Bear Market Update
The SP500 entered bear market territory on Monday June 13th. In this video, I discuss: What does that mean? Well, we’ve seen this before. Many times! Should it concern us? We don’t think it should if you are our client. Remember, what you own, why you own it and how the investments in your portfolio… Read more
Items for your Financial Playbook
We just published our ‘Q2 – What to do with your Playbook this quarter’ video today on YouTube (see link below) . My hope is this short video will be a reminder of things we need to address in our Playbooks this quarter and encouragement on how to get it done. Communicating in this format is… Read more
The Facts about Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security Retirement benefits are one thing that people know of, but often what they know isn’t always accurate. First, the Social Security Trust Fund was created in 1939 as part of Old Age and Survivors Insurance by the Social Security Administration (OASI). The goal of this legislation was to help American workers have financial… Read more
Your 2022 Financial Playbook: Quarter 1 is Statement Time!
If you’re like many Americans, you may have New Year’s resolutions of improving your financial life. The beginning of a New Year is a great time to focus on your financial goals and objectives since life can change year to year and impact your finances. Another focus this time of year is on all of… Read more
Hoping that 2022 is When You Retire Early?
A pre-retirement checklist to make early (or earlier) retirement a reality As we make our way through 2022, maybe the dream of early retirement has begun to take shape in your mind. Maybe you’re researching when you might first qualify for Social Security retirement benefits (hint: for Social Security income, the youngest age when you… Read more
Retirement Contribution Limit Changes for 2022
With inflation on the rise, the IRS increased the 2022 contribution limits for some retirement accounts. Although a 2021 Congressional report found that only about 8.5% of defined benefit plan participants and 4.7% of individual retirement account (IRA) holders max out their contributions each year, increasing the amount you put aside for retirement may help… Read more
A Season of Giving: 5 Different Ways To Give During the Holidays
With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others’ lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person’s life or the life of many, there are many ways to give this holiday season. Here are some different ways… Read more
2021 Year-End Planning for Retirees
For some, 2021 has flown by—and as we approach the last quarter of the year, it’s a good time to begin planning for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for retirees and those hoping to retire in 2021 or 2022. There are tax and income strategies you might consider regarding your financial assets.… Read more
Inherited IRAs: What You Should Know
The rules and consequences of IRA beneficiary arrangements are complex The rules pertaining to Individual Retirement Account (IRA) beneficiaries can be complicated. Here is a quick look at the limitations the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places on the beneficiaries of IRAs. The biggest difference in the rules pertaining to IRA beneficiaries revolves around two separate… Read more
Retirement Confidence Remains Strong, Despite Pandemic
Despite the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic, American workers and retirees remain largely optimistic about their financial prospects for retirement. In its annual Retirement Confidence Survey conducted in January 2021, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that 80% of retirees and 72% of workers were either very or somewhat confident in their ability… Read more