During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to end taxes on Social Security benefits. This would seem like a welcome relief those who have enough other income which would result in federal income tax on 85% of SS retirement benefits. But when you consider the impact on the Social Security trust fund, the proposal may not be so great. Read More >
The Hidden Tax Risks of Naming a Trust as Your Retirement Account Beneficiary
When planning your estate, it’s crucial to determine the best way to pass on your retirement assets, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, to your beneficiaries. Understanding your options and the benefits, risks, and tax implications of each is essential for making an informed decision. Read More >
How Will Election 2024 Shape Your Retirement?
Significant changes to Social Security, Medicare and taxes are set to take effect in 2025 and as the presidential election approaches, it’s crucial for retirees to grasp these developments and how each candidate's proposals may impact these vital programs and their overall retirement strategies. Read More >
Unlocking the Potential of Home Equity and Investment Property in Retirement
For many retirees, home equity represents one of their most valuable financial assets. Tapping into this wealth efficiently can provide liquidity, supplement income, and help fund lifestyle changes, including relocation. Read More >
Cultivating a Strong Retirement: 7 Year-End Strategies for Financial Success
As we move into fall, it’s the perfect time for a financial check-up. In this article, we cover essential year-end steps to evaluate your investments, manage taxes, and ensure your financial plan is on track for a secure and prosperous retirement. Read More >
Don’t Take the Bait: How to Outsmart Phishing Scams and Protect Yourself Online
Phishing scams have become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, making them one of the most dangerous threats to your financial security. In this article we outline proactive steps you can take to protect yourself online. Read More >
How Inflation Impacts Pre-Retirees
As everyday items become more expensive, discretionary income dwindles, leaving you with less money to allocate towards your savings and retirement accounts. In this article we outline several proactive steps you can take to mitigate the impact of inflation on your financial future. Read More >
Rent Smart: Leveraging QBI to Reduce Your Taxes
In this article, we explore how eligible rental property owners can benefit from the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, which allows them to deduct up to 20% of their rental income. Discover the specific criteria to determine if you can take advantage of this valuable tax-saving opportunity. Read More >
Workbook: Relocating In Retirement
Planning to relocate in retirement, or close to making a decision? We’ve put together this workbook to help you with your planning to ensure this transition is as seamless as can be. Get the Workbook >
Proactive Tax Planning: 8 Steps to Maximize Your Savings
By taking a proactive approach to tax planning, you can uncover opportunities to reduce your tax liability, optimize your retirement contributions, and improve your overall financial health. This 8-step guide delves into essential strategies and considerations to help you make the most of your mid-year tax planning efforts effectively. Read More >
Mid-Year Financial Check-Up: 6 Tips to Stay on Track
In this article we outline six key areas to consider during your mid-year financial review. Conducting these regular reviews is crucial—not only to celebrate your progress, but also to adjust your course in response to life’s changes and economic shifts. Read More >
Navigating Career Transitions — Maximizing Your Retirement Savings and Utilizing Severance Packages
Career transitions, whether through voluntary job changes or unexpected layoffs, are pivotal moments that can significantly impact your financial future. In this article we provide financial planning tips to navigate these changes effectively to position yourself for financial security. Read More >
7 Financial Tips for Parents: Planning for Your Child's Higher Education
This article is dedicated to parents who are planning for their children’s higher education and aiming to minimize the burden of student loan debt, which has grown significantly in recent years. Read More >
Embracing Change: Financial Wisdom for 2024 Graduates
For all the recent graduates out there - Congratulations! As you embark on this new phase of your life, we present you with essential trail markers to guide your financial journey ahead. Read More >
From NVIDIA to Crypto ETFs: The Lure of Market Trends vs. Time-Tested Investment Strategies
Year to date, not only have many broad markets delivered gains from acceptable to amazing, there have been the usual assortment of sizzling stocks to distract us with their dazzle. Strong market performance is welcome news. But at least in the wider investment world, we’re likely to see a different kind of response that isn’t as welcoming. Read More >
Your Destination Matters: Aligning Your Finances with Your Future Goals
It can be tough to plan your financial future in a world filled with obstacles and opportunities. But the terrain only worsens in the absence of well-crafted goals. If you don’t know how much money you’ll need, when, and why, you end up chasing after the latest fads (buying high) or fleeing market risks (selling low). Read More >
Strategic Wealth Management - Part 3: Optimizing Your Organized Investments
In this article, we wrap up our three-part series with additional ways to ease your transition from chaotic to more orderly investing. Some steps are purely practical. Others help you remain calm and confident along the way. We can mix and match them as needed to contribute to your investment success. Read More >
Strategic Wealth Management - Part 2: Transitions and Taxes
When you sell an investment for more than you paid for it, there can be burdensome capital gain taxes realized in the year of the sale. How do you manage for this challenge? It helps to identify which trades can be placed promptly, and which may be better managed over time. Read More >
Strategic Wealth Management: A Guide to Organized Investing
It stands to reason: The more wealth you accumulate, the more chaotic your assets and accounts can become. It’s never too late to bring order to your investments. In this first installment in our three-part series, we’ll explore some sensible solutions to this perennial challenge, starting with initial steps you can take to move from random results to a more organized approach. Read More >
Golden Opportunities: Taking Advantage of the 2024 Changes to Retirement and Savings Rules
As the SECURE Act 2.0's provisions gradually come into effect, this landmark retirement legislation brings about a series of significant changes in 2024. From adjustments in tax brackets and retirement contribution limits to shifts in estate and gift tax exemptions, we offer a clear overview of the key updates in this article. Read More >