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Acquaint Grown Children with Your Financial Affairs

July 25, 2023
As your children get older, it may be beneficial to share financial, medical, and estate planning information with them. Awareness of this information, and knowing where to locate documents, can help your children take appropriate action if necessary.
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Insurance Needs in Retirement

July 18, 2023
Your goals and priorities will probably change as you plan to retire. Along with them, your insurance needs may change too. Retirement is a good time to review the different parts of your insurance program and make any changes that might be needed.
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Investor Summer School: 3 Investing Moves to Make Before Summer is Over

July 11, 2023
Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. Here are three key investing moves to make before the summer ends.
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The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Parents and Children Simultaneously

July 6, 2023
As the population continues to age, the “sandwich generation” is caught in the middle, supporting both their parents and their children, whether financially, physically, or emotionally.
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Investing in Your 60s and Beyond

June 27, 2023
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? The answer often lies in a substantial shift in your investment strategy.
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401(k) Rollovers Can Make or Break Retirement

June 20, 2023
Making informed decisions about retirement savings is crucial to pursuing long-term financial independence. By choosing a 401(k) rollover instead of cashing out, you can avoid tax penalties and continue growing your retirement savings, positioning yourself for a confident retirement.
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Money Milestones: 4 Financial Goals for Older Individuals

June 13, 2023
Striving for financial betterment should not end when you hit retirement. You should continue to work toward new financial goals every year or every decade to manage the freedom you worked so hard to achieve.
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A Small-Business Owner’s Guide To Investing in Stocks

June 6, 2023
If you own a business and want to diversify your assets by investing in stocks, today’s online brokerages make trading fairly easy. However, stock investing is risky, especially in a volatile market. Here are four key considerations small-business owners should make before investing.
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Unused 529 Plan Funds: 5 Spending Options to Consider

May 30, 2023
Sometimes, 529 plans have unused funds after the beneficiary graduates or decides to discontinue their education. Whatever the reason for having unused 529 plan funds, here are five spending options to consider.
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Emergency Savings or Your Retirement Goals?

May 23, 2023
When it comes to personal finance, there are many competing priorities that can make it difficult to determine where to focus your efforts. For many people, the choice between building emergency savings and working towards their retirement goals is one of the biggest dilemmas they face. So, which should you focus on first?
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4 Tips for Building a Strong Relationship With Your Financial Professional

May 16, 2023
Finding someone you trust enough to manage your money and your future may feel like a nerve-wracking choice. Fortunately, by doing some preliminary research and asking tough questions, you can create a relationship built on mutual trust and respect.
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Don't Let Your Retirement Savings Goal Get You Down

May 15, 2023
A retirement savings goal that could reach as high as $1 million or more may seem like a daunting, even impossible mountain to climb.
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Retiring as a Small-Business Owner: What to Know Before You Go

May 9, 2023
The thought of retiring may be intimidating for anyone—but if you own your own business, handing your "baby" to new owners might be enough to stop you in your tracks. What might you do to set your successor up for success? What should all business owners know before they go?
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Spring Has Sprung: Time to Refresh Your Retirement Plan

April 25, 2023
Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, and other tax-advantaged accounts, it's worth taking a closer look at your retirement savings. On our blog we discuss three ways to refresh your retirement plan this spring.
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Why Business Owners Need Financial Planning

April 17, 2023
Regardless of the income a business generates, the ages of the owners, or how many employees it has, a business financial plan can help you plan for future and unexpected events. A financial plan is a road map of what the business is trying to achieve in the short and long term. Learn more about the importance of a financial plan for your business on our blog.
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Five Ways SECURE 2.0 Changes the Required Minimum Distribution Rules

April 11, 2023
The SECURE Act 2.0 legislation has changed the landscape when it comes to RMDs (required minimum distributions) - but what does this actually mean for those planning for retirement? Find out on our blog.
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When Changing Jobs, Rollovers May Offer Benefits

April 5, 2023
Changing jobs can have many benefits, but it also has one potential downside — retirement accounts that are spread across different companies. Consolidating your retirement accounts is a great way to simplify and invest in your future. Learn more on our blog
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How Emotional and Behavioral Barriers May Impact Your Investing Decisions

March 27, 2023
It's not uncommon for behavioral and emotional barriers to impact an investor's decision-making (or lack of decision-making). These barriers are part of what makes each investor and their situation unique. Check out our blog to learn about these barriers and how a professional may be able to help you overcome them.
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How to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review

March 21, 2023
Checking in with your finances during tax season may be particularly beneficial, as it allows you to complete last year's taxes while making any changes you need to potentially improve next year's tax situation. On our blog we discuss what's included in a financial review and how such a review can help you spring-clean your finances.
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10 Tips to Develop Financial Wellness This Year

March 13, 2023
Financial wellness is a state of being when one is in control of their finances, can cover expenses, and save for future goals. Here are ten tips to help you develop financial wellness this year.
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Womens Financial Empowerment: The Challenge of Financial Wellness

March 8, 2023
On our blog we discuss some of the unique financial challenges many women face and some tips for overcoming those challenges.
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Entrepreneurship and Financial Risk: What You Need to Know

February 21, 2023
Entrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. On our blog, we discuss some financial risks an entrepreneur may face and how they may be mitigated.
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Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season

February 20, 2023
It’s never too early to get started on tax preparation, so why not start today? Check out our article on everything you’ll need to be ready for tax season.
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IRA Mistakes to Avoid

February 17, 2023
Both traditional and Roth IRAs can present a prime opportunity to set aside tax-advantaged—or even post-tax—funds for your future. IRAs are not complicated, but they are subject to some common misconceptions. Learn more about IRAs on our blog.
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Kick off the Big Game With These 7 Super Investing Lessons From the Super Bowl

February 10, 2023
The Super Bowl is more than just a game. It's an American holiday. As you prepare for this fun day, you may also want to think about how to create "big wins'' in your investment strategy. Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday by checking out these Super Bowl-inspired investment strategies.
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Beware of Scams at Tax Time

January 31, 2023
Your tax return offers a trove of personal information, and this time of year scammers also prey on your apprehension about paying taxes. If you believe your Social Security number may have been compromised, respond immediately to any IRS notice and go to identitytheft.gov for steps to protect yourself.
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Worried About Your Financial Health? It May Be Time For A Checkup

January 24, 2023
When was the last time you gave yourself a financial checkup? Setting aside time to understand your financial condition and conduct an honest assessment of where you stand is a great way to get started.
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Financial Survival After a Job Loss

January 17, 2023
A job loss is not the end of the world, even though it may feel that way. Mapping out your priorities and drafting a bare-bones budget can help you come up with your own financial strategy for job loss survival.
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Retirement Planning: To Roth or Not to Roth?

January 12, 2023
There are several reasons you may want to consider using Traditional and/or Roth IRAs to supplement your retirement savings. There are important differences between the two types of accounts. Understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of each type of IRA can help you make more informed decisions.
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Your Financial Fresh Start: 12 Resolutions in 12 Months

January 10, 2023
Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to improve your fiscal health? Here are 12 financial resolutions to consider.
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Countdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yoursel

December 27, 2022
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans.
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Year-End Investment Decisions

December 20, 2022
Year-end investment decisions may sometimes result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timing and method by which you report your income and claim your deductions and credits.
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IRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts

December 13, 2022
On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022.
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End of Year Financial Planning

November 29, 2022
It’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. Here are some tips to help with your end-of-year financial planning.
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Pay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?

November 15, 2022
Are you torn between paying off debt and the need to save for retirement? Both are important, but if you're not sure you can afford to tackle both at the same time, which should you choose?
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3 Tips for Staying Calm While Navigating a Volatile Market

November 8, 2022
Market volatility can result in fear and panic. Acknowledging these emotions may be a good first step, but acting upon them could result in impulsive, irrational decisions. So what can you do to stay calm when markets are volatile?
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Maximizing Military Retirement Benefits

November 4, 2022
Retiring from the military is a profound accomplishment, but if you're worried about your post-retirement income or just aren't sure what your finances will look like once you're no longer an active member, you are not alone.
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Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Taxation and Life Insurance

October 25, 2022
Life insurance can provide financial security for your family. However, if you don't plan appropriately, taxes can greatly reduce the life insurance benefits actually received by your family. Learn how life insurance policies and proceeds are taxed for estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax (GSTT) purposes in order to realize maximum benefits from your insurance.
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The Differences Between Growth, Core & Value

October 18, 2022
Are you a Growth investor or a Value investor? Do you prefer a mix of the two? Understanding your style of investing is an important step in deciding where to allocate your portfolio – but trying to predict which style will perform best is challenging.
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5 Year-End Tax Planning Questions to Ask Your Financial Professional

October 13, 2022
The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.
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6 Ways to Minimize Your Tax Liability Throughout the Year

October 13, 2022
You don't need to wait until the end of the year to look for ways to minimize your tax liability. Tax planning should take place throughout the year to have you prepared well ahead of tax season.
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Changing Jobs? Know Your 401(k) Options

October 13, 2022
Should I roll over to my new employer's 401(k) plan or to an IRA? If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k). It's important to understand your options.
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Aging Parents and Money

August 17, 2022
Getting old is hard. Your parents’ ability to manage their own finances may decline as they age. Helping them with money matters is a sensitive issue you need to approach carefully.
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Staying on Track with Your Retirement Investments

August 17, 2022
Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and practicing. Investing for your retirement over the long term also takes a little knowledge and discipline.
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Now Might Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion

August 17, 2022
One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a substantial tax bill. However, if assets in your traditional IRA have lost value, you will pay taxes on a lower asset base when you convert.
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Keeping It Simple: The Benefits of Simplifying Your Investment Strategies

August 17, 2022
When it comes to investing, having fewer investments might help streamline your portfolio to manage stress better. Here are some benefits of a simple portfolio and some ways to help you create one.
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An Introduction to Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation

July 26, 2022
For members of the "Sandwich Generation" - those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years - estate planning may seem like a low priority. After all, when you're juggling multiple caregiving responsibilities daily, sitting down to draft a will is easy to put off. But estate planning can be crucial to protecting your assets and providing for your children or other loved ones after you are gone.
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Managing Bond Risks When Interest Rates Rise

July 19, 2022
After dropping the benchmark federal funds rate to a rock-bottom range of 0%-0.25% early in the pandemic, the Federal Open Market Committee has begun raising the rate toward more typical historical levels in response to high inflation. Raising the federal funds rate places upward pressure on a wide range of interest rates, including the cost of borrowing through bond issues.
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Securing Your Future with Life Cycle Planning

July 18, 2022
The need for regular saving and investing spans many life stages. Through the years, your goals will change and your strategies will shift, but don’t be alarmed. You’re just progressing through the normal stages of life, getting closer to achieving your own financial freedom.
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Setting and Targeting Investment Goals

July 18, 2022
Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what investing without setting clear-cut goals is like. If you're lucky, you may end up with enough money to meet your needs, but you have no way to know for sure.
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3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course

July 18, 2022
In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life and vice versa may help you improve your game in both arenas.
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Some Things Investors Need to Know About Booms and Busts

July 18, 2022
Economies and markets are cyclical. They may include periods of wealth creation and times of bursting bubbles that bankrupt companies in a major downturn. "Boom and bust" cycles may last anywhere from a few months to a few years or longer.
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Despite Concerns, Retirement Confidence Remains Steady

July 11, 2022
Nearly three quarters of workers and 77% of retirees in a recent survey said they remain at least somewhat confident that they will experience a comfortable retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Nevertheless, a third of workers and a quarter of retirees felt less confident this year due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many respondents citing inflation as the reason.
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3 Myths About Converting an IRA to a Roth IRA After Age 60

July 5, 2022
Suppose you have read or watched a story about converting an IRA to a Roth IRA after age 60. In that case, you may have seen this strategy portrayed negatively or only highlighting the benefits. This article will cover myths about converting an IRA to a Roth IRA to help you determine if this strategy is appropriate for you.
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Rollovers and Prohibited Transactions: What Investors Need to Know

June 23, 2022
If you've left an employer and are considering moving your 401(k) retirement savings to another plan or an IRA, there is new legislation on these transactions you should know.
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Required Distributions: Changes You Need to Know

June 14, 2022
In February 2022, the IRS issued proposed regulations (generally applicable starting in 2022) that interpret the revised required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. Account owners and their beneficiaries may want to familiarize themselves with these new interpretations and how they might be affected by them.
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Warren Buffett on How to Plan for Inflation

June 7, 2022
We’ve all heard about Warren Buffett, the 91-year-old multibillionaire known for his friendly demeanor, modest style of living in Omaha, and remarkable ability to create wealth. How does he make so much money? How does Warren and his long-time associate, Charlie Munger (who is 98), choose their investments?
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529 College Savings Plans: For Education and Estate Planning

May 29, 2022
529 College Savings plans are essential for saving for higher education expenses, and if used for education, accumulate tax-free. 529 plans are qualified tuition plans that allow state and federal tax-free withdrawals of earnings and have the potential for tax deductions, which help offset the increasing cost of secondary education.
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Grow Old with Me--Live (Almost) Tax-Free

May 24, 2022
What will you look for as you approach your "golden" years? Sunshine and the beach at your feet, or colder climates with your favorite cross-country skiing course outside your door? An affordable condo on the golf course with room for a visit from your grandchildren? Friends and family close by, or new "elder" friends living in close proximity? Excellent medical facilities nearby?
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The Principles of Financial Literacy

May 17, 2022
Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of "money matters" to create a sense of economic well-being, self-trust, and financial confidence.
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Navigating Market Volatility–or Not

May 12, 2022
Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Investing After Retirement

May 10, 2022
You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your retirement savings. For this reason, investments that preserve your initial contribution but still provide growth opportunity is essential. Here, we will start with the basics for beginners interested in investing after retirement.
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Choosing Your Pension Payout Option

April 26, 2022
If you plan to receive your pension payout on a monthly basis, you probably have some questions about your payout options. There are many factors to consider, so check out our blog to learn more about the options available to you.
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3 Moments in Life Where You Should Consider Consulting a Financial Professional

April 19, 2022
Financial planning can be complicated. There are many scenarios where you may feel comfortable handling financial decisions on your own, but here are three common situations when it may be a good idea to consult with a financial professional.
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Retirement Income Planning

April 12, 2022
For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement income designed to help you pursue your lifestyle goals.
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Making the Most of Your Relationship with a Financial Professional

April 5, 2022
Heading to your first meeting with a new financial professional may be a lot like going on a blind date. Can you have anything in common? Can you click? Can you trust this other person with what's most important to you? A strong relationship with your financial professional may be key in managing your finances, both now and in the future. Below, we discuss a few ways you may be able to make the most of your relationship with your financial professional.
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401(k) Rollover Options to Consider

March 4, 2022
When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice offering advantages and disadvantages. Here, we will examine each 401(k) option.
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What to Do if You Underpay Your Taxes

March 4, 2022
Every year, there are taxpayers that underpay their taxes. It just happens. But if you do that, no matter how innocent your underpayment might have been, you can be subject to penalties. The IRS issued a statement to help those who underpay to avoid penalties.
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Working During Retirement

March 4, 2022
Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years.
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How Does an Interest Rate Hike Impact Investors?

February 28, 2022
Interest rates can positively or negatively affect the U.S. economy, the stock markets, and your investments. When the Fed changes the Federal Funds Rate, the rate at which banks can borrow money to lend to businesses or individuals creates a ripple effect². Consumers will have to pay more to borrow and benefit less from lower rates on their deposits as household budgets squeeze even tighter.
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