By R. Todd Holden, Wealth Advisor
Numerous articles on Social Security appear monthly. They seem to have either a “perfect age to claim benefits” strategy or some sort of political ideology. I will try to provide some basic framework for you to consider and/or share with your family and friends.
There is No Perfect Age to Claim Benefits
March 11, 2026 Joint airstrikes against Iran targeting high-value military installations to hinder Iran’s nuclear development efforts and degrade its military capabilities while removing the Iranian regime from power are ongoing. The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marked a significant escalation in the conflict. Iran retaliated by launching a broad series of missile attacks directed at Israel and multiple Gulf states, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Roth IRAs have been around since 1998, so you’ve surely heard about them. But you may not know whether or not a Roth IRA is a smart option for you. There are several reasons to consider a Roth IRA as a tax-advantaged vehicle for your retirement savings. Here are a few.
Unlike a traditional IRA, there is no tax deduction for Roth IRA contributions, but withdrawals of earnings are tax-free.
By R. Todd Holden | Wealth Advisor
Northwest Financial Advisors
Can you imagine a trillion dollars? I cannot. Trust me, I’ve tried.
Imagining a billion dollars is easy. It’s a million dollars a thousand times over. When the Power Ball reaches a billion dollars every now and then, I think about it. An apartment in New York City, a flat in Prague (beautiful place), a beach house, nice boat, a private foundation and some really large investment accounts — this is all within the realm of imagination to me.
By R. Todd Holden | Wealth Advisor
Northwest Financial Advisors
There are things in life that have value, but on which we cannot put a price.
In 2013, it was time to replace the original aluminum siding on the house. Being somewhat thrifty by nature (some would say cheap), I wanted to install vinyl siding which is what all our neighbors had done. My wife, who did not always appreciate my thrifty ways, wanted to use Hardie® board, a cement-based siding that looked nicer than vinyl. This was going to cost an extra $10,000.
It has never been more imperative to be proactive in keeping your personal and financial accounts safe and secure from cybercriminals. Vigilance and regular monitoring pay off when you are not one of the millions of Americans who fall victim to cybercrime each year. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself.
Are you in the phase of life where you are closer to retirement than to the start of your career? If so, now is a great time to begin planning for life after work with your spouse or partner, including your mutual hopes, dreams and financial goals. Here are a few questions to ask to help you both get the retirement you want:
Keeping your financial data protected and secure
Understanding What Drives Higher Prices Can Help Improve Retirement Planning
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey, 83% of workers are concerned that the higher cost of living will make it harder to save as much as they want toward retirement. If you’re like most retirement savers, you’ve likely had concerns over the rising cost of living over the past few years. And for younger workers, it’s the first time you’ve experienced an elevated inflation rate as an investor.
By Nikki Young, CFP® | Financial Advisor
You may be able to reduce your tax liability if you consider adopting these tax strategies before year’s end.
By Nikki Young, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Many middle-aged Americans (generally age 45-65) are behind in their retirement savings. If this is you, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 Vanguard study, workers between the ages of 45 and 54 years old had a median 401(k) account balance of approximately $142,069, well below the commonly recommended target of six times your annual salary by aged 50.
When it comes to retirement income planning and saving, there are several important age milestones to keep in mind. Knowing these age milestones will help keep you on track as you pursue your retirement savings goals and proceed through retirement. So, here they are:
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a U.S. government oversight organization charged with overseeing and enforcing our nation’s federal securities laws. Founded at the peak of the Great Depression and after the passing of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the agency’s mission consists of three primary objectives:
Protecting Main Street investors who depend upon the nation’s financial markets to help create their financial wellness and future financial security
By Nikki Young, CFP®
Northwest Financial Advisors
Many of us vow to lose weight and get in better physical shape in the new year. And unfortunately, many of us fail. Instead of spending money on an expensive gym membership or fancy workout gear, consider putting that money toward your retirement nest egg next year.
Make retirement savings a priority once your children leave home
By R. Todd Holden, Financial Advisor
Tips for managing your finances once you tie the knot
By Nikki Young, CFP®, Financial Advisor
By Nikki Young, CFP®, Financial Advisor
As a Millennial or Gen Xer, it may seem like retirement is far away and saving for it is not a priority. But the reality is that it is important to contribute to a retirement savings account now so that you can accumulate enough funds for a comfortable retirement.
By R. Todd Holden, Financial Advisor
There’s a reason why even athletes, entertainers and businesspeople with seven-figure (and higher) incomes suddenly find themselves filing for bankruptcy. Money mismanagement can eat through even the biggest bankrolls. Here are some specific threats to financial stability that people can avoid to help effectively manage their finances.
And how to reduce your risk of a lower post-divorce standard of living
By R. Todd Holden, Financial Advisor
By Nikki Young, CFP®, Financial Advisor
It even makes understanding inflation easier.
“Bacon’s the best. Even the frying of bacon sounds like applause. Bacon bits are like the fairy dust of the food community.”
– Jim Gaffigan
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.
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
By Todd Holden, Financial Advisor
When we think of life insurance, we think of a younger person with a family to protect. Typically, we think of somebody with children to raise and a mortgage to pay. The insurance buyer wants to make certain their spouse and children are not forced to leave their home or change their lifestyle drastically in the event of an unexpected death.
Our approach is one of real partnership. We serve and help you identify specific needs and challenges over time. We forge a close relationship, set personal goals, then apply the focus and discipline required to pursue the things that are most important in your life.
