Avoiding the Unpleasant Surprise of a Mutual Fund Capital Gain Distribution
Capital gain distributions from mutual funds can create unexpected tax bills—especially when investing in taxable accounts near year-end. Understanding realized gains, unrealized gains, and distribution timing can help investors avoid costly surprises.
Ask the Adviser: If I don’t have earned income can I Fund my Retirement Accounts Based on my Spouse’s Income?
If you don’t have earned income of your own, you might think your path to retirement savings is blocked. However, if you are married and filing a joint return, your spouse’s income can unlock the door to your own IRA. Whether you are looking to catch up on savings or protect your assets from future medical costs, the “Spousal IRA” is a powerful wealth-building tool you should be using.
New Year, New Tax Laws
Two major tax law changes take effect in 2026—charitable deductions for non-itemizers and mandatory Roth catch-up contributions. Here’s what they mean for your retirement plan.
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: How Should I Title My Vehicles to Limit Liability?
To properly assess the risk that liability poses, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your overall net worth. Vehicle titling and insurance strategies can then work together to limit exposure and help protect your finances.
Ask the Adviser: How can I Find Fulfillment in Retirement?
In 1986, David Barrett wrote the song titled “One Shining Moment”. This song is now played to wrap up coverage of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament championship game. Highlights…
Protect Your Path to Retirement: Managing Risk with Insurance
A well-rounded financial plan isn’t just about growing wealth—it’s about protecting it. Life and disability insurance play a crucial role in safeguarding your financial future and ensuring that your loved ones are provided for, regardless of what life brings.
How do I fix a missed RMD?
RMD rules can be highly complex, and it’s easy to make mistakes by taking the wrong RMD amount, taking an RMD from the wrong account, or missing an RMD altogether.
Three Questions to Ask When Inheriting an IRA in 2025
The distribution rules for inherited IRAs can be very confusing. Here, we look at three key questions to help you see through the fog and avoid unnecessary pitfalls.
I Just Inherited an IRA From My Parent. Now What?
The new rule for adults who inherit an IRA from their parents in 2020 and beyond is that they must liquidate that account within 10 years.
Ask the Adviser: What’s the difference between premium bonds and discount bonds?
Bonds can be sold on the secondary market for more—or less—than par value. That sale price separates a “premium” from a “discount” bond.
Are You an Investor—or a Speculator?
When you purchase gold, cryptocurrencies, or art, you own an asset you hope will appreciate—without any real idea if it will.
Ask the Adviser: What financial advice would you give to a C‑suite executive?
The uncomfortable truth is that boards change, priorities change, investor sentiments change—and leadership teams often change with them.
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.
Don’t Overlook HSAs as a Retirement Savings Vehicle
It’s a little-known fact that health savings accounts can provide an excellent way to save, invest, and take distributions—without paying taxes.
The Cost of Car Insurance Is Up, Here’s How to Bring It Back Down
We’ll look at why insurance rates rose 21% last year—and consider six practical ways to pay less.
Ask the Adviser: How do I figure out what I actually spend in a year?
Calculating your annual spending isn’t quite as simple as it seems, and yet it’s key to creating an accurate financial plan. Follow this formula.
Ask the Adviser: What’s predicted to happen with bonds in 2024?
The Fed is slated to cut interest rates, which may likely raise bond prices. Here’s what to know.
