In the financial services industry, many confusing terms and jargon make it hard to know who you are hiring and what service they will provide. Recently, we covered why we recommend paying a fee whenever you work with a financial advisor. But what is a financial advisor, planner, or wealth manager, and how do you know you are hiring the right one for your unique situation? Here are questions to ask a Financial Advisor before you hire them.
Read MoreHere we are after a very tough market in 2022, kicking off a new year and heading into a fresh start for 2023. The reality is that we do still have some challenges ahead in the markets. In this 2023 Market Outlook, learn what those challenge are as well as what we see as far as opportunities in the year ahead.
Read MoreYou should want to pay fees to your advisor. Why? Because as the old adage goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Choosing a fiduciary, fee-only financial advisor who provides objective advice will help you realize your financial goals.
Read MoreIt’s official – the SECURE Act 2.0 passed on December 23, 2022 and many impacts will be felt right away in 2023 as the new legislation takes effect. Below, you’ll find some at-a-glance highlights of the new SECURE Act 2.0 and what this may mean for your financial and retirement planning ahead in 2023.
Read MoreLike the last couple of years, 2022 was another one full of ups and downs. I think many of us are looking forward to what the new year will bring! As 2022 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reassess our financial situation and planning considerations as we look into 2023. Each calendar year, the IRS adjusts contribution limits for retirement plans to account for inflation. As we look ahead, we again have some changes for 2023 retirement plan contributions.
Read MoreCharitable giving has gained a lot of steam in recent years as we look for ways to give back and find a few tax breaks along the way. When it comes to charitable giving, many make simple cash contributions. Still, there may be more strategic ways to give to your favorite causes, create a more significant impact, and reduce your tax liability even further.
Read MoreWe have all felt the impacts of inflation in 2022. However, there is a glimmer of hope for aggressive retirement savers. Because 401(k) contribution limits are tied to the CPI (consumer price index), which has increased significantly in 2022, savers may reap the benefits.
Read MoreRecently, there have been many headlines in the news around I savings bonds, known as I bonds or inflation bonds. These headlines have caused much confusion around the topic, and we wanted to clear up what I bonds are, how they can be utilized, and pitfalls to watch out for when considering them for your portfolio.
Read MoreHave you heard about The Inflation Reduction Act? It has recently passed the House and the Senate, and was signed into law by President Biden. This bill will come into effect quickly, which is why it is an excellent opportunity to share a little bit about what this means and some things you can do to prepare for the Inflation Reduction Act.
Read MoreAs you may recall, the SECURE Act was passed in late 2019 to apply in the years 2020 onward. Although complex, many of the rules around inherited IRAs were relatively straightforward up until very recently, that is. The IRS provided guidance on these SECURE Act provisions this year, surprising many, specifically around distributions and payouts on inherited accounts.
Read MoreAverage mortgage rates are now above 6%. Although a 3% increase may not seem like much, consider that this 3% increase means that interest rates have doubled in just about six months. So, how does this rise in interest rates impact the real estate market in 2022?
Read MoreAs we find ourselves in another stock market downturn in 2022, it is important as a financial planner to help break apart the narrative and provide financial perspective. While the markets are extremely important to pay attention to for your retirement planning, long term strategies should be in place to keep you on track for the long haul.
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