Investments
2021 Off to a Fast Start
Our featured article of the month, 2021 Off to a Fast Start, provides a quick summary on the most recent events that occurred during the first few weeks of this new year and the markets' reaction. With a new administration firmly in place, the excitement surrounding the festivities and related activities are expected to subside as the...
2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s & More
Our featured article of the month, 2021 Limits for IRAs, 401ks & More, serves more as a reminder of the contribution limits for retirement accounts along with information on some slight qualification adjustments. IRA contributions for 2020 would be due by the time you file your tax returns or April 15, 2021. For added clarity...
The Financial Planning Process
Our featured article of the month, The Financial Planning Process, outlines the six steps to creating a financial plan using the services of a CFP® professional. The CFP® Board Standards detail the expectations of a relationship between a client and their CFP® professional, providing a framework for the engagement. The standards are in place to...
Tax Considerations for Retirees
Our featured article of the month, Tax Considerations for Retirees, follows up on our previous month's topic, The Secure Act, with more tax talk. April 15th is right around the corner, so it's time to gather your W2s, 1099s, 1099Rs and 5498s for tax preparation. Instead of just going through the motions this season, consider...
The SECURE Act
Our featured article of the month, The SECURE Act, explains a few of the provisions to the current rules regarding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Inherited IRAs otherwise known as Stretch IRAs. Additionally, continued contributions have been revised as well as changes to multiple employer plans. The most notable changes affecting my clients include the...
8 Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
Our featured article of the month, Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement, lists commonly made errors that many individuals make prior to their planning and ultimate transition to retirement. The number one theme to these mistakes involves planning, or a lack thereof. A strategy or plan is well thought out and entails particular objectives....
The SECURE Act and Traditional IRA Changes
Our featured article of the month, The SECURE Act and Traditional IRA Changes, is a brief introduction to a law that has not yet passed, but that may have far reaching consequences for many investors and retirees. As stated, the SECURE Act has not cleared the Senate as of yet, however there is a good...
TOD or Living Trust?
Our highlighted article of the month, TOD or Living Trust?, reviews two simple methods for shielding assets from probate. A Revocable Living Trust is a very effective vehicle used to transfer assets without being hampered by the probate process. They require more work establishing them initially, but once they are setup and funded, they do...
Your Financial Co-Pilot
Our highlighted article of the month, Your Financial Co-Pilot, touches on some key points as to why maintaining a relationship with a trusted financial professional is a good succession plan. This particular article touches close to home. Many know that I took over my mother’s financial planning business after she died in 2003. Like the...
Are You Retiring Within the Next 5 Years?
Our highlighted article of the month, Are You Retiring Within the Next 5 Years?, is a timely article for those considering retiring in the near future. From considering income needs, to relocation and portfolio construction objectives, a retirement transition could involve multiple levels of decisions and some paradigm shifts in thinking about such items. For...