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Why Retirees Should Devote Time to Community Service
After retirement, you may find you have more time on your hands than you first anticipated. If you are looking for something to fill your downtime that may be fulfilling and beneficial to your health and wellbeing, community service...
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
If you hope to retire soon and are concerned about what the future may hold for your investments, you are not alone. Inflation has many retirees and soon-to-be retirees worried about outliving their savings and investments.1 What...
Read MoreEnduring Market Volatility With a Financial Plan
If you hope to retire soon and are concerned about what the future may hold for your investments, you are not alone. Inflation has many retirees and soon-to-be retirees worried about outliving their savings and investments.1 What...
Read MoreOptimizing Your Social Security Retirement Benefits
What does it mean?Getting the most out of your contributionsOptimizing your Social Security retirement benefits means getting the best return possible on each dollar you've contributed to the system. Every pay period, you pay 6.2...
Read MoreHere’s Why Your Credit Score Matters and How to Improve It
Credit can be a scary subject to approach, whether or not you want to jump into it isn’t an option in most cases; credit determines a lot, but it can also be a great financial tool when used properly. When your credit score is...
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Crossing the Bridge to a Satisfying Retirement
One of the more important—and hopefully enjoyable—events you will face in life is retirement. After spending many years building your career, you have likely accumulated a comfortable nest egg. If you have reached a point...
Read MoreWomen's History Month: 4 Female Financial Pioneers
For decades, women have been making their mark on the business world, overcoming struggles and adversity to be able to get the same recognition as their male counterparts. In the world of finance, the process has been slow, but the...
Read MoreProtect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...
Read MoreWhy Don’t We Save More Money?
Saving, Spending, and Paying Down Your DebtsAmericans used to save a reasonable amount of their income. Unfortunately, now we don’t save as much, and citizens in other Western countries save more. Why do we save less money?...
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. Below are a few ways engineers could apply their...
Read MoreCreating a Business Plan for Entrepreneurs
Want to be your own boss? Ready to turn your hobby into a career? Got a great idea and thinking about launching a business? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to become an entrepreneur. This can...
Read MoreWays to Support Black Business
As the call continues to come for following through on support of minority-owned businesses,[1] many are wondering how they may lend their support to black businesses. Whether through direct investment or community support, there are...
Read MoreCoping with Identity Theft
In generalWhether they're snatching your purse, diving into your dumpster, stealing your mail, or hacking into your computer, they're out to get you. Who are they? Identity thieves.Identity thieves can empty your bank account, max out...
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 MoreThe Best Items to Help You Organize Your Finances and Important Documents
The first step to improving your finances is to get organized.These top Amazon finds can help you create a monthly budget, plan your spending, and safely store your important insurance or personal documents for easy access when...
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 MoreGet SMART with Your New Year’s Resolutions
Many of us set resolutions every New Year’s Day. But if your resolution is too broad or doesn’t have a deadline, it is much easier to abandon or forget it. As the saying goes, “A goal without a plan is just a wish...
Read MoreCreating a Business Plan for Entrepreneurs
Want to be your own boss? Ready to turn your hobby into a career? Got a great idea and thinking about launching a business? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to become an entrepreneur. This can...
Read MoreTips to Control Frenzied Holiday Spending
Take an organized approach to holiday shopping and actually enjoy it If advertisements and commercials are beginning to feature scenes of happy families, clad in brightly colored sweaters, gathered by a fire, surrounded by an...
Read MoreEnd of Year Financial Planning
For some, it’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. By doing so now, you can make the...
Read MoreUnderstanding Charitable Giving
Charitable giving is a great way to support your community, make an impact, or leave a legacy while receiving tax benefits for giving. If you choose to give and find an organization you’re passionate about, add charitable giving...
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 MoreTips for Leaving an Inheritance to Family
Make sure you think about potential disruptions and plan ahead of time Families inherit money and sometimes make the right moves investing and spending. Inheritances can also ignite disruption, divorce and a host of bad behavior...
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 MoreSteps to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Identity theft hits your finances, but also can affect your taxes too Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, with as many as 10% of Americans over age 16 becoming victims last year, according to a...
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Planning Guide
estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances: Generational wealth transfer- Generational wealth transfer may become more important when an event...
Read MoreThe Financial Planning Process: Why and How
Planning personal finances used to be the worry of the wealthy and their worry—usually preservation of wealth—was attended to by teams of trust officers and lawyers. Many of today’s middle class families have...
Read MoreA Quick Guide to Estate Planning for Those With High Net Worth
Even if you never thought of yourself as especially wealthy, there may be a fair chance that you fall into the category of "high net worth individuals"—those who have liquid assets of $1 million or more.1 For many individuals who...
Read MoreAssessing Your Retirement Resources
How resourceful can you be during your retirement? Determining where your retirement money will come from is an integral part of planning for retirement. Most people draw on three main sources of income: Social Security,...
Read MoreWomen - What You Should Know When Starting a Business
Many businesses start small, begun by people seeking the exciting and potentially rewarding experience of "being their own boss" while doing something they enjoy. If you're thinking about starting your own business, you'll need a sound...
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.A job loss is not the end of the...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Female Entrepreneurs
Women own nearly 20% of the businesses that employ people in the United States, and countless more women run their businesses without employees. There are over one million women-owned firms. They employ over 10 million people and...
Read More5 Ways to Practice Financial Self-Care
Smart self-care does not just mean spa days and movie nights: there are other therapeutic ways to reduce your mental and physical stresses, including how you manage your money.
Read MoreFiguring Out a 401(k) Strategy That Works for You
Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectivesEveryone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like...
Read MoreTips for Women to Help Build Financial Independence
Every woman needs to balance her financial past with her financial future. Traditionally, women have been the caretakers of both the older and younger generations of their families. But providing care for family members is becoming...
Read MoreSome Things Investors Need to Know About Booms and Busts
Economies and markets are cyclical. They may include periods of wealth creation and times of bursting bubbles that bankrupt companies in a major downturn."Boom and bust" cycles may last anywhere from a few months to a few years
Read MoreActive vs. Passive Portfolio Management
One of the longest-standing debates in investing is over the relative merits of active portfolio management versus passive management. With an actively managed portfolio, a manager tries to beat the performance of a given benchmark...
Read MoreBack-To-School Shopping List
Labor Day is right around the corner. The weather is starting to turn a little cooler, college football returns and the kids are back in school. For me, it’s always been the kids going back to school that really marked the end of...
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 on...
Read MoreRetirement Planning Does Not Stop in Retirement
Five easy pointers to help you plan during all of your retirement years. If you’re retired, there’s good news in that you’ll probably live longer and perhaps better than your parents and grandparents did.
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Independence for Adults with Disabilities
Disabilities may make it challenging to secure a job or stay financially stable. Luckily, there are now more ways than ever for adults with disabilities to gain their financial independence. Here are some important reasons adults with...
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. With financial...
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.
Read MoreLiving Beyond Your Means Won’t Bring Happiness
Face your financial fears with care, awareness and careful judgment. Do you ever feel that no matter how much money you earn, it’s never enough? Do you spend beyond your means, but still aren’t satisfied?
Read MoreWarren Buffett on How to Plan for Inflation
Inflation swindles almost everybody – stock investors, bond investors…We’ve all heard about Warren Buffett, the 91-year-old multibillionaire known for his friendly demeanor, modest style of living in Omaha, and...
Read MoreFatherly Advice: 6 Timeless Financial Tips Our Fathers Taught Us
Although many things have changed in the financial world over the past 20 years, some nuggets of financial advice are timeless. Here are a few tips that have remained constant for several generations.
Read MoreFinancing Options for Homebuyers and Homeowners
For first-time homebuyers and homeowners who are considering refinancing their current mortgages, trying to decide between a fixed or an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) can be a bit puzzling.
Read MoreHome Sweet Home: The Power of Your Homeowners Policy
If you’re like most homeowners, the importance of homeowners insurance is obvious. If your home is damaged as a result of fire, theft, lightning, heavy snow, or high winds, your homeowners policy would likely cover the cost of...
Read MoreOpening a 529 College Savings Plan Is Better Late Than Never
If you wonder whether it’s too late to start saving for your child’s college education—the answer is no. Whether your child is a newborn or already starting college, a 529 account may provide some tax benefits. Here...
Read MoreHow Do You Know if Your Assets are Diversified?
Using statistical correlations can help refine your investments and manage risk. The turmoil in the markets in the first few months of 2022 has demonstrated the benefits of diversifying your assets.
Read MoreA Look at Your Portfolio Mix
With the onset of higher taxes, taxpayers in the upper brackets may want to reposition their portfolios. Even those in lower tax brackets may benefit from portfolio review and reallocation of funds. Consider the following
Read MoreA Look at Your Portfolio Mix
With the onset of higher taxes, taxpayers in the upper brackets may want to reposition their portfolios. Even those in lower tax brackets may benefit from portfolio review and reallocation of funds. Consider the following: For a...
Read MoreBusiness Forum: Keeping Your Business High and Dry
Most businesses thrive on the ingenuity and dynamism of a few key people. In order to retain their best employees, business owners often devise attractive benefit packages that make it harder for the competition to lure away key...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Adjusting to Retirement
Economists and pundits predicted that the baby boomer generation's retirement would be dramatic, and the COVID pandemic sped things along.
Read More10 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund
As we approach tax day 2022, you may be expecting to receive a tax refund. While you may have a temptation to spend your tax return, other options may be more beneficial to your financial situation.
Read MoreHow To Measure Your Portfolio in Uncertain Times
Making sure your investments help you work towards your true life goals. Too often during uncertain times, we inadvertently compare ourselves to the people around us – and that may lead us to make financial mistakes.
Read MoreWhat role does Social Security play in your retirement income strategy?
As you near retirement, it's likely you'll have many questions about Social Security. How much will your retirement benefit be? When should you apply? Will earnings from a part-time job affect your benefit? Social Security has always...
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 new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some...
Read MoreHow Does an Interest Rate Hike Impact Investors?
The Federal Reserve plans to unwind its bond borrowing since inflation has hit the highest level since 1980. While interest rates will stay near zero, for now, the Fed will start raising interest rates as early as March 2022. With a...
Read MoreProtect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...
Read MoreAmerica’s Changing Vision of Retirement
Retirement planning is a primary reason for long-term saving, and when people think about retirement, finances are often the focus. However, it is important to also look at the nonfinancial aspects of transitioning from the world of...
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. Below are a few ways engineers could apply their...
Read MoreSupport These Black-Owned Home-Based Businesses
February is Black History Month, which is a time to celebrate achievements by those of Black or African American heritage and recognize their central role in United States history. While it is important to celebrate Black History in...
Read MoreEmpower Your Loved One: Encourage Independence
Regardless of age, we all value our independence. We like to come and go as we please, running errands, going grocery shopping, and driving to appointments. But what happens when an aging parent, spouse, or relative is no longer...
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 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 MoreLPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton
LPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the economy continues to move forward, we’re still feeling some aftershocks of...
Read MoreGiving Back to Your Community While Improving Your Bottom Line
Regardless of size, companies can benefit when the community in which they do business thrives. For entrepreneurs, giving back to the community may be more than just a charitable act; it can also make good business sense. If you have...
Read MoreA Financial Review Can Pay Off at Year End
Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...
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 MoreOptions for Financing Your Business
Using many years of experience and industry know-how to establish a business is a goal held by many would-be entrepreneurs. In fact, finding a location, formulating a business plan, and hanging the “Open” sign might be one...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Financial Fraud
Many of us grew up in a world where it was customary to be friendly, courteous, and trusting. Unfortunately, assumptions concerning these standards of conduct can sometimes get us into trouble. Con artists offering a variety of...
Read MorePaving Your Road to Retirement
Whatever your age, it’s never too soon to look ahead and begin giving thought to your retirement. With proper planning, you can make the transition to retirement a smooth, comfortable and confident ride. Today, more than ever,...
Read MoreHow Secure Is Your Data When It’s Stored in the Cloud?
As cloud storage becomes more common, data security is an increasing concern. Companies and schools have been increasing their use of services like Google Drive for some time, and lots of individual users also store files on Dropbox,...
Read MoreResources for Women-Owned Small Businesses
Small businesses face many problems related to their size, capital, and capability, and for women-owned small businesses, the challenge is sometimes even greater. The good news is there are many professional organizations out there...
Read MorePut Yourself in Front of the Savings Game
Like dieting, budgeting your expenses can benefit from long-term commitment. However, human nature leads many of us to become frustrated when we can’t immediately have the things we need or want. As a result, the best-laid...
Read MoreOctober is National Financial Planning Month
Five tips to finding a financial professional that fits you and your family The financial professional you pick to manage your assets and advise you on key financial decisions may affect your retirement and other major financial goals...
Read MoreManage Risk in Your Portfolio
To most people, "risk" evokes negative images -- driving faster than the speed limit, placing bets on "a long shot," or traveling alone to unfamiliar places. Mention risk in terms of investing and people might think about losing their...
Read MoreSome Key Uses of Life Insurance
Have you ever thought about the important role life insurance can play in helping you manage a variety of important financial objectives? Let’s look at some “slice of life” hypothetical examples and you’ll see...
Read MoreClearing the Air on 401(K) Hardship Withdrawals
When it comes to 401(k) plans, some people may find themselves a bit confused about the 10% Federal income tax penalty for withdrawals prior to age 59½ and hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) plan. The Internal Revenue Service...
Read MoreCollege Financial Aid: Do Your Homework
If one or more of your children will reach college age soon, you may be wondering how you will manage all the costs. For many families, a financial aid package provides some level of tuition support in the form of grants, scholarships,...
Read MoreShould You Be Concerned About Inflation?
If you pay attention to financial news, you are probably seeing a lot of discussion about inflation, which has reared its head in the U.S. economy after being mostly dormant for the last decade. In May 2021, the Consumer Price Index...
Read MoreYour Retirement Portfolio: Five Things to Consider Before Market Turbulence
It is human nature to seek advice when things aren't going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Often, people seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock market and their investments are experiencing turbulent...
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 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 MoreHostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information
On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, which carries almost half of the East Coast's fuel supply from Texas to New Jersey, shut down operations in response to a ransomware attack. Colonial paid a $4.4 million ransom not long after...
Read MoreWorkers Want to Stay Put in Home Office
In a survey by job listings site Flexjobs, an astonishing 65 percent of pandemic remote workers said they wanted to keep working from home and 58 percent even said they would look for a new job if they would have to return to the...
Read MoreU.S. Tech Salaries Are Growing Fastest
The latest Dice Tech Salary report is based on a survey of 9,000 employed technologists across the United States and it provides an insight into the development of salaries in tech sector. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in...
Read MoreHealthcare and the Sandwich Generation
Members of the "Sandwich Generation"—or adults who have at least one parent over age 65 and at least one child who still requires financial support—often find themselves torn between their dual caregiving responsibilities.1...
Read MoreSocial Justice and Impact Investing- Doing Good for Others
Social Justice investing is commonly linked to Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), which is investing to do good for others. Now, as COVID-19 continues to shape our societal values, clients are hoping that their investing addresses...
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 MoreHow Financial Planning Helps You Work Towards Your Self-Improvement Goals
Many self-improvement goals focus on stability and personal growth — and financial goals are often no different. From buying your first home to saving for retirement, planning your finances can also help you work toward your...
Read MoreInvesting for Your Later Years? Think Asset Preservation but Don't Forget Growth
After years of investing for retirement and other goals, you may have accumulated a substantial portfolio. If you're approaching or already enjoying retirement, there are important steps that you can take to help ensure that your...
Read MoreFear, Greed, and Your Portfolio
Finance, in general, bases on rational and logical theories, and for the most part, tends to be somewhat predictable. Early financial theories assumed that people behave rationally and predictably and that outside factors and emotions...
Read MoreBalancing a Retirement Portfolio with Asset Allocation
The combination of investments you choose is as important as the individual investments themselves. In fact, many experts argue that it's even more important, since the mix of various types of investments accounts for most of the ups...
Read MoreTest Your Investment IQ With Our Five-Question Quiz
Whether you've been investing for years or just made your first stock purchase, you may find that the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know. From capital gains taxes to dividends, how well do you know investing? Test your...
Read MoreWhen’s the Right Time to Retire?
Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible. According to Gallup, the...
Read MoreThree Key Components of Financial Literacy
Financial feats that were once unheard of—from investing in cryptocurrency to instantly paying someone through an online payment system—have now become commonplace in many parts of the country. But these sophisticated tasks...
Read MoreMaintaining Your Mental Health in the Time of Coronavirus
Even if you're not one of the 36 percent of Americans whose mental health has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, it's important to be proactive when it comes to maintaining a positive emotional state during these turbulent...
Read MoreManaging Risk With Diversification
Disclaimer: This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors...
Read MoreRetirement Planning: To Roth or Not to Roth?
When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...
Read MoreDear Clients and Friends
Assetio Wealth Management Rob Proano, MBA, PhD, CFPâ CA Insurance #0E53814 1010 N. Central Ave., Suite 307 Glendale, CA 91202-2937 (818) 433-1038 Office (818) 724-9953 Fax rob@assetio.com www.assetio.com April 6th, 2021 Dear...
Read MoreBeyond Retirement: Consider Your Other Goals
Disclosure: This material has been given an ‘Approved As Is’ status by Advertising Review. For advisors who want to sue and/or customize preapproved materials, they must first review the Communications with the Public...
Read MorePlanning Your Exercise & Your Financial Fitness
Most people don’t prepare to invest and that’s a big mistake Waking up early in the morning before the sun is up and heading to the gym comes hard. Once your workout ends, though, you often begin the day with the payoff of...
Read MoreEstate Planning Checklist - Is your estate plan up to date?
One of the first steps you’ll take in the estate planning process is determining how much planning you’ll need to undertake. Two key components of your initial needs evaluation are an estate analysis and a settlement cost...
Read MoreHow Financial Asset Management May Help Investors Stay the Course
Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...
Read MoreSix Tips for Wealth & Sanity
And the most important tip of all? Hire a financial professional. Investing can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a portfolio that was built for you and use the help of a financial professional, you...
Read MoreAppetite for Risk
Disclosure: This material has been given an ‘Approved As Is’ status by Advertising Review. For advisors who want to sue and/or customize preapproved materials, they must first review the Communications with the Public...
Read MoreSix Keys to More Successful Investing
Six Keys to More Successful Investing A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible...
Read More5 Tips to Get Started With Tax Aware Investing
Ultimately, the goal of investing is to try to make as much money as possible, and of course, you don't want to let taxes eat into your gains. Tax aware investing helps you minimize the effect of taxes on your investment portfolio....
Read MoreManaging Your Retirement Plan When Switching Jobs
Changing jobs can impact your retirement plan. To minimize disruptions to your contributions and the vested portion of your previous employer’s contributions, it’s important to understand the choices you may have when you...
Read MoreWhat Should California Residents Know About Proposition 19?
On Election Day 2020, California voters narrowly approved Proposition 19 (“Prop 19”), a constitutional amendment designed to change the way that tax assessments can be transferred. Although the amendment covered many...
Read MoreIRS Makes 2021 IRA Cost-of-Living-Adjustments
Understanding the income ranges and contribution limits for next year Tax law places limits on the dollar amount of contributions that you can make to Individual Retirement Accounts and by law, the IRS is required to adjust these...
Read MoreKey Tax Deadlines for 2021
While the 2020 tax year saw some significant changes to filing deadlines due to the effects of the global pandemic, the 2021 tax season seems to be set to be on track with normal filing deadlines. With the pandemic still in sight, it...
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 MoreTax Benefits of Charitable Planning
When you donate to a charity, you want to know that your donation is going to its highest and best purpose—which means minimizing the tax exposure of the donated assets. One way to accomplish this, whether you're hoping to donate...
Read MoreHow to Evaluate a Charity and Whether to Donate
Responsible giving doesn't only involve making sure to help those in need, but also ensuring that you perform your proper research by evaluating the charity. Proper evaluation will help you to make sure that your funds are being used...
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 MoreShort-Term Goals vs. Retirement Savings
Too many focus on immediate needs versus saving for retirement American workers find it difficult to save for retirement because their distant financial needs tend to take a backseat to more immediate economic concerns, even if they...
Read MorePlanning for Retirement? Don't Forget About Long-Term Care
Your plans for retirement may include travel, home improvements, and more time spent with family. Few people enter retirement with the expectation (or even the thought) that they soon may be unable to live independently. However, this...
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...
Read More6 Essential Tips for Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is all about the future, your future. Whether you are classified as a millennial, Gen Xers, women, or you are in your 40s-50s, retirement planning is a must. The key to successful retirement planning is starting...
Read MoreHow Should High Net-Worth Women Use Their 401(k)?
The 401(k) allows (most) account owners to stash away nearly $20,000 per year (or more than $25,000 for those age 50 and over), without paying any federal income tax on contributions. And with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reducing the top...
Read More4 Reasons for the Return of Market Volatility
Until early 2018, stocks were enjoying their longest period without a five percent pullback in nearly 90 years.1,2 But in early February, that calm came to a sudden and decisive end, as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell more...
Read MoreInvesting in an Election Year
The world's events always affect the markets, and making smart investment choices requires you to look at what's happening around the world. But what about during an election year? How should you invest while the country is deciding...
Read MorePerspective on the Second Fastest Bear Recovery
Starting with the last week in July and for the first three weeks of August, investors celebrated that the S&P 500 had advanced for four consecutive weeks, culminating with it passing its pre-COVID peak from February 19th on August...
Read More3 High-Net Retirement Savings Mistakes You Want to Avoid
When it comes to retirement savings, the goal is quite simple for most. To accumulate as much wealth as possible so that they are able to retire in comfort and style, while they enjoy the fruits of years of labor. For those with a...
Read MoreCOVID-19 Delaying Your Retirement Date?
Recent surveys have indicated that many of us are rethinking our retirement plans because of COVID-19. In fact, one survey from the nonprofit group Life Happens suggests that a whopping 43% of Americans say they plan to postpone and...
Read MoreA LOOK AT DIVERSIFICATION
Ancient Chinese merchants were said to have developed a unique way to manage their risk. They would divide their shipments among several different vessels. That way, if one ship were to sink or be attacked by pirates, the rest stood a...
Read MoreGLOBAL VS. INTERNATIONAL: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
With international stock markets comprising about 45.5 percent of the world’s capitalization, a broad range of investment opportunities exist outside the borders of the U.S.1 For investors who are looking to diversify their...
Read MoreALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS - GOING MAINSTREAM
Recent years have witnessed the mainstreaming of alternative investments for certain accredited investors. In fact, one study found that alternative investments have grown to make up about 25% of state and locally run public pension...
Read MoreEARNINGS FOR ALL SEASONS
While nature offers four seasons, Wall Street offers only one – four times a year. It’s called “earnings season,” and it can move the markets. So, what is earnings season and why is it important? Earnings season...
Read MoreShould You Buy Your Partner’s Book of Business When They Retire?
You have spent years building your business with your partner, and now, they are getting ready to leave the firm. But that doesn't have to mean that their clients have to leave the firm. Instead, you may want to buy your partner's book...
Read MoreThe Coronavirus and the Global Economy
As of February 26, 2020, the death toll from COVID-19 — the official name of the coronavirus first reported in Wuhan, China — passed 2,700, while the number of confirmed cases exceeded 80,000. Almost all were in China, most...
Read MoreThe COVID-19 Risks of Trying to Time the Market
Success can be achieved by time in the market, not in trying to time the market For the past two months, the market declines and market rallies have been historic, as COVID-19 introduced a level of uncertainty that was difficult to...
Read MoreWill COVID-19 Cause Deflation to Show Up?
First time in 60 years that core Consumer Price Index (CPI) has dropped for 3 consecutive months On June 10, 2020, the Department of Labor released CPI numbers for May and there was a chorus singing deflationary tunes for the rest of...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?
Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is...
Read MoreNavigating the Path to Homeownership After COVID-19
The arrival of spring flowers often means one thing — the home-buying season is here. But with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing in early March 2020 and many parts of the U.S. still under shelter-in-place orders through...
Read MoreAssessing Your Retirement Resources
How resourceful can you be during your retirement? Determining where your retirement money will come from is an integral part of planning for retirement. Most people draw on three main sources of income: Social Security,...
Read MoreBEST-PERFORMING ASSET CLASSES
According to Yale University's Crash Confidence Index, only about 27% of investors are confident the stock market will not crash sometime during the next six months.1 But if fear leads investors to avoid the entire investment class,...
Read MoreCould these Market Pullbacks be Opportunities?
How this late-winter, coronavirus-induced market turbulence affects you depends upon how old you are. For people in or near retirement, it is scary – yet there are ways to offset a shrinking stock portfolio. Regardless of your...
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 MoreRisk Management and Your Retirement Savings Plan
By investing for retirement through your employer-sponsored plan, you are helping to manage a critically important financial risk: the chance that you will outlive your money. But choosing to participate is just one step in your...
Read MoreRetirement Assistance Within the CARES Act
In late March 2020, as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged past 100,000, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law.1 The CARES Act provides around $2.2 trillion in aid to...
Read MoreReducing Risk with Diversification
Diversification is a basic concept that's critical to building a portfolio able to withstand the test of time. It is the process of spreading your money among a variety of securities to reduce exposure to any one investment or asset...
Read MoreWhat to Know About the Individual Relief Provided by the CARES Act
As the coronavirus crisis hit a fever pitch in late March 2020, Congress passed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion relief package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While much of the CARES Act focuses...
Read MoreFive Strategies for Tax-Efficient Investing
After factoring in federal income and capital gains taxes, the alternative minimum tax, and possible state and local taxes, your investments' returns in any given year may be reduced by 40% or more. Here are five ways to potentially...
Read More9 FACTS ABOUT RETIREMENT
Tip: Nearly 70% of workers expect to work for pay in retirement, but only 26% of retirees actually have done so. Source: 2018 Retirement Confidence Survey, EBRI Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel...
Read MoreDoes Your Portfolio Reflect Your Risk Tolerance?
When it comes to investing, many people associate risk with losing money. But investing entails different types of risk. Understanding each type -- and the potential return associated with your retirement portfolio -- can help you...
Read MoreWhy is ESG Investing So Appealing?
For more than 200 years, long before the advent of modern stock markets and electronic trading, some investors have been committed to socially-responsible (SRI) investing.1 This involves choosing companies and products that...
Read MoreProtect Your Assets With a Trust
Contrary to what many people think, trusts are not reserved only for the wealthy. The truth is, people from all walks of life may benefit from a trust. What Is a Trust? Generally speaking, a trust is a legal entity that allows someone...
Read MoreThe Basics of Long-Term Care Insurance
Thinking about the need and the costs of long-term care is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. But while it's a difficult subject to talk about, it's also a topic that often generates lots of questions and misunderstanding. Consider...
Read MoreUnderstanding Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D
Medicare contains many rules that beneficiaries and their caregivers are required to learn. Perhaps the best way to grasp the program's details is to review the major components of the Medicare program: Parts A, B, C, and D. Medicare...
Read More10 Ways the Secure Act Will Impact Your Retirement Savings
With the decline of traditional pensions, most of us are now responsible for squirrelling away money for our own retirement. In today's do-it-yourself retirement savings world, we rely largely on 401(k) plans and IRAs. However, there...
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