Welcome to our blog! I look forward to on a timely basis to provide you various items of what is on my mind. From strategies to enhance your own financial plan to ways to keep your retirement on track. We are also going to keep it light so maybe I will put out there a great restaurant review, to a great vacation spot I find. Your going to have to check periodically, because I plan on keeping it fun, and keep you off balance with humor, fun and useful ideas on wealth management. All great things you can share with friends and family. Hey your friends person might have a great investment, but aren't people really interested in that great bargain or hot new restaurant in town - told you we will keep it fun. So stay tuned!
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Investing, much like a roller coaster, comes with its ups and downs. So far, the first quarter of 2025 has left many investors feeling queasy, prompting some to consider jumping ship in search of safer ground. But is that really the...
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Thursday, February 6, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are set for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9. Over the years, the Super Bowl has gone from a mere championship game to a cultural event, earning both national and international...
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Monday, January 13, 2025
Inflation is a very personal experience. How it affects you largely depends on the products and services you consistently buy. Over the years, some of you have developed different ways to measure how inflation impacts your daily lives...
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Friday, January 3, 2025
With 2024 coming to a close, I want to share my thoughts on America's current fiscal policy, geopolitical elements, and other factors that may help shape 2025's financial landscape. This transition period offers both challenges and...
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Wednesday, December 18, 2024
If you dream of your financial legacy leaving a lasting impact on the world, there's a way you can make a difference. You can use your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to make charitable donations, a strategy that could benefit...
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024
If you dream of your financial legacy leaving a lasting impact on the world, there's a way you can make a difference. You can use your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to make charitable donations, a strategy that could benefit...
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Thursday, November 21, 2024
Hold everything; stop the presses! There is talk that the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 may get extended. With Republicans in control of the legislative and executive branches, most agree that tax reform will be part of the...
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Tuesday, November 12, 2024
How to Survive a Divorce Financially Divorce can be one of the most challenging and emotionally charged experiences in life, often rivaling severe health crises in its intensity. During this difficult time, financial decisions can...
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Thursday, November 7, 2024
Identity theft is a reality in the digital age. You can take steps to protect yourself, but if you don’t, you might suffer major consequences. Hackers and identity thieves look for the easiest marks. They take advantage of trusting...
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Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Now that election season has ended, it may be helpful to examine how the different combinations of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives have looked like since 1900. As the accompanying table shows, a Republican or...
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Thursday, October 24, 2024
Stop me if you've heard this one before–“You may care more about the outcome of the presidential election than your portfolio.” As a rule, I avoid discussing politics, but I find it important to contribute some insights as we enter...
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Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Now the only question is, “How much will short-term interest rates drop in September?” At his annual speech to global central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chair Powell laid out a strategy to cut short-term interest rates, but...
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Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Life is an amazing journey full of challenges and triumphs. No matter where you are on the journey, preparing can be a key part of success. That’s why we are happy to remind you that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Life...
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Monday, August 26, 2024
An Annual Review with a Financial Professional is a Good Investment. Even in the best of times, life is constantly changing. New jobs, marriage, kids, your first home – all require a fresh look at your financial plans. During...
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Tuesday, August 20, 2024
The trader's adage goes, “The stock market takes the stairs up and the elevator down.” The saying helps illustrate the speed at which stock prices can move, especially over the last few days. Here's how the recent stock market drop...
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Monday, August 5, 2024
The Importance of a Mid-Year Financial Review It is not just a routine task, but a strategic necessity to align with your goals As we reach the halfway mark of the year, it's a prime opportunity to assess your financial planning goals...
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Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Prepare or Beware: The Dangers of Retirement Planning Procrastination Most people looking forward to retirement anticipate years of relaxation and fulfillment after decades of hard work. But the reality of retirement is often far...
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Monday, July 1, 2024
What does the term "financial freedom" mean to you? For some, it means freedom from a particular workplace or industry. For others, it means the opportunity for an early retirement or the ability to start a long-desired business.
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Monday, June 24, 2024
As a small business owner, having the right insurance coverage can be the difference between success and bankruptcy. While your specific insurance needs may vary widely depending on the nature of your business, there are several types.
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Monday, June 17, 2024
Protecting your finances is always important. But as you approach retirement, with less time to bounce back from any missteps, it becomes even more critical to avoid fraud, identity theft, and other threats.
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Monday, June 10, 2024
Between 1986 and 2001, an investment study was conducted by journalist Eleanor Laise that evaluated the performance of the Mensa investment club vs. the S&P 500.
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Monday, June 3, 2024
Annuities are a well-kept secret in the small business financing world. Businesses can use these products in various ways, both to meet their own financial goals and to provide retirement benefits to owners and employees.
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Growing a business is impressive, but it takes more than just turning a profit to build wealth: It requires a mind shift from short-term gains to long-term prosperity.
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Tuesday, May 21, 2024
There are several ways high-net-worth individuals can benefit from life insurance. It is a vehicle that could provide loved ones with an income stream, it can be used as an investment strategy, it may help to lower your estate tax burden.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2024
As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 5.25 to 5.50 percent for the fifth consecutive meeting.
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024
In the realm of retirement planning, mutual funds stand as fundamental investment vehicles within 401(k) plans, offering participants access to diversified portfolios and professional fund management.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence.
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Friday, April 12, 2024
Many people postpone the planning of their estates because they assume that estate planning is only for the affluent. Others may think that estate planning is similar to tax planning, which can always be done “later.”
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Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Dealing with the death of a loved one is not easy. With it comes many decisions, including how to handle the funds from their life insurance policy.
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Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Families with childcare expenses know how difficult it can be in a world of increased inflation, rising cost of living, and minimal wage increases.
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Thursday, March 28, 2024
With summer on the horizon, many of us are eagerly awaiting exciting activities and well-deserved getaways. However, these adventures can also lead to higher expenses that put extra strain on our wallets.
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Thursday, March 21, 2024
As high-net-worth individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning during their working years, one critical aspect often goes overlooked—long-term care. Here are a few things high-net-worth individuals should consider.
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Thursday, March 14, 2024
Spring is a great in-between time of year to take stock of your financial health and to create goals for the rest of the year—or to plan for the years ahead.
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Thursday, March 7, 2024
Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence, easy loan access, and lower...
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Tuesday, February 27, 2024
How Does a Leap Year Impact Your Finances? Life is full of strange and interesting things, like Halley’s Comet and the Northern Lights, and one that affects us all, even if you don’t realize it, is a “leap year...
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Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle: Strategies for High Earners The highly sought-after six-figure salary isn’t what it used to be. Time Magazine reported a startling statistic from a survey conducted by the financial...
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Saturday, February 10, 2024
The Role of Insurance in Your Financial Plan A critical part of financial planning that is often overlooked is insurance. Having various insurance policies will provide different benefits to your financial plan, ranging from...
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Monday, February 5, 2024
A Taxpayer’s Guide to Exemptions, Deductions, and Credits When filing your income taxes, each taxpayer is different. Some prefer reducing the taxes they owe and getting the most significant possible refund, while others work to...
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Sunday, January 21, 2024
Life today is expensive, and contributing to a retirement plan is more beneficial than ever. Recently, the IRS announced it was raising the contribution limit for 401(k)s to $23,000 for 2024, up from $22,500.
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Sunday, January 14, 2024
Losing one's significant other is one of the most stressful of all possible losses, even if you've had some time to emotionally prepare for it. And while it can be tough to do more than put one foot in front of the other.
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Sunday, January 7, 2024
When people think of retirement, they often have an image formulated in their minds of what it will be like. The thing about it, the reality might not be what they expected. The internet is full of retirement information.
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Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track.
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Monday, December 4, 2023
Hi everyone – It is coincidental but also meaningful that I am working at Diversified investment Strategies. Michael and I talk about and deal with life insurance every day. Who wants to think about that? Who would think that...
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Friday, December 1, 2023
Crucial Estate Planning Steps Before It’s Too Late Countdown to the sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has started. As 2026 approaches, the financial and legal communities are abuzz with discussions about the imminent...
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Friday, December 1, 2023
Understanding the Benefits of the Solo 401(k) Empowering self-employed individuals for retirement confidence The Solo 401(k), also known as the Individual 401(k) or Self-Employed 401(k), is a retirement savings plan designed...
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Friday, December 1, 2023
5 Ways Senior Citizens Can Invest Their Savings Even if you are already retired, it doesn't mean you should stop trying to grow your savings. Inflation, unexpected medical bills, and changes to your lifestyle or family may result...
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Friday, December 1, 2023
5 Homeowner Estate Planning Tips to Consider Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper...
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Monday, November 20, 2023
7 Estate Planning Topics to Discuss with the Family over Thanksgiving Dinner One of the more difficult conversations for family members to have is talking about estate planning. There are several reasons for this, including the...
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Monday, November 13, 2023
Shutdowns and the Impact to Financial Markets Tips to be prepared for the financial impacts of U.S. Government shutdowns. Government shutdowns have become a recurrent feature of American politics, with their origins dating back to the...
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Monday, November 6, 2023
Year-end Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning. Due to the nature of their...
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Monday, October 30, 2023
Wealth Due to Inheritance What is it? Introduction If you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you may find yourself suddenly wealthy. Even if you expected the inheritance, you may be surprised by the size of the bequest or the...
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Monday, October 23, 2023
Three Massive and Often Hidden Costs of Divorce Navigating health insurance, retirement accounts, and real estate Divorce, while an emotionally taxing experience, also comes with several financial implications that, if not properly...
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Thursday, September 1, 2022
As a wealth strategist, people come to me to manage their investment portfolio. But what I really do is manage the clients’ expectations of their portfolio and show them how to preserve it from the outside forces that create...
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Wednesday, September 29, 2021
I have always stated that the biggest impediment to achieving continuing and ongoing success is how you manage taxes. The government continues to spend money like it is going out of style. Now unlike yourself where you might like to...
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Thursday, August 5, 2021
You get married. You have children. Life is going along fine. And then something happens. Be it divorce or death of a spouse, you find yourself a single parent. But we are women, we can do it all, right? Yes of course....
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Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Millennials have been known to have unique values when compared to other generations, and a popular trend over the past decade has been the rise of “tiny living.” On a quest for less, younger generations sought out minimal,...
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Tuesday, July 13, 2021
July marks the mid-point of the year. With kids out of school and the prospect of real, not-in-the-backyard vacation this year, it can be easy to put off thinking about some of the things you need to do consistently to keep your entire...
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Wednesday, June 30, 2021
If you’ve found yourself worrying more about your retirement planning more over the last year, you’re not alone. Almost half (46%) of Americans are reevaluating retirement planning to assess the financial impact of COVID-19...
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Tuesday, June 22, 2021
A recent study found that a bachelor’s degree is estimated to be worth $2.8 million on average over a lifetime, and those who earn one make 84% more than the average high school graduate1. But it’s not just about higher...
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Thursday, June 17, 2021
It’s generally thought that there are several cycles that reflect where a business is in preparedness for a sale. These capture the economy, the market, and the mindset and planning of the business owners. From an economic...
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It’s not about how much money you have to pass on to your kids – it’s about passing on money-smarts. Teaching your kids sound financial knowledge can help them make smart financial decisions now, and in the future....
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Monday, April 19, 2021
One of the most valuable pieces of an executive compensation plan, particularly for a small business owner or professional practice, is a cash balance plan. It allows the executive to benefit as both employer and employee and has...
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March Recap and April Outlook The American Recovery Act, President Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus, went into effect and both the economy and the market exhaled. The recovery has now fully recovered. The Fed expects the economy to...
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Thursday, April 1, 2021
Retirement is one of the biggest transitions of life, and it naturally brings up a lot of questions. For many people, the most pressing is whether existing savings will be enough to provide the life they want, for the entire length of...
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Thursday, April 1, 2021
The IRS has given everyone an extra month to file this year, which is helpful in dealing with the tax changes from the CARES Act. However, with another stimulus law in the rearview and infrastructure legislation already humming along,...
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Thursday, March 25, 2021
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan is now law, and deployment has already begun. There was seemingly something for everyone in the plan – both big businesses and small, consumers across a large part of the income spectrum,...
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Monday, January 25, 2021
With government spending at unprecedented levels, one does not have to be an expert as to where taxes are going in the future. History also serves as an indicator to support higher future taxes. From the end of World War II until 1961,...
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Monday, November 16, 2020
2020 is winding down and saying it has been a crazy year is an understatement. Equity markets have had a roll-coaster year with lots of volatility, but through the craziness they are positive for the year. Low interest rates have...
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Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Being a high net worth individual typically comes with a price. Does it mean being we have to be in a high tax bracket when we retire? What you do for a living before retirement can make a huge difference in how much you tax you pay....
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Friday, July 10, 2020
Usually I reserve commentary like this for a January blog, as the holiday is over a New Year begins. Here we are on the other side of The 4th of July and for some we are still looking to begin our year renew our resolutions. This month...
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No Goals! We all want to retire rich and enjoy a comfortable retirement, but that goal is just not specific enough. There is a difference between a dream and a goal. A goal is a dream, but with a dealing. To achieve your goal you must,...
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Monday, April 27, 2020
Many people ask, what kind of vehicles can they invest for retirement beyond just putting money into their IRA or 401K Plan. We look at that question with the premise that you have a strong foundation of liquid savings. I am also going...
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020
All of us have been affected in some way or another as a result of the Coronavirus Crisis. Not only has it been an eye opener for all of us, it has brought the importance of planning to the forefront. Despite what one's political views...
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Monday, March 2, 2020
If you are getting ready to change jobs or may have already done so, there is something you should think about. That something is your old 401k plan and what to do with it. It doesn’t matter if you changed jobs ten years ago and...
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Thursday, January 16, 2020
Do you have a strategic plan for where you want to take your business and how you’re going to get there, or are you just putting out fires and taking it day-by-day? At Diversified Investment Strategies, we believe your business...
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Monday, January 6, 2020
I remember one day, years ago, my husband telling me that he was getting life insurance. My response was an eye-roll and a simple “nothing is going to happen to you.” Why would anyone think that their perfectly healthy...
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Friday, December 13, 2019
What financial challenges do you face right now? Maybe it’s balancing saving for the future and paying off debt. Or possibly growing a business while also providing for your family. Or maybe you know you need to prepare for...
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Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Sometimes a career journey is full of twists and turns, and sometimes you just know the right path to take. I fall into the second category. I realized early on that there’s not much in life that induces more feelings of anxiety...
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We can all almost say money is always on our minds…how much do I have in my account? Am I able to afford that? Do I simply enough? Being aware of your financial health is important. Studies reveal Americans could be saving more with...
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Many people may think life insurance is just another unnecessary expense without realizing its purpose and benefits. The question to ask yourself is would someone in your life suffer financial hardships if you were to pass away? If the...
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It’s never too early nor too late to start thinking about retirement and planning for one. It takes careful planning for your money to last a lifetime. Here are simple action steps you can take today to start preparing for your golden...
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Many Americans significantly underestimate the impact that a loved one’s long term care needs could have on their own lives, marriages, work, and not to mention their finances. As a matter of fact, 57% of caregivers surveyed tapped...
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Oftentimes we tend to be unrealistic when it comes to planning how much we can achieve and how long it will take, especially when it comes to setting money goals. A general rule to reaching your financial goals is to establish a plan...
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For many, our children’s high school graduation is just around the corner and then they’re off to college. And we ask ourselves–where did the years go by? Besides seeing an empty nest, parents are also seeing empty pockets; thus,...
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Estate planning is something that’s never easy to do or even to begin thinking about for that matter. But it can help give you comfort knowing your estate and loved ones are protected after your death. Avoid missteps and get your...
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Today, women are providing more financial value to their household than ever before. Studies show 51% of women are responsible for household finances while 37% reported to be the primary breadwinner of their family (compared to 31% in...
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Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Seniors can benefit from many discounts and offers; however, taxes aren’t one of them. Retirees will be shocked to find that much of their income is, in fact, subject to taxes. Here are a few that you can expect to face in...
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Wednesday, March 20, 2019
When it comes to annuities, misinformation surrounds them. To help you make a sound decision on whether or not an annuity is right for you, here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions:They’re only for retirees. While...
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When it comes to retirement, both men and women face many risks. However, women are faced with greater financial obstacles:Living longer. It’s a known fact that women enjoy a longer lifespan than their male counterparts. As a matter of...
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For many of us, we look forward to this time of year where we can expect some extra money in our pockets. The sooner we file, the sooner we can receive our tax refund. And you can do so by filing electronically, requesting your refund...
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Many of us look forward to our golden days, the days where we can simply kick back, relax, and do a lot more things we didn’t have time for during our days of labor. How comfortable and secure your retirement will be depends on how...
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Running out of money in retirement is a worry for many people. In fact, 55% of baby boomers and 57% of Generation X expressed outliving their savings is one of their greatest fears. 47% of millennials also have similar concerns.1...
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Making the decision to place your spouse, partner, or family member in long-term care (LTC) might be one of the hardest decisions in your life. Nobody wants to think about putting their loved ones in assisted care. For many, it is a...
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Filing season for the 2018 tax year is officially underway. To help you stay organized as you prepare to file, use the checklist below to gather all the forms and documents you’ll need.1Identification for You and Your SpouseFull...
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Nearly 50 percent of Americans aren’t prepared for retirement.1 However, there’s still time to catch up. Here’s some insight on how you can better position yourself for securing a happy retirement:Pay off large debts. By focusing on...
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It’s January of the New Year and other than starting fresh and enduring frigid temperatures, tax season has arrived. Below are some of the 2018 tax deduction changes you should know when filing in 2019.1Medical and dental expenses. You...
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Have a life insurance policy? That’s great! If you don’t, well, you may want to reconsider. But what are some of the features that a life insurance policy should have built-in to it? There are a lot of different options, but here are...
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Thursday, April 19, 2018
Life insurance is one of those things that many people prefer to avoid thinking about because it often conjures up dark images. While we all know that our end will come, it may be difficult to realistically imagine that time. Many...
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Thursday, April 19, 2018
Financial independence is a goal that many people have in life. Working for decades is hard enough, but many people end up making mistakes financially once they retire. Over time, the decisions that you make leading up to the point...
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Thursday, April 19, 2018
One of the most significant problems with most people’s retirement plans is that they do not account for changes in spending levels over the years. Most retirees will likely plan for inflationary adjustments, but is it really...
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Thursday, April 19, 2018
It began in December 2015, the Federal Reserve started a policy of raising interest rates to more common historical levels. This was the first rate increase since 2006, and there have been additional hikes in the months since. While...
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Thursday, April 19, 2018
These days, more and more people are putting off retiring by the time they reach 65. Instead, these Baby Boomers are opting to continue working until they are a bit older, usually by the time they reach 70. There are a variety of...
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Thursday, April 19, 2018
When it comes to retiring, experts are pretty unanimous, Americans are not as prepared as they should be. There are many smalls steps that people need to take to have the lives that they want in their golden years. These steps also...
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New Year. The time to make resolutions. I am going to go on a diet. I am going to start a workout routine. I am going to start a skin care regimen. I am going to get a new job. I am going to fix up my house. I am going to take better...
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There are plenty of baseball sayings you can relate to investing -- keep your eye on the ball, step up to the plate, don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game - but there's a great lesson baseball can teach us...
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