As a successful business owner, you know how important asset protection is. However, many business owners look past an important question when protecting their assets: “Why am I doing this?” A cursory glance at that question might make an owner say, … [Read more...]
Year-end financial steps to take now
As we suddenly find ourselves in the final quarter of 2020, now is a great time to review our finances before we are swept away with the activities that come with the holiday season – even if those activities will likely look very different this … [Read more...]
Born before Jan. 2, 1954? You could be leaving free money on the table
In most cases, it is to your advantage to delay drawing Social Security benefits until you reach age 70. Your benefit amount increases by 8% each year that you wait to draw your benefit until you are 70. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, … [Read more...]
529 plan’s less popular cousin – the Coverdell ESA
We’re continuing our education series with a closer look at Coverdell ESAs. Before 529 plans were expanded to include K-12 tuition, Coverdell ESAs were a popular way to save for both college and secondary education expenses. Coverdells have … [Read more...]
Roth conversions on sale
Chances are your IRA has a lower market value today than it did at the start of the year. No matter your age or retirement timeframe, this can be a hard pill to swallow. While the current market environment may only seem to bring negative thoughts of … [Read more...]
Focus on what you can control
On March 11th, 2020, the Dow Jones Industrial Average entered bear market territory for the first time in 11 years, followed by the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq the next day. A bear market is defined as a sustained period of downward trending stock … [Read more...]
Talking about money with your spouse
February – the month of love. This month, let’s switch gears from talking about divorce to talking about how to have productive conversations with your spouse about money. “Money Issues” is consistently named as one of the top causes for divorce, … [Read more...]
Education Savings Tools – how to choose a savings option
College is quickly becoming more and more expensive. As we plan for education costs, we’ve started to grow college expenses at a higher inflation rate than healthcare. Long gone are the days where you could work through school, avoid loans, and … [Read more...]
Resolve to make better decisions with money
New Year’s resolutions often address behavior changes such as exercise and diet. But your financial health has a big impact on your overall well-being. Here are four serious financial resolutions and one fun one to make in 2020. Make a plan to … [Read more...]
SECURE Act – How are you affected?
With the passing of the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act at the end of December, you may be asking how or if this impacts your financial plan. A few of the bigger changes are highlighted below. Delays RMD age … [Read more...]