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Making the Most of an Interest Rate Hike Pause: Financial Tips and Strategies
In times of market volatility, when inflation is increasing, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to help to cool the inflation spike. During this period, people are anxious and keep a tight grip on their wallets. In time, the...
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 MoreThe Importance of Choosing the Right Life Insurance Policy for Your Retirement Years
Life insurance has its benefits, and choosing a manageable life insurance policy is a critical step in your retirement planning. It can help your family cover end-of-life expenses, funeral and burial costs, and pay for estate taxes. It...
Read MoreFinancial Planning in Today’s Fast-Paced World
Financial Planning in Today’s Fast-Paced World In today’s fast-paced environment, careful financial planning is crucial when it comes to growing and preserving your wealth. The decisions you make today could have a lasting impact on...
Read MoreStrategic Tax Insights for High-Net-Worth Individuals
High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often face a complex financial landscape characterized by diverse investments and sophisticated financial concerns. They require comprehensive financial planning to preserve and manage their wealth....
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How Taxes Can Impact Retirement Savings Accounts
Retirement is a chapter of life that, for some, may signal leisure, freedom, and working by choice, not necessity. However, this phase usually requires retirement income from retirement savings withdrawals. Different retirement account type
Read MoreThe Power of Purposeful Giving: Tax Planning Insights for Charitable Deductions
Charitable contributions are personally rewarding and also have the potential to be tax-saving opportunities. A donation is a gift, such as cash or property, that is given to a non-profit organization to help them in pursuit of their...
Read MorePrepare, Don't Repair: Engaging a Financial Professional Before Crisis Strikes
Just like regular doctor visits might help prevent health problems, regular financial planning may work to prevent financial problems. A financial professional could help you spot the warning signs of risk and dampen them down before they t
Read More3 Key Money Moves Every Parent Should Make
Whether you are expecting your first child or have been a parent for years, finances and building a future for your family go hand-in-hand. Luckily, there are money moves you can make now to help manage financial stress, support...
Read MoreIt’s Time to Spring-Clean Your Financial Plan
Tips to set yourself up for a brighter future and enjoy the fruits of your labor Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, as the world awakens from its winter slumber and new life begins to bloom. As the saying goes, "April...
Read MoreHow to Make Sense of Your Pension Options
Pension plans are still offered at many types of employers today. A pension plan is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan the employer contributes toward to fund their employees' future retirement. There are two types of...
Read More3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course
In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...
Read MoreTurning Profits into Wealth: A Guide for High-Earning Business Owners
Growing a business is impressive, but it takes more than just turning a profit to build wealth: It requires a mind shift from short-term gains to long-term prosperity. A business owner must focus on the company's financial confidence...
Read MoreNo Matter Who Becomes President, Start to Plan
Tips for how to start your estate planning process today – for your future Many people postpone the planning of their estates because they assume that estate planning is only for the affluent. Others may think that estate planning is...
Read MoreMarch Madness vs. Wall Street: The Similarities
The only thing you can truly count on is the unpredictability of it all March is here, folks, and you know what that means – it's time for the madness! No, not the kind that makes you question your life choices, but rather the...
Read MoreMilitary Benefits for Former Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Just because your military service is up doesn’t mean your benefits disappear. You spent many years of your life serving and protecting your country. With that sacrifice, you can access various benefits created to help you readjust to...
Read MoreWhen is Less More? - Uncovering Hidden Opportunities
The Inefficiencies of the Modern Stock Market In the complex and ever-evolving world of investing, the stock market is often hailed as a paragon of efficiency, where all available information is reflected in the prices of securities....
Read MoreThe ABCs of Financial Literacy
Learning financial literacy, such as money management, budgeting, and investing, can seem daunting, but is no different than learning how to speak another language. Being financially literate allows you to have a better, more...
Read MoreWorried About Life After Work? Get More Out of Your Social Security Benefits With These Tips
Social Security benefits are critical to retirement planning. These monthly benefits provide a financial safety net for millions of Americans. But you must navigate the system strategically to get the most out of your Social Security...
Read MoreIs the Roth 401(k) an Option for You?
Taking a closer look at whether it might be appropriate for your situation Since it first became available in 2006, many employers have added the Roth 401(k) to their benefit packages as a retirement savings option. A Roth option is...
Read MoreAsking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness. Here Are 10 Ways a Financial Professional Can Assist
Seeking the help of a professional to assist in one's wealth planning leaves more time for them to focus on their primary specialty area, thus driving efficiency in managing results.
Read MoreIt’s Not Too Late to Become Financially Literate
Financial literacy is crucial to a solid financial future and an enjoyable retirement.
Read MoreThe Secure Act 2.0 Guide
This guide is designed to help you understand how the SECURE Act 2.0 will affect your financial and retirement objectives as well as provide you with the information you need to plan for the future.
Read MorePension Payout Options
What’s Most Suitable for You? When you think of retirement, you probably envision the enjoyable ways you will spend your free time. But, you may also want to give some thought to receiving your funds while in retirement. If you...
Read MoreWhat Federal Government Employees Should Know About Retirement
Federal employees have different benefits than other workers, including an annuity (or pension) and the Thrift Savings Plan program. However, navigating these benefits may sometimes be a challenge. What should federal government...
Read More3 Ways to Show Your Money Love on Valentine's Day
Although the pandemic has put a strain on many household budgets, it hasn't been all bad news—in fact, more than five million people across the globe became millionaires during the pandemic.1 But even if you're not among this...
Read MoreFebruary is a Great Time to File Your Taxes
Tax tips to make sure your money is working for you, not Uncle Sam When should you file your income tax? Generally speaking, the earlier, the better, after January 1st if you expect to get a refund. If you file by the end of February,...
Read MoreOrganizing Your Finances After Your Spouse Has Died
What is it? Even if you've always handled your family's finances, you may be overwhelmed by the number of financial matters you have to settle in the weeks or months following your spouse's death. While you can put off some of these...
Read MoreIRS Adjusts Tax Brackets to Account for Inflation
Shifts in tax brackets as well as the standard deduction slated for 2024 On October 18, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax year 2023 adjustments for tax returns filed in 2024. From the IRS directly: “The tax...
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits Set to Increase in 2024
Proper financial planning includes forecasting future Social Security benefits In a welcome development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, the Social Security Administration has recently announced a substantial...
Read MoreGetting Your Finances on Track after the Holidays
The holiday season is a wonderful time for relaxing and having fun with family and friends, but it can also add a lot of extra stress to an already tight budget. Perhaps you spent more than you originally planned, or maybe you...
Read More2023 Year-End Tax Tips
Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Defer income to next year Consider opportunities to defer income to 2024, particularly if you think you may be in a lower tax...
Read MoreA Path to Setting and Reaching Your Financial Goals in the New Year
What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals? Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming. We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of possibilities....
Read More2024 Contributions Limits Whats New
Life today is expensive, and contributing to a retirement plan is more beneficial than ever. Recently, the IRS announced it was raising the contribution limit for 401(k)s to $23,000 for 2024, up from $22,500. In a world where pensions...
Read MoreWith Holidays Ahead, Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy
Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), so it plays an outsized role in driving economic growth or slowing it down.1 For the last 18 months, U.S. consumers have kept the economy strong...
Read More6 Red Flags That Mean It's Time To Switch Your Financial Professional
A good financial professional is necessary when it comes time to manage your portfolio and work toward your financial goals. Financial professionals may differ in their approach to certain financial products and goals. However, it is...
Read MoreSectors to Consider if Inflation Continues to Rise
The beaten-down sectors from 2022 might be worth another look in 2023. In general terms, the bond market will rally when increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) (inflation) are small and the bond market will fall when increases in...
Read MoreNavigating the 4 Phases of Retirement
Retirement seems like a long way off, but it arrives faster than you think. The big question is, are you ready? What exactly does retirement entail? Analysts suggest there are four designated phases of retirement that a person often...
Read MoreA Conscious Approach to Spending
Every day, you drive past the same storefront and glance longingly into the window. Wouldn’t it be nice to just stroll in, hand over your credit card, and walk out with that kitchen appliance, new outfit, or smart gadget you’ve been pining?
Read MoreCoping with the Loss of a Spouse Checklist
Losing one's significant other is one of the most stressful of all possible losses, even if you've had some time to emotionally prepare for it. . Below, find a checklist of some of the things you'll need to consider during this challenging.
Read MoreBreaking Out of Recession Burnout
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans report that they aren't prepared for a recession — despite the near-constant drumbeat of recession talk from media and economic experts alike.1 This lack of preparation may be the result of "recession...
Read MoreReading and Understanding Your Life Insurance Policy
It's a good idea to read through your life insurance policy. If you do, you'll understand your policy better and gain an understanding of your rights and obligations under the contract.
Read MoreA Mid-Year Review of Your Bond Allocations
Investing in financial markets requires a proactive approach, and one key aspect of maintaining a healthy investment portfolio is conducting periodic reviews.
Read MoreCredit Card Debt & The Implications for Investors
As Americans grapple with the challenges of dwindling purchasing power, credit cards have become a popular way to bridge the financial gap. This has led to a startling surge in credit card debt.
Read MoreWhat to Know Before Drafting a Will
A will is an important document most people don’t want to think about, but it’s crucial to have in place to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones receive what you want them to.
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 MoreCommon Cents: Financial Tips Everyone Should Know
Few U.S. high schools have comprehensive personal finance programs, which means that some teens enter adulthood without a deep base of knowledge on topics like investing, budgeting, and consumer debt. Even those who feel they're fairly...
Read More5 Compelling Reasons to Rethink Social Security
When it comes to planning for retirement, Social Security benefits have traditionally been viewed as a safety net for many individuals. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern about the long-term viability and...
Read MoreBack to Basics: Diversification and Asset Allocation
When investing, particularly for long-term goals, there are two concepts you will likely hear about over and over again — diversification and asset allocation.Diversification helps limit exposure to loss in any one investment or...
Read MoreLand of the Debt Free: 3 Steps To Declare Your Financial Independence
Financial independence means different things to different people. For some, it might mean early retirement. For others, the ability to travel the world. It is the freedom to leave a job that is no longer fulfilling.
Read More5 Financial Facts About the Sandwich Generation
The "sandwich generation" is the descriptive term for adults generally between the ages of 40 and 59 who are raising a minor child (or supporting a grown child) while also caring for a retirement-age or older parent.
Read MoreIntegrating Social Security with Other Retirement Plans
You may receive retirement and/or survivor's benefits from sources other than Social Security. Perhaps you are a federal employee, or maybe your employer pays you a pension.
Read MoreFinancial Freedom, Market Volatility, and You
If recent market volatility has you questioning your opportunities for financial freedom, you are not alone.
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.
Read More2023 Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits Released
The IRS has released the 2023 final version of its Publication 15-B (The Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits).
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.
Read MoreThe Problem With the Retirement Age: Too High
As the wealthiest society in human history, it is reasonable to expect that we should prioritize the well-being of our citizens, particularly as they age. Yet, the current retirement age is increasingly seen as problematic.
Read MoreProtecting Your Loved Ones with Life Insurance
Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals. For example, when you're young, you may not have a great need...
Read MorePension Proceeds
Making the Most Suitable ChoiceThoughts of retirement may be accompanied by images of the enjoyable ways you’ll spend your days. One thing you may not even consider, though, is that you may be faced with a very important decision...
Read MoreChoosing Your Pension Payout Option
Many couples may find themselves confronted with a dilemma as retirement nears. If you plan to receive your pension payout on a monthly basis (rather than in a lump sum), you must decide whether you want to receive a higher payment...
Read MoreHow to Develop a Money Mindset That Aligns with Your Goals
Financial goals are essential. Setting them will help you to obtain the things you want out of life as well as live the lifestyle you desire, both during your working years and in your retirement. But obtaining these goals isn't always...
Read More5 Social Security Benefits You Might Be Missing Out On
Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment.
Read MorePension Payout Options
When you think of retirement, you probably envision the enjoyable ways you will spend your free time. But, you may also want to give some thought to receiving your funds while in retirement.
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some financial concepts
Read More5 Last Minute Considerations Before Tax Day
With April’s federal tax filing and payment deadline on the horizon, Americans are dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s as they prepare for the countdown to Tax Day.
Read MoreMinimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit
Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxableDid you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then...
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.1But what goes into your credit...
Read MoreEmergency Savings or Your Retirement Goals?
Deciding which one comes first so you know where to focus your effortsWhen it comes to personal finance, there are a number of competing priorities that can make it difficult to determine where to focus your efforts. For many people,...
Read MoreStocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes
Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of taxes on these investments before and after making them....
Read MoreAn Engineer's Guide to Financial Planning
As an engineer, you already likely know the importance of accurate input when it comes to the final equation, which may put you ahead of the game when it comes to managing your finances.
Read More5 Valentine's Day Gifts that Grow in Value Over Time
Valentine's Day is one of the biggest holidays for romance and for lavishing gifts on that special someone in your life.
Read MoreLooking to Invest in International Markets in 2023?
A few things to consider before you allocate outside the United States. Over the past several years, the performance of international markets have trailed the markets here in the United States. Will the trend continue in 2023?
Read MorePay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?
You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid.
Read MoreThe Importance of Setting Micro Goals in the Workplace
What is it? I think it’s safe to say micro goals are the individual pieces of your long-term puzzle—which together, make your end goal more clearly laid out with each piece you complete.
Read MorePractical Tips to Starting a New Business
Simple steps to help you bounce back from challenging situations. Building and sustaining a business is not a task for the faint of heart.
Read More6 Hacks to Make New Year’s Resolutions Stick
Someone once told me that quitting smoking is easy. He had already done it a half-dozen times. The same can be said for many of the resolutions people make, whether it’s getting more exercise, eating right, or setting a...
Read MoreHere’s How to Get a Faster Refund This Tax Season
With delays in tax returns over the past couple of years, as the IRS tries to catch up from the backlog and recover from shutdowns, many people are anxious to get their tax returns as fast as possible. Whether you need your return to...
Read MoreFive Healthy Habits for Financial Wellness
Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you...
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...
Read MoreUnderstanding Trade Union Pensions, Retirement Plans, and Social Security Benefits
We work our entire lives and, in the process, we want to make sure that we have planned accordingly for when it is time to retire. Researching the different options out there it can seem overwhelming, trying to figure out which one...
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 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...
Read MoreCountdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...
Read More3 Tax Strategies to Consider at Year-End
With the year rapidly coming to a close, and the upcoming tax year looming with uncertainties, you should consider updating your tax strategy to best preserve your assets into the future. Don't wait to make these adjustments. Check out...
Read MoreWhat the Mid-Terms Might Do to the Stock Market
The S&P 500 does best when one party controls Congress and the WH tooThe 2022 Midterm Elections will feature hundreds of hotly contested races at the state and local level and will decide whether the Democrats maintain...
Read More5 Year-End Tax Planning Questions to Ask Your Financial Professional
The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves...
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 MoreIRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts
As inflation soars, you can now save a lot more for your retirement.On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up...
Read More4 Ways to Save for Retirement Without a 401(k)
You are not alone if you do not have access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Pew Research data reveals that 35% of private-sector employees do not work for an employer that offers a plan.1 Fortunately, other retirement savings options are...
Read More401(k) Rollover Options to Consider
When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice...
Read MoreA Teacher’s Guide to Financial Literacy
It is important to understand basic financial concepts in today's economic climate—from compound interest to the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction. Unfortunately, 65% of Americans are financially illiterate and...
Read MoreHigh Net-Worth Individuals: Are You Missing Opportunities in Your Financial Planning?
High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...
Read MoreIdeas for Reducing the Cost of College
Encourage your student to think about their future financial selfMid-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 see...
Read MoreThe Basics of the 401(k)
Thoughts from a financial professionalMost often, the first question a prospective employee will ask is about your company’s benefit program. And in my experience, the two most often-asked questions are about health insurance and...
Read MorePreparing for the Worst:
Disaster PlanningGiven the daily responsibilities of running a business, planning for an event that may or may not happen may not seem to be a priority. But by preparing for a major disaster, your company will be in a better position...
Read MoreNational Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s also a good time to talk about the insurance crisis facing baby boomersBaby boomers’ huge numbers and surprisingly shaky health threaten government old-age benefits. That’s why you need to bolster your own...
Read More5 Tips For Budgeting Like A Boss
When it comes to creating your own monthly budget, sometimes planning is easier than the practice. Keeping track of finances can be tricky, but, with a few guidelines and time, you can take charge of your bank account once and for all...
Read MoreA Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances Organized
Have you ever found yourself scrambling for spare cash to send with your child for school lunch? Have you paid a late fee because you simply forgot when a bill was due? Have you woken up in a cold sweat trying to remember if you paid...
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 MoreBack to School Checklist
It’s so easy to get caught up in the bliss of summer that, before you know it, the new school year is a week away. To avoid being struck with last minute panic, here are a few things to ask yourself before the first day of school...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence
LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating TurbulenceMarkets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate...
Read MoreTips to Shape Up Your Fiscal Fitness this Summer
A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-runMany people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness program...
Read MoreThe Simple Life: 3 Tips for Simplifying Your Financial Life
If you sometimes feel like your financial life has too many moving parts, you may be looking for ways to get back to the basics—without letting anything slip through the cracks. Fortunately, simplifying your finances does not...
Read MoreRollovers and Prohibited Transactions: What Investors Need to Know
If you've left an employer and are considering moving your 401(k) retirement savings to another plan or an IRA, there is new legislation on these transactions you should know. On December 18, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) adopted...
Read MoreFour Tips for Gaining Financial Independence
The golden rule of financial planning: if you can plan it, you can pursue itOver the past July 4th, we celebrated our country’s history of declaring independence and guaranteeing basic human freedoms. But true freedom includes...
Read More529 College Savings Plans: A Cheat Sheet for Common Questions
Whether your child was just born or is heading toward high school graduation, a 529 savings plan may help you put aside funds to pay for college expenses without paying taxes (federal and some states) on any dividends and gains.1 However, 5
Read More5 Ways a Financial Professional Can Be Your Financial Planning Superhero
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Making the Most of Your Relationship with a Financial Professional
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3 Common Social Security Scams and How To Avoid Being Fooled by Them
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Why You Should Resist the Temptation to Cash Out Your 401(k) Early
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