Financial Planning

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CAN YOU MAKE ROTH IRA CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS?

As tax time comes around each year, clients often ask us, “can I still make an IRA/ Roth IRA contribution for last year?” The good news is if it is before the tax filing deadline (i.e., April 15, 2024 for the 2023 tax year), yes, you might be able to. Who can make a retroactive IRA or Roth IRA contribution? Roth IRA contribution eligibility is determined by your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and your age. Traditional IRA contribution eligibility…

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HOW TO AVOID A SPENDING HANGOVER AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays can be an expensive time of year. Between trying to please everyone and buying for everyone, your finances may suffer. Here are 6 tips to make the gift buying season easier for your wallet and your stress level. Make a list and stick to it. Make a list of all the people you need to buy for this year, set a spending limit for each gift, and then follow it! It is never too early to start a…

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6 MONEY MISTAKES THAT COULD COST YOU

Are you tired of being worried that you’re making mistakes when it comes to your money? Are you feeling confused about where best to stash your dollars? In this guide, we will unveil the top 6 damaging money mistakes you’ll want to avoid. From overspending, to saving for the wrong reasons, we’ll explore the common pitfalls we have seen over the years as financial advisors and provide you with practical tips on how to avoid these costly errors. Whether you’re…

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8 QUESTIONS TO ASK A FINANCIAL ADVISOR

When it comes to managing your finances, it is important to have a trusted financial advisor who can guide you towards your goals. This will be an important relationship, and you want to be able to trust this person and feel comfortable talking about important subjects like money and personal goals. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? By asking these 8 essential questions: What are your qualifications and experience?  It is important to…

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MASTERING THE ART OF FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

In today’s ever-changing financial landscape, the need for effective risk management has become more crucial than ever. It’s not just about making smart investment decisions; it’s about protecting your hard-earned money from unexpected market fluctuations, economic downturns, and unforeseen events. In this guide, we will explore the three essential risks to consider so you can be better prepared to navigate the complex world of finance. 3 Types of Financial Risk There are 3 main things to be aware of when…

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6 Items to Check Off Your Financial List

Just like getting the oil changed in your car on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to check on your financial house to be sure everything is in order. Here are a few items to review every year to be sure they are working in your favor: Personal spending plan – if you are not following a spending plan yet, create one and follow it. Cash flow is the cornerstone of achieving financial goals such as retirement and funding…

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Roth Conversions: What are they and when do they make sense?

A Roth conversion is the process of moving traditional IRA dollars, which are taxed when withdrawn, to a Roth IRA which can be withdrawn tax free. Benefits of a Roth conversion Tax-free income in retirement Ability to pass assets tax-free to heirs Lower Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) For example, you have a traditional IRA with a $100,000 balance as of 12/31 in 2021 and you turn 72 in 2022. Your RMD for 2022 would be roughly $3,600. But let’s say…

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Student Loan Payments Resume

It has been over three years since student loan payments were paused due to the pandemic. Now that the pause is coming to an end, here are a few key things to know if you or a loved one has a student loan: Interest begins accruing on 9/1/23. Payments resume in October. Your specific due date may vary depending on your service provider. Biden has proposed an “on ramp” transition period. During this 12-month period: Missed monthly payments will not…

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Personal Finance Applications

Having an easy to manage spending plan is the cornerstone for financial success. It’s important to know your cash inflows and outflows so that you make the most of your hard-earned cash. Knowing how much you spend on categories like groceries, eating out, or gas can help you identify areas where maybe you are spending too much. This can help you direct funds towards something else that has importance to you, such as saving for retirement, a new home, or…

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Financial Planning – More Important than Ever

Over the past few months, we have been living a new “normal.” This includes wearing face masks in public, social distancing, and communicating with our friends and loved ones not in person, but almost entirely virtually. These changes may cause you to pause and consider your priorities and what your future looks like. Many things in life are out of our control, but working with an advisor to create or revise your financial plan is a great way to take…

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