The Three Ghosts of Retirement (Past, Present, and Future)
Your retirement is personal, but it’s easy to worry if it’s as secure as it could be. Inspired by *A Christmas Carol*, we explore the three “ghosts” that haunt retirees: taxes, inflation, and sequence of returns. Learn how planning can drive away these common fears.
Ask the Adviser: What are Some Common Estate Planning Mistakes?
You’ve worked hard to build your nest egg. But are you sure your legacy is secure? Many people make critical errors by assuming a Will covers everything or by missing key tax-saving opportunities. Here are three common estate planning mistakes to avoid.
Ask the Adviser: What is the Difference Between Capital Gains and Capital Gains Distributions?
Many investors are surprised to learn that mutual funds can trigger taxable gains even when nothing is sold. This article explains the difference between capital gains and capital gains distributions—and how choosing the proper investment structure can help reduce surprise taxes.
“It Won’t Happen to Me”: Why Scam Victims Are More Common Than You Think
When it comes to scams, most people have the same reaction: “I’d never fall for that.” We like to think we’re too smart, too cautious, or too experienced to be tricked. Yet, year after year,…
Are You Overspending in Retirement?
The 4% rule was developed taking economic downturns into account, and it has generally held up well during recent financial crises.
Ask the Adviser: What do I need to know about planning for long-term care?
If needed, long-term care is one of the pricier parts of retirement. But it can be even more expensive without a proper plan in place.
Should You Do a Roth Conversion?
Deciding to convert to a Roth IRA doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Let your tax bracket be your guide when determining the amount to convert.
Your 2024 Guide to Year-End Tax Planning
Reducing your tax liability means taking advantage of regulatory updates. We’ll look at some of the year’s tax law changes and opportunities.
Ask the Adviser: What are the benefits of using a donor-advised fund?
If charitable giving is part of your long-term financial plan, a donor-advised fund can help you tap into greater tax benefits and more easily direct your giving.
Ask the Adviser: Are my investment advisory fees tax deductible?
While it’s no longer possible to deduct advisory fees outright, we’ll explore other tax-efficient ways to cover them.
Ask the Adviser: Should I opt for an annuity inside my 401(k) plan?
An annuity creates an income stream while also incurring costs within the plan. We’ll evaluate the pros and cons.
Recapping Market Highlights and Most-Read Articles from 2023
This past year, we covered topics ranging from inflation and legislative changes to RMDs and asset allocation. Here is an overview.
Ask the Adviser: How long should I keep my financial documents?
The guidance varies depending on the document. We’ll look at what to consider with bank statements, tax returns, and other common file types.
A 10-Question Pop Quiz to Test Your Tax and Investment IQ
How much do you know about the tax implications of investing? This quiz tests your knowledge and gives you a chance to brush up on the basics.
Ask the Adviser: Is my portfolio well-diversified?
While there’s no magic formula for balancing a portfolio, there are some key factors to consider—from asset allocation to sector concentration.
What to Know When Investing in REITs
Real Estate Investment Trusts offer a way to invest in real estate without having to actually manage property. Yet it’s wise to understand the taxation first.
Ask the Adviser: What is ESG investing and why all the talk about it lately?
ESG ratings evaluate how socially conscious a company is, serving as guideposts for selective investors. And their impact is only growing.
The Pros and Cons of Self-Directing Your Employer-Sponsored Retirement Account
While more investment choices may be appealing, there are some issues to be aware of before taking this direction.
You’ve Been Given the Chance to Retire Early—Now What?
You’ve brought in a regular income and made wise investments throughout your life. Now you’re facing the transition from generating income to drawing down your savings.
Ask the Adviser: How can I best maintain my financial plan?
Much like caring for a vehicle, financial planning is an ongoing process—not a once-and-done event.
