Blog

April is recognized as Financial Literacy Month, aiming to promote financial education and awareness among individuals. Reflecting on one’s financial habits and learning ways to improve them is crucial. In today’s world, where financial stability is vital, celebrating Financial Literacy Month is more important than ever. Here are some ways to celebrate and enhance your […]

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22nd, raising awareness and inspiring actions toward preserving the environment. While this day typically focuses on reducing plastic waste and conserving energy, it is also an opportune time to discuss sustainable and ethical investing. Sustainable and ethical investing, or socially responsible investing (SRI), refers to investing in companies […]

  Wealth preservation is essential for many individuals but warrants a specific focus for those nearing retirement. Understanding the complexities of wealth preservation is crucial, particularly for pre-retirees. Today’s pre-retirees may need a more detailed retirement plan, whether due to inheritance, accomplishment in the corporate world, or entrepreneurial fulfillment.   Regardless of how one acquires […]

Filing your taxes can be simple when you’re prepared and understand recent changes in tax laws to determine which tax credits and deductions you’re eligible to take. The end of the 2024 tax season for most Americans is April 15, 2024, so if you still need to file 2023 taxes, take notice of these credits […]

As the landscape of our economy shifts and evolves, so do the policies and practices that guide our federal programs. One such program that undergoes continual alterations and modifications is Social Security. In this article, we will explore the social security changes anticipated in 2024 that could significantly affect Americans who rely on this vital […]

The onset of a New Year often brings a spirit of change and improvement. One area of life that often receives excessive attention in the New Year is our finances. Whether it is saving more, reducing debt, or managing retirement savings, financial goals usually take precedence. There are several strategies to consider for improving your […]

Navigating your retirement savings can be a challenging process due to the inherent complexities and the multitude of factors that tend to affect the most confident plan. However, a comprehensive approach can drastically increase the likelihood of yielding suitable results. Here are some tips to help you navigate your retirement savings as you work toward […]

Many people are familiar with budgeting, providing a roadmap for spending habits. While there are many ways to budget, one standout tool is the personal budget calendar, which helps track your income and expenses spread over days, weeks, and months. Personal budget calendars help you plan and control spending, resulting in financial confidence. Here are […]

The primary goal of financial awareness is to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. Financial awareness aims to help people understand things such as budgeting, setting financial goals, making informed investment decisions, interest rates, managing debt, and saving and planning for retirement. Fall is a great time to take proactive steps toward learning and understanding […]

The sequence of returns impacts investors when they are either adding to or withdrawing money from their investments, which can create risk depending on the sequence and the market conditions at the time. If an investor is not doing either, the there is no sequence of returns risk. However, if an investor is drawing down […]

Have you ever wondered how some families maintain their wealth over several generations? What’s their secret sauce? The answer may lie in using life insurance to establish a legacy that lasts over multiple generations. Determining if life insurance as an intergenerational wealth-building strategy is suitable for your family is the first step. Here are some […]

For some people, managing money may feel like walking on a tightrope, juggling endless expenses. But with accountability, you can turn managing money into a positive endeavor. Accountability in finance refers to being responsible enough to track, manage and optimize your spending and savings. Here are some ideas to get started managing your finances with […]

Debt can hinder financial confidence when you spend more than you make and borrow using credit. Other financial problems may occur, such as inadequate emergency or retirement savings. Another problem debt may create is what’s referred to as a debt trap, where an individual borrows money and cannot pay it back, leading to a cycle […]

Establishing financial wellness is a personal, ever-changing state of being that enables one to exercise choice while feeling in control of finances. The individual determines financial wellness, which often includes working toward financial goals by completing specific actions. Some actions are time-sensitive, but others can occur anytime throughout the year. Here are ten actions that […]

What kind of role can a financial professional play for an investor? The answer: an important one. While the value of such a relationship is hard to quantify, the intangible benefits may be long-lasting. There are certain investors who turn to a financial professional with one goal in mind: the “alpha” objective of beating the […]

RETIREMENTREAD TIME: 4 MIN How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider. What do you absolutely need to […]

Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you’re a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms, but typically consist of couples with children from previous relationships. Here are a few case studies to help illustrate some of the challenges. Case Study […]

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the five most overlooked opportunities to manage your tax bill. Reinvested Dividends: When your mutual […]

Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no further than the New Year Resolution, 80% of which fail by February.1 Generally, negative motivations are inadequate to effect change. (“I need […]

In March 2020, about 804,398 new businesses had been created in the preceding year.1 All individuals pursuing the dream of exercising their entrepreneurial muscles, will face the same question, “Which business structure should I adopt?” Each strategy presents its own set of pros and cons. To complicate matters a bit, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs […]

The average household with credit card debt had a balance of $7,149 in 2020. For the average household carrying credit card debt as of September 2020, this equates to an annual interest of $1,155. With the average credit card annual percentage rate sitting at 16.43%, it represents an expensive way to fund spending.1 Which leads […]

The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand. It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power with your money. So if inflation checks in at a rate of 3%, does that mean any investment […]

Traveling. Some of us travel a lot, and some of us travel a little. For some of us, traveling is a job. Nearly 63 million people are employed, worldwide, in air travel and related industries.1 There’s bound to be travel wisdom among their ranks. Let’s find out. Think About Fast-Dry Clothing Think about grabbing fast-dry clothing […]

You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? One study households with student loan debt showed that the average amount owed was $47,671.1 And more than 20% of recipients with outstanding loans will either default or be delinquent in repaying those loans.2 […]

“Audit” is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of taxpayers. However, the chances of an Internal Revenue Service audit aren’t that high. Between 2010 and 2018, the IRS only audited 0.6% of all individual tax returns.¹ And being audited does not necessarily imply that the IRS suspects wrongdoing. The IRS says an […]

Every year, the government prints millions of notes a day. Here’s a quick look at what goes into creating a $20 bill and what determines when a bill’s lifespan ends.1 Paper A $20 bill starts out life as part of a large sheet of paper. While most paper is made primarily from wood pulp, the […]

Why sell shares when you can gift them? If you have appreciated stocks in your portfolio, you might want to consider donating those shares to charity rather than selling them. Donating appreciated securities to a tax-qualified charity may allow you to manage your taxes and benefit the charity. If you have held the stock for […]

In February 2018, Jerome Powell was appointed as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He became the 16th chair to take over the helm of the world’s most influential central bank. Among other duties, he and the Fed governors are tasked with adjusting short-term interest rates to help control inflation […]

Many people have a clear vision of what their ideal retirement looks like. Some desire vacation homes in tropical destinations, while others plan to spend quality time with their grandchildren and family. We know that many of these dreams will come with a price tag, but of all the activities in retirement that you’re saving […]

The average household with credit card debt had a balance of $7,149 in 2020. For the average household carrying credit card debt as of September 2020, this equates to an annual interest of $1,155. With the average credit card annual percentage rate sitting at 16.43%, it represents an expensive way to fund spending.1 Which leads […]

The questions around auto insurance center not so much on whether to have it—it’s mandated by state law, required by your lender, and serves to protect your assets—but what kind of coverage you should purchase.   Types of Coverage There are several forms of coverage that a car owner may purchase, some of which are […]

Mobile applications have become ubiquitous. While many of these apps are games and social media platforms, an increasing number have been developed to help individuals with their personal finances. Which leads to an interesting question: what should you look for in a personal finance app? Category One of the first things to consider is what […]

The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2002, there were only 102; by 2020, there were over 7,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.1 At first glance, ETFs have a lot in common with mutual funds. Both offer shares in a pool of investments designed […]

Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that you may not have considered. Here are some things you may want to keep in mind if it […]

You may have heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if you or someone you know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, over 60% of high school seniors submitted a FAFSA to the Department of Education to secure financial assistance. But what many prospective and […]

Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from retirement plans, it’s important to understand which types of plans will be financing your retirement. Another factor to consider is […]

What exactly is the “sequence of returns”? The phrase describes the yearly variation in an investment portfolio’s rate of return. But what kind of impact do these deviations from the average return have on a portfolio’s final value? Let’s take a closer look at a few different investment scenarios. The first few scenarios focus on how […]

One reality of life is that risk is ever present. It exists in our commute to work, in our investment choices, and in our lifestyle decisions. Some risks can be transferred to an insurance company (e.g. auto or homeowners), while others we assume ourselves. When you choose to bear the financial burden of an adverse […]

Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our assets can be strongly influenced by factors, many of them emotional, that we may not even be aware of.   […]

As a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start investing in your twenties or thirties for retirement, you can put it to work for you. The power of compounding. Many people underestimate it, so it is worth illustrating. Let’s take a look using a hypothetical 5% rate of return. How […]

When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean? To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid foundation. It means that you have the “pillars” in place that are designed to support your long-term […]

When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is it’s usually not so difficult. At some point, you will have to ask yourselves some money questions—questions that pertain not only to your shared finances but also to […]

Investment firms have a client service feature that may be a benefit to certain investors. They will ask you whether you would like to provide the name and information of a trusted contact.1 You do not have to supply this information, but it may offer some advantages. The request is made with your best interest in […]

The Internal Revenue Service estimates that taxpayers and businesses spend 8.1 billion hours a year complying with tax-filing requirements. To put this into perspective, if all this work were done by a single company, it would need about four million full-time employees and be one of the largest industries in the U.S.1 As complex as […]

Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you’re driving to work, you see smoke coming from under your hood. Bad things happen to the best of us, and […]

Some people approach buying a car like they approach marriage, “‘til death do us part.” Others prefer to keep their options open, trading in every few years for the latest make and model, the most cutting-edge technology, or the highest horsepower. Whichever describes you best, we all face a similar decision when it comes to […]

The city of Detroit emerged from bankruptcy in 2014. Still, its previous inability to pay investors left some questioning their long-held assumption about the relative safety of municipal bonds. Without question, in the wake of Detroit’s troubles, gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever. At their most basic level, there […]

In March 2020, about 804,398 new businesses had been created in the preceding year.1 All individuals pursuing the dream of exercising their entrepreneurial muscles, will face the same question, “Which business structure should I adopt?” Each strategy presents its own set of pros and cons. To complicate matters a bit, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs […]

Ancient Chinese merchants were said to have developed a unique way to manage their risk. They would divide their shipments among several different vessels. That way, if one ship were to sink or be attacked by pirates, the rest stood a good chance of getting through. Thus, the majority of the shipment could be saved. […]

Of those aged 65 and older, 15 to 20 percent have mild cognitive impairment. People living with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop Alzheimers, and almost two-thirds of people currently living with Alzheimers are women.1 There are three basic forms of cognitive decline associated with aging:2 Age-related changes in memory, which are a […]

This generation got no destination to hold… We are volunteers of America” “Volunteers” by Jefferson Airplane   Those of a certain age will recall these Jefferson Airplane lyrics as a call to action, though for a different period and place. Even with the passage of time and through a lifetime of changes, the desire of […]

Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn’t have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial wellness is a broad term that encompasses these key areas: Taking control of your money before it controls you. Determining […]

Having a hobby or participating in a regular activity done purely for enjoyment can provide many benefits. Among the most notable is that hobbies can lead to better health and a more full-filled life. Here are some of the benefits that come from having hobbies:   Hobbies improve physical health. Hobbies do not have to […]

Women can experience more challenges saving for retirement than men, and unfortunately, COVID-19 has added even more challenges. According to Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report Women and Retirement: Risks and Realities Amid COVID-19, women continue to be at risk of saving enough for retirement: 52% experienced impacts to their employment situation as a result of COVID-19. […]

One of the biggest news stories last month was the heightened trading activity and price volatility of GameStop and several other companies. These company’s stocks were targeted by participants using the social media platform Reddit. Reddit supported the social media conversations among its members, and Robinhood was the trading app of choice for buying and […]

Learning from our mistakes is a good thing. After all, if we learn from our mistakes, we are likely not to repeat them. Sometimes psychological or emotional factors contribute to making a mistake or knowing how to avoid it. Here are the top mistakes investors make and how to avoid them:   #1- Buying only […]

Portfolio cash accounts are typically kept for reinvesting opportunities or other events such as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Investors and their advisors often want to move cash to securities for performance in an environment where interest rates are low or effectively at 0%. There are reasons that cash accounts should always be present in an […]

With a new president and administration, now is a great time to meet with your financial professional to discuss how our new president, Joe Biden, may affect your finances, taxes, and retirement. Given the balance of the U.S. federal deficit and the federal and state spending during COVID-19, increasing taxes is essential to reducing both federal debt and […]

The Social Security Administration has again approved a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits starting in January 2021. The increase of 1.3 percent will increase $20 per month for the average American worker and is calculated based on the year-over-year inflation rate. The most significant change to Social Security retirement benefits starting this year […]

2020 has been a year unlike any during our lifetimes with the COVID-19 pandemic and a poor economy. Many have been impacted with lay-offs and job losses and realize they were unprepared financially. With the start of a New Year, are you ready to focus on ways to improve your financial life?   Writing down what […]

It is human nature to seek advice when things aren’t going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Some seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock market and their investments are experiencing turbulent times. Reactive decisions made during periods of stock market volatility often cause investors to leave their current financial professional and […]

As we enter a new year, many are hopeful that 2021 will be positively different from 2020 in health, the environment, and the economy. In the wealth management industry, we know things are already different as we see more Americans wanting to plan for their futures. Our parents and grandparents experienced The Great Depression that […]

“If the current annual inflation rate is only 2.3 percent,1 why do my bills seem like they’re 10 percent higher than last year?” Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.   What Is Inflation? Inflation is defined as an […]

2021 is a great time to focus on your retirement savings! Thanks to the power of compound interest, the more you save this upcoming year, the better off you will be later. If you are ready to make more headway on your retirement savings in 2021, keep reading to find out how much you can […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted cybersecurity and identity theft into the spotlight for both businesses and individuals. With many people working from home, the need for internet security is at an all-time high. Businesses are experiencing more cybersecurity attacks and their remote workers are targets of phishing. As we enter December, “Identity Theft and Prevention […]

With the election over, investors may be wondering about market volatility as we enter 2021. Regardless of politics, short-term stock market results can vary depending on factors, including gridlock in the House and Senate, and a newly elected future President Biden. Tracking trends like this in the stock market tends to be easier than understanding why they […]

COVID-19 has changed everything from our jobs to school learning and shopping and how we plan for retirement. The pandemic has created implications for financial planning on critical items, moving them front and center for those saving for retirement and those already retired:   Healthcare costs. With the Affordable Care Act’s future undecided in the […]

2020 has been unlike any other thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, our strange stock market, and social unrest leading up to the Nov. 3rd Presidential Election. This recap is for you to see what we have already been through as we look toward a brighter future as we assess what we have learned from this […]

COVID-19 is changing the way business is conducted, resulting in economic fallout, and stock market declines in many parts of the world. However, here in the U.S., while companies are closing, the stock market remains resilient in the middle of an economic crisis. Why does Wall Street appear to be disconnected from Main Street as […]

As you get older, the question of when to collect Social Security retirement benefits will likely come to mind, particularly true if you plan to retire early. In a perfect world, there would be one age that would be ideal. However, your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the best time for you to take Social […]

The coronavirus pandemic has motivated financial professionals to take full advantage of technology. Many of them are pairing various tech solutions with their unique human touch to help clients improve their financial well-being. So how can you, as a client, use similar technology to make a positive difference in your finances? Keep reading to find out. Automation- If […]

Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops. “Are you aware the registration on your car has expired?”You’ve experienced one of the costs of procrastination. Procrastination can cause missed deadlines, […]

October is the Financial planning month and a great time to meet with your financial professional to ask questions, review policy and portfolio performance, and make decisions that keep you on track with your goals. Regardless of your age, it would be best of you planned for your financial future. Reviewing your insurance policies and […]

Socializing is critical for mental health, and people who associate with others live longer. Research also concludes that isolation can often lead to loneliness, depression, and other health problems. Especially now, during COVID-19, our desire to connect with others is heightened. Before the fall season changes to winter and cold weather arrives, get out and enjoy the […]

If you are not contributing to your health savings account (HSA), you miss out on a great way to save for health care expenses now and during retirement. HSAs allow you to save money tax-free through payroll deduction. Like traditional investments, some HSAs provide fund choices to increase accumulations With health care costs continuing to grow […]

If you’re self-employed or own a small business, you’ve probably considered establishing a retirement plan. If you’ve done your homework, you likely know about simplified employee pensions (SEPs) and savings incentive match plans for employees (SIMPLE) IRA plans. These plans typically appeal to small business owners because they’re relatively straightforward and inexpensive to administer. What […]

As 2020 comes to an end, more and more Americans are contemplating their decision to retire. Others are tapping their retirement savings, while some save more due to the economic fallout and impacts of COVID-19. A recent study by TD Ameritrade, the COVID-19 and Retirement Study conducted from April 24th through May 4, 2020, reports that 41% of […]

Americans are starting to see the impact of increasing prices at the supermarket and the start of inflation. Also, clothing at retail stores is depleting as manufacturing has halted, creating demand for products ordinarily accessible. Today’s economic conditions are much worse than coming out of the Great Depression. During periods economic recovery, the U.S. experienced historical debt […]

Experiencing the death of a loved one and what can financially happen if not appropriately planned for is an unfortunate reality for many. Not having protection through insurance and legal documents can turn a tragic situation into a financial crisis. Having safeguards in place provides your family with the financial security they need should the […]

COVID-19 has changed the deadline for 2019 tax filings and retirement account contributions to July 15th, 2020. The tax filing deadline change is part of the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) stimulus package for tax payors. Additionally, the closure of Social Security offices, IRS tax collection processing centers, and state governments […]

If you are working from home and receiving a paycheck during this pandemic, consider yourself lucky despite your confinement to one place. Most of us haven’t had the experience of our personal and work lives forcibly intertwine due to a large-scale public health emergency. Remote work is not something new to our society but is […]

The CARES Act (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) became law on March 27th, 2020, and contains significant legislation for Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) for those over age 70 ½ who have already started RMD. Under previous IRS distribution laws, a minimum distribution from a pre-tax retirement savings account, such as a 401(k), […]

Spring is the season when high school seniors and their families find out if their awards package at their chosen college or university is enough-or not. A happy time can become stressful when financial aid and award letters arrive with evident shortfalls. It doesn’t have to be that way, and most families don’t realize that […]

Not everyone experiences a life-changing event in their lifetime, one that impacts them for better or worse. As we continue to experience the pandemic, we are witnesses to our own experiences. We don’t know what the outcome will be for ourselves, our neighbors, community, and so on. It can be an unnerving, but positive experience […]

Today’s women are more educated and have more significant job opportunities compared to previous generations. Despite more women in the workforce than ever before, women still experience considerable pay disparity compared to their male counterparts, creating a deficit in wages and retirement savings. Even though women participate in employer retirement savings plans, many still struggle […]

With coronavirus (COVID-19) all around us, investors may be wondering how their investments will fare as this ‘global pandemic’ spreads. Is COVID-19 capable of moving markets? We know it is and came at a time when the economy was already stressing. Earlier market movements starting in February 2020 were the result of unassociated economic factors […]

INSURANCE IS A VALUABLE TOOL EVERYONE SHOULD CONSIDER In today’s world there are many uncertainties, but without being humorous, the one certainty we can rely on is each of us has a mortality schedule and will pass away. The hope for many is that we can live a full life and live into our 80’s […]

ABOUT TRUST AND ESTATE SERVICES IN LAS VEGAS When creating a financial plan for the future it is very important in my opinion to also plan for the unexpected. There aren’t many guarantees in life but as we all joke with the saying, the two guarantees are taxes and death! Even though this is said […]

The term HENRY (High Earners Not Rich Yet) refers to individuals who have the potential to become wealthy in the future because of their income. These individuals or families earn between $250,000 and $500,000 per year and are between 25 and 45 years of age (Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X). Despite their income, after […]

The past 100 years have seen changes in how people plan for their financial futures and how they live. Borders no longer restrict people from living in one country; their profession often takes them to parts of the world they never anticipated. Today, it’s not uncommon for a family to live part-time in one country […]

A growing trend in global debt markets, Green Lending, continues to grow among American debt investors. Green Lending ties sustainability initiatives into loan products designed to entice and reward debtors who meet sustainability goals. The debtor’s sustainability goals are performance-based and include such things as lowering electricity and water usage, reducing landfill garbage, increasing recyclable […]

Over the past ten thousand years, the Earth’s climate has remained stable. Today, we know through science and research that climate change is happening. Many scientific organizations are studying the impact of climate change while simultaneously economists are examining the socioeconomic implications in various regions of the world. Climate change is undoubtedly impacting finance and […]

Being debt-free is possible for everyone, regardless of income. Learning to manage our debt and spending habits and then focus on saving can be life-changing and positively affect your net worth. Net worth calculates by subtracting your liabilities (debt owed) from your assets (not financed). Net worth is calculated for both individuals and companies and […]

Many people decide to ‘semi-retire’ early and start taking their Social Security Retirement benefit at the earliest age possible. It’s appealing to be able to work part-time or where you have an interest or start a small business while making an income and receive Social Security retirement benefits. While early retirement and a part-time job […]

Become a part of a growing, local financial advisory firm! Link Financial Advisory is a Las Vegas based firm that aims to provide exceptional service for a wide range of financial needs. As an independent firm, we are able to offer a variety of strategies, investment products, and life insurance and are not beholden to […]

Effective January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act, a progressive change to retirement savings plans, is now law. The last legislation to retirement savings happened when Congress allowed for automatic enrollment of employees and the addition of Target Date funds to retirement plans in 2006. While the new law intends to provide additional opportunities for Americans […]

With 2020 barely started, preparation for tax season is underway for many investors. Now in the second year of filing taxes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), focusing your attention on deductions you can use versus those that were eliminated will necessitate that you plan. The idea of TCJA was to […]

Review your saving and spending habits and assess what you can do to save more this year. Definition of Savvy: having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness especially in practical matters. Money Savvy: smart with money, money-wise, financially astute, shrewd. If you started saving for retirement early, chances are you’ll hit your retirement goal. However, if you’re […]

What steps can you take to help transition the obligation of debt best in a divorce situation? When saying “I do,” to any relationship, seldom is the thought of ending the relationship discussed or the division of joint debt. For couples that combine both assets and liabilities, a split signals the dilemma of dividing both. […]

If you plan to ‘age in place,’ it’s important to discuss your intention with your family and financial advisor now to prepare for and make it possible. The U.S. population continues to age, with the baby boomer generation now the largest generation ever. By 2035, one in three heads of households will be someone age […]

If you have multiple or only a few retirement ‘nest eggs,’ now is an excellent time for us to discuss how taxes will impact you this year or in the future. Many people refer to their retirement savings as a “nest egg,” but in theory, it should be made up of many sources of retirement […]

In November 2019, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the cost of living adjustments for 2020 for most retirement savings plans. However, IRA contribution limits will stay the same. If you plan to make the maximum contributions you can in 2020, here’s what you need to know: • The limit on annual employee contributions to […]

A retirement plan is a lot like an orchestral score, and when all the pieces come together it can be a beautiful thing. Are you making music, or could your plan use a tuneup? Full Kiplinger Article Here Authored by our very own, Richard London CFP.

Dreaming and goal setting are interrelated; first, you dream about what you want, then you determine how to obtain it. Our dreams should help guide us to make the right choices at the right time and in the proper manner. But merely dreaming about something is not enough; we must set goals to achieve it. […]

Here we are, already to the end of 2019! The end of a year and the start of a new one is when most people decide to clean up and implement changes in some areas of their lives. Whether it is financial or health-related, starting the New Year off with tasks completed feels good! Here […]

Fixed income is something many investors don’t understand, according to the 2019 survey, “Fixed Income, Not Fixed Thinking,” by BNY Mellon Investment Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world. The study revealed that the majority of Americans surveyed have a limited understanding of fixed-income investments, regardless of age, income, education level, and […]

Social Security Retirement benefits are set to increase in 2020- a modest 1.6% increase for the average retired worker that adds an extra $24 per month to their retirement check. Retired couples will see their combined benefits grow to $40 per month. This cost of living (COLA) increase is one of the smallest over the […]

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade on a worldwide scale. It is a place for member countries to settle arguments and negotiate trade deals. But what happens when negotiations between two counties go awry, and tariffs continue to apply for long periods like we […]

The demographics of retirement and a ‘retired person’ is rapidly changing worldwide. Over the past 200 years, there have been remarkable changes in health and wealth around the globe. Now, there is a converging demographic between countries, thanks to world aid and trade, and technology. Human life expectancy is increasing; in just the United States, […]

Interest rates can have a positive or a negative effect on 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 you), it creates a ripple effect. The raising and lowering of the Fed Funds […]

Consistent growth in net worth is an indicator of positive financial health, but when liabilities grow faster than assets, or the value of assets drop, the result is negative net worth. Net worth calculate by subtracting liabilities (owed debt) from assets owned. Net worth is estimated for both individuals and companies and is an accurate […]

Due to the duration risk of holding assets over time, a normal yield curve shows that bonds with a longer maturity have a higher yield and pay more interest than short-term bonds. Investors usually demand higher rates of return if their money is invested for a more extended period. An inverted yield curve occurs when […]

The financial services industry has classified “advice” as financial planning, not investment advice (the selection of investments), which is just one part of wealth management. If Robo-advisors have done nothing else, they have revealed that much of the investment advice in selecting investments can be automated. With technology doing much of the work as it […]

A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged plan designed for saving for future education expenses that are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. If used for education, the assets grow tax-free. Since 529 plans came into existence in 1996, they have grown to $328 billion in 31.1 million accounts according to Strategic Insight. There […]

After the financial crisis, many Americans re-examined how and why they were investing. It was clear to many investors that having all of their wealth tied to the stock market proved to be more destructive than having alternative investments not correlated to stock market performance. This period was unfortunate if an investor needed to liquidate […]

In light of recent media reports on stock market performance, political issues, scandals, and other ‘news-worthy stories,’ keeping yourself removed from media as much as possible may be right for you and your investments.  Every day the American public is exposed to media stories that can negatively impact them and their investment decisions. During the last […]

With real estate prices recovering to where they were pre-2008 in most of the U.S; many people are buying U.S. vacation homes, and homes abroad for various reasons. The appeal of international vacation homes are at an all-time high as property overseas continues to cost less than near home, even in high-destination areas. A growing […]

At some point, a successful business faces liquidation for all the right reasons. The business owner has built an asset that is now positioned to sell to another individual, a group of investors, or be acquired by a large corporation. Perhaps as the business has grown, planning has revolved around liquidating; however, often the liquidation […]

What is underway as one of the most significant changes to retirement savings plans in years, the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019) was passed in May 2019 by the U.S. House of Representatives.  The Act is awaiting approval by the U.S. Senate later this month (August 2019). If passed, […]

The financial advice industry has changed for advisors with a fiduciary financial planning emphasis in their practice. These advisors have chosen process over product for the benefit of their clients. Additionally, new regulations, technology-enabled efficiencies, and fee compressions will continue to influence the advice industry and ultimately lead to higher client satisfaction and asset growth […]

Why are more people feeling financial stress despite the strong economy we’ve experienced since the recession? Many Americans are losing sleep over money, according to a January 2019 survey by Bankrate. The media may report a ‘strong U.S. economy,’ but many people experience stress outside of what’s happening in the broader economy. The survey indicates that a large […]

As the economy shows signs of modest improvement, indications of downward shifting in U.S. production from the residual effects of the trade war are starting to surface, according to the May 2019  Federal Reserve’s Beige Book Report. The Beige Book Report compiles from information gathered by the twelve Federal Reserve Districts through direct interviews with businesses […]

The average American worker stays at a job only 4.2 years, and many had funded retirement accounts they’ve left with the employer’s plan custodian when they moved to a new job. Leaving retirement savings at multiple employers can create higher investment costs to keep the account in former employer plans or create an inconvenience to […]

Market risk is something all investors worry about, but those close to retirement have limited time to recover from the loss. If you’re within ten years of retirement, your investments are at a critical stage to continue to gain value and avoid loss. Without thinking through the dynamics of gains and losses, investors leave themselves […]

Couple’s spend many hours planning and a significant amount of money on their wedding, but personal finances and protecting assets deserve just as much attention and planning. When both parties are in agreement on discussing their finances, reviewing credit reports, and asset and liability information, long term asset appreciation and protection should take priority before […]

Early adulthood is assumed to be a time of becoming financially independent. But an October 2018 study conducted by Agewave reveals that many adults ages 18-34 are not economically independent despite their adulthood. Many still rely on the financial support of their parents or extended family. The study reveals complex reasons leading to financial interdependence; something not […]

Well, it depends … on when you want your payments, what kind of a guarantee you are looking for and whether you’re willing to take a little risk to pursue a possibly higher return. Breaking annuities down to their basics could help steer your decision. Full Kiplinger Article Here Authored by our very own, Richard […]

In the world of retirement planning, Social Security retirement benefits, referred to as Old Age and Survivors Insurance by the Social Security Administration (OASI), are still included as a source of income in retirement, but should it be? For those Americans that will retire after 2035, the future of receiving their projected full retirement monthly […]

In our working years, we work and save toward retiring someday, creating our retirement story. Our story may include daily golfing, living somewhere different, or participating in activities we enjoy each day that help to fill our minds with a picture of our retirement. But the plan of relocation and nonstop action should be stress tested to […]

2018 was a record year for fraud in the U.S. and twenty-one other countries, according to Experian’s 2019 Global Identity and Fraud Report released earlier this year (February 2019). As the digital world advances, so does fraud. Today, digitization of services from banking to online shopping has made us more vulnerable to fraud, and more reluctant to […]

‘Tax advice’ is left to federally authorized tax practitioners who prepare tax returns and defend clients pursuing relief from federal agencies for their own tax payments or to dispute tax payment errors. Financial advisors don’t provide tax advice, but provide information on the tax consequences of specific investments they sell or recommend to clients. This type […]

Every financial client has their own story about what has happened in their life and what they hope to accomplish in the future. Life events can alter even the most carefully thought out plan. Some events clients experience are divorce, loss of a job, health issues, death of a loved one and longevity concerns when […]

As more boomers leave the workforce each day the future is uncertain for both genders when it comes to their retirement savings lasting their entire life. Many don’t know what to expect when it comes to rising health care costs, increasing living costs, and longer life expectancies. However, for women the retirement savings gap is […]

Inheriting from someone is a wonderful gift, but when it comes to securities assets, namely IRAs, different rules apply to non-spouse beneficiaries. IRS rules designate what the beneficiary can do with the IRA and how distributions must be taken. The laws on inherited IRAs depend on the relationship to the IRA owner and the type […]

Losing a spouse, whether through death or divorce, can be devastating emotionally and financially. The loss can take months or even years to recover since there is no way to prepare for death or divorce even when spouses have discussed contingencies with each other or with their advisor. When it comes to financial decisions some things need […]

The ‘Boomer Generation,’ those born between 1946 and 1964, have a great outlook for a long life since they will outlive previous generations by almost 40%, compared to their great-grandparent’s generation.  However, this generation faces circumstances that many of them didn’t plan for: Not saving enough to offset the disappearance of pension payments for their entire […]

“Financial literacy refers to the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Education on the management of personal finances is an essential part of the planning and paying for post-secondary education.”- Webster’s Dictionary. Financial Literacy includes having a basic understanding of how to pay bills online, manage bank accounts, […]

Insurance is not always an exciting topic to talk about, but financial planners are well aware of the risks their clients can face when they are underinsured. Whether it is homeowners insurance or life insurance, the different types of risks people face can easily wipe out a portfolio or other assets when their clients are […]

It is human nature to seek advice only when things aren’t going as planned or when some unforeseen situation arises. Take one’s health for example- some people routinely have an annual exam, while others seek medical advice only when they suspect a health problem and the symptoms have become severe. Just like seeking medical advice […]

The good news is we are living longer, but the bad news is that having regular employment, good health and the premature depletion of retirement assets is becoming a reality for many Americans. Despite plans for retiring later (compared to previous generations) at age 69 or into the 70’s, unplanned events are contributing to earlier […]

In today’s economy, offers of an early retirement buyout for a current employee or a pension buyout directed at a former employee are becoming common as companies look for ways to cut costs. Many large employers are offering employees who are not yet at retirement age the option to take an early retirement buyout. Each company […]

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total of everything produced in a country, even if it is made by a foreign company or foreign workers within a country’s borders. GDP counts the final value of a product, but not the parts that go into producing it as a way to avoid ‘double counting.’ In many […]

Most parents want what is best for their children, but sometimes have habits themselves that equate to teaching their children poor financial habits. Children learn by watching their parents and other adults (modeling) and as they mature their mistakes and bad habits become hard to correct. Bad financial decisions can be especially detrimental when they […]

For many parents, planning to leave their estate to their children is a common practice. There are many things to consider when planning to leave your children an inheritance, but the complexity increases when your child is beneficiary to someone else’s estate. What happens when the minor child becomes an heir, or when the child’s […]

This is the first tax filing season since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (The Act) was passed. Even though 2018 is over, there are tax planning strategies you should think about before you file and plan accordingly for 2019. There still remain 7 income tax brackets and the marginal rates have been lowered. However, many […]

A credit freeze is a way to protect yourself from a new account or loan being opened with your personal information by businesses (or criminals) without your permission. With a credit freeze the process of accessing your credit information from the credit reporting agencies is blocked. Freezing your credit at the three major credit reporting agencies is […]

More people are choosing to become self-employed with one in three Americans leaving their jobs to go on their own. According to a twenty-year Harvard University Study republished in November 2018, the top reasons many are leaving stable employment is wanting more control over how and why they work and choosing who they work with for clients. […]

The start of a New Year is the time when most people decide to implement changes in some areas of their lives.  Whether it is health or money related, starting the New Year off with a plan feels good!  According to research from YouGov Omnibus, last year 1 out of every 5 people (20% of the population) that […]

Couples usually don’t retire at the same time when they have an ‘age gap’ between them. An age gap relationship is one where there is eleven or more year’s age difference between them. Age gap relationships are becoming more common as people are choosing to marry later in life, remarry or start a life-partnership with someone significantly […]

Despite having a high income from owning a business or being an executive, these individuals can experience retirement savings problems. They have missed savings opportunities or put off financial planning. Often they assume that everything will work out with their retirement plan, and it can, but their high-income can hide the reality of a retirement […]

Regardless if you believe in Long Term Care (LTC) insurance or not (or your advisor doesn’t) you still need to include the costs related to LTC in your retirement plan, even if you’re able to self-pay. Why? Because the statistics on longevity show that people are living longer and will likely need LTC at some […]

Here in the U.S., our personal information is exposed daily at frequencies and levels we’ve not experienced before. It doesn’t take a data breach from a technology company to expose us, we are doing it to ourselves without being aware. Each time we use technology (Facebook, Instagram, online exposure) our personal information is gathered by […]

Among the primary concerns people have as they approach retirement is, “How long will I live and will my money last?” In addition to traditional retirement savings such as employer-sponsored retirement plans, there’s now another type of retirement account that guarantees you won’t go broke during retirement. Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) allow you to […]

The IRS announced last month in November cost-of-living adjustments to limits on contributions to retirement plans for 2019. There hasn’t been an increase in some plan types since 2013, which is why now is a great time to take advantage of maximizing retirement contributions. According to a 2017 FINRA study,10% of American retirement savers are contributing […]

Continuing education helps financial advisors stay informed of the latest industry and regulation changes while educating them on products and solutions to help their clients. Taking continuing education classes helps them become better at their job, too! Providing quality service by having the product knowledge to present the right solution while following state laws and […]

Scheduling a fall financial review is especially important this year due to the Tax and Jobs Act and impending market changes. We’ve been enjoying a robust stock market which makes now a prime time to meet. Fall tends to be when people start thinking about next year and what they want to accomplish financially by […]

There is a growing trend in college planning where families hire an Independent Education Counselor (IEC) to help plan, execute strategies for the ACT or SAT testing and assist in applying to college in hopes of being accepted. IECs start working with families as early as the eighth grade if the family is considering an […]

As we approach the end of 2018 many employers are scheduling their benefits meeting requiring you to select yours before the end of the year. Not all benefit options are the same and understanding each is crucial to making an informed decision. Ask your HR department or the advisor or agent representing the benefit what […]

How is my social security calculated? Social Security is calculated using your 35 highest paid earnings years and then averaged using the benefits calculation formula.  You must have worked full time for at least 10 years to qualify for any social security retirement benefit.  Currently, full retirement benefits age is between age 66 and 67 (October 2018). […]

There’s a number that is going away soon that has an impact on your life; it’s called LIBOR.  LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) is used to determine the interest rates banks charge each other for overnight, one-month, three-month, six-month, and one-year loans.  LIBOR is a substantial number because it decides, in part, the interest rate you will pay for […]

Some investors are the do it yourself type and manage their accounts with minimal assistance from a financial advisor.  Other people are eager to have an advisor manage their investments for them.  Whatever type of investor you are, no single investor knows everything about the stock market.  Even from time to time, knowledgeable investors ask […]

After months of verbal threats between the EU, China and the US, tariffs, and counter-tariffs started in July 2018, leaving American consumers and investors wondering how much of an impact it will have on them.  Already three months into the trade war, consumers are not swaying from buying imports despite the increasing costs.  In July, the US […]

Over the next twenty years, there will be a wealth transfer that exceeds $30 trillion as the Baby Boomer generation passes the remainder of their wealth to the Millennials and subsequent generations.  The Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) are considered the wealthiest generation, currently controlling 70% of all the disposable income in the United States. Its imperative […]

It’s that time of year again; kids go back to school, the election season is near, fall holiday planning starts, and suddenly we all move closer to the end of 2018.   As we approach the last quarter of the year, remember these ‘money moves’ that you still have time to make: Checklist of Money Movement  Add […]

Regardless of your age, having a will or estate plan is essential for many reasons, and isn’t just limited to passing assets at death. A will provides necessary asset passing, although many times isn’t enough when situations become more complicated.  Although estate plans and wills typically become active at death, they can be helpful during catastrophic […]

Divorce is a common occurrence in the US, with 50% of all first marriages ending in divorce. According to the American Psychological Society, that is even higher for those marrying a second time.  Marriages end for many reasons from infidelity, stress, personality changes, and financial.  They are not only devastating to the children and extended family but […]

For families who previously used itemized deductions for charitable giving when filing their taxes, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will remove this benefit, resulting in default to the standard deduction for their 2018 filing.  This effects a household choosing to use charitable giving as a tax deduction, increasing the tax cost to them by 7%.  The […]

Planning is valuable for many reasons and helps to ‘normalize’ things when you find yourself in the middle of an unexpected life event.  A death, a critical illness, job loss, new family member, an inheritance, divorce, or a catastrophic event that can cause a major financial detour.  How you plan will help determine how you survive and […]

Taking Social Security Benefits can be a guessing game unless you do your research to figure out what age to take benefits the best for you.  Do you receive benefits at the earliest age or wait until your full benefit age?  Will you die in early retirement or live a longer life than you imagined?  These are the […]

One thing that has plagued the financial services industry is ‘trust’ of the industry.  Unfortunately, there are many reasons that some people have developed a distrust of financial companies and the individuals that work for them.  It may be due to the media, entertainment (movies), or a personal situation that has happened in the past.  When advisors work […]

Money and technology are so closely related that if a financial advisor isn’t employing the latest technology, how will it equate to risk for you and your money?  When it comes to managing your money, you expect your financial advisor to have the best technology resources available to do the job. Since the last recession, the financial […]

On May 24th, 2018 President Trump signed The New Senior Safe Act into federal law, encouraging financial professionals to report senior financial abuse.  Since financial advisors and bank employees are usually the first to witness clients making money withdraws that are not common, the law rewrites protocol and protection for those that report abuse.  The old law […]

Credit scores are used in our country as a method to determine an individual’s financial responsibility.  The three-digit credit score means more than just the possibility of fiscal responsibility to the lender. They are part of a formula called credit utilization.  Understanding how your ‘number’ fluctuates regardless of making payments on time, can help you get more from your […]

Many investors evaluate not only their portfolio performance but also their relationship with their financial advisor from time to time.  Many times people base their evaluation of their advisor on their portfolio performance, but there are other components to consider.  Asking these questions can help you determine if you and your advisor are mutually aligned: Question #1: Are you […]

How did you learn to manage money and understand the value of investing?  Did your parents relay to you what they knew about money or did you read books on budgeting and investing in figuring it out yourself?   The reality is that many of us did learn through trial and error. An alarming statistic is […]

suit·a·bil·i·ty:  The quality of being right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation. The definition of suitability seems quite easy to understand and should be clear when it comes to investment recommendations to clients.  However, many times when clients come to our firm the investments they have are not suitable for them.  We base this conclusion […]

At some point along your life’s journey, you might find yourself at a crossroads looking back thinking, “Is this it?  Is this all there is to life?” while considering the path ahead of you.  It can happen at any time- you’ve spent your life building something that has taken all your blood, sweat, and tears and you […]

The financial services industry is still recovering from the effects of the financial crisis.  Positive impacts from the crisis include new regulations and clients taking an increasingly active role in their economic destiny.  Reinforcing this is that all participants—financial advisors, clients, and regulators—are all welcoming the greater transparency and convenience  that new financial technology (FinTech) is bringing to the […]

Since President Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs on all countries the stock market has been reacting-based on investor concerns in reaction to the media.   All indications at the time of this writing are that the tariffs would be applied to all countries, although that remains unknown.  This development has risen the speculation of a trade […]

For those of you that have ever hired a personal trainer–you know what that experience is all about.  The first day is the one that you will never forget because it was hard both physically and mentally.  You probably found out that you weren’t as strong as you thought you were or maybe that you didn’t prepare […]

Receiving a large sum of money through an inheritance or other windfall can be stressful, exciting, and confusing all at once. Managing a large sum of cash can seem overwhelming, particularly if it’s an experience you’ve never had before. Here are seven common inheritance mistakes and how you can best avoid them. Follow these tips […]

In April 2018 Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg’s admittance of Facebook user’s data used by Cambridge Analytica in our last presidential election has caused an emotional reaction in Americans and lawmakers alike.  Zuckerberg admitted that controls to prevent such a leak were not in place and that, he too, believes social media will need to be regulated […]

We all desire the flexible lifestyle, to not work or work when we want.   Wouldn’t it be great to spend more of our lives not working than working?  There have been countless financial plans created with this target in mind, but it may not be a reality to stop one’s career before reaching the […]

Despite the fallout to investor’s portfolios, job losses, and the overall downward turn of the American economy during the recession, we have benefitted from relatively low inflation rates.  While the US and other countries control monetary policy, there is never a way to avoid inflation after a recession; it’s part of the economic cycle.  Borrowing and buying […]

2017 was a bad year for the credit industry- data breaches and multiple lawsuits.  But it’s becoming apparent that Americans overall are going to have a worse 2018 compared to last year as the trend of acquiring more debt increases.  Aside from having to shell out money for damages caused in 2017, the credit industry will have […]

The ability for a business to offer a 401(k) plan is often seen as the benchmark of a large, successful company. Organizations with retirement benefits have been shown to attract better talent, while roughly a quarter of small businesses say that employees who leave for another company cite a lack of these benefits as a […]

Many Americans have already filed their taxes for 2017, but the majority will be filing this month and finding out how the new tax plan is impacting them (if at all) for this spring’s filing.  Some changes have already taken place such as the adjusted withholding in February’s paychecks resulting in slightly higher take-home pay.  However, the […]

Have you seen the TV commercials about a machine or robot as your investment advisor?  As funny as they may be, they may be giving you the wrong idea of what a robo-advisor really is.  A robo-advisor is technology (an automation platform) that allows automation for certain aspects of portfolio management.  One of the misnomers in the industry […]

If you’ve been sensitive to the stock market performance in the last weeks, you’re not alone.  Regardless of how your investments fare during market corrections, being aware of your anxiety in light of what you’re seeing, reading or hearing can make a difference in portfolio performance.  We’ve all done it; reacted either internally or externally […]

If you’re an employee working for a company that has a pension plan, you’re among an estimated 4% of Americans that still benefit from this type of retirement plan.  Most companies have moved to a dual plan or removed the pension entirely.  Traditional government workers are among the few who benefit from pension plans.  The likelihood […]

Leaving a legacy through the passing assets today and after your death is a process that requires correct planning and execution.  With the recent Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017, updated tax codes, and an ever-changing political environment, legacy planning requires consulting with multiple professionals in order to pass assets without financial consequences.  Legacy planning […]

With the significant 2017 cybersecurity leaks involving the personal information of millions of Americans, this year’s tax season is expected to be one of the worst ever for tax scams.  Aside from cybersecurity leaks, the mailing of 1099s and W2s results in many people not receiving them through mailbox theft, which is contributing to more […]

Finance, in general, has been based on rational and logical theories, and for most part, tends to be somewhat ‘predictable.’  Early financial theories assumed that people behave rationally and predictably, and that outside factors and emotions do not influence people when it comes to making financial decisions.  However, behavioral finance has proven people behave irrationally […]

For some people retirement is all about the numbers; the age you plan to retire, how much money you need, and so forth.  We have built our planning processes in financial services based on numbers and algorithms in financial planning software to help us contrive a number or group of numbers that are uniquely yours.  […]

If you’re considering alternative investments this year, you should thoroughly think through the consequences of investing in some of the most popular ones in the media.  Although Bitcoin and the Cannabis business may be on Wall Street’s radar, it’s not necessarily for good reasons.  Both are still considered speculative and are not investable asset classes; they […]

A Quick Guide to Saving in 2018 Start Saving More NOW!   If you started saving for retirement early, chances are you’ll hit your retirement goal.  If you’re like most Americans, you didn’t start right away and are playing ‘catch-up’! Don’t put off saving later, start now!  If you didn’t start in your 20s, it’s time […]

With a one in five chance of living beyond our 90th birthday, planning for a successful retirement and healthy aging should be something we all do.  Retirement is now considered a time to be active where people stay socially connected, continue working in some capacity, and are choosing to be involved in their communities.  Retirement today […]

If you’re like some Americans, you may be wondering how the new tax plan is going to affect you.  To say “the new tax plan isn’t going to affect me” may be an incorrect statement; sooner or later the new plan will change something in your financial life.  It doesn’t matter if you’re on ‘one […]

If you’re not familiar with Filial Laws, it’s time you take notice of what they are and how these laws can impact your financial future.  A few decades ago, our US welfare system would cover nursing home and medical costs for someone without the financial resources to so.  Back then the children were ‘off the […]

The Starting of the New Year has many of us making resolutions to make changes in some part of our lives.  Whether it is health or money related, starting the New Year off with a plan feels good!  Even though 80% of New Year’s Resolutions fail by the end of first quarter, having ‘resolutions’ is […]

The answer to that is not much, but the allowable pre-tax contributions in most traditional retirement plans will see a small increase for 2018.  Here’s what you need to know if you plan to contribute the most you can in 2018 into your pre-tax retirement accounts: 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and most 457 plans will see a $500 […]

Women in the US today are better educated and have more opportunities than their mothers and grandmothers.  But even though women have more opportunities than in the past, they face obstacles that can impact their potential for retirement savings.  Lower pay than male counterparts, time off from their career to care for children or another […]

Much is being said regarding the changes happening in the financial services industry right now.  You may have heard some news stories through the media regarding disclosure, compensation, and fiduciary responsibility.  Those that are already disclosing fees, advisor compensation, and are a fiduciary are already operating on these parameters; those that are not conducting their business in this […]

If you are currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits and it is a big part of your retirement income, congratulations! You are the second or possibly third generation that has benefited from what was initially an excellent plan for workers in our country. If you are part of the generation that is 45 to 55 […]

Many of us have been a caregiver while we were raising children, now some of us are caring for a loved one out of necessity as the older family member is no longer able to care for themselves.  A recent 2017 Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report indicates that 42% of Generation Xers and 42% […]

You may be considering investing in a vacation home as part of your retirement goals or just because you feel it’s a good investment.  With real estate prices back to where they were pre-2008 in most of the US, those looking to add a vacation home to their portfolio are considering buying before prices rise.  […]

Here we are in the last quarter of 2017!  Reviewing your retirement accounts is essential, but do you realize the benefits of evaluating at the end of the year? Fall tends to be a time many people start thinking about next year and what they want to accomplish.  The benefits of a fourth-quarter review https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnfitzsimons/2017/05/25/a-question-of-balance-how-reviewing-your-investments-can-dramatically-boost-your-returns/#437c7536106d  […]

If you are a millennial you may feel like you have a target on your back. Local financial advisors, stockbrokers, bank representatives, CPA firms, and online firms constantly solicit you. You have a bewildering number of choices and making the wrong selection decision can undermine the achievement of your financial goals.  Millennials are considered the […]

If you aren’t utilizing your health savings account (HSA) at your employer, you’re missing out on a great way to save for retirement health care expenses. HSAs allow you to set aside money to be used to pay for medical expenses now during your working years, and later in retirement.  HSAs allow you to keep […]

What is a personal information cyber-attack?  A cyber-attack is a type of criminal activity where an individual or an organization target computer information systems, networks, or personal computer devices by various means through ‘hacking’ into the computer infrastructure.  Cyber-attacks are used to collect information that can affect an individual, or other entity such as a […]

Retirement can be risky business http://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/08/post-retirement-risks-outlive-assets.asp  if you don’t consider all the factors that can impact your retirement during your planning process.  It’s hard to know what will happen in the future to you or your investments. These are the main things that should be addressed in your retirement portfolio: #1 Longevity.If boomers live into […]

As financial advisors, many times we are asked by clients what they should invest in.  It’s not always an easy answer, because our answer to clients depends on many things.  What you should invest in is personal to YOU, and should take into account your personal situation. However, one easy answer to ‘what should I […]

Estate Planning 101 Basic estate planning is something that everyone should do, regardless of your age, marital status, and if you’re a parent or not.  In the US, the statistic is staggering that only 40% have a will or have an estate plan.  Of those that are older Americans, 81% of those age 72 and older, […]

The Role of Asset of Protection and Your Investments Protecting your assets is directly tied to protection of everything, including you, through insurance.  Without proper protection your investments and assets can face premature liquidation.  Insurance in its many forms serves to offset risk, whether it’s health insurance, home owners insurance, or any other type of liability protection and […]

Regardless of your age, envisioning your retirement is one way to get started on a plan for what you want to do when you’re able to retire.  If you’re already retired, maybe you’re ready to take on a new challenge and change what you’re currently doing.  If you’re still twenty to forty years away from […]

The annual report from the Trustees of the US Government’s two largest entitlement programs (Social Security and Medicare) was released on July 13, 2017.  Not surprising, the report relayed the same information regarding Social Security and Medicare as it did last year; without revision and additional funding, both programs will see cuts in payments to Americans that […]

Many times people compare what they have to that of their peers. This comparison is usually visual; we compare the house, the car, the ‘toys’, etc. But Net Worth is something that is not always visual. Net worth is determined by subtracting liabilities (debt owed) from assets (things that are actually ‘owned’). Net worth is calculated for both […]

‘Earnings Season’ is a period of time in which publicly traded companies release their quarterly earnings report.  Based on this information, stock prices can fluctuate either up or down depending on the ‘financial health’ of the company during that quarter.  Although not all companies are on the same quarterly reporting schedule, most ‘earnings seasons’ begin […]

In light of the ‘financial meltdown’, the political issues, the scandals, and ‘fake news’, keeping yourself removed from media as much as possible may be good for you (and your investments). Every day the American public is exposed to multiple stories that may have an effect on them and their decisions. During the financial crisis, […]

Happy Graduation! Time to Repay Your College Loans Graduating from college is an exciting time for many, and can signal the start of student loan repayment. If you are a recent graduate, it’s possible you had a co-signer on your student loan. If you are a parent or family member that is a co-signer, there’s no better […]

With ‘wedding season’ in full swing, chances are you will be attending a wedding that may be a second marriage.  Statistically in the US, one third of weddings are a second marriage for at least one member of the couple (https://www.soundvision.com/article/wedding-statistics-in-the-united-states).  Planning to combine families and finances and discuss openly how it will affect each of […]

This summer (June 2017), the Sixth Annual AEGON Retirement Readiness Survey was released.  The study took a look at the correlation between good health and being financially ready to retire.  Those with good health and a positive attitude were more likely to save and plan for retirement than their counterparts with poor health and a poor attitude […]

Making the decision to cleanse your portfolio by minimizing holdings, just like you minimize your possessions, can have some positive effects.  When you take the time to examine what you own, you may make the decision that some things need to go.  The same is true when you clean your portfolio.  Call it portfolio cleaning, […]

Free Download:  The Wealth Advisor Volume 11, Issue 6 In This Issue:  What to do with a confusing, old trust. How to know if you have an outdated trust. Quality estate planning is an ongoing process. You are not trapped by old plans, even when they’re “irrevocable.”

Teaching Your Child to Save (and Spend) For those parents that are teaching your children to save, you are providing your children with a priceless lesson.  Those children that are taught to save are more likely to save as adults.  And those that are taught how to save and spend smartly are even more successful!  […]

Retirement is a time one should enjoy doing what they want to do, always being aware of their spending.  Because most retirees have a set income, retirement requires a more ‘savvy’ approach to managing the way money is spent.  Some ideas to implement prior to and during your early retirement years can save you thousands […]

No matter what your age, retirement calculators can be a benefit to you in your retirement planning.  Retirement calculators are easily accessible on the internet through a search, or you may have access to various calculators through your investment custodian(s). Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you use a retirement calculator: […]

This spring (2017), the US Treasury Department has launched additional TV ads directed at Americans that have no retirement savings plan at work. If you’ve seen the ads and you’re curious what this plan is about, read on! The myRA plan was started in the fall of 2015, but has seen low numbers in participation […]

The older you get, the greater the chances that you have ‘old’ 401(k) accounts at former employers, or multiple IRAs from retirement plan transfers from leaving multiple jobs.  While transferring the 401(k) s from multiple employers into multiple IRAs was the best way to go, leaving them ‘unattended’ makes them vulnerable to being forgotten by […]

Investing is a process that takes time, should be thoughtfully monitored and has a better chance of success if planned out.  Regardless of what stage you’re at in your life and even if you’ve started investing, making a plan and sticking to it will benefit you. Keep the following tips in mind as you start, […]

As spring time comes back to many parts of the US, so does many ‘seasonal’ scams.  Partly because of tax season and partly because home projects ramp up, and travel ‘springs up’, this is the time of year to be more alert regarding potential scams.  Since credit card companies and financial institutions have implemented ‘chip […]

Are you a parent or related family member thinking of starting a 529 savings plan for a child? Starting a plan to save for college or other type of technical career training is a smart choice because small amounts are contributed monthly over time. Legally known as “qualified tuition plans”, 529 plans are also called […]

If you’re approaching retirement in the next fifteen to twenty years, it may be time for you to focus on saving more.  Playing ‘catch up’ by contributing more can make a big difference.  It’s never too late even if the time line is getting closer.  It’s always better to try to put away more than […]

In December 2016, FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) released their report, “Investors in the United States 2016”. The results of the study indicated that overall, American investors felt ‘confident’ in the stock market and the economy, but many felt they didn’t have a good understanding of basic investment principals or basic financial concepts. One of the most […]

Now that the title of this article has grabbed your attention, is there a ‘bad’ or ‘good’ time to invest? Is there a ‘science’ to timing the stock market? Consider the following and if ‘timing the market’ is a good investment strategy for you: Tip #1 Invest- Whether you invest at the ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ of the […]

Self-employment is a growing trend world-wide and in the US.  The desire to work for themselves, being able to designate working hours, and the perks of flexibility when they work is part of the reason many choose to be self-employed.  However, there are growing statistics that show many are forced to start their own business […]

Tips to ‘Timing the Stock Market’ Now that the title of this article has grabbed your attention, is there a ‘bad’ or ‘good’ time to invest?  Is there a ‘science’ to timing the stock market? Consider the following and if ‘timing the market’ is a good investment strategy for you: Tip #1 Invest- Whether you […]

How often have you walked into your bank and been ‘invited’ to open a new credit card, or better yet ‘refinance’ your debt?  The opportunity to ‘participate’ or receive a ‘special offer’ happens every day not only at banks, but at other places such as department stores.  We have become accustomed to accepting offers of […]

It’s common for the previous generation to think that the younger ones are less responsible, spend more, save less, and the list goes on! In the case between the grandparents and grandchildren, or Boomers versus Millennials, the Millennials are getting it right in money management, according to Pew Research. The Millennial generation has experienced the […]

Boomers vs. Millennials: Common Financial Differences It’s common for the previous generation to think that the younger ones are less responsible, spend more, save less, and the list goes on!  In the case between the grandparents and grandchildren, or Boomers versus Millennials, the Millennials are getting it right in money management, according to Pew Research.  […]

2017 Retirement Plan Savings Changes   For those people that are participating in a traditional 401(k) or government retirement plan such as a 457 or 403(b), contributions will remain the same for 2017. Employees under age 50 can save up to $18,000 in the plan, with those age 50 and older socking away an additional […]

When Overconfidence Hurts There are times in our lives when being confident is a good thing. But there are situations where being overconfident can hurt, especially when it comes to investments. Psychologists have studied confidence, and how it relates to previous knowledge we have. During the study, they asked questions that would require a range […]

Better Now or Better Before? After the elections held last month (November 2016), many Americans are reflecting on how they ‘feel’. All indications are that the last eight years has created ‘a feeling’ in most Americans regarding their financial security and the economy as a whole. To remind you of the past, let’s take a […]

Understanding Your Employee Benefits As you work and save money for retirement, take time to understand what benefits are offered at your employer in addition to your retirement plan.  Even if the focus of your relationship with your financial advisor is your retirement and other securities related assets, employer benefits should always be discussed.  Consider […]

Reporting to Protect Seniors From Financial Abuse July 5th, 2016 marked the passing of The Senior Safe Act of 2016. What this bill means to you, and the financial services industry, is another layer of protection for seniors who may be, or are, at risk of financial abuse by another individual. In the past, financial […]

Do You Need Long-Term Care Insurance? As Baby Boomers age, one of the planning decisions that needs to be made is how to go about providing for their long-term care needs. The cost of a one-year stay in a nursing home varies widely across the country. According to insurer Genworth the cost of a single […]

Retirement is a time of excitement and anxiety regarding if your savings will last through your entire remaining life. Many retirees find that their spending is more costly in the beginning, and slows as they age.  If you are sure you’ll be cutting back as you age, you can budget for these changes.  Here is […]

Mental Accounting: Help or Hindrance? Mental Accounting attempts to describe the process where people code, categorize, and evaluate economic outcomes for their money.  This term was developed by psychologist Richard Thaler in the late1980s when he discovered that people may have multiple mental accounts for various things, but all coming from the same kind of […]

  What To Do With Your Inheritance Doing your homework and seeking advice is highly recommended when an individual or family is faced with what to do with an inheritance. Understanding your options is crucial in a potential life changing event. Inheritance Depending on the stage of life you are in when you inherit assets will have […]

In recent years many large employers have offered former employees who are not yet at retirement age the option to take a pension buyout. These offers usually offer several options Take the value of your pension as a lump-sum payment which can be rolled over to an IRA. The advantage is the ability to manage […]

What the New Fiduciary Rules Mean for You In early April the Department of Labor released the final version of their fiduciary rules. These rules apply to financial advisors who provide advice on retirement accounts such as an IRA or a 401(k). The rules state that the advisor must act as a fiduciary, in other […]

What Impact Does Working Have on My Social Security Benefits? There is a lot of confusion about the impact of working on those who are taking their Social Security benefits. Here are a few things to know. · If you are drawing a benefit and you are younger than your full retirement age or FRA […]

Investment scams aren’t something new; unfortunately they have been around for hundreds of years. What is new is the way that scammers try to get to you with more complex offerings.  Be aware of these common scams: Private Event with ‘Free Lunch’- These are an invitation only event, where you are invited to find out […]

Reasons to Avoid 401(k) Loans Many 401(k) plans offer the option to take a loan against a portion of your 401(k) balance. This might seem like an easy source of funds to tap for various reasons, but with exception of a dire emergency you should think twice about borrowing from your 401(k) plan. Leaving your […]

How to Succeed in a Failing Stock Market The start of 2016 has not been a good one for investors to say the least. Through the middle of January, the swift, sharp decline was the worst start to a new year ever. Even experienced investors and financial advisors find these market declines unsettling. As an […]

The Fiduciary Standard In the investment world, there are two different standards that Investment Advisors and Broker Dealers must follow. Many people consider the advice that they receive from both parties as similar, but there are differences that most may not know. This article focuses on the company that you’re doing business with and how […]

The Savvy Female Saver Women face a different challenge than their male counterparts; they are living longer and spending more time in retirement, but with less savings. Americans in general as a group face a shortfall in retirement savings, but women appear to be saving less than men (Employee Benefit Research Institute 2015 study). Why […]

Sandwiched Have you heard of the ‘sandwich generation’? The definition of Sandwich Generation is ‘a generation of people who care for their aging parents while supporting their own children’ (Wikipedia). According to the Pew Research Center just over 1 out of every 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is caring for a parent and raising […]

Welcome Chip Cards Last month (October 1, 2015) marked the date that retailers will now be held responsible for fraudulent charges that occur at their point of sale terminals if ‘chip technology’ was used during the purchase. You may have already received a new card from your credit card companies or banks with the new […]

End Of Year $ Moves It’s that time of year again; close to the end! As we enter the last quarter of the year, remember these money moves that you still have time to make: Add to Your 401K. Now is the time to make additional contributions if you are not already maximizing. Some companies […]

Fueling Financial Errors Finance in general has been based on rational and logical theories, and for the most part tends to be somewhat ‘predictable’. Financial theories assume that people behave rationally and predictably, and that outside factors and emotions do not influence people when it comes to making financial decisions. The fact is, people do […]

Investor Identity Crisis Hearing the term ‘identity crisis’ can lead to thoughts of confusion, questioning decisions, or changes in behavior that can be good or bad. As an investor, you can have an ‘identity crisis’ by not fully thinking about what you want and how you will react to changes. You need to know yourself […]

Adult to Adult: Talking to Your Parents About Their Money Having the ‘money talk’ either happens at the ‘wrong time’, or can easily be put off because the generations feel differently about the ‘right time’. Regardless of opinion, having a talk with your parents (or children) is something that is necessary and should occur occasionally. […]

The Empty Nest Syndrome Empty Nest Syndrome: is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents or guardians may feel when their children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university. It is not a clinical condition. -Wikipedia. This is the time of year […]

Now that tax season is done for the most part and everyone who could and wanted to contributed to their IRA’s for 2014 have completed that I would like to really focus on a piece that many of us overlook. Many of us are just so busy we forget to do the little things like […]

Just a reminder, this is IRA season and below are some key numbers to pay attention to. For 2014, here is the max contribution limits: Traditional IRA – $5,500 ($6,500 if you are 50 and older) Roth IRA – $5,500 ($6,500 if you are 50 and older) SEP IRA – $52,000 (is up to 25% […]