By R. Todd Holden | Financial Advisor
In spite of my long-held and deep conviction that stocks and stock mutual funds are an incredibly effective tool for middle-class Americans wanting to create wealth, I feel the strain and stress of down markets just like my clients do. The difference is I need to assist my clients through these difficult times without them making decisions that will hurt them and their families in the long run.
By Justin Valadez, Financial Advisor
It’s a Good Time to be Proactive with Advance Directives
Perhaps you’ve had your will drafted and you now think your affairs are in order. However, to be thorough and well-prepared for the future, it’s important to complete other planning documents as well.
Stay ahead of inflation in retirement
Inflation, a sustained increase in the price of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, averages a little over 3 percent annually.1 For the 12 months ending July 2018, U.S. inflation stood at 2.9 percent.2 As the economy grows, inflation tends to tick upward, and retirees and near-retirees may be especially concerned about how this will affect their finances.
Whether your child or grandchild is starting college now or in several years, if you are taking advantage of a 529 college savings plan, it’s important to remember which educational expenses qualify for tax-free distribution and which do not.* The IRS gives detailed guidance on qualified expenses in Publication 970. Here are a few important points.
The importance of financial planning doesn’t change at retirement
If you’re like many, you may assume that financial planning ends once you retire. After all, retirement is a major life milestone that you’ve planned and saved toward for many years, and it’s often a great relief to finally retire. But the notion that financial planning is no longer needed is mistaken and can lead to financial difficulties down the road.
By Scott Aune, Investment Manager
It's commonly assumed that higher interest rates mean lower stock prices.
By James Christy, Wealth Advisor
Corporate and Individual income tax rates may be coming down as a result of the recently-enacted Tax Reform Act, but the combined Social Security and Medicare (FICA) tax continues to go up.
Donating to charity can be good for your soul — and your tax bill
RMDs, or Required Minimum Distributions, are the minimum amounts that the federal government requires Traditional IRA (or other qualified retirement plan) holders to withdraw starting the year they turn 70 ½. Uncle Sam doesn’t let us defer taxes on our retirement accounts forever. And if RMDs are not taken, significant penalties will apply.
Many people have heard about trusts, but may not know there are several kinds of trusts, and which, if any, of these legal documents may be of value to them for their personal financial planning. It might be time to ask yourself, “Would a trust help me accomplish an important financial or estate planning objective?” Trusts can be established to address a variety of concerns, including protecting and distributing your assets, managing taxes and achieving your charitable goals. The assets in a trust are managed according to your wishes by the trustee you choose.
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.
