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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Investment - Read Time: 4 min Mutual Funds vs. ETFs The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2024, there over nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and...
Read MoreDiversification, Patience, and Consistency
Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy:Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” has some application to investing. Over time, certain asset...
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater than their purchase price....
Read MoreBudget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time
Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right TimeEvery year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns. For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage,...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please...
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Discussing Financial Values Across Generations
You've built a solid foundation for wealth and are moving closer to retirement. Your kids are adults with financial pressures and goals of their own, and your parents, if living, are advanced in their years. It’s time to talk with...
Read MoreYear-End Strategies to Protect Your Wealth and Legacy
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to take strategic action to preserve your wealth, optimize your tax exposure, and build a lasting legacy. Whether you're focused on growing investments, giving with intention, or preparing...
Read MoreTax-Focused Cash Flow Management: How to Align Your Money and Goals While Minimizing Taxes
Financial stability often hinges on consistent, strategic decisions. By understanding your cash flow and approaching it with a tax-intelligent mindset, you can help maximize your money’s potential and move closer to long-term goals....
Read MoreA Comprehensive Guide to Managing Unforeseen Retirement Expenses
Even the most well-planned retirement can be disrupted by unforeseen expenses. Many retirees underestimate how unpredictable certain costs can be—and how easily they can derail an otherwise sound financial strategy. Here are five...
Read MoreEnsure Your Retirement Plan Covers Unexpected Costs
Even the most well-planned retirement can be disrupted by unforeseen expenses. Many retirees underestimate how unpredictable certain costs can be—and how easily they can derail an otherwise sound financial strategy. Here are five...
Read MoreYour 401(k) benchmarking insights
In the evolving landscape of workplace benefits, staying ahead means evaluating and refining your retirement plan offering. Benchmarking your retirement plan will help you assess your plan’s performance against key metrics and the...
Read MoreDebunking The Myth That There’s Only One Right Way to Invest
Today’s financial landscape is filled with opportunities, but many people still believe that building wealth through investing requires a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. In reality, investing is a deeply personal process that...
Read MoreThink You’re Behind on Retirement Savings? Here’s What You Can Do
Realizing you have less saved for retirement than you need or hoped for can trigger concern about the future. The good news is, there’s always time to take strategic steps forward. 4 Tips for Setting Retirement Savings Goals Evaluate...
Read MoreGrow Your Wealth Through Small, Consistent Habits
Building wealth in today's economy may feel like an uphill battle. Housing, utilities, and daily expenses keep climbing, making it challenging to cover essential costs and still have money left over. But, with careful planning and...
Read MoreIs Your Retirement Income Plan Tax-Efficient? Strategies to Consider
Managing income during retirement is often less straightforward than it was during working years. Instead of accumulating wealth, you’re now spending that hard-earned nest egg. By implementing effective tax strategies, you can...
Read MoreUnderstanding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
As you build your legacy, considering how to leverage your charitable contributions can be a fulfilling endeavor. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can offer an opportunity to support your favorite causes and manage your...
Read MoreInflation 2024 in One Chart
In 2024, we all experienced inflation in different ways. Some felt it at the grocery store, others while traveling, or when dining out. In large part, that's because our personal economic choices dictated at least part of our...
Read More‘Tis the Season…to Protect Yourself!
As you likely know, there are more and more attacks on our security online every day, and it’s even more frequent around the holidays. This time of year, be on guard for cyber criminals. To help you stay safe, here are some tips: Do...
Read MoreWays to Engage and Give Back in Retirement
As you enter retirement, you may find yourself with more free time and a desire to make a meaningful impact. While your new financial situation might affect your ability to give monetarily, retirement opens up new possibilities for...
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for the Holidays
When you think of holiday planning, you probably think of getting the house ready for the season. But there’s another house you need to get in order—your financial house. Here are a few tasks to consider before year-end to make sure...
Read MoreDon’t lose sight of the big picture
During periods of increased market volatility, it can be hard to remain focused on the big picture, especially if you’re planning to retire in a few years. One reminder for clients nearing retirement is that they need income in...
Read MoreAre You Debating Between a 401(k) or IRA?
This is an age-old question clients ask all the time. Let’s help settle this debate by explaining and comparing two of the most popular ways to save for retirement—the 401(k) plan and the IRA (Individual Retirement Account). 401(k)...
Read MoreProtecting Those You Love
No one wants to think about something tragic happening to a family member, but unfortunately the unexpected can happen. Learn how everyone from young professionals to active parents can take action to protect their loved ones....
Read MoreAn Opportunity to Lead Your Family
If you find yourself simultaneously raising your own children while tending to your parents as they grow older, you’re not alone. Often aptly referred to as “the sandwich generation,” it’s at this unique stage that you're sandwiched...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Social Security is complex. There’s a lot to understand and determining how it best fits within your retirement planning can be complex. One of the most important things you need to know about Social Security is your Full Retirement...
Read MoreFive Savings Secrets
Are you saving for the future? People often come to me asking for financial guidance. Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit to me they’re just not sure how to save. If you’ve been...
Read MoreGet Rid of Old Records
Which documents should you keep?And which ones can you shred? Everyone is guilty of holding on to documents for too long. Whether you feel like it has real value, or you're keeping it for fear of needing it, this can create quite a...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels. Individual Retirement...
Read MoreFiscal Resolutions: 5 Tips to Get Your Finances In Shape
Just like the common vow to commit to exercise and dieting as a New Year’s resolution, it’s also a good idea to take stock of your financial situation and include some fiscal goals. Taking a good look into your overall...
Read MoreUse These Year End Tax Planning Tips
Everybody wants to save on their taxes. If you think tax-saving strategies are too complicated, you could be missing out on tax savings. There are a few simple tax-saving strategies available to nearly everyone. Tax planning is more...
Read MoreHow Interest Rates Can Impact Your Mortgage Costs
Interest rates are the price tags for borrowing money. It's the extra amount you owe on top of the original loan. Dreaming of buying a home? Learn more about how changing interest rates can affect your mortgage payments. Rate...
Read MoreFind the Right Insurance Plan for you
Open enrollment is coming up soon, and it's important to know about all your insurance plan options before deciding which one is right for you. Two options you could have are a Health Savings Account plan (HSA) and a Preferred...
Read MoreSocial Security Survivor Benefits
Just as it’s important to prepare for what happens if you pass away, you should consider the Social Security benefits that may be available if you are the survivor — the spouse, child or parent — of a worker who dies...
Read MoreAvoid Common Missteps When Naming Beneficiaries
You already know that naming beneficiaries for your retirement accounts, life insurance policies and other assets is a critical component of estate planning. We want to call out a few common gaps we see in this process so you can...
Read MoreFind New Ways to Build a Lasting Legacy
Did you know an estimated 70% of wealth passed down doesn’t make it past the second generation? Up to 90% disappears by the third generation.1 This is why proper financial education, and an established estate plan are important....
Read MoreTerm and Permanent Life Insurance Options
Choosing a life insurance plan that works for your circumstances can feel like choosing from a seemingly endless array of options. Two of the biggest life insurance categories are “term” and “permanent” life...
Read MoreShould You Pay Your Mortgage Off Early?
We all know there are various tactics for building long-term wealth. Paying off your mortgage early may be an option for some. However, focusing on investing money or paying off other debts first could be more beneficial than early...
Read MoreApril Is Financial Literacy Month
April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...
Read MoreRecognizing Suspicious Online Offers
Scammers are constantly adapting their strategies to get access to your personal or financial information. As scam tactics become more detailed and frequent, it’s important to know how to spot these attacks. Here are some...
Read MoreUnderstanding Types of Retirement Accounts
Chances are your employer provides varying benefit plan incentives designed to help you save for retirement. All employer retirement plans fit into two main categories: qualified retirement plans and non-qualified retirement plans. We...
Read MoreTips for Setting Long-Term Financial Goals
It takes hard work, time, and dedication to pursue your ideal financial future. Setting goals can help you carefully consider what you want your financial future to look like and help you work towards that. Here are a few tips for...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...
Read MoreUsing Diversification Long-Term
One of the most basic principles of pursuing the growth of long-term wealth is diversification. A diversified approach to building wealth helps to mitigate risk while capturing the benefits of rising markets. Why is it so important to...
Read MoreHelp Protect Your Investments
If you have little experience with investing in stocks, bonds, or even real estate, it can be nerve-racking. You might feel like the slightest change in the stock market could have a negative impact on your investments and portfolio....
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
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.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
Read MorePrepare for Your Retirement
How to Estimate Retirement ExpensesRetirement can be a time of rest and relaxation, but for some people it can be a time of financial stress. It's important to start estimating retirement expenses early, so you can enjoy your...
Read MoreThe Importance of Diversification
Diversify Your Financial PortfoliosYou’ve likely heard the phrase: “Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket.” But what does that phrase mean for your finances? When applying this phrase to your finances, the true...
Read MoreSave On Taxes With These Simple Year-End Tips
USE THESE YEAR-END TAX PLANNING TIPS Everybody wants to save on their taxes. If you think tax-saving strategies are too complicated, you could be missing out on tax savings. There are a few simple tax-saving strategies available to...
Read MoreProtecting Those You Love
No one wants to think about something tragic happening to a family member, but unfortunately the unexpected can happen. Learn how everyone from young professionals to active parents can take action to protect their loved ones...
Read MoreIs a Will or Trust Right for you?
LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WILLS AND TRUST You may not know the difference between a will and a trust. As you're estate planning, you should know your options and the proper tools to achieve your asset distribution goals....
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
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.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
Read MoreIs it time for a change?
Are you happy with your current financial professional?Have they met with you to discuss how recent market fluctuations could affect your financial plans? When was the last time the two of you sat down to really discuss...
Read MoreInflation Outlook for 2021
As our nation continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19, one economic trend has been capturing news attention as of late. Consumer prices are rising amidst economic recovery. In fact, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.8%...
Read MoreOrganize, check, retire confidently
A solid strategy will help put you on the path towards a happy retirement. If you work with an experienced financial professional, they can help you retire with confidence knowing you’ve taken steps to protect your assets.Are...
Read MoreThe Whims of Wall Street
It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the whims of Wall Street.Lately, the financial markets have been fixated on federal taxes and what may be proposed on Capitol Hill in the weeks and months ahead.Wall Street’s focus on...
Read MoreVolatility Tests Your Mettle
Most people understand that stock prices don't go straight up. But when market volatility increases, the price action can test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor.In recent weeks, stock prices have trended lower with a few...
Read MoreMarkets & Marriage
Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The next day, there might be an argument over who forgot to load the dishwasher. And even the best marriages and...
Read MoreTax Season is Coming Up
Married? Should You File Jointly or Separately Some big changes come with getting married, and that includes your taxes. For the first time, you have the option to file jointly or separately. How romantic!While the IRS recommends that...
Read More7 Mistakes Every Retiree Needs to Avoid
7 Retirement Mistakesto Avoid in 2021 Planning ahead and keeping a close eye on your finances are two of the most important ways you can ensure you get to enjoy your retirement and get the most out of your golden years. As we begin...
Read More‘Tis the Season…to Protect Yourself!
As you likely know, there are more and more attacks on our security online every day, and it’s even more frequent around the holidays. This time of year, be on guard for cyber criminals. To help you stay safe, here are some...
Read MoreWill Political Changes Affect the Economy?
With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for another national election in November. Many states will be selecting governors, representatives, and...
Read MoreWhat's driving current market behavior?
In the era of COVID-19, and the financial woes it has created, I often get asked, “Why is the stock market holding up so well when the economy appears to be struggling?”To understand why the markets react — or...
Read MoreEIGHT MISTAKES THAT CAN UPEND YOUR RETIREMENT
Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at...
Read MoreYOUR EMERGENCY FUND: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you’re driving to work, you see smoke...
Read MoreRoth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses are changing their...
Read MoreEmergency Preparedness for Finances
When we think of emergency preparedness, flashlights, bottled water, and first aid kits immediately come to mind. While having a physical emergency supply kit on hand is an important first step when disaster hits, being financially...
Read MoreMaking a Smart Rollover Decision
Rolling over the assets in your workplace retirement plan to an IRA can be a great move. IRAs typically offer more investment choices while allowing you to continue accumulating earnings on a tax-deferred basis. However, making a...
Read MoreThe Financial Literacy Crisis
Imagine driving a car without a basic understanding of the rules of the road or even how to operate it. Scary thought. Here’s another scary circumstance – one that is all too real. Many Americans are making financial...
Read MoreSECURE Act Provisions
You may have read in the news about the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act that went into effect on January 1, 2020 and wondered if it will affect your retirement accounts. This Act makes some very...
Read MoreA New Year's Resolution
Just like so many who commit to exercise and dieting as a New Year’s resolution, it’s also a good idea to take stock of your financial situation and add some fiscal goals. Taking a good look into your overall savings plan,...
Read MoreAND THE EXECUTOR IS
Choosing an executor to your estate can be tricky. Here are some things to consider while working through the details.
Read More5 Ways To Be A Savvy Holiday Shopper
With the holidays approaching, it is likely you are searching for the perfect gifts for the special people in your life. Even more likely, you are spending more money than you normally do throughout the year. I’m here to remind...
Read MoreWe're Growing Our Team
With the great success our business has had over the past six years, expanding our team was only necessary. I saw what Landon had to offer and thought he'd be great for the position and for our business.
Read MoreIs It Time to Review Your 401(k) Account?
No matter where you are in your retirement planning journey, it's a good idea to check in on your 401(k) account from time to time. Ask yourself these questions to see if it's time for a review.
Read MoreWhy You Should Meet With Your Financial Advisor After Tax Season
We’re nearing the end of tax season *cue sigh of relief*. You may have already received your tax returns, or they may still be on their way. So, now what?
Read MoreIRA to Roth Conversions
December is a great time of the year to talk to your financial advisor about possibly converting Traditional IRA dollars to Roth IRA. The strategy that we use is to talk with your CPA or tax preparer and do a mock tax return to see if...
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