Financial Planning
What do I need to know about the new RMD rules?
When do the new RMD Rules start? Do I need to take my RMD if I turned 70 1/2 before 12/31/2019? Do I need to take my RMD if I turned 70 1/2 on or after 1/1/2020 but already took my RMD in 2019? When do I need to take my RMD under the new…
Read More2019 Q4 Market Commentary
One year ago, the market was convinced that our economy was headed for a recession and we began 2019 on the heels of one of the worst quarterly market returns in more than a decade. This could not have been further from the truth. Once the market figured out that a recession was not happening,…
Read MoreAll about IRAs for 2020
An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) is a personal retirement savings plan that offers specific tax benefits. In fact, IRAs are one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to you. Even if you’re contributing to a 401(k) or other plans at work, you might also consider investing in an IRA. What types of IRAs…
Read MoreWhat is an Asset Allocation?
Asset allocation is a common strategy that you can use to construct an investment portfolio. Asset allocation isn’t about picking individual securities. Instead, you focus on broad categories of investments, mixing them together in the right proportion to match your financial goals, the amount of time you have to invest, and your tolerance for risk.…
Read MoreFinancial Tips for Unmarried Couples
If you are in a long-term, committed relationship, you have many of the same financial concerns as married couples. However, you lack many of the legal protections and advantages that married couples enjoy. Here are some tips that can help you and your partner stay on the road to financial security. Talk about your finances…
Read MoreWhat to do When You’re Suddenly Wealthy
What would you do with an extra $10,000? Maybe you’d pay off some debt, get rid of some college loans, or take a much-needed vacation. What if you suddenly had an extra million or 10 million or more? Now that you’ve come into a windfall, you have some issues to deal with. You’ll need to…
Read More2019 Q3 Market Commentary
During the quarter we saw two major market indicators, both with drastically different signals for market watchers. The first and most publicized was the inversion of the yield curve. There are many different measures for this; but in a nutshell, the yield on the 2-year Treasury note was higher than the yield on the 10-year…
Read MoreTrust Basics
Whether you’re seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility — many types of trusts exist, each designed for a specific purpose. Although trust law is complex and establishing…
Read MoreBuying a Home
There’s no doubt about it–owning a home is an exciting prospect. After all, you’ve always dreamed of having a place that you could truly call your own. But buying a home can be stressful, especially when you’re buying one for the first time. Fortunately, knowing what to expect can make it a lot easier. How…
Read MoreFinding Money to Pay College Bills Out of Pocket
You’ve saved for your child’s college education through the years, helped your child research schools, and supervised the application process. Now, thankfully, your child is in college. But you probably can’t disappear just yet — there are still bills to pay. Maybe you underestimated exactly how much financial aid would cover. Or perhaps you knew…
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