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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our quarterly blog. Whether it’s ideas from the investment services world or concepts from the financial industry, you can read about it here. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
You've probably heard about identity theft, but you may not know what it is or how to protect against it. First, let's talk about what identity theft is. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and then...
Read MoreWhen a family member passes away, there are many decisions that need to be made and many emotions to handle. The last thing anyone thinks about is taxes. Unfortunately, even the deceased can’t escape taxation. If the departed family...
Read MoreA big part of financial security is Cybersecurity Awareness Month during October, and it’s the perfect time to review and reinforce basic online safety practices. With digital threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial...
Read MoreOn July 4, 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping economic package that overhauls taxes, trims spending, and redefines how the government balances its books. Whether you’re a retiree, small business owner, or...
Read MoreOnce you turn 65, the world of Medicare opens to you, and you also gain access to its offshoot supplemental programs. You likely know about Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and other sections, but you may not know about the senior...
Read MoreAfter dedicating years of your life to your career, you might be wondering what to do in retirement. At the same time, your financial situation has likely changed now that you’re retired. Considering these changes, you might be...
Read MoreAs you build your legacy, considering how to leverage your charitable contributions can be a fulfilling endeavor. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can offer an opportunity to support your favorite causes and manage your...
Read MoreAre you on the brink of retirement or settling into your golden years? This chapter of your life can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you're well-prepared. One of the biggest concerns on your mind, however, is probably money....
Read MoreFrom Hulu to Disney+, many households have come to rely on streaming services for convenient sources of home news and entertainment. While some subscriptions can enhance your daily routines and experiences, they can also sneakily erode...
Read MoreIf you're like most retirees, running out of money is likely one of your biggest fears for your golden years. The good news is that careful planning and tax-efficient drawdown strategies can help you enjoy the lifestyle you've dreamed...
Read MoreYour 70s represent a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but there’s still work to do. When you turn 73, you’ll need to start taking one of the more complex and time-consuming aspects of managing your retirement income:...
Read MoreYou have the life experience to know that you always have to plan for the unexpected. Instead of letting these situations risk derailing your retirement budget, plan for these hurdles so you can be prepared no matter what comes your...
Read MoreDo your retirement dreams include hitting the road or traveling the world? If so, don’t forget to plan ahead and stay aware of your budget! As you think about your next getaway, here are a few questions you may want to ask...
Read MoreRetirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...
Read More1. Tax-Free WithdrawalsMoney that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid taxes on that money, once it is withdrawn, it comes out tax-free. There are some restrictions on those withdrawals if you want to...
Read More4 Ways to Lessen the Blow of Rising Interest Rates on Your Credit Card DebtIn July, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) raised interest rates 0.75% for the second consecutive month to a target range of 2.25% - 2.50%.1 The central...
Read MoreBeing financially healthy looks different for everyone and every life stage. But what almost everyone can agree on are the benefits of creating positive habits to improve the health of your finances over the long term. Use these...
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Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances.Explore...
Read MoreJust like the common vow to commit to exercise and dieting as a New Year’s resolution, it’s also a good idea to take stock of your financial situation and include some fiscal goals. Taking a good look into your overall...
Read MoreA peaceful retirement can be derailed by some easily avoidable mistakes. As you start thinking about when to retire, be mindful that the right choices can bring you greater confidence later in life. Do manage and pay down outstanding...
Read MoreFinancial security in retirement doesn’t happen by accident. Planning for a financially independent retirement involves more than just putting money away into a savings account and choosing the hobbies you plan to take up. Keep...
Read MoreRetirement Realities Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MorePlanning ahead and keeping a close eye on your finances are two of the most important ways you can ensure you get to enjoy your retirement and get the most out of your golden years. As we begin 2021, watch out for these costly mistakes...
Read MoreOver the course of retirement, healthcare expenses are anticipated to cost $280,000, on average, for a couple turning age 65 today.1 Yet, many retirees significantly underestimate their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, assuming that...
Read MoreMany of our clients have asked for helpful tips they can share with their adult children on managing finances, estate planning, and particularly, what they need to know as beneficiaries. We know these conversations can be difficult to...
Read MoreApril is Financial Literacy Month In 2004, the U.S. Senate designated April as financial literacy month. The President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy defines personal financial literacy as "the ability to use knowledge and...
Read MoreRecent panic caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a stock market decline and has many investors feeling anxious. While portfolios will see ups and downs and this is a normal part of investing, the recent...
Read MoreThe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audited almost 1.1 million tax returns in 2017, representing approximately 0.5% percent of all returns filed in the previous calendar year. According to the IRS, the majority—70% of...
Read MoreThe New Year is a great time to reassess saving and spending habits and put new goals in place. To do so requires creating a formal process to succeed—and that means developing a budget. You may already have a budget, but are you...
Read MoreKeeping up with friends and family and sharing pictures of the grandkids and your most recent travel destination online may seem pretty tame. But according to several recent studies, social media use may leave you more vulnerable to...
Read MoreManaging your important documents—whether electronic or on old-fashioned paper—can make your financial life easier. If this is the year you said you’d finally get organized, or you need pointers to get ready for taxes...
Read MoreIt’s easy to assume that your expenses will drop off dramatically in retirement once you’re no longer raising children, managing a full household, or carrying work-related costs for transportation, clothing, lunches, etc....
Read MoreRising interest rates, falling oil prices, increasing healthcare costs and a softening housing market are among many economic factors that may trickle down to your wallet in 2019. While economic conditions are always subject to change,...
Read MoreReviewing the beneficiary designations on your property and assets on an annual basis, or as circumstances in your life change, is one of the smartest financial moves you can make to protect your interests, your legacy and your loved...
Read MoreA home inventory can be key to recovering the full value of your possessions in the event of a disaster.We thought you might like to learn more about this critical tool. INVENTORYING YOUR POSSESSIONS Nearly 60% of Americans do not have...
Read MoreIf you were to pass away or become incapacitated, your loved ones may be responsible for making decisions about your health or estate. During a time of emotional distress or grieving, it is difficult to think about money and how to...
Read MoreThey say there’s an app for almost everything and we're pretty convinced that’s true. Did you know there are over 700,000 apps now available? The challenge becomes narrowing down your choices and figuring out which ones to...
Read MoreHave you determined what you want your money to achieve for you and your family over the course of your lifetime? That begins with determining what financial well-being means to you, establishing specific goals and maintaining a clear...
Read MoreWe hear the term all the time, but what does “getting hacked” mean? Hacking occurs when your online personal information is compromised and is used to commit fraud. It’s becoming more prevalent, and as in every area...
Read MoreI know you’ve probably heard of “phishing” emails – they’re emails that look like they come from an organization you may know or do business with, such as a retailer, bank, internet service provider, or...
Read MoreThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ushered in a broad range of changes impacting virtually all American taxpayers. Below are six of the most significant changes individuals and families need to know about as they plan for and manage...
Read MoreDid you know that one of the most important security steps you can take begins right at your own computer? That step is running critical updates for all your devices – phones, desktop and laptop computers, and tablets – as...
Read MoreJust like so many people vow to commit to exercise and dieting as a New Year’s resolution, it’s also not a bad idea to take stock of your financial situation and throw in some fiscal goals. Taking a good look into your...
Read MoreYour 70s represent a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but don’t get too comfortable because the IRS has some work for you to do six months after your 70th birthday when they start requiring you to take out your RMDs or...
Read MoreOne of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹ Individuals have three basic choices with the 401(k) account they...
Read MoreFor years, you and your spouse may have contributed to Medicare. Now, the time is approaching when you can finally reap the rewards. While Medicare doesn’t cover everything, it does lighten the load of health care costs for older...
Read MoreA few months ago, we posted a blog regarding news that our then newly elected President had issued a directive to the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding its Fiduciary Duty Rule or “Conflict of Interest” Rule, which applies...
Read MoreAs financial advisors we often come across mistakes in a client or prospects estate plan. Here is a list of the mistakes we see most often. 1.) Not having an estate plan at all or assuming that they are only for the very wealthy...
Read MoreYou may have heard reports in the news recently that our newly elected President has signed an executive order pertaining to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Fiduciary Duty Rule or “Conflict of Interest” Rule. The...
Read MoreWe thought you might find the following information useful as it explains noteworthy changes to Social Security that both retirees as well as those currently paying into Social Security can expect in 2017. Cost-Of-Living Adjustment...
Read MoreKnowing which financial and personal paperwork to keep or toss is very important. Here’s a suggested timeline for keeping/shredding documents. Documents which should be kept indefinitely—in a secure location: Birth/death...
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Saturday, October 1, 2016
The candidates for the 2016 presidential election are finally set: Hillary Clinton for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans. With control of both Houses also at stake, the month leading up to the general election promises...
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Friday, July 1, 2016
Since the UK voted to leave the European Union in a referendum held on June 23rd, there has been negative sentiment and associated volatility that has prompted a lot of questions from investors. I have included this Britain Votes Leave...
Read MoreAs you travel on the journey of life, you will inevitably build up an estate that one day your loved ones will inherit. How and what they will receive depends on your preparation. An estate plan acts like a roadmap for your heirs by...
Read MoreThe beginning of the New Year is a perfect time to re-evaluate your financial situation. This checklist addresses common planning issues to help you determine whether any changes are needed. A few things that could impact yor financial...
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