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6 Savvy Ways Small Businesses May Save Money This Summer
Whether your business tends to slow down or speed up in the summer months, there are a few things small-business owners may consider to cut expenses as the temperature rises. Here are six savvy ways for small businesses to save money...
Read MoreAn In-Depth Guide to Get the Most Out of Your Retirement Planning and Tax Strategies
Get an in‑depth look at how retirement plans, tax rules, and income decisions impact your long‑term financial freedom.
Read MoreNavigating Credit Wisely: Strategies for Financial Success
Master your credit with smart strategies to build your score, avoid debt, and work toward financial success. Learn how to manage credit wisely.
Read MoreThe Tax Impact on Trusts After 2025
Explore how upcoming tax law changes may affect trusts, estate planning, and wealth preservation strategies after 2025.
Read MoreTax Planning Tips for Young Professionals
If you are a young professional, you probably make decent money but not enough to live solely off passive income or create generational wealth. Being a young professional may come with specific financial issues. A high income could...
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Everything You Need To Know About Tax Deductions for Your Business in 2025
Knowing how to take the deductions you are entitled to may help your bottom line if you are a business owner. You may use various deductions this tax season 2025 to manage your taxable income and hopefully keep more of your hard-earned...
Read MoreA Tax Planning Guide for Wealthy Retirees
Tax planning is an essential aspect of financial management, especially for individuals who have accumulated substantial wealth over their lifetime. Wealthy retirees, in particular, need to pay special attention to their tax planning...
Read MoreYour Financial Fresh Start: 12 Resolutions in 12 Months
Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to improve your fiscal health? Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an...
Read MoreA Holiday Survival Guide for Your Finances
The average family spends an extra $1,000 or more during the holiday season. From gifts and travel to dinners, shows, and decorations, each purchase adds up.1 How might you take full advantage of holiday cheer while avoiding the...
Read MoreYear-End Giving: Should You Go Big or Spread It Out?
Year-end charitable giving is often associated with the spirit of doing good during the holiday season. It gives the donor a feeling of satisfaction and, in some cases, a substantial tax write-off. However, one question that often...
Read MoreGobble Gobble! 7 Financial Conversation Starters for Thanksgiving Table Talk
Thanksgiving is a special time when family members travel long distances, some from across the country, to be reminded why they moved so far away in the first place. Humor aside, Thanksgiving is a beautiful tradition for families to...
Read MoreA Year-End Planning Guide for Business Owners
As the year draws to a close, it's an ideal time for business owners to evaluate their company’s financial health. Year-end planning is critical and can help establish a confident foundation for the future. However, for many business...
Read MoreTaking Charitable Giving to Another Level
Did you know that you can gift a new or existing life insurance policy to your favorite charity? When properly designed, a charitable life insurance program may improve your overall financial situation and offer tax benefits, all while...
Read More5 Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
Tax planning preparations include small-business owners taking necessary measures to optimize their taxes by taking advantage of deductions and benefits. Here is a brief tax planning overview for small-business owners preparing for tax...
Read MoreA Crash Course on How To Use a 529 Plan
A 529 is a tax-advantaged savings plan that gives you incentives to save money to pay for college or other higher education expenses. Pursuing your savings goal may mean the difference between a dorm with central air conditioning or...
Read MoreStocks vs. Bonds: A Pros and Cons Guide
Stocks and bonds have advantages and disadvantages when building an investment portfolio. Much of this depends on your risk tolerance and how you construct your investment strategy. When considering the potential risks and rewards of...
Read MoreBeat Inflation with Your Back-to-School Budget
Back-to-school season is always a busy time, but in 2025, it comes with a bigger-than-normal price tag. Between inflation, tariffs, and general economic uncertainty, everything from pencils to laptops may cost more this year. According...
Read MoreHigh Earning Women and Wealth Management
In the U.S., women control a third of household assets. But by 2030, U.S. women are expected to control much of the assets that the baby boomer generation will pass to heirs, roughly 30 trillion in assets. High-earning women have...
Read MoreThe Dos and Don'ts of High-Yield Savings Accounts
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is one of the tools you may use to manage your money. When interest rates are significantly higher than those of traditional savings accounts, HYSAs may be used for building an emergency fund, saving...
Read MoreA Beginner’s Guide to Investing After Retirement
You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your retirement savings...
Read MoreAnnuities Unveiled: The Secret Weapon for Wealthy Investors
Annuities are investment strategies offered by insurance companies that provide a steady income stream in retirement. These financial vehicles may particularly appeal to high-net-worth (HNW) investors for various reasons. At their core...
Read MoreHow Artificial Intelligence (AI) May Impact Life Insurance
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a fixture in many industries. For life insurance users, AI helps to target online advertising and helps customers learn more about what policy might work for them. AI also helps life...
Read MoreMemorial Day & Financial Planning for Veterans
Veterans and those on active-duty face unique financial planning challenges Memorial Day is an important holiday observed in the United States to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the country's armed...
Read MoreHow to Address Wealth Management in Today's Market Environment
Addressing wealth management comprehensively in today's market environment is essential for individuals and business entities. Given the dynamic nature of global markets and the ever-changing economic landscape, navigating investment...
Read MoreHow a 529 Plan Can Benefit You: Education Funding for Your Child
A 529 Plan, also known as a "qualified tuition plan," is an investment vehicle that offers numerous benefits to parents seeking to save for their children's future education. 529s are versatile and provide significant advantages that...
Read MoreTraditions of the Masters and Successful Investors
Both offer valuable lessons from those who have come before you The Masters golf tournament and successful investing may seem like two completely different worlds, but they share many similarities in terms of tradition. Both have...
Read MoreAre You An All-Star Investor? 3 Major League Investing Mistakes to Avoid
Though baseball and stock market investing may not seem to have much in common, there are a few key similarities—both are stats-driven and require focus, a relative lack of emotion, and a clear mind. And when it comes to investing,...
Read MoreThe Social Security Fairness Act: Great News for Millions of Public Service Employees
The Social Security Fairness Act is a bill signed into law that repeals several decades-old provisions that previously reduced your Social Security benefits if you or a spouse received a pension from a non-Social Security covered job,...
Read MoreAn In-Depth Guide to Social Security Retirement Benefits and Taxes
Social Security is a vital component of retirement income for many. This government program provides monthly benefits and is funded primarily through payroll taxes. Understanding Social Security benefits and taxation is essential to...
Read MoreHow to Make Credit Work for You as a Small Business Owner
Understanding and effectively using credit can be a game-changer for a small business owner. When managed wisely, credit can provide financial confidence to grow your business, expand your operations, and take advantage of new...
Read MoreHow to Find the Tax Preparation Method That Works For You
Each year when tax season rolls around, it comes with the burden of figuring out how to file your taxes correctly. The good news is that there are several ways to prepare and file your taxes, depending on your needs and the complexity...
Read MoreGiving Through a Donor Advised Fund: 5 Tax Benefits
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity created to manage charitable donations on behalf of organizations, families, or individuals. The benefits of DAFs extend beyond their primary...
Read MoreHoliday Gifting Beyond Toys: Investing in Your Kids’ or Grandkids Future
When giving gifts to our children or grandchildren, we often default to the latest toys or gadgets. However, the value of these items tends to diminish over time in terms of both interest to the child and monetary value. A different...
Read MoreThe Dark Side of Deals: Beware of These Cyber Monday and Black Friday Scams
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to find amazing deals, but they’re also a prime time for scammers. While you’re hunting for bargains, stay alert to avoid getting caught in a scam. Here are some common tricks to watch out...
Read MoreYear-End Countdown: Key Deadlines You Cannot Afford to Miss
As the year comes to a close, there are some important deadlines that you shouldn’t ignore. These deadlines affect your taxes, savings, and, perhaps, your financial future. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay on track before this...
Read MoreHow a Financial Professional May Be Your Valuable Business Advisor
Small businesses have new reasons to consider the value of financial planning in working towards their business goals. Many owners are "bandonneurs" (a French word for "jack of all trades") who may successfully wear many hats, but...
Read MoreCybersecurity Alert: The Top Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For
Cybersecurity is more important than ever as we continuously move toward more automated environments in a highly connected society. As more technologies develop, perpetrators keep exploring new tactics to exploit others. It's important...
Read MoreTaking Your Savings One Step at a Time: A Guide for HENRYs
National Savings Day, celebrated October 12, is a reminder of how important it is to build a solid financial foundation. For High Earners Not Rich Yet (HENRYs), the path to financial security can seem both promising and challenging....
Read MoreWhat Investors Need to Know During an Election Year
Election years are a time of uncertainty and excitement for many people. There may be concerns with social and public policy, and the implications of legislature on the market and personal finances. Historically, elections haven’t had...
Read MoreA Fresh Start: Estate Planning Priorities During and After Divorce
Divorce is never easy, but it is important that estate planning continues to take precedence before and after a divorce. Depending on your situation and professional legal guidance, some estate planning items can be updated now, while...
Read MoreHow to Plan For Long-Term Care When You’re On Medicare
Planning for long-term care (LTC) is essential to your retirement planning. If you anticipate having Medicare, you must understand that it only covers a limited number of LTC services. Therefore, you must uncover other strategies to...
Read MoreThe Art of Semi-Retirement: Balancing Work and Leisure in the Next Chapter of Life
As you approach retirement, fully stepping away from work might seem less appealing than it did a decade or two ago. Instead, many people embrace semi-retirement to balance the need for continued income with the desire for more leisure...
Read MoreHow to Find the Best Deals for Long-Term Care Planning
There is no guarantee you are going to skate through life blemish-free. Your seemingly invincible parents may be finally showing signs of their age, and you could start to wonder about what you would do in that situation. The one...
Read MoreBeachside Investing: Navigating the Financial Seas
If you're someone who loves nothing more than spending a relaxing day at the beach, you likely hope your retirement plans will let you spend much more time there. By applying ‘beach day’ lessons toward your investment strategies,...
Read MoreParents, Don’t Get Schooled by Inflation: 5 Smart Strategies for Back-to-School Shopping
Although inflation is down from an all-time high, people are still pinching their family wallets—especially when it comes to back-to-school shopping.1 Whether you're buying for one student or several (or even for yourself), you may...
Read MoreImplementing and Monitoring Your Spending Plan
How do you implement your spending plan? Once you have identified your budget goals and created a spending plan to meet them, you are ready to put your plan into action. Before you begin, though, here are some tips to avoid common...
Read More7 Ways to Save Money Quickly
We all have dreams in life, and oftentimes those dreams cost money. If you have a financial goal or responsibility coming up soon or simply want to build up an emergency fund, follow these tips to help you spend less and save money...
Read MoreSaving Tips for Younger Adults
Today, younger adults face a variety of challenges in their pursuit of financial independence. Some of these challenges are similar to those faced by previous generations, while others are unique to the times. Here are five financial...
Read More10 Tips to Work Toward Financial Freedom
Financial freedom is a state of being in control of one's finances, covering expenses easily, and saving for future goals. Financial freedom enables you to choose how you spend or interact with your money and have the choice to decide...
Read MoreNavigating Debt and Student Loans as a HENRY: Steps Towards Financial Freedom
For HENRYs — High Earners [who are] Not Rich Yet — this high salary often comes at the expense of hefty student loans or other types of debt. Tackling this debt now can allow you to put your salary to its highest and best use. But...
Read MoreWhat Kinds of Insurance Should You Have as a Small Business Owner?
As a small business owner, having the right insurance coverage can be the difference between success and bankruptcy. While your specific insurance needs may vary widely depending on the nature of your business, there are several types...
Read MoreThe Intangible Benefits of Homeownership
June is National Homeownership Month, which seems particularly apt this year. With home prices rising to unprecedented levels and multiple offers becoming commonplace in residential transactions, it seems that everyone is focusing on...
Read MoreBalancing Business Ownership and Homeownership
Owning a home and running a business are two significant investments that require dedication, planning, and balancing. Both ventures have potential rewards and risks and demand considerable financial commitment and personal involvement...
Read MoreImproving Your Financial Literacy Can Improve Your Business
Financial literacy is essential for your personal financial health and even more crucial for the financial health of your small business. Being a small business owner comes with many responsibilities, one of which is maintaining the...
Read MoreMemorial Day & Financial Planning for Veterans
Veterans and those on active-duty face unique financial planning challenges Memorial Day is an important holiday observed in the United States to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the country's armed...
Read MoreInvesting in Your 60s and Beyond
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? The answer often lies in a...
Read MoreThriving Through Financial Stress: Lessons for High-Net-Worth Families
April is Stress Awareness Month, and there's no better time to reflect on and address the stressors that may impact our lives. Financial stress is an interesting challenge for high-net-worth individuals and families since most...
Read MoreThe Surprising Benefits of Getting Life Insurance Later in Life
A common piece of standard life insurance advice is to get it as early as possible — and there are good reasons why. If you're young and in relatively good health, purchasing a term life insurance policy is usually much cheaper than it...
Read More3 Moments in Life Where You Should Consider Consulting a Financial Professional
If you've ever wondered why so many lottery winners (an estimated 70 percent) seem to blow through all their winnings so quickly, the answer often lies in two key traits: overconfidence and trusting the wrong people.1 The same holds...
Read MoreHow to Teach Your Children Financial Wellness
Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from...
Read MoreHealth Is Wealth: How Improving Your Physical Health May Benefit Your Finances
Researchers found that those with more severe debt may be more likely to have physical and mental health issues, although causality is a challenge to establish.1 Fortunately, taking steps to improve your financial habits may also...
Read MoreGet Your Healthcare Affairs in Order as You Approach Retirement
Healthcare is one of the more difficult areas to navigate as you get closer to retirement. With so much focus on saving enough for retirement and ensuring that your investments will keep up with inflation, many people fail to square...
Read MoreManaging Financial Stress
Money concerns can be overwhelming to the point that they affect other aspects of your life, including your mental and physical well-being. However, there are various strategies you can use to help you better manage and alleviate this...
Read MoreCredit Credibility: 3 Types of Credit You Should Consider With Caution
Without credit, it may be difficult, even seemingly impossible, to participate in modern society. But some credit comes with high-interest rates, tricky terms, and other potential risks that could send you into excessive debt.
Read MoreLike Fine Wine, You Get Better With Age
Many things are known to improve with age, like wine, cheese, steak, and … employees. Older workers may sometimes get a bad rap in business due to perceptions that “being young’ is the only way to establish a...
Read MoreLuck of the Investor: Making Your Own Luck on St. Patrick's Day
As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" 1 But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work.2 Below, we discuss some ways that luck may...
Read MoreBuyer Beware: 4 Educational Tips for National Consumer Protection Week
National Consumer Protection Week is a time to educate people about their rights as consumers and how to make informed decisions about their money. Whether it's taking a hard look at your finances or having the information to avoid...
Read MoreHow to Plan for a Healthy Retirement
Planning for retirement often involves focusing on your finances and ensuring that you not only will have enough to sustain you during your retirement but adequate funds to do the things you enjoy doing. While this strategy is a...
Read MoreWhat Is a Cash Envelope Budget?
Budgeting techniques are constantly evolving, with new approaches being developed and old ones being adapted as technology changes. But sometimes, the simplest of methods is all it takes to help you take better control of your finances...
Read More5 Financial Reasons to Love Being Single on Valentine’s Day
If you are a single person, Valentine’s Day probably doesn’t mean all that much to you, aside from the relief of not having to spend all of that money on jewelry, flowers, chocolates, and an expensive dinner....
Read MoreFull-Time Work and Side Hustles: Benefits and Challenges
An increasing number of full-time workers seek to increase their income through working a side hustle, which is employment in addition to a full-time job. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of this trend, essential tips for...
Read MoreProtect Yourself From Tax Identity Theft as You Approach Retirement
Tax identity theft is a serious type of fraud that affects individuals of all ages and stages of life. To steal a person's tax identity, a scammer uses that person's Social Security number and other personal and financial information...
Read MoreTax Planning for Small Businesses
For small business owners, tax planning is crucial. Without proper planning, you may find a large portion of your hard-earned profits and savings eaten up by taxes that may not have been so high if you knew better options to pursue. To...
Read MoreKey Financial Wellness Metrics for Near-Retirement Individuals
As one approaches retirement, monitoring your financial situation by understanding your net worth and assessing the assets and resources needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement is vital. This article explores...
Read More5 Financial Bad Habits to Cut This Year
When it comes to financial bad habits, the most common are also well known — don’t spend too much, don’t take on unsustainable debt, and avoid living paycheck to paycheck. But what happens once you’ve...
Read MoreThe History of New Year’s Resolutions: Learning From the Past to Influence Your Financial Behaviors
People have been making New Year’s resolutions for at least 4,000 years, beginning with the Babylonians, who supposedly made promises to the gods. The idea of transforming our lives for the better, from one year to the next, is...
Read More6 Business Goals for a Prosperous New Year
The new year is fast approaching, and it is the perfect time to set up resolutions for your business. Whether you want to increase your sales, gather a more extensive customer base, or just accomplish needed business improvements,...
Read MoreDos and Don'ts for Investing During the Holidays
In the world of investing, the "holiday effect," as it is often referred to, is a phenomenon where stock prices see an increase right before a major holiday. There are many theories on why this may occur. It could be from trading...
Read More4 Business Lessons We Can Steal From the Grinch
It’s the most wonderful time of year. The holiday season is upon us, and no matter what festivity you participate in, there is a good chance that you might once again watch the timeless Dr. Seuss classic, The Grinch Who Stole...
Read MoreYear-end Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals
As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning. Due to the nature of their holdings and dynamic financial situation, HNWIs often...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: How Small Business Owners Can Make a Big Impact
Charitable giving is an excellent way for businesses to help others while taking advantage of additional tax breaks. Billions of dollars are given each year in the U.S. to a wide range of charities providing valuable community services...
Read More4 Thanksgiving Lessons for a Feast-Worthy Financial Plan
Thanksgiving is a holiday for spending time with loved ones, being grateful, and perhaps enjoying a bit of overindulgence. There are many financial lessons to be had in planning, preparing, and celebrating this annual feast.1 Here are...
Read MoreCreating Your Perfect Retirement Recipe
Although achieving your financial goals is more challenging than following a step-by-step recipe, a few common ingredients and preparation methods may help improve your ability to manage financial resources. Here is one recipe for a...
Read MoreYour Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...
Read MoreThe Scary Truth About Loss Aversion and Fear of Investing
Loss aversion, or the phenomenon of experiencing losses much more severely than gains, can lead to unwise investment decisions. Whether you're hanging on to a loser of a stock for longer than you should or are afraid to invest at all...
Read MoreFinding Focus with Financial Planning: A Step-By-Step Guide
You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition and...
Read MoreLittle Known Tax Credits for Business Owners
Nurturing a community, fostering growth and making a positive impact As a small business owner, your employees are the heart and soul of your organization. Many entrepreneurs understand the importance of a diverse, inclusive workforce...
Read MoreA Business Owner’s Guide to Long-Term Care Planning
Businesses generally are illiquid, which can create problems if a business owner requires care in a long-term care facility. LTC is ongoing care in a care facility, nursing home, or at home for those unable to perform a certain number...
Read MoreYear-end Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals
As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning. Due to the nature of their holdings and dynamic financial situation, HNWIs often...
Read More5 Emergency Savings Tips for Building a Financial Safety Net
Being financially prepared for life's challenges may smooth the road ahead. Whether you're just starting or have been working on your financial health, there are a few key steps you may take now to help construct your financial safety net.
Read MoreHow Chess Can Help You Work Toward Becoming a Grandmaster of Investing
There are risks involved in investing, and having a strategy that considers your risk tolerance can help mitigate unforeseen changes in the market from adversely impacting you long term.
Read MoreWhy Financial Preparedness Is a Smart Investment
During turbulent financial times, having a financial emergency plan and organizing your finances may help you feel prepared to handle anything that might come your way.
Read More5 Milestones That Mean It's Time for a Life Insurance Review
Obtaining a life insurance policy is part of being an adult. But it’s also something that you can easily neglect, especially if you obtained it earlier in adulthood. You should review it when you reach these milestones.
Read More5 Ways to Improve Your Financial Awareness
The more you understand about finances, the more effectively you will be able to manage yours. Yet, many people lack financial literacy skills. Here are five strategies that may improve your financial awareness to consider.
Read MoreCommon Cents: Financial Tips Everyone Should Know
Some people may find themselves nearing retirement without a solid grasp on certain topics like required minimum distributions or Social Security taxation. Here are some tips that may help improve your finances.
Read MoreDo You Know What Type of Investor You Are?
What type of investor are you? It may be challenging to determine alone, but not knowing could cost you money. Here are three big investing dichotomies that may help you identify your investing style.
Read MoreIt's Never Too Late to Improve Your Financial Awareness
As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. It's important to keep up with your financial education and awareness for your financial future. Here are some tips.
Read MoreWall Street Wisdom: Wise Words from Warren Buffett and Other Great Investors
You can learn a lot from those who have come before you. Here are ten tips from the world’s greatest investors that they used to pursue their financial goals.
Read MoreRetirement Revolution: 3 Reasons to Rethink Your Retirement Plan
Not sure if your retirement plan is still in line with your future life or financial goals?
Read MoreFinancial Freedom, Market Volatility, and You
If recent market volatility has you questioning your opportunities for financial freedom, you are not alone.
Read MoreWhat to Know Before You Open Your Next Investment Account
Understanding the difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts can improve portfolio diversification and make a difference in how much you earn over time.
Read MoreStars, Stripes, and Stocks: 3 Ways Investors May Pursue Financial Freedom
What does the term "financial freedom" mean to you?
Read More3 Ways Planning For Retirement is Like Planning For Summer Break
For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...
Read MoreSmall-business Owners and the Value of Insurance in Your Financial Plan
A solid financial plan for small businesses is vital, and part of that financial plan should be insurance. Insurance is essential to preserve small businesses, cover their assets, and safeguard their employees. Here are some types of...
Read MoreIs The Great Asset Shift For Real?
A World where uncertainty is high and convictions are fragile suddenly is presenting advisors with a host of new questions—and challenges. How should they invest in the current market? Should they price in a recession? Are private...
Read MoreTake a Swing at Investing Like a Golfer
Golfing and investing may not seem to share much common ground at first glance. But the more you think about it, a successful golfer and a successful investor share a number of traits such as patience, perseverance, attention to detail...
Read MoreRetirement Annuities Explained: What They Are and How They Work
Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed. A...
Read MoreLeaving Your Job? Your Retirement Savings Plan Options
Are you leaving your job and considering whether to take a distribution from your 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b) plan? if so, make sure you've considered all your options.In general, you have the following four options when...
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Are You Retirement Ready (or Not)?
Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...
Read MoreWhen Changing Jobs, Rollovers May Offer Benefits
Consolidating retirement accounts can help your retirement immensely For many individuals, changing jobs can be an exciting opportunity to advance their career or pursue new interests. However, it can also present a challenge...
Read MoreA Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small...
Read MoreStay Financially Focused: Money Lessons You Can Learn From Star Wars
May the Fourth Be With You! A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars was born. Over the years, the movies have evolved into an "epic space opera" with a fan base that circles the globe. What makes the Star...
Read More3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Claim Social Security
Planning for retirement is exciting, but it may come with a bit of stress. If you worked hard all your life, now might be the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One of the things that you may need to consider is when it...
Read MoreFrom Riches To Rags In Three Generations: Managing Generational Wealth Checklist
When discussing multigenerational wealth it is common to come across proverbs that acknowledge the fact that generational wealth typically won’t make it past the third generation. In the United States the saying goes, “from...
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security Strategies
As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take...
Read MoreThe Principles of Financial Literacy
Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of 'money...
Read MoreStepping Up to the Plate: Four Baseball Money Lessons
Baseball and financial management can have more in common than meets the eye. Below, we discuss four key lessons that investors—and everyone else—can learn from America's favorite pastime. Diversification of Assets is...
Read MoreSpring Has Sprung: Time to Refresh Your Retirement Plan
Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other tax-advantaged...
Read MoreLuck of the Investor: Making Your Own Luck on St. Patrick's Day
As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" 1 But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work.2 Below, we discuss some ways that luck may...
Read MoreHow Emotional and Behavioral Barriers May Impact Your Investing Decisions
Ah, Money. The word leaves you with a positive or a negative feeling when you hear it. The feeling we get from money, and investing, has deep roots inside our emotions, although we may not understand why. Behavioral science explains...
Read MoreTax Consequences of Business Formation
What are the tax consequences of business formation, in general? When starting a business, you must consider a number of factors. One very important factor is taxation. Although business tax planning is a complicated area, the first...
Read MoreFour Actions to Take if You’re Retiring Next Year
Retirement is a major transition point – as you go from saver to spender It's common for people who are retiring to set their retirement date in either the springtime or the early summer. If you happen to be one of those lucky...
Read MoreMore Money, More Responsibility and Strategic Financial Decisions
Strategic financial planning is important for everyone but especially for high-income earners that have their compensation tied directly to the success of the business. Executives and entrepreneurs both rely on accessing their wealth...
Read More3 Practical Time Management Tips for Investors
For many, spending more quality time with loved ones and friends is a New Year’s resolution or work-life balance goal. But for investors who are accustomed to keeping a close eye on their assets' performance, balancing one's "to...
Read MoreTaxation of Investments
It's nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. Nice, that is, until it's time to fill out your federal income tax return. At that point, you may be left scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are...
Read MoreFinancial Survival After a Job Loss
You may have lost your job already, or it's something you're concerned about. Either way, the keys to surviving a job loss financially are to plan ahead, take stock of your income, and cut your expenses.Plan aheadIf you haven't...
Read MoreDon't Miss Out on These 5 Commonly Overlooked Tax Deductions
When you own a business, you get to deduct business expenses from your business income. This general rule applies, subject to certain limitations, whether you are a sole proprietor with employees or a self-employed freelancer...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Wellness
Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreYour 2022 Year-End Planning Checklist
It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2022 finances and turn an eye toward 2023. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...
Read More4 Simple Ways to Give Back
As you take a moment to reflect upon all of the things that bring you comfort and joy this holiday season, consider giving back to those in need. Whether you are participating in an organized fundraiser or diving headfirst into your...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Year-End Planning: Things to Consider Going into “The New Year"
The end of the year is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over twelve days,...
Read MoreTop Year-End Investment Tips
Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time out from the holiday chores to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December...
Read More#GivingTuesday: A Global Day for Giving Back
Consider whether a donor advised fund can help build a more generous world November brings us Thanksgiving – a day for simply giving thanks. The 11th month also brings us Black Friday and Cyber Monday – two days encouraging...
Read MoreA Guide to Incorporating Philanthropy into Your Financial Planning
If you're considering giving back to society or a cause as part of your financial planning, there are many ways you can do so. You can make an impact while receiving tax benefits by including philanthropic giving as part of a holistic...
Read MoreThe Most Common Tax Tips before Year End
Tax planning can be advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities exist for you to mitigate tax liability, which may leave more income for you and/or your family.Generally, people put off...
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Planning Guide
As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...
Read MoreAppropriate Checklists for Year-End Tax Planning
What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...
Read MoreTreat Yourself to These 5 Retirement Savings Tricks
Your retirement is the reward after years of hard work and saving. You might dream of traveling, want to invest in a vacation home, or want to take up a new hobby. For an enjoyable retirement, saving is critical. Take charge of your...
Read More8 Things Financial Planning Can Help You Address
Financial planning is unique for each person; no two financial plans look the same because everyone's life and personal goals are different. Regardless of what your goals are, financial planning can help you work towards achieving them...
Read MoreHave You Checked Your Retirement Plan Lately
The classic definition of a correction is a decline of 10% or more in a stock index. A bear market is a downturn of 20% or more in several broad market indexes, typically over a period of several months or longer.It's generally a...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read More401(K) The Preferred Vehicle for Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement savings plan is one of the most desirable fringe benefits a small business can offer. For a business owner, it can help strengthen a company’s position when competing for top talent. It can also be structured...
Read MoreSaving for Retirement and a Child's Education at the Same Time
You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child's education at the same time can be a challenge....
Read More3 Ways To Improve Your Finances for Self-Improvement Month
September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. When you think of self-improvement, you likely think of your health or career but may pay little attention to your finances. Getting your financial...
Read MoreNew Job and Four Tips for Your New 401(k)
Land a great new job? Awesome. Now is the perfect time to think about your 401(k) and retirement plan, whether you had one before or not. Saving for retirement is important at all ages, so don’t let this opportunity fall to the...
Read MoreInvestment Planning - The Basics
Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it's because they just don't take that first step — getting started. Besides procrastination, other excuses people make are that investing is...
Read More10 Easy Financial Planning Steps for Beginners
If you've never engaged in financial planning and are unsure how to get started, this article is for you. A financial plan starts by evaluating your current financial situation and future expectations and can be created independently...
Read MoreSetting and Targeting Investment Goals
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful.Dollar-cost averaging does not ensure a profit or prevent a loss. Such plans involve...
Read MoreThe Different Stages of Financial Freedom
If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or stuck in a job you don't love just to pay the bills, it can be easy to feel as though you're financially trapped. But financial freedom doesn't need to be elusive—with some focused and...
Read MoreBig Week for Market Watchers
Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out of...
Read MoreValue Investing and Today’s Affluent Portfolio
Every consumer likes a good bargain, particularly value investors, who seek out stocks trading for less than their intrinsic value. By choosing companies the market has undervalued, or investing in mutual funds with similar objectives,...
Read MoreAre You An All-Star Investor? 3 Major League Investing Mistakes to Avoid
Though baseball and stock market investing may not seem to have much in common, there are a few key similarities—both are stats-driven and require focus, a relative lack of emotion, and a clear mind. And when it comes to...
Read MoreKeeping It Simple: The Benefits of Simplifying Your Investment Strategies
When it comes to investing, having fewer investments might help streamline your portfolio to manage stress better. Here are some benefits of a simple portfolio and some ways to help you create one.The Benefits of SimplicityUnless you...
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer: Is Your Family Prepared?
Over the next twenty years, a wealth transfer will occur 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...
Read MoreLooking Forward
As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is it the 246th...
Read MoreFinancial Freedom vs. Financial Independence: Key Differences and How to Work Towards Both
Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...
Read MoreGone Fishin': 6 Fishing Lessons for Investors
While it may seem that fishing and investing are completely unrelated, believe it or not, there are some characteristics that make a person good at fishing that can also transfer to investing. Here are six fishing lessons you can apply...
Read MoreAn Annuity Can Help Restore Your Confidence in Retirement
Sometimes we forget just how fragile a nest egg can be.When the economy tanked in 2008, retirees watched in horror as U.S. markets suffered historic losses. The Dow declined by more than 50%, its biggest drop since the Great Depression...
Read More529 College Savings Plans
A brief history 529 plans were created by Congress in 1996 and have been modified through the years by various pieces of legislation. Known officially as "qualified tuition programs" or QTPs, 529 plans are so named because they are...
Read MoreYour Estate and Life Insurance: It All Adds Up
It can be fairly easy to underestimate your net worth. After all, predicting the future value of your home and savings is merely hypothetical. On the other hand, you can rely on the fixed amount of the death benefit provided by your...
Read MoreBull Market Hangs by a Thread
The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...
Read MoreTax-Advantaged 529 Accounts
According to the College Board, the most recently published figures of the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public university for a school year was $9,970 for in-state students and $25,620 for out-of-state students. The...
Read MoreGet “In Sync” with Today’s Retirement Plans
Although small business owners wear many hats, too often, the one labeled “Retirement Planner” is not among them. Hats may add panache but, basically, they’re for protection. Today, preserving your financial future,...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Back to the Basics
As you consider the wide range of life insurance coverage available, you may wonder what type really fits your needs now, and what will suit your needs in the future. A good, first step is to ask yourself why you are buying insurance,...
Read MoreQuestions to Ask A Prospective Financial Professional
If you are shopping for a financial professional, you need a good checklist of questions to ask. What you are looking for is someone who handles clients like you – and who is financially wise. As you assess a professional who...
Read MoreApril Showers Bring May Flowers
The investing climate is quite challenging, but based on historical trends, we believe patience may be rewarded. Even if there may be some downside in the short term, consumer and business fundamentals remain supportive.
Read More7 Retirement Considerations
When helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money and a stressful one with difficult...
Read MoreA Ways to Go
“Bull markets are born on pessimism, grown on skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on euphoria.” - Sir John Templeton According to the guidance of revered investor Sir John Templeton, it appears to us that this market...
Read MoreNavigating Geopolitical Tensions
The green shoots are hard to see right now as spring approaches, clouded by war in Ukraine. Democracy is under attack and innocent lives are tragically being lost.
Read MoreStock's Road Ahead
The calendar had barely flipped to 2022 and investors were reminded that even attractive long-term stock returns come with a cost: volatility.
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
Read More
Things to Consider When Writing a Business Plan
You may know that your small business needs a written business plan—but how do you get started? What elements should your plan address, and do you need different plans for different audiences? Below we discuss a few of the key...
Read MoreThanks and Giving: How You Make a Difference on Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...
Read More5 Tips for Shopping on Small Business Saturday
There’s no question that November and December are the biggest times of year for shopping. But this year, it’s more important than ever to shop small and benefit your community. Supporting local businesses means...
Read MoreHow Will the Infrastructure Bill Impact Investors?
In a late-October victory for construction companies, public utilities, and electric vehicle manufacturers alike, Congress passed a trillion-dollar bill designed to preserve, revitalize, and expand the country's infrastructure....
Read MoreStrategies for Entrepreneurial Confidence
Whether you’re planning to start a new business, trying to grow a fledgling business, or working to keep an already established enterprise competitive, your business plan is your “roadmap” toward entrepreneurial...
Read MoreMany Reasons to be Thankful
The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn colors and begin...
Read MoreCan You Spot the Scam? Common Financial Fraud Warning Signs
Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free. Today's scammers are clever at...
Read MoreThe Most Common Tax Tips before Year End
Tax planning can be advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities exist for you to mitigate tax liability, which may leave more income for you and/or your family. Generally, people put...
Read MoreProtecting Your Financial Information Online
More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the Internet,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Estate Planning Process
A well-structured estate plan can be invaluable to you and your family. It is common for people to put off planning their estates. After all, no one wants to anticipate his or her own death. In addition, many people may believe that...
Read MoreAnnuities and Market Risk: What You Need to Know
Market risk is something all investors may worry about, but those close to retirement have limited time to recover from market loss. If you are within ten years of retirement, now is a critical time for your portfolio to continue to...
Read MoreChange May Bring Opportunities
One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now, there is no shortage of...
Read MoreAlternative Savings Options: When You Already Have A Knack for Budgeting and Saving
If you've moved beyond basic financial advice—live below your means and set aside funds for a rainy day—you may be wondering what to actually do with these rainy-day funds. With inflation on the rise, keeping excess cash in...
Read MoreFinancial Planning at Every Age
In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....
Read MoreMake Your Life a Success
What does a successful life mean to you? Whether it is as grand as owning a business or as simple as finding a way to balance work and family life, we all want our lives to be a reflection of success. But what steps are you taking to...
Read MoreAmerican Business Women's Day
September 22nd is American Business Women's Day, and it may be the perfect day to celebrate women who have surpassed the glass ceiling and gone on to be leaders and inspirations for businesswomen everywhere. In honor of American...
Read MoreHow AB 150 Can Benefit California Businesses
California recently joined several other states by enacting a legal workaround for the $10,000 limitation on state and local tax (SALT) deductions.1 This $10,000 limit was part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and had a major...
Read MoreFinancial Considerations for Working Parents
Nine of every 10 U.S. families with children have at least one working parent.1 Though working parents make up one of the largest demographic groups in the country, they face many challenges—from the cost of childcare to...
Read MoreThe Bull Market Continues
The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record. All of...
Read MoreFour Financial Planning Essentials to Ease Your Retirement Fears
When it comes to planning for retirement, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Putting together a financial strategy can be complicated at any time of life, what with changing regulations, ups and downs in the market, and disagreements...
Read MoreWhat’s the value of a clean beach? Here’s how economists do the numbers
Millions of Americans head outdoors in the summer, whether for a day at a nearby lake or a month long road trip. For environmental economists like me, decisions by vacationers and outdoor recreators offer clues to a challenging puzzle:...
Read MoreStarting a Business with a Friend: Do’s and Don’ts
It is estimated that about 40 percent of business founders were friends before they became business partners.[1] But while starting a business with a friend can be a great way to secure your financial future, it can also put new and...
Read MoreWhat Can A Financial Professional Do for Non-Profits?
As of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1] For these non-profit organizations where every penny has a purpose, having the services of a financial professional...
Read MoreFederal Student Loan Interest Rates Set to Increase for 2021-2022
After two years of decreases, interest rates on federal student loans are set to increase almost a full percentage point for the 2021-2022 school year.1 The interest rates on federal student loans are reset each year after the May...
Read MoreSix Months and Counting
Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to the March 2020 low....
Read MoreTaxpayer Appreciation Day—Recognizing Taxpayers' Contributions
Though U.S. taxpayers received an extra month to file and pay their federal income taxes in 2021, some are still smarting from having to write a check to the IRS.[1] For many, it can be tough to make the connection between those...
Read MoreBegin Investing While Young
There’s a simple word that has profound implications for savings and investing: compounding. Like a snowball that grows as it rolls down a hill, compounding provides the potential for your money to grow, reinvesting your...
Read MoreChanges to Medicare in 2021: What Recipients Should Know
For many people, turning 65 provides one of the keys to retirement: access to affordable healthcare. Whether you're enrolling in the Medicare program for the first time or have been a Medicare enrollee for years, it's important to stay...
Read MoreThe Crazy Cost of the Olympic Games
Since the first modern Olympic games in 1896, the competition has been a prestigious honor for the hosting country, but also a significant economic and structural undertaking. Billions of dollars are put toward the construction of new...
Read MoreHow Small Businesses Can Stay Competitive
Launching a small business can be an all-consuming prospect. Even after you start to feel as though you have gotten into a groove you could find yourself facing unforeseen challenges—from a new competitor to supply chain issues....
Read MoreThe Backdoor Roth IRA in a Nutshell
If you are wondering what in the world a “backdoor Roth IRA” is, you're not alone! In short, if you've been frustrated by the contribution limits associated with Roth IRAs, then read on - this article describes a strategy...
Read MoreRethinking Social Wellness for Your Employees
Corporate wellness programs have been key tools in improving productivity, employee retention, and creating a more desirable corporate culture. While many companies have put a strong focus on physical wellness plans, many are just...
Read MoreTravel Tips That Save
Americans seem to be traveling more than ever before and are doing so by either flying the friendly skies or sailing the seven seas. While more of us may be flying high or traveling the high seas, most of us would like to avoid the...
Read MoreUmbrella Policies: Extra Coverage and Peace
Why doesn’t anyone ever tell you not to buy an umbrella liability policy? It seems like additional overall security for pennies. Sure, you can spend pennies paying for something you don’t need or will never use, but...
Read MoreMaintaining the Investment You Made in Your Home
For many Americans, the home is the single biggest purchase made during their lifetime.[1] As a result, it's important to do everything possible to keep it in good condition. Even moderate or short-term neglect can be dangerous, as...
Read MoreThe Basics of Financial Fitness
There’s a subjective uncertainty associated with financial wellness. Are you financially fit? And if so, how fit are you? While there is no clearly defined threshold for answering affirmatively, much less grading your level of...
Read MoreGearing Up for Summer
As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly and the...
Read MoreCaregiving: A Decision That May Impact Your Retirement Savings
Many women have been a caregiver while raising children. Still, now many are caring for a loved one out of necessity as the older family member can no longer care for themselves. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report,...
Read MoreHow to Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals
Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals. Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying...
Read MoreTraditional IRAs versus Roth IRAs
Understanding the contribution, age, and income rules in 2021 Currently, there are two popular Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) vying for your attention: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. While both are long-term savings...
Read More5 Investment Considerations for Small Business Owners
If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....
Read MoreOut of the Shadows
As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May and October (and...
Read More4 Reasons to Consider a Life Insurance Policy
Buying a life insurance policy is something that many people push off, sometimes until it is too late. For many people, the thought of buying life insurance means thinking about their death, which is something that most people wish to...
Read MoreThe 3 Components of Social Security
Many have heard Social Security retirement benefits referred to as part of the "three-legged stool" of retirement: Social Security, a pension or defined benefit plan, and personal savings.1 The idea is that with these three sources of...
Read MoreKey Benefits of a Financial Professional
Whether you've been wondering about boosting your investments' rates of return or are concerned that your financial affairs are a bit too complicated for your next of kin to handle, it may be time to seek advice from a financial...
Read MoreRe-thinking Your Bucket List
When approaching the latter part of life, it is easy to get caught up in achieving every goal on your bucket list. Individual lists vary widely, but often are filled with wild adventures like skydiving and scuba diving in the Great...
Read MoreContribute to an IRA Before the May 17th Deadline
Your financial professional can help you navigate the ever-changing IRS rules Taxpayers of all ages may be able to claim a deduction on their 2020 tax return for contributions made to their Individual Retirement Account made through...
Read MoreSpring Into A Positive Outlook
“The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” Peter Lynch They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past year, flowers are starting to bloom and...
Read MoreWhen to Begin Collecting Social Security
Deciding when to retire and begin collecting Social Security is an important life decision. For some, savings losses may dictate that you delay your retirement plans and continue working, which means postponing when you begin...
Read MoreTips for Growing (and Preserving) Your Family Business
When you're first starting out with your own business, you're likely to be focused more on staying afloat than on contingency planning. But as your family business expands and grows, it's important to ensure that this is done in a...
Read MoreCommon Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Credit
Having a good credit score doesn't just get you the best interest rates. It can also reduce your auto insurance premiums, allow you to avoid security deposits, and in some cases, even help you get hired.1 But what goes into your credit...
Read MoreWhat to Do with Your Retirement Plan During Lay-Offs or Furloughs
In an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the government has shut down numerous businesses throughout the country, and others have drastically cut hours. As a result, over 10 million workers filed for unemployment in March...
Read MoreThree Things You'll Wish You'd Known Before Retirement
Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions adults will ever deal with. After 20, 30, or 40 or more years in the workforce, new retirees can find it hard to adjust to the reduced amount of structure in their daily lives. But...
Read MoreBusiness Contingency Planning for Small Business Owners
There comes a point in time when almost every small business owner contemplates the future of his or her business. Because “the business” typically is a substantial asset, an owner must address a number of estate planning...
Read MoreCommon Retirement Investment Mistakes
Only one-in-four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.11 While the number is up slightly from the...
Read MoreTHERE IS NO “I” IN TEAM
Tarzana, CA – Professional Network Alliance (PNA)* Michael Resnik and Dennis Rose are members of PNA along with Gary Schwartz and Joe Tishkoff (pictured below). The idea of Givers Gain is alive and well within the PNA Chapter....
Read MoreIRA vs. 401(k): What Savers Should Know
As of 2018, about 58 million Americans had a 401(k), while around one-third of households owned an individual retirement account (IRA).1, 2 Yet for as commonplace as these retirement accounts can be, the nuances of contributions are a...
Read MoreTips for Organizing Your Financial Documents
In an increasingly paper-free society, organizing your financial documents can still be a challenge. No matter how simple or complex your financial picture might be, it takes some thought-out organization to keep your tax documents,...
Read MoreThe Pandemic’s Impact on Savings Behaviors: Comparing Past and Present
One year ago, there was already troubling news about how little Americans had saved for retirement. Then the pandemic descended, multiplying those concerns. Local and national governments attempted to help with the immediate needs of...
Read MoreTips for Tax Preperation
In 2020, the government gave taxpayers an automatic six-month extension due to the coronavirus. Individuals who were affected by the damaging wildfires were also given additional time to meet most tax deadlines. However, in 2021, the...
Read MoreNew Year's Resolutions to Get Your Finances in Order
New Year's is traditionally the time to review your life and make resolutions for change. In addition to thinking about working out, eating healthy, and meeting personal and professional goals, you should also think about your finances...
Read MoreCreating a Business Plan for Small Businesses
Your business plan is an important part of creating a business and a critical tool for drawing in lenders and investors. If you're thinking about launching a small business or if you want to take your small business in a new direction,...
Read MoreGetting a Jump on January Tax Season
From pandemic-related stimulus payments to job losses and furloughs, for many taxpayers, next spring's tax season may be more complex than usual. With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching, you should take some time to review your tax...
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...
Read MoreSmart Shopping During the Holidays
The holiday season is just a short time away, which means the shopping season is about to be in full swing. Shopping for holiday gifts is stressful but also a little fun, especially when you think about the joy you will bring to those...
Read MoreReasons to Do Your Shopping on Small Business Saturday
When Thanksgiving rolls around, the holiday shopping season comes into full swing. While many people prepare their strategy for Black Friday shopping, a lot of them forget about the second shopping holiday that weekend: Small Business...
Read MoreEnd of Year Planning: Set Goals and Reduce Taxes
By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...
Read MoreLong-Term Care: Better to be Safe than Sorry
As you enter your “golden years”, perhaps you imagine yourself traveling, visiting grandchildren, or pursuing a favorite hobby. Unfortunately, none of us can predict what the future may bring. But, according to the U.S....
Read MorePolitical Parties and Stock Markets since 1900
Does the party occupying the White House affect the U.S. stock markets and other economic measurements? How does the party controlling Congress affect markets? While it’s interesting to review history and try to answer those...
Read MoreThere is no “I” in Power Team
Tarzana, CA – Professional Network Alliance (PNA) The idea of Givers Gain is alive and well within the PNA Chapter. The chapter continues to encourage professionals to work with one another, sell through the membership and share...
Read MoreSigns of Strength In The Economy
Autumn has arrived, with students back in school, baseball playoffs beginning, and football in full swing. Life is trying to get back to as normal as possible despite the ongoing impact from COVID-19. While the number of new daily...
Read MoreWhat Gen Xers, Millennials, and Baby Boomers Need to Know About Financial Planning?
Financial planning is an important part of securing your current lifestyle as well as preparing yourself for what you wish to do in your eventual retirement. And while this importance may look different during each stage of your life,...
Read MoreCOVID Change How You Think About Spending?
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives in unprecedented ways, forcing us to stay at home more, adjust our spending habits and even reevaluate our retirement hopes and dreams. But let’s take a moment and examine how COVID...
Read MoreWhat to Know About Working With a Financial Professional
If you've been wondering how to optimize your finances and ensure your money continues to work for you, a financial professional may be able to help. But the thought of turning over your most sensitive financial information to a...
Read More12 Estate Planning Must-Dos
Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. Do you have a will and powers of attorney for...
Read MoreBack to School, Stock Market Highs & Election Season
While the COVID-19 fight is not over, more progress has been made recently. New cases and hospitalizations in the United States have been falling steadily since mid-July. Several promising vaccine candidates have entered phase-three...
Read MoreThree Steps to Build Your Savings
The fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for a healthy savings account clearer than ever. Even before the pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve estimated that nearly 40 percent of Americans didn't have enough set aside to...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Wealth as You Get Older
As you get older and closer to retirement, your financial practices need to shift slightly as you transition from working and saving to relying on your nest egg. As you approach this stage of your life, you need to take steps to...
Read MoreHow Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...
Read MoreNational Life Insurance Awareness Month
September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there may be a few things you don’t know. Life Insurance is Not Just for the...
Read MoreABCs of Investing for College
Invest early. Invest often. Invest for growth. These are the basic principles of saving for your child’s college education. The earlier you begin a savings program, the more time you have to benefit from the power of compound...
Read More3 Mistakes to Avoid Before Taking Required Minimum Distributions
Uncle Sam wants your money. He has bills to pay, just like you. And he's been waiting patiently for decades for you to hand over his share of your tax-deferred retirement dollars. He expects some folks to be stubborn about it, so he...
Read MoreConsiderations for Charitable Giving
Any endeavor worth undertaking, especially one that may affect others, deserves our careful consideration before we begin. When contemplating charitable giving, think about the following points: Choose Your Causes. Worthy causes abound...
Read MoreIdeas for Reducing the Cost of College
Encourage your student to think about their future financial self Mid-August is the time of year that our kids pack the U-Haul and head to college. And while they’re excited about a brand-new semester, it can be frightening to...
Read MoreBest 50-Day Rally Ever
In many ways, what we’ve seen so far in 2020 has been both record-breaking and devastating. From the S&P 500 Index peak on February 19 to the bear market lows March 23, stocks lost 33.9%. Now, 50 trading days later, stocks have...
Read More529 Lesson Plan: High Scores for 529 Plans
Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings vehicle that has no age restrictions and no income phaseout limits — and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition? Consider 529 savings plans, a popular way to save for...
Read MoreLife Insurance at Various Life Stages
Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you’re young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your...
Read MoreApril Used to be the Greatest Sports Month Ever
Intentionally inflammatory debate questions to light up your social media The world of sports has shut down because of the coronavirus. The NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA, MLS, USATF, ATP, USAT, NASCAR, XFL, NCAA, your local high school and your...
Read MoreHow a Financial Professional Can Guide You Through Choppy Seas
In these trying times, even those with veins of steel can find themselves nervous about the market's direction and what it could mean for one's financial future. And the unprecedented nature of the novel coronavirus—and its...
Read MoreThe April 15th Tax Deadline is Now July 15th
You don’t need to file by April 15th and you should think about the benefits The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes by 90 days, giving individuals and businesses another 3...
Read MoreA Unique Economic Situation
These are challenging times, and this week may be the toughest as we wait for COVID-19 to reach its peak in the United States. As the war against COVID-19 wages on, we continue to be inspired by the tremendous bravery shown by...
Read More7 Tips to Help You Stay Productive at Home
With the rapid spreading of COVID-19, and more and more people either on self-quarantine or practicing social distancing, many of us are working from home. While working from home definitely has its perks – no commute! –...
Read MoreWhen It Rains Gold, Reach for A Bucket
“Every decade or so, dark clouds will fill the economic skies, and they will briefly rain gold. When downpours of that sort occur, reach for a bucket.” —Warren Buffett The battle with COVID-19 rages on, and the...
Read MoreCOVID-19 Hits US Manufacturing Sector
With the US economy having entered recession, investors were braced for weak manufacturing data today. The report released this morning at 10am ET clearly showed the pandemic has negatively impacted the sector, but the headline number...
Read MoreWhat Is in the $2 Trillion Relief Package?
The United States has more cases of the coronavirus than any other country, and in an attempt to stop the spread of this disease, states have closed schools and businesses throughout the country. These unprecedented shutdowns have...
Read MoreA Test of Our Resolve
The world continues its battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, which now has likely impacted, either directly or indirectly, nearly every person on Earth. This is far more than just a health crisis—this is a human crisis. Its...
Read MoreA Clear Vision of Financial Goals
Our everyday lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks as we work together to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know these efforts are necessary, but they also have come at a cost. Global economic growth...
Read MoreMaintain a Good Credit Rating
Installment debt, in itself, is not a bad thing. It enables us to make major purchases that would be nearly impossible to finance up front. In this consumer society, however, we're bombarded with advertisements for literally thousands...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
When you're a small business owner, you need to pay extra careful attention to both your business and personal finances. Your financial planning strategies should simultaneously encourage the success of your business while also working...
Read MoreIncome Tax Planning and 529 Plans
The income tax benefits offered by 529 plans make these plans attractive to parents (and others) who are saving for college or K-12 tuition. Qualified withdrawals from a 529 plan are tax free at the federal level, and some states also...
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