The Big Disconnect
One of the questions we hear in almost every client meeting of late is, “How can the market be going up when things are so bad out there?” Rather than try to identify and debate each item that could be referred to as ‘bad’, we think it would be more instructive to revisit market dynamics and the […]
2018 Social Security Projections
In July, the trustees who oversee the Social Security program released their 2018 projections in regards to Social Security and Medicare. Millions of Americans are projected to receive their biggest increase in Social Security in January of 2018. Payments are expected to increase 2.2%, about $28 a month for the average recipient. This increase comes […]
Department of Labor – Fiduciary Rule
The Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule In 2016 the Department of Labor released its final rule amending the definition of a fiduciary on retirement accounts. This proposal, often called the “Conflict of Interest Rule” or “Fiduciary Rule,” requires all financial professionals who work with retirement plans or provide retirement planning advice to act as a […]
IRA Rules for RMDs & Other Withdrawals
You have spent years accumulating assets in your IRA. If you contributed to a traditional IRA, you took a tax benefit during the year you made the contribution(s) by deducting this amount on your tax return. Your earnings can potentially grow tax-deferred until you withdraw the money. If you contributed to a Roth IRA, you […]
Year-End Tax Planning
As 2016 comes to a close, it is a good time to focus on your year-end tax planning. Whether you are having a good year or rebounding from recent losses, you may be able to save some money on your taxes if you make the right moves before the end of the year. Three moves […]
College Planning
College Planning The cost of receiving a college education continues to rise. For the 2015-2016 school year, the average cost for tuition and fees (does not include room & board) for one year at a private college was $32,405, in-state residents at a public college was $9,410, and out-of-state residents at a public college was […]
Cyber Security
Cyber security is a topic that is becoming more and more important in all of our client relationships. Our growing dependence on technology as a society demands greater security while online and a shared responsibility which requires awareness from both the client and the advisor. The majority of cyber criminals are indiscriminate. They will attack […]
Social Security Changes: What You Need to Know
There are some major changes coming through the social security pipeline, and a few that could impact you! If you are 62 years of age or older before January 1, 2016, there’s a good chance you will want to keep reading. Social security used to provide a major benefit for married couples and divorcees age […]