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Wednesday, March 22, 2023

With the recent volatility in the stock markets, you may have heard buzzwords thrown around such as capital gains and tax-loss harvesting. Let's explore what these terms mean and how to add them to your investment strategy.

 

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Building your wealth not only requires you to save for your retirement, but also gives you the opportunity to create a long-term tax strategy.

 

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

When you share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well.

 

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Retirement planning is often difficult and it's hard to fathom where your sources of income will come from during that time.

 

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms for the SECURE Act. The bill includes a number of provisions that will expand access to workplace plans and incentivize individuals to save more for retirement.

 

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Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Money management tops the list of resolutions each year. If you have a resolution to improve your financial situation, consider starting with a small measurable goal instead of setting a lofty resolution to overhaul your whole...

 

Thursday, December 22, 2022

As we head into the final days of the 2022 tax year, there are a couple of items that you should keep in mind if you need to take your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).  These need to be completed by December 31.For retirees...

 

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

When markets fall, it’s easy to forget that downtrends are part of the investing cycle. With the recent volatility, we want to review three common terms that you may be hearing that describe today’s financial markets.

 

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has raised the limits for retirement contributions, and some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels. Here are five examples of what the new limits are for 2023...

 

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

The Social Security Administration has announced its biggest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase in the past 42 years. In 1981, we had the largest Social Security COLA on record at 11.2%.

 

Thursday, October 27, 2022

With Medicare enrollment underway, here is an alternative to the original Medicare plan. In addition to signing up for Medicare Part A (hospital stays) and Part B (medical coverage), Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer their subscribers...

 

Thursday, October 13, 2022

You may already know that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, there are lesser-known ways to maximize your benefits, some of which depend on your marital status.

 

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

The White House recently announced a plan to forgive up to $20,000 for student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program.

 

Thursday, September 15, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, here are three key areas where you may benefit the most: 

 

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

If college were a party, then student loans are the hangover. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for this headache, but here are five ideas for managing your student loan debt.

 

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. They will scale back on spending to mitigate the risk of outliving their money.

 

Thursday, August 4, 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider some investment actions we can take. It can be challenging to know where to start, especially with high inflation and economic uncertainty causing high volatility in the markets.

 

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Some classic financial pitfalls have been known to affect retirees. Calling them “pitfalls” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment.

 

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, and a member of your family ends up needing urgent care. Or the dishwasher stops washing, and as you're driving to work, you see smoke coming from under your hood.

 

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

When the market drops, some investors lose perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it’s a good time to review common terms

 

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

According to a recent Gallup poll, 42% of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments.

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

As your child’s high school graduation nears, and the conversation turns to higher education, the thought of funding it can be daunting.

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Higher interest rates are starting to ripple through the personal finance landscape, and it doesn’t look like that trend will change anytime soon.

 

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

April is National Financial Literacy Month. The month is dedicated to raising public awareness of the importance of financial literacy and maintaining smart money management habits.

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

With spring cleaning underway and Tax Day almost over, a common question we get this time of year is, “What documents should be kept and what can be shredded?”

 

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

As the stock markets react, many of our clients have expressed concerns with how these events will affect their life plans, investments, and finances. Especially in this chaotic market, here are some ways to become a confident investor.

 

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

First, consider contributing to a Traditional IRA.  Doing so may help lower your tax bill by reducing your taxable income. Your total income and filing status determine the deduction you can claim on your taxes.

 

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

A question we are often asked from investors is, if I moved my stock portfolio to cash when my investments dropped, how do I know when it’s time to get back into the market?

 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Creating a lasting legacy starts with empowering the next generation by communicating, engaging and educating. We believe that these three crucial elements are often missed while the current generation is alive.  

 

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

February is the month for celebrating Valentine’s Day, love, and relationships.  What could possibly disrupt our feelings of love? Money is often a trigger of conflict in relationships.

 

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

2021 was a strong year for investors. But what’s in store for 2022? From our perspective, we expect that many of the same forces that influenced markets last year will play a positive role again this year.

 

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Many of us choose New Year’s resolutions around being smarter with money. However, studies show that 20% of Americans keep to their resolutions past February and only 8% make it all year.

 

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

While we’re creating new memories with our families this holiday season, it can also be a good time to look for ways to give back to others. For a lot of us, charitable giving is...

 

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? Most people don’t, but 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...

 

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Gratitude with Your Money Thanksgiving Day begins the holiday season and gives us an opportunity to be grateful. When you think of gratitude and how it relates to your finances, what comes to mind? Maybe how thankful you are to have...

 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes. A capital gains tax is the tax you pay on selling property or an...

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

It is never too early to teach your children about saving money. Some of the biggest lessons your child may learn happen when they’re entering adulthood and getting ready to live independent lives. However, young adults face many...

 

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

According to one study done by the US Small Business Administration, 88% of small business owners feel their business is vulnerable to a cyber-attack.1 These concerns may be well founded: according to another study, 46% of all small...

 

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

It’s time for your life insurance checkup September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage. If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Inflation is the steady rise of prices for goods and services over a period of time. It also is a result of how the Federal Reserve controls our money supply. At different times and circumstances inflation can be either good or bad for...

 

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

It’s easy to sign up and commit to monthly subscription services that fit your interests. However, the cost of subscription services can be pricey, especially if you have more than one or if you forget about them. Here are some...

 

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients. It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1,2...

 

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

When the stock market turns down it should not be feared, it should be expected. We get disappointed in our investments when we see them lose value, this is completely normal. No one likes to log into their account or open their...

 

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound and will likely...

 

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance. Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of...

 

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Typically, bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions. This means that when interest rates rise, bond prices tend to fall, and conversely, when interest rates decline, bond prices tend to rise. Here’s why: Suppose...

 

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Let's consider the following scenario of two individuals looking to buy similarly priced dream homes. One was going to deplete their retirement savings and the other was going to sell appreciated non-retirement assets. Since they each...

 

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Inflation is all the rage after last week’s much hotter than expected inflation numbers and has created a bout of volatility in the markets. Our view remains that this period of higher inflation will be transitory, as many of the...

 

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

One of the big discussions lately has been about how higher taxes will potentially impact the stock market. We’ve known since President Biden won the presidency and the Democrats secured control of the House and Senate that...

 

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

On April 22, the world marked the 51st annual Earth Day. This year’s theme was Restore Our Earth. It represents a chance to learn about the environmental challenges we face today, how to become more involved and ways to align...

 

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Today’s changing health care landscape makes understanding Medicare even more important. Whether you have questions for yourself or a loved one, the following answers may help. What does Medicare cover? Medicare is a federal...

 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

In a time when many unscrupulous individuals are looking for opportunities to defraud investors, it is more important than ever to be educated about potential dangers. The following information is designed to help you protect yourself....

 

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

March is Women’s History Month and I want to share some special financial advice just for women. According to the National Women's History Alliance, Congress declared March 1987 as the first official Women’s History Month,...

 

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the amount of money required to be withdrawn from your retirement accounts (not including ROTH IRAs) once you reach age 72. These mandatory distributions were suspended in 2020 under the CARES...

 

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Frequently I find myself not only giving financial advice but relationship advice too. Our clients turn to us to help navigate discussions regarding money. Often times the subject of finances is completely ignored because it will just...

 

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

I am going to say yes. Let us discuss how watching the upcoming Super Bowl might help you meet a few financial goals of your own. The game and specifically how it’s structured can offer money lessons and inspiration that we can...

 

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

The drawn-out election of 2020 is finally over, with Democrats winning both Senate seats in Georgia. As a result, President Biden will have slender majorities in the House and Senate. These slender majorities limit many dramatic...

 

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

As 2020 sunsets, we welcome in 2021 with renewed hope that the new year will bring with it, health, wealth and joy. Areas of the economy have been damaged and may never fully recover, but other areas will adapt, reinvent, and help...

 

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going smoothly and lovely. The next day, there might be an argument over who forgot to load the dishwasher or take out the garbage. And...

 

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Coping with the death of a loved one is difficult. We constantly encourage our clients to make sure that they have a completed estate plan for their death. This typically involves working with an attorney to execute a will and/or a...

 

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

As we approach the 2020 holiday season, this will no doubt be unlike any in the past. Family gatherings and holiday travel will be harder as our world continues to battle coronavirus. Families have lost loved ones and the holiday...

 

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

As we approach the year end (can you believe it?), it is easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of the holiday season, when the last thing on your mind is implementing some tax strategies. As the election results are finalized, here...

 

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

We have been getting a lot of questions on financial planning as it relates to who our next president will be. I thought it would be helpful to answer a few of the most common questions. With two candidates having such divergent views...

 

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

As we head into the year-end, it’s often a good time to look at realizing losses for tax purposes on your investments. If you’re planning to sell capital assets at a loss to offset gains that have been realized during the...

 

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Are You Undercutting Your Efforts to Build Wealth? Good money habits can help you as you save and invest for the future. Bad habits can leave you treading water financially. Let’s review three bad money habits to avoid. Not...

 

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Some life events you can anticipate, while others surprise you. This year has certainly brought a lot of the latter. Some are significant enough to affect your household finances, your investment strategy, and even your vision of the...

 

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Q – I am interested in purchasing life insurance. Could you please explain to me some of the different options? A – Life insurance policies come in many shapes and sizes! They should be set up based on your specific...

 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Myth 1: 100 minus your age equals the percentage of stocks to keep in your portfolio. If you’re 40 years old, for example, this myth recommends keeping 60 percent of your portfolio in stocks. As you age, this number becomes...

 

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Why is Estate Planning Important? Having a properly executed estate plan allows you to select trusted individuals to manage your money and property and make decisions on your behalf when you cannot. It also allows you to designate...

 

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Although all election years feel different, 2020 no doubt may be one of the most unique election years ever. We have a pandemic, a deep recession, extremely heightened partisanship, a mail-in ballot controversy, an unpredictable...

 

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

A good credit score can result in a lower home mortgage rate or getting approved for renting a home. We all try to maintain a good credit score. Sometimes, though, life throws us a financial curveball and that score declines. What...

 

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Roth IRAs are used by millions to build wealth over time with tax-free growth. Yes, you read that correctly tax-free growth (if you follow the rules!). Simply stated, this means the capital gains are not taxed annually and you do not...

 

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Here at Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group, we do everything in our power to help our clients prepare for a successful future. One aspect of this is to be prepared for the unexpected. If you are like most of us, your life has...

 

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The economic struggles in our country are among the worst we’ve ever seen. In April, a record 20 million people lost their jobs, and 36 million people have filed for unemployment since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in mid-March....

 

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

How are you holding up? If you are like many Americans, you are probably feeling some level of anxiety regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. And that is okay. We are living in a time when feeling helpless is understandable. Ultimately, what...

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” — Lou Holtz As the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, how we respond to it will determine how we beat it. Continued sacrifices range from...

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

As I’m sure you know, the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act was recently signed into law. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19...

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The beginning of 2020 has been quite a ride so far. How is everyone doing staying home and slowing the pace of life? As we hunker down in our homes, working remotely, figuring out the new normal, we may feel all sorts of fearful...

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

With the recent pullback in the markets this is an attractive time to buy investments. If you haven’t already funded your retirement account for 2019, consider doing so by April 15, 2020. That is the deadline for contributions to...

 

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

“The stock market takes an escalator up, and an elevator down,” is a classic Wall Street saying. The last week has sure felt like taking an express elevator down, as the end of February brought a historic stock market...

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

February is the month for celebrating Valentine’s Day, love and relationships. What could possibly disrupt our feelings of love...well, money. Money is often a trigger of conflict in romantic relationships. Money can seem taboo....

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Social Security may be a critical component of your financial strategy in retirement, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions. The answers may affect whether you make the most of this retirement...

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

While most of us were enjoying the holidays, our friends in Washington were busy tinkering with traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). As you may have heard, Congress passed legislation late last year that changed the rules...

 

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Happy New Year! Financial New Year Resolutions top the list each year. Instead of setting a lofty resolution to overhaul your whole financial life, consider choosing a small, measurable goal which can be checked regularly and celebrate...

 

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

As the year draws to a close and a new decade begins, I am mindful of how far we’ve come over the past 10 years. It’s easy to get wrapped up into looking forward, setting new resolutions or pondering what hasn’t been...

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Having helped several widows and children deal with the loss of a loved one this year has me thinking about some advice for you. Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet, many of us have a...

 

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Thanksgiving Day begins the holiday season and gives us an opportunity to be grateful. When you think of gratitude and how it relates to your finances, what comes to mind? Maybe how thankful you are to have enough money to cover your...

 

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Oregon College Savings Plan is a 529 savings account that has special tax advantages to help people save for educational expenses like tuition, computers, supplies and more. Recent legislative action has made significant changes to...

 

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Investors are still enjoying the longest bull market ever, but two camps of thought still exist. One camp points to the fact that based on historical numbers, like price earnings, that equities are highly overvalued and overpriced. The...

 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Have a Game Plan – Benjamin Franklin said it best, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. The biggest secret to building wealth is to sit down early and create a plan. Answering questions like, when do I...

 

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

What is your dream retirement? When retirement day arrives will you be ready? More importantly, will your nest egg sustain the retirement of your dreams? If the answer is no, maybe or I don’t know, then consider making changes in...

 

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

As the leaves start to change and the pumpkin spice lattes are back in the coffee shops, we know fall is here. It’s a beautiful time of year as the kids head back to school, routines are re-established, and the crispness of the...

 

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Protect your Identity Protecting your identity is crucial in this digital age we live in. The IRS recently launched an educational campaign called “Taxes. Security. Together.” to raise awareness about how individuals can...

 

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

During volatile times, many investors get nervous and begin to question their fundamental investment decisions and choices. This is especially true for those investors who monitor their portfolios daily. They can be tempted to pull out...

 

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Did you know that the first week of August is National Simplify Your Life week? Simplifying your financial life can bring clear mindedness and a sense of freedom to our lives. I want to share a simple exercise to get started. Take...

 

Thursday, July 18, 2019

What does it mean to live your life with intention? We’ve all been in a situation when things didn’t go as planned. Maybe you hurt someone’s feelings, over-reacted or just plain reacted. You might have thought,...

 

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. The best advice I can give when helping clients invest smarter is to stay focused on your time horizon and individual goals. The first step to becoming a smart investor is to establish your plan,...

 

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Why is Self-Forgiveness Important? I recently came across a Facebook post on self-forgiveness and it piqued my curiosity. I stopped scrolling and starting reading. From a young age I was taught about the need to forgive others and now...

 

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

As Father’s Day approaches I thought I would write about how Fathers can shape their children’s financial life. According to a John Hancock Retirement Services survey of 1,007 American adults conducted in late April, 56...

 

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Graduation is an excellent time to get your financial life started on the right foot. I wanted to share some tips to do just this. Whether you are headed to college or starting a career in the real world, these solid strategies will...

 

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

This question was posed to me about 3 months ago and I battled how to answer it. My first conditioned response was NO of course not, but when I pondered further and deepened my thinking, it challenged me. I now believe money can buy...

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

The wait is over; spring is here. Recently, the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq Composite notched a fresh all-time closing high. It's been a tough road back to new highs, but U.S. stocks' persistence and momentum has been impressive since the...

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

As a financial advisor I work with retirees and elderly. I have seen an increase in scamming activity primarily targeting this senior generation. I thought I would share the research I have done and bring awareness to the top 3 scams...

 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

It’s extremely important that we all take our retirement into our own hands. The concept of not preparing and relying on a government-sponsored retirement is not the best plan. Financial woes combined with the fact that the U.S....

 

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Spring cleaning and tax time is rapidly approaching and a common question I get this time of year is, “What documents should be kept and what can be tossed?” It is smart to keep your tax returns indefinitely. Old returns...

 

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

This year’s tax season brings major adjustments for taxpayers, tax preparers and the IRS alike due to changes created by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA). One of the biggest changes is the increased standard deduction. If you...

 

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Helping people plan for retirement is one of our specialties at Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group, LLC. Accurately calculating your retirement expenses is one essential part of the formula. Unfortunately, over 50 percent of...

 

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

With the recent government shutdown and the personal stories of Americans not being able to pay their mortgage or buy food for their families, I feel compelled to talk about the importance of creating your emergency fund. We all have...

 

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Happy New Year everyone! Let’s take a look back on 2018 and then consider what 2019 holds for investors. 2018 kept investors on the edge of their seats. Trade wars, natural disasters, geopolitical unrest and U.S political...

 

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

The holidays are a time to reflect on the most important parts our lives: our loved ones. The busyness of the season can sometimes get in the way of enjoying being with them. During this time, I challenge us to invest in creating...

 

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Social Security: A closing loophole you should know about This is a must read for anyone born on or before January 1, 1954. Social Security is a foundational part of most American’s retirement income and having a strategy is...

 

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

October was a scary month for investors. While many financial analysts are still calling for a higher year-end finish, the equity markets are experiencing a pullback and realized a correction this month. A correction is generally...

 

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

This week I am going off topic and want to share what I learned attending a Tony Robbins Conference recently. As an entrepreneur and financial adviser, I always have invested in my education by attending numerous conferences, reading...

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Saving for the future is one of those important but not urgent things. The secret to building a strong financial future lies in our ability to create a plan, put it into action and then forget about it. Unless we make it a habit,...

 

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

I am mom to 3 school age kids and over the past month we went on our annual back to school shopping trip. This included visits to at least 10 stores. In every one of the stores where we made a purchase, something inevitable was asked:...

 

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

I thought I would address a great question I am frequently asked. “Julia, is now a good time to invest? We are near all-time highs in the stock market and I am just worried I will invest my money and then everything will go down...

 

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Q: Dear Julia: I always planned on being able to retire when my retirement accounts hit 1 million dollars, this July they hit that goal but now I am wondering if I have saved enough. Someone told me about the four percent rule, what is...

 

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Can you believe 2018 is already half over?! Every July we review the first half of the year and then look out over the next 6 months to see what we can anticipate from the markets. At my company we look to several resources for this...

 

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Bad things happen to the best of us, and when they do they seem to come in waves. An emergency fund can work as a life preserver to keep us afloat until the waters calm down. Here are some ideas and tips to start. 1.) Set up an amount...

 

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Deciding on when to retire is not only a financial question but it is important to think about the emotional side of retirement too! After all, in retirement, every day is a Saturday! Let’s put money aside and consider if you are...

 

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

I want to share some financial advice for our graduates. I have worked as a financial advisor for the past 20 years and hear consistently “I wish I started saving and investing when I was young”. Starting the habit of...

 

Monday, May 21, 2018

Starting to take your social security income is a once in a lifetime decision. The most common considerations are deciding when to start, longevity, spousal benefits as well as continuing to work in retirement. The average life...

 

Thursday, May 10, 2018

If you're like many small business owners, running your own business is an all-consuming endeavor. In the face of everyday demands, choosing a retirement plan for your business can become a casualty. It is important to pause and think...

 

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

If you are like many Americans, you’ve worked and contributed to the Social Security system for most of your life. When it comes time to start thinking about taking Social Security income and what factors to consider, it is...

 

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Spring is here, and it’s almost gardening season! This is a perfect time to start planning and dreaming about what you are planting, not only in your flower garden but also in your financial garden. The first step in starting...

 

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Life insurance is a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money in exchange for a premium, upon the death of an insured person. A good rule of...

 

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Don’t Procrastinate Many taxpayers put off their tax preparation until the very last moment. Why wait for crunch time to prepare and review your information? Visit with your financial professional several months before the...

 

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Inherited IRAs Be careful if you inherit a retirement account. In many cases, the decedent’s largest asset is a retirement account. If you inherit a retirement account, such as an IRA or other qualified plan, the money is usually...

 

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Have a Game Plan – Benjamin Franklin said it best, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. The biggest secret to building retirement wealth is to sit down early and create a plan. Answering questions like, when do I...

 

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

With the new year comes a new opportunity for a fresh start and new resolutions. I find some people are big fans of New Year’s resolutions while others don’t give it a second thought. Why is that? Maybe they realize the...

 

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

This is a great time of the year to clean out your garage and give your items to charity. Please remember that you can only write off these donations to a charitable organization if you itemize your deductions and given the tax law...

 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

What does Tax Reform mean to me? The current Tax Cuts and Jobs Act proposal is seeking the biggest transformation of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years. It aims to permanently reduce the corporate tax rate from 35% to 20%,...

 

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

4 Questions to ask on Thanksgiving Day The 2017 holiday season is officially here. As we start thinking about decorating, preparing food, making our wish lists and dashing out for Black Friday, I wanted to give you some ideas for...

 

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Money is one of the top reasons couples argue. It can be a touchy subject between partners and often times leads to fighting that has the potential to destroy marriages and families. Money problems can also lead to depression,...

 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Social Security Benefits on the Rise! Are you currently receiving Social Security income? I have good news for you. In January of 2018 you will be getting the largest cost-of-living adjustment in Social Security benefits payments since...

 

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

What is a Health Savings Account? A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged medical savings account available to taxpayers in the United States who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). "To further qualify, one...

 

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Last week, one of the “big four” credit reporting agencies, Equifax, announced it experienced a security breach resulting in criminals accessing personal information of approximately 143 million Americans between May and...

 

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Advice for Parents of College Bound Kids The time is coming to get your graduated high school senior off to college. Most parents think about the normal things to prepare; the college dorm room set-up, discussing the budget, stocking...

 

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Market Outlook The second quarter was a healthy one for investors. While the outlook for the remainder of the year still looks positive for equity investors, there are several factors to continue keeping a close eye on which could...

 

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Relationships and Money When I met my husband, his sister was handling all his bills. After we were married I took over. It wasn’t until 12 years into our marriage that we started talking about money and setting financial goals...

 

Thursday, July 20, 2017

What is Financial Freedom? Financial Freedom can mean different things for each of us. It’s important to identify what it means to you personally because that will help set your financial goals and motivate you to pursue them.To...

 

Monday, July 3, 2017

How are Financial Advisors Compensated? The 3 primary ways financial advisors get paid are from hourly consulting, earning a commission based on investments purchased, or an advisory fee for managing your portfolio and being your...

 

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Buy a Home or Pay for College? With the cost of college education increasing at a rate approximately double that of inflation, a toddler today will need to have about the cost of an average home to pay for four years at a public school...

 

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Protecting your identity has become something everyone should be concerned with. Here are some simple tips to practice and could save you a huge headache down the road! Don’t ever provide personal information over the phone, by...

 

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

What is Identity Theft? Identity theft occurs when a criminal takes your personal information (such as your social security number, address, birth date, bank account number, credit card number, etc.) and uses it to steal money or...

 

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Which Tax Records to Keep and Which to Toss Dear Julia, I just filed my taxes for 2016 and am planning to clean out my old files. What records should I keep, and what can I safely toss? --Buried in stacks of paperwork Dear Buried in...

 

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

The first step in minimizing risk in your investment portfolio is knowing what your investment goals are and making sure your portfolio is aligned with these goals. For example, if you are investing for retirement and that is 10-20...

 

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Contribute to Retirement Accounts If you haven’t already funded your retirement account for 2016, consider doing so by April 18, 2017. That’s the deadline for contributions to a traditional IRA (deductible or not) and a...

 

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Five Smart Steps on Student Debt Know What You Owe. View your federal loans on the National Student Loan Data System at nslds.ed.gov. This site does not include information on private loans. You should make a list of balance and...

 

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Automated Advising I’ve heard a lot about online robo-advisors recently. What are these and should I be using an online automated advising program or a real advisor? An online advisor, sometimes referred to as a robo-advisor,...

 

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

2017 Outlook Everyday, clients ask me what they should expect in 2017. Should I be nervous, excited, scared, worried or hopeful? I respond with yes, all those things. The potential changes from a new administration could make planning...

 

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Welcome to 2017 Happy New Year! As the 2016 holidays fade into the past, the New Year brings new opportunities and a chance for a fresh look at your finances. If you’re feeling like all your money went with the holidays,...

 

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Charitable IRA Rollover Q: Dear Julia: Since turning 70 ½ I must take out my Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from my IRA (Individual Retirement Account) by the end of each year. I don’t need this money for income and...

 

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Best practices of Smart Investing Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. The best advice I can give when helping clients invest smarter is to stay focused on your time horizon and individual goals. The first step to becoming a smart...

 

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Thanksgiving Preparation Another holiday season is upon us! It amazes me that as I get older, the years seem to go by much faster. With Thanksgiving already here, my thoughts move toward gratitude and giving. It’s a natural time...

 

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

What is an Executor’s job? An executor is responsible for sorting out your finances after your death; generally arranging for the payment of debts and expenses and distributing what remains to the heirs. The executor you name in...

 

Monday, November 14, 2016

Dear Valued Investor: Donald Trump has completed his landmark quest and will become the nation’s 45th President after a contentious and often divisive campaign. In addition, the Republican Party has retained control of both...

 

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Pros and Cons of Revocable Living Trusts A revocable living trust is an agreement stating how an individual's property will be distributed and managed during their lifetime and after their death. One major benefit of a revocable living...

 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

How revocable living trusts work A revocable living trust can be a useful estate planning tool, but it’s important to understand how they work first. When it comes to estate planning, some people create wills and leave it at that...

 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Is your Financial Advisor a Fiduciary? With a recent endorsement, President Obama committed to the fiduciary standards for financial advisors. This could have significant impact on the investment industry. Personally, I am excited for...

 

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Considerations for early retirement. The median life expectancy for a 65-year-old American woman is 86, according to the Social Security Administration. For men, it’s 84. Half will die sooner, half will live longer. Taking Social...

 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Do you think you’re ready to start your dream retirement? This is getting harder to do. In 2014, just 4 percent of Americans expect to retire before 55, compared with 15 percent in 1995, a Gallup* poll says. Check your...

 

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Myth 1: 100 minus your age equals the percentage of stocks to keep in your portfolio. If you’re 40 years old, for example, this rule recommends keeping 60 percent of your portfolio in stocks. As you age, this number becomes...

 

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

What is your dream retirement? When the time arrives that you have been working for your entire career, will you be ready? More importantly, will your nest egg be ready to sustain the retirement of your dreams? If the answer is no or...

 

Monday, July 11, 2016

In late June we all received the unprecedented news that the United Kingdom (U.K.) has voted to leave the European Union (EU). The U.K., comprised of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, has been a member of the 28-nation EU...

 

Monday, June 27, 2016

Avoiding these seven most common mistakes can help make life easier for those who survive you. Not having an estate plan! Any saver or investor at the least needs to have a current will. Believing that having a will avoids probate. A...

 

Friday, June 10, 2016

So, what’s the big idea behind a rollover IRA? With a rollover IRA, the retirement dollars you have saved so far within your company’s retirement plan, like a 401(k), can be moved to your own Individual Retirement...

 

Thursday, June 2, 2016

The Roth IRA is a retirement savings vehicle that was started through the Taxpayers Relief Act in 1997 and named due to the efforts of its main proponent, Senator William Roth. The power of the Roth IRA is not in what it can do for you...

 

Friday, May 20, 2016

What's the single biggest expense that you will face in retirement? Housing? Recreation? The title of this probably gives it away, how about health care costs? Between Medicare premiums and the portion of medical bills Medicare doesn't...

 

Monday, May 9, 2016

The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to what “old” means—60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress...

 

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Q: How often do I need to review my estate plan? A: Once every three years is a general rule of thumb. At the very least, confirm that your fiduciary appointments (executors, trustees and agents designated in your medical and financial...

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

I recently attended the Barron’s Top Independent Advisors Summit and one of the most fascinating sessions was on “Everything Investors Need to Know – and Should Ignore – About the Upcoming Election.”* As...

 

Thursday, April 7, 2016

I am 63 years old and working part-time. I am considering drawing social security income early. Is this a good idea? There are several drawbacks to claiming Social Security benefits before full retirement age. For one, you may receive...

 

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Traditional IRAs, which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 31.1 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by nearly 19.2 million households.1 Both are IRAs. And yet...

 

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?¹ 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...

 

Monday, February 8, 2016

If you're like many small business owners, running your own business is an all-consuming endeavor. In the face of everyday demands, choosing a retirement plan for your business can become a casualty. The idea of establishing a plan...

 

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Does the recent downturn in the market have you second guessing your investment choices? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The volatile markets are back and most likely here to stay for 2016. What’s important though is...

 

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Planning for 2016 could be confusing and investors still need to be watchful. Rising interest rates, a volatile stock market, an active political landscape and fluctuating oil prices are issues that need monitoring. For 2016, caution...

 

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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, giving yourself...

 

Monday, December 14, 2015

Protecting your identity is crucial in this digital age we live in. The IRS recently launched an educational campaign called “Taxes. Security. Together.” to raise awareness about how individuals can protect themselves...

 

Friday, November 27, 2015

First, let me stress that no one who is currently collecting Social Security benefits will be affected by the prospective changes to rules determining who can file and suspend Social Security benefits to allow a spouse, dependent or...

 

Friday, November 13, 2015

The recently passed Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 includes major changes to Social Security. This legislation opens up significant opportunities for those who may be affected by these changes. ELIMINATION OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY “CLAIM...

 

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Despite all of the news we have heard about tax simplification, the current tax code still remains a complex combination of regulations, statutes, rulings and forms that are written primarily in highly technical language and cover...

 

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Many taxpayers put off their tax preparation until the very last moment. Why wait for crunch time to prepare and review your information? Visit with your financial professional several months before the year-end to discuss your...

 

Monday, October 12, 2015

The traditional contribution ("front door") for Roth IRAs is currently not available for higher income earners. Married couples earning $193,000 or more and singles earning $131,000 or more in 2015 are still barred from contributing...

 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Now is an ideal time to review or revisit your bond holdings to identify what, if any, changes you may need to make. Bonds are usually an essential part of a conservative portfolio: they provide income and are usually more stable than...

 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Typically, bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions. This means that when interest rates rise, bond prices tend to fall, and conversely, when interest rates decline, bond prices tend to rise. Here’s why: Suppose you...

 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Q: I recently turned 66 and started receiving my Social Security benefits. Will I have to pay taxes on this income? A: On the Social Security website, www.SSA.gov, they state that “some people have to pay federal income taxes on their...

 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Peter Lynch, the famous stock picker once said, “Most investors would be better off in an index fund.” I wondered if this was true, so I set out to find the answer! Do active investors make more money than passive...

 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Be careful if you inherit a retirement account. In many cases, the decedent’s largest asset is a retirement account. If you inherit a retirement account, such as an IRA or other qualified plan, the money is usually taxable upon...

 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

August brings with it the end of summer, but in recent years, bouts of stock market volatility have been common. It is quite normal for stock prices to decline at some point almost every year. In 30 of the 34 calendar years since 1980...

 

Monday, August 10, 2015

This coming Sunday kicks off the 2015 Football Season, I can’t believe it’s upon us so quickly! Retirement has a way of sneaking up on us too. Here are 5 strategies to think about while you take in the first game of the season. Have a...

 

Monday, August 3, 2015

As retirement nears you may not want to convert all of your savings to fixed income or CDs. Even when you are at a retirement age and are starting to take withdrawals from your investments, it is still important to consider keeping a...

 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Q: Dear Julia: I always planned on being able to retire when my retirement accounts hit 1 million dollars, this past April they hit that goal but now I am wondering if I have saved enough. Someone told me about the four percent rule,...

 

Thursday, June 11, 2015

61% of Americans die without leaving a will for their heirs, says a recent Harris Interactive poll for RocketLawyer, a legal website. In fact, 28% of us would rather do anything than make a will. Without a will, a probate court...

 

Friday, June 5, 2015

Inflation sometimes seems like one of those afflictions of an era long since passed into the history books. While it’s true that double-digit inflation has been absent for the last 30 years, you may remember the high inflation years...

 
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