Articles & Insights

Recent Articles

Nov 04

Why Attempting To “Time the Market” is a Difficult Strategy

By Nikki Young, CFP®,  Financial Advisor

Market timing is an investment strategy in which investors move in and out of the markets to try to avoid losses before they happen and then buy back in at the bottom after the market has crashed. Buying low or selling high is a prudent strategy for most investors. However, buying lowest or selling highest — or trying to time the market perfectly — is an elusive strategy, one that is difficult to execute and may lead to lower returns and missed opportunities.

Nov 04

Old Annuity – Gold Mine or Money Pit?

By Todd Holden, Financial Advisor

Annuities are contracts between the annuity owner and an insurance company — nothing more, nothing less. Like any contract, they have terms. Sometimes, these terms turn out to favor the annuity owner, and a smart owner can use these terms to their advantage. Other times the contract terms favor the company, and the annuity owner should get out of the contract as quickly as possible. Below is an example of both:

 

Gold Mine

Jan 11

Identity Theft and Taxes

Protect your personal information — especially your Social Security number — from identity thieves.

Identity theft is rampant in America. And tax-related identity crimes are among the fastest-growing offenses. Learn what the IRS is doing — and the steps you can take to stay protected.

May 05

Four Tips to Help You Navigate Volatile Markets

The market volatility due to COVID-19 has sparked a lot of fear and uncertainty, not only over how to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy, but also in regard to our investment and retirement accounts. It’s understandable to be concerned about your money. However, there are a few things to be aware of that may help you keep perspective and stay calm until the storm passes — and we remain confident that it will.

Oct 24

Estate & Tax Planning for Your IRA

What "Uncle Sam" Doesn't Tell You Can Cost You

We have seen many individuals pay money for wills and trusts but fail to include their IRAs into a comprehensive estate plan. This oversight has cost them money in unnecessary taxes and even probate costs.  Our goal is to develop an estate and tax plan for you to minimize taxes and avoid probate costs with the money in your IRA.  Below, please find some common mistakes we have seen with IRAs and a planning point to help you avoid them.

 

Apr 25

Next Step Now That Tax Season is Over: Check your Withholdings

Now that tax filing season is over, are you still just a wee bit upset that you didn’t receive a tax refund or owed more than you expected? You’re not alone. After the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law in late 2017, tax rates for most individuals were reduced effective with the 2018 tax return filing (currently through 2025). However, it doesn’t appear that way at first glance to many recent taxpayers.