Retirement Planning
The House Passes Spending Bill that Includes SECURE Act
On Tuesday, December 17, 2019, the House of Representatives passed a $1.4 trillion spending bill that included the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement). The Bill now heads to the Senate where approval is expected and then on to President Trump who is expected to sign the legislation into law. If enacted,…
Read MoreReviewing Your Company’s 401(k) Retirement Plan
It is safe to say that we now live in the “fiduciary era” when talking about company 401(k) retirement plans. If you are a business owner who sponsors a 401(k) plan, you have the fiduciary responsibility for all aspects of your retirement plan. Plan sponsors have seen an increase in lawsuits for a variety of…
Read MoreWhat is the Appropriate Asset Allocation for Your Investment Portfolio?
According to many studies published over the past 25 years, a significant portion of investment returns are determined by how investors allocate their assets versus security selection, market timing, and other factors, including style within asset classes (value vs. growth), and fees. Therefore, how an investor allocates their investment portfolio among stocks, bonds, and cash…
Read MoreIndividual Retirement Account (IRA) Contributions
In an era where pensions are few and far between, and future Social Security benefits are in question, it’s important for individuals and their families to save for their own retirement savings. A great and simple way to save for your retirement (with potential tax savings) is through an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). IRA contributions…
Read MoreWhen Should I Switch from Managing My Own Investments to Utilizing the Services of a Financial Advisor?
Not every investor feels like they need a professional financial advisor. Many investors feel that they have the knowledge to manage their investments on their own. In addition, some people just don’t want to pay the fees of a financial advisor for something they feel they can do themselves. When it comes to investing, a…
Read MoreRetirement Planning Strategies to Avoid Higher Medicare Premiums
When planning for their clients’ retirement, most financial advisors tell their clients to utilize 401(k) accounts and IRAs to accumulate as much as possible in these tax-deferred accounts. Allowing these accounts to grow tax-deferred is a great way to save for a person’s secure retirement. However, accumulating a large 401(k) or IRA can come along…
Read MoreRetirement on the Horizon: A Financial Planning Checklist
Retirement is one of the biggest events you will experience in your lifetime and requires you to have a retirement checklist to plan your finances correctly. Starting that next phase of life brings about significant changes, both personally and financially. Financial freedom and security in retirement does not just happen. Retirement planning takes time, carefully…
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distribution Strategies
It’s time to take a fresh look at Qualified Charitable Distributions after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Many taxpayers, especially retirees with little or no mortgage interest, will no longer itemize their deductions due to the new tax law. Taxpayers will see a nearly doubling of the standard deduction (to $24,000 for married filing…
Read More