourself, it’s important not to turn your hard-earned savings into a large pile of income that’s...
Read MorePlanning Your Investments? Think About Tax
Thinking about investment strategy may conjure thoughts of stock trading, ticker symbols, brokerage accounts, and investment theses. But one of the most important factors in developing an investment strategy is the tax aspect.There are...
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distributions to Reduce the RMD Tax Burden
When you started out saving for retirement, you may have contributed to an IRA or 401(k) through your employer. In addition, you heard that your contributions were tax-deferred, and you’d have to pay taxes when you reached your 70s....
Read MoreReducing Taxes on Investments
Achieving a comfortable retirement often comes down to investment performance and tax burden. However, it’s a tricky task to balance investment gains with a tax-minimization plan. If you expect your investments to perform well, you may...
Read MoreThe Roth IRA as a Tax Planning Tool
Taxes may be one of your biggest concerns when it comes to retirement. Whether you’re well into your retirement or just starting to think about it, taxes can be one of the main factors in maximizing your savings to stretch all the way...
Read MoreHow long will these fixed rates last?
Rates on fixed interest investment options are the highest we've seen in over a decade. But concerning signals from the 10-Year Treasury (no, not yield curve inversion) may be telling investors to act now or miss out...
Read MoreMaking the Most of Your HSA
The average couple retiring today needs a whopping $315,000 to cover the cost of health care throughout their retirement.1 You’ll want to plan for those future health costs. Have you considered that your HSA (Health Savings Account)...
Read MoreDon’t Let Inflation Stress You Out During Retirement
ForbesAdvisor.com recently reported, “According to a 2020 survey from Allianz, nearly half of Americans are worried that rising prices in retirement will cause basic expenses to be unaffordable once they stop working. But there’s an...
Read MoreDo You Have a Clear Understanding of Caregiving Costs?
Many Americans underestimate the impact that caring for a loved one can have on their lives, marriage, work, and finances. In a column by Michelle Singletary, a Washington Post columnist, an “AARP study found that three-quarters of...
Read MoreAs goes January, so goes the year?
Some say the markets have gotten off to an unexpected start in 2022. Were January’s markets nerve-wrecking? Sure, especially if you gambled on Netflix. Were they unexpected? Only to those with the wrong...
Read More2022 Quick Tax Reference Guide
Download your free 2022 Quick Tax Reference Guide.
Read More2021 Annual Market Review
Another year in the books. As you take a look through global market results for 2021 keep in mind that TIME is perhaps your most precious asset!
Read More4th Quarter 2021 Market Review
Markets ramped up the volatility in the 4th quarter of 2021. Take a look across global markets to see which areas drove growth, and which detracted from it.
Read MoreCoverage Options for Long-Term Care Insurance
It's Long-Term Care (LTC) Awareness Month, and whether you're in the market now or just curious about insurance coverage choices for the future, it's important to know where, why, and how to get answers. There are three main options...
Read More3rd Quarter 2021 Market Review
You've probably heard the saying: Opinions are like... ________ ...everybody has one! Fill in the blank as you please, but swap out Opinions for Market Forecasts. Forecasts aiming to time the markets, or predict the next Bitcoin, have no
Read More2021 Essential Financial Figures
Download Your Free Reference Guide: 2021 Essential Financial Figures
Read MoreNeed Cash for Supplemental Income? Consider a Reverse Mortgage
If you're 62 or older – and want money to pay off your mortgage, supplement your income, or pay for healthcare expenses – you may consider a reverse mortgage. It allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without...
Read MoreThe Future of Your Health Care Using Telehealth Services
2021 could be the pivotal year for how businesses operate moving forward. Will they offer employees a work from home option, will Zoom meetings be standard procedure, will telehealth replace typical doctor visits? The answers are still...
Read MoreHow Your Health and Wealth Are Connected
There's much to be said for taking care of your health, and you should make caring for your wealth part of your focus, too, as it directly correlates. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health confirms that Americans at lower...
Read More2nd Quarter 2021 Market Review
See the Q1 2021 Market Review A year ago, at the end of March 2020, the US Stock Market1 was down over 20% and the world was scrambling into lockdown. Many experts wrote articles telling us where we would be in a year. I don't...
Read MoreThe Costs of Retirement and Ways to Minimize Them
The 2019 Employee Wellness survey by PwC found that 73% of Millennials, 70% of Generation X, and 61% of Baby Boomers think health care costs will adversely affect their retirement. If a healthy 65-year-old couple retiring in 2019...
Read MoreMulti-Generational Wealth Planning Strategies
"Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations." The saying is true, and the cycle is real. As the expression indicates, after the buying, the building, and the selling, there's rarely anything left of a family's wealth for the...
Read MoreSelling Your Business to Fund Your Retirement
For many, owning a business is the American dream come true, and making management decisions that grow your business brings about well-deserved feelings of accomplishment. Playing devil's advocate here—did you decide to use any of your...
Read MoreShould Parents Wait to Transfer Wealth to Their Heirs?
Many families have plans to give their children and grandchildren financial gifts when they die, but it might make sense to gift earlier. Making financial gifts during your lifetime can significantly impact their lives, sometimes when...
Read MoreHow the 2021 Estate Tax Exemption will Affect You
Every year the federal government decides how much of your estate isn't subject to taxes when you die. This year, thanks to inflation, it increased to $11.7 million. This means, when you pass away, the value of your estate is...
Read MoreHow Biden’s Tax Plan Could Impact Your Wallet
Candidates run campaigns on promises and plans, but that doesn't mean they ever come to fruition. The Biden administration will maintain a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate for at least the next two years, giving him...
Read MoreUsing Life Insurance as a Wealth Transfer Vehicle
Does your estate plan include transferring your wealth onto your family? Have you looked over potential tax implications? It's important to understand that your beneficiaries may be in for sticker shock when they receive a tax bill...
Read MoreWhere to Live if You Prefer Zero Social Security or Pension Tax
We spend years of our life working and saving for that retirement dream, and as you get closer, it's important to take all steps to preserve your nest egg. Perhaps a move across state lines will help in that endeavor. Some states don't...
Read More1st Quarter 2021 Markets in Review
See the Q1 2021 Market ReviewA year ago, at the end of March 2020, the US Stock Market1 was down over 20% and the world was scrambling into lockdown. Many experts wrote articles telling us where we would be in a year. I don't remember...
Read MoreChanges Social Security Recipients Can Expect in 2021
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits would be 1.3%. Here's a closer look at some of the most significant changes affecting Social Security recipients...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Month and What You “Must Consider”
Financial Literacy Month suggests it's time to take advantage of available tools, resources, and tips for financial education that can help increase your financial success. This month put yourself back in the driver's seat! Do a...
Read MoreDebunking Annuity Myths
Don't overlook the benefits that annuities provide during your retirement planning years. Yes, some myths make them appear to be a lousy choice, but there are reasons to trust in financial insight rather than the Google results on the...
Read More2020 Changed How Your Financial Professional Works with You
The loose definition of a financial professional is someone that provides insight intended to lead to a better outcome for your financial future. The workings of their daily routine include everything from planning to building your...
Read MoreIs Your HSA Working for You?
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) option, the benefits are worth the investment. The tax benefits of an HSA magnify the advantage of investing in, say, stock funds or diversified mutual funds. First, your contribution is...
Read MoreAvoiding the Social Security Tax Trap
Retirees face multiple income traps, and many retired taxpayers will see a portion of their Social Security income make its way onto the taxable income line of their 1040s. Those who convert their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs are...
Read MoreSteps to Speed Up Your Refund This Tax Season
The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation's tax season started on Friday, February 12, 2021, but it’s important to note that the filing deadline wasn’t extended. The February 12 start date for individual tax return filers...
Read MoreRetirement – Should You Take It Early or Late or Just on Time?
Imagine if Goldilocks was planning her retirement: “this date is too early” and “this date is too late” but “this date is just right”! Sweet retirement can’t come soon enough for some of us, but it’s important to know precisely when...
Read MoreOverlooked Tax Breaks & Deductions for the Self-Employed
Your business’s success is in your hands when you're self-employed, so you need to be knowledgeable about and take advantage of whatever assistance is available—especially when it comes to lowering your tax bill. It’s commonly known...
Read More4th Quarter Review and 2020 Annual Review
We're already a month into 2021, I know. Honestly, it's hard to wrap up a review of 2020. A year chalked full of words and phrases we would all rather not hear for a long,...
Read MoreStopping Identity Theft Especially During Tax Season
The face of identity theft has changed dramatically, evolving with the technology and economic landscape surrounding it. Understanding your exposure and staying informed of the trends and methods that thieves use to steal from you is...
Read MoreAvoid Costly Retirement Surprises
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places...
Read MoreRetirement Options for the Self-Employed
This past year highlighted small businesses more than any other. The impact from a struggling economy has not gone unnoticed and the support from local shoppers has made the difference between open and closed for many small business...
Read MoreA Biden Victory - What Does That Mean for Me?
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have now certified their presidential election results, and President-Elect Joe Biden will drive our next four years. What does that mean for your investments as you move closer to retirement?...
Read MoreTop Tips to Prepare for Tax Season
Happy New Year! It’s a new year, a new you, and a new time to do things differently—like your taxes. Tax-filing season is officially here, and there are many things you can do to be prepared and organized. Here are a few simple tips...
Read MoreRetirement Surprise: Your Tax Bill Might Increase
Did you know it’s possible for your tax bill to go up once you retire? One possible reason: A portion of your Social Security benefits could be taxed. Another possibility: Your tax-deferred retirement account tax bill comes due when...
Read MoreSocial Security: What’s New For 2021
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that the 2021 annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits will be 1.3%. That's a small but essential increase for millions of beneficiaries who will see a rise in...
Read MoreYour 2021 Savings Strategies for High-Income Earners
Go beyond maxing out your employee 401(k) to find the opportunities that could save you your hard-earned cash when it comes to paying taxes. Minimize the use of Active Management for Brokerage Accounts.The more you trade, the more...
Read MoreWill Your Credit Card Interest be a Tax-Deduction This Year?
Are you wondering if you can deduct your credit card interest this tax season to move to a lower tax bracket? The answer is most likely no. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed by President Trump in 2017 was the biggest overhaul of the...
Read MoreGifting with Tax Purposes in Mind
In addition to the emotional high that giving to those you care about brings, giving can now also be a savvy tax move for families with substantial wealth. That’s because both the present value and any potential growth of the...
Read MoreHybrid Coverage – Life Insurance Plus Long-Term Care Insurance
Consider this: about 70% of Americans will require long-term care, long-term care facilities cost between $80,000-$150,000 annually, and the average stay is approximately 3 years. Those figures all add up to one thing; it’s time to...
Read MoreMedicare Enrollment: What’s New For 2021
Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2020, and there are a lot of changes that will impact Medicare Advantage plans and Part D coverage options for those ages 65+. Premium and deductible costs – The standard premium for Medicare...
Read MoreDo You Really Need Long-Term Care Insurance?
Should you develop a health condition that requires part- or full-time care, and your health insurance doesn’t cover the costs, how will you pay for what you need? Answer: Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCi). The U.S. Department of Health...
Read MoreThe Importance of Knowing Your Net Worth
As we head toward the finish line of 2020 and gear up for 2021, setting goals and getting your life in order should be a priority. One of the best places to start is by understanding your net worth and determining if you are on track...
Read MoreYour Retirement and Required Minimum Distribution FAQs
You have worked hard to build up your retirement savings, but you can’t keep retirement funds in your account indefinitely. However, thanks to the recent SECURE Act, if your 70th birthday is July 1, 2019 or later, you can delay taking...
Read MoreHow Medicare Plays into Your Estate Planning
Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15, 2020 and if you’re new to Medicare or if you need to review and make changes, it’s time to talk with your financial professional to ensure your future medical needs will be covered....
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