Financial Planning

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529 SAVINGS PLAN: AN OVERVIEW

We regularly get questions from clients about how they can help provide college funding for their kids or their grandkids. One of our favorite mechanisms for future savings for college is the 529 savings plan. With nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars invested in these plans, Americans are increasingly using it as a tool to save for future educational needs. The original idea behind a 529 plan is to allow families to save for college costs with tax-deferred earnings…

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ROTH IRA CONVERSIONS: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHEN DO THEY MAKE SENSE?

A Roth conversion involves transferring funds from a retirement account, which is taxed upon withdrawal, to a Roth IRA, where withdrawals may be taken tax-free in retirement. People who have primarily invested in a Traditional IRA and haven’t contributed much to a Roth IRA might find it beneficial to convert some Traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA. 3 Benefits of a Roth Conversion Tax-free income in retirement Passing assets to heirs tax-free Lower required minimum distribution (RMD) To further…

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10 MUST-ASK QUESTIONS FOR A FINANCIAL ADVISOR INTERVIEW

Are you looking to hire a financial advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals? Conducting a successful interview is crucial in finding the right candidate for the job. To help you make the most of the interview process, we have compiled a list of the top 10 must-ask questions for a successful financial advisor interview. The Role of a Financial Advisor A financial advisor is a professional who offers financial guidance to clients based on their individual needs…

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PERSONAL FINANCE APPS

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 money. 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. Then, you can direct funds towards something else that has greater importance to you, such as saving for retirement, a new home, or…

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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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6 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR POCKETBOOK FOR 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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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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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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