Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Financial Planning in Your 20s: Building the Foundations of Wealth
Your 20s are a whirlwind of newfound independence, career aspirations, and exciting adventures. Amidst all the excitement, it's easy to overlook one crucial aspect: your finances. Yet, this is precisely the time when you have a golden...
Read More8 Steps to Building Wealth: Financial Waypoints
Navigating personal finances can be complicated. Our 8 Financial Waypoints provide a guide to your personal finances.
Read MoreDid You See It?
The Des Moines Register, ran a featured article in their August 4th issue, "Iowa Ranked as Most Affordable State for Seniors Entering Retirement, Financial Company Says." Did you see it, and better yet, did you recognize...
Read MoreHealth Insurance in Retirement
One critical piece of a retirement plan is health insurance. It can be one of the largest annual expenditures in retirement, especially if you retire early. If you retire before age 65 you will have to get health insurance from your...
Read MoreFuneral Costs
Save $5,000 or More on Funeral Costs If you have been involved in planning a funeral for a loved one you know the pressure involved – hundreds of decisions, a short time frame, limited information on costs, and lack of...
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Tax Consequences for Capital Gains, Interest, and Dividends
If you have a taxable investment account vs a tax-favored retirement account you are subject to tax on capital gains, interest income, and dividends. Each of these are subject to different tax treatments that can be confusing...
Read MoreSilicon Valley Bank Failure
Late last week, you may have started hearing about Silicon Valley Bank “SVB,” and certainly, more information has come out over the weekend. I wanted to share a high-level summary of what happened at SVB and what it may...
Read MoreBenefits of a Financial Planner
A financial planner is a professional who helps individuals and families to plan for their financial future. Financial planners offer a wide range of services, including helping clients to set financial goals, create a budget, invest...
Read MoreNo Appetite For a Bear Market
While the recipe for the current bear market has some familiar ingredients like rising interest rates and slowing economic growth there are some unusual additions like sputtering global supply chain, a labor shortage, and a war in...
Read MoreRoth IRA Conversions – a Calm in the “Tax” Storm
Have you ever been caught out in a storm? Maybe it was in a boat during a squall, your car during a blizzard, or while enjoying the outdoors when a derecho pops up. Despite the situation, our reactions often include: panicking,...
Read MoreIncreasing you Social Security Retirement Benefits
As retirement comes into focus, it is important to have a clear plan for your Social Security Retirement benefits, a significant source of retirement income. There are two primary ways you can increase individual benefits. Before I get...
Read MoreYear End Exercise
While there are many apps and other tools to help you with your finances, I have developed and refined a simple tool over the last ten years to help me set, track, and prioritize my financial goals for the year.
Read MoreManaging Taxes on Your Income in Retirement
One of the most overlooked items in retirement is income tax. Inflation and taxes are the two biggest drags on your retirement plan. With a little planning, you can ensure you are doing everything possible to managing your income tax...
Read MoreIS THAT HOA A-OK?
Considering buying a condo, townhouse, or detached home? You might be downsizing, just getting started or looking for a winter getaway. The convenience of an association that takes care of maintenance while you enjoy the pool, pickle...
Read MoreReverse Your Thinking About Reverse Mortgages
Whether it is the ability to contort your body into the “downward dog” at yoga class or having financial flexibility to help you be successful in retirement. Flexibility is the key to life. While the health discussion is...
Read MoreBuying A Boat With Your HSA (Health Savings Account)?
To maximize the benefit of an HSA for long-term planning, you need to pay your current medical expenses from other personal savings sources and leave you HSA alone.
Read MoreRECORD LOW MORTGAGE RATES PRESENT OPPORTUNITIES
While the reduction in our mortgage payment is substantial, it is not the only thing to consider when refinancing.
Read MoreWhat do Social Security and the Lottery have in common???
Social Security benefits are an important part of retirement for most people. Here is brief summary on some of the components.
Read MoreTo Buy or Not to Buy
My wife and I enjoy traveling in our RV. It provides a great way to see this beautiful country, and we like to take advantage of some unique biking locations. Recently, we stayed in Northern Michigan at a terrific campground that...
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BEWARE! New Rules for Inherited IRAs
The SECURE Act introduced the new 10-Year Rule for Inherited IRAs.
Read MoreJob Loss or Job Change? I've Been There...
It has been over 20 years since I received a notice that my position as Director of Finance was being terminated. A company takeover had fallen through, and cuts were underway. That news was devastating, and even now as I think back on...
Read MoreDefining Moments
What were your experiences with money and finances when you were growing up? Can you recall those defining moments in your life?
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