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Wealth, Success, and Mental Health: Finding the Balance Between Wealthy and Healthy
April marks Stress Awareness Month, which provides a great opportunity to shed light on a topic often overlooked in the world of high-net-worth investors, which is mental health. For anyone who is used to managing substantial wealth,...
Read MoreAsking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness. 10 Ways a Financial Professional Can Assist You
Often, there is a misconception that seeking financial help indicates incompetence or lack of financial self-sufficiency. However, seeking help is the exact opposite. High-performing individuals who excel in their respective fields...
Read MoreThe Business Owner’s Guide to Social Security: Planning for Your Future
Yes, even if you are a business owner or self-employed, you can receive Social Security benefits as long as you have been paying Social Security tax each year. The Social Security Administration defines you as self-employed if you...
Read MoreThe Role of AI in Investing and Financial Planning
The integration of tech can amplify the capabilities of financial professionals As investors navigate the dynamic landscape of the financial markets, they find themselves at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and traditional...
Read MoreWays to Support Mom-and-Pop Businesses
Mom-and-pop shops have always been the cornerstone of our economic communities, especially the smaller ones.
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How Does a Leap Year Impact Your Finances?
Financially, a leap year will affect everybody, whether you realize it or not. Leap year could directly affect you depending on how you live, for example, your employment structure.
Read MoreHow to Keep Your Money Safe from Scammers
Technology continues to grow and evolve, allowing us to stay connected and perform many daily tasks from home. There is a drawback to technology, however. It often leaves us more vulnerable to scammers.
Read MoreThe Importance of Business Credit and How to Build It
The importance of building credit can’t be overstated. Here are a few strategies to consider to help build it:
Read MoreYou want to start a business? Now what?
Starting a new business is no small feat. It involves several of steps, from the early planning stages to filling out the necessary legal documents. Here are 10 steps to consider when starting a new business.
Read MoreSharing the Love: A Family Business Succession Plan Checklist
Valentine’s Day represents love, but not just for couples. You can also spread the love through sharing your family business succession plan with loved ones.
Read MoreStrategizing for Success: The Parallels Between Estate Planning and a Super Bowl Game Plan
Just as a winning team meticulously plans its Super Bowl plays, individuals and families may benefit from developing a comprehensive plan for their estate.
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: What Business Owners Need to Know for 2024
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, passed into law in December 2019, had significant implications for business owners and employees regarding retirement savings and tax rules.
Read MoreThe Battle of the Roth IRAs: Backdoor vs. Mega Backdoor
A backdoor Roth IRA transfers money from a traditional account to the Roth. The “mega” backdoor is a strategy employed by people with a 401(k) plan at work. It is often pursued by higher-income earners who aren’t able...
Read More6 Tips for Reducing Social Security Taxes
Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include: If you have income from working in retirement....
Read MoreThe Benefits of Getting A Second Financial Opinion
When it comes to medical or legal advice, the value of getting a second opinion is fairly well established and defined. What about financial decisions? At what point does it make sense to get a second (or a third) opinion on money...
Read MoreFiling an Estate Tax Return
What is an estate tax return? When you die, you will leave behind all your property (everything you own) and debts (everything you owe). All this is called your estate. After the debts have been paid, the various items left in your...
Read More4 Tax Planning Tips for High-Net-Worth Families
Tax planning might be complex, but it's also essential—especially for high-net-worth families, where missing tax breaks or failing to optimize income could cost significant dollars, maybe millions, over a lifetime. And even in...
Read MoreThe History of New Year’s Resolutions: Learning From the Past to Influence Your Financial Behaviors
People have been making New Year’s resolutions for at least 4,000 years, beginning with the Babylonians, who supposedly made promises to the gods. The idea of transforming our lives for the better, from one year to the next, is...
Read MoreCountdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans....
Read MoreSpreading Holiday Cheer with Year-End Giving
The holidays are nearly upon us – a time of giving, goodwill to others, and embracing traditions. For many people, giving to a charity or organization that aligns with your values provides a sense of fulfillment. If you itemize...
Read MoreYour Year-End Estate Planning Guide: An 8-Step Checklist
When it comes to your estate plan, you don’t just have it drafted and put away until it is time for your loved ones to manage your lifetime of affairs. As your world changes year by year, it is critical that you review your...
Read MoreWas 9/11 This Generation’s Pearl Harbor?
There are chilling similarities – but fundamental differences too On December 7, 2001, a Gallup Poll ran the following headline: “Americans Say Sept. 11 Will Be More Historically Significant Than Pearl Harbor.” That...
Read MoreHelping Your Heirs While Helping Others
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be a highly effective financial and estate planning tool. The CRT can allow you to: avoid capital gains taxes on highly appreciated assets, however when income is distributed to the income...
Read MoreThe Origins of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in both the U.S. and Canada with the purpose of celebrating the blessings of the past year. It is known as one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and in the U.S is most...
Read MoreThe Science Behind Getting Sick
It might start with a slight cough or a stuffy nose. Within a few hours or days, you might start to experience other symptoms like fatigue, a headache, or maybe even a fever. But pretty soon, no matter how much you want to deny it, it...
Read MoreYour Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...
Read MoreAssessing Potential Market Impact of Israel-Hamas War
On Saturday, Hamas, a Palestinian militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, launched an attack on Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking dozens more hostage. In response to the attack,...
Read More12 Estate Planning Must-Dos
Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. Do you have a will and powers of attorney for...
Read MoreHistory of Columbus Day
Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Columbus Day marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and countries throughout this region celebrate this holiday. People have been celebrating Columbus Day since...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read MoreSeven Things to Know about Government Shutdowns
The government is likely to shut down on October 1, as Congress has failed to agree on some type of funding legislation for the 2024 federal fiscal year. Lawmakers are supposed to pass 12 different spending bills to fund agencies...
Read MoreInvesting vs. Saving: Key Differences and Why Your Money Mindset Matters
You often hear people discuss "saving for retirement,” but in many cases, they're actually referring to their investing. The adage "you can't save your way to wealth" is simplistic, but has a kernel of truth...
Read MoreCoins to Cash: The History of American Currency
The history of US currency is a complex one, but also interesting. You pay using coins and cash nearly every day, but do you really know the intricacies behind the design of a dollar or nickel?
Read MoreAn Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness
Two in three American adults do not have an estate plan, which can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right people. Here are seven crucial steps to take when beginning estate planning.
Read More5 Tips for Navigating Medicare in Retirement
One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may derail your retirement plan. Though navigating Medicare is a little tricky, these tips can make the process less daunting.
Read MoreLife Insurance and Estate Planning
Today, life insurance is a crucial part of many estate plans. You can use it to leave much-needed income to your survivors, provide for your children's education, pay off your mortgage, simplify the transfer of assets, and more.
Read More5 Tips for Saving and Investing as a Small-Business Owner
As a business owner, putting all your profits back into the business may be tempting. However, when it comes to saving and investing as a business owner, there are long-term paths you should consider. Here are some tips.
Read MoreBack-To-School Shopping List Why Not A Yearly Retirement List?
Shouldn’t every person have a Retirement List that they go through every year, much like a Back-To-School List? And knowing that the answer is yes, what should this Retirement List look like? Consider these items.
Read More5 Compelling Reasons to Rethink Social Security
It's important for individuals to reconsider relying solely on Social Security benefits as a retirement plan. Here are five compelling reasons why you should not solely depend on Social Security as part of your retirement plan.
Read MoreElder Law or Estate Planning: Do You Know the Difference?
The demand for community living and estate planning services may increase over the next few decades. Do you know what arrangements you need to make when the time comes? What are the differences between elder law and estate planning?
Read MoreGet to Know the Rich Relationship Between Your Financial and Social Life
While many factors may influence your financial situation, social influence is the component that is given the least attention.
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Financial Independence
Being a small business owner can be rewarding but also may bring a lot of stress. There are many paths to financial independence; here are a few directions.
Read MoreWellness in Retirement: The Benefits of Social Wellness for Retirees
In retirement, it is sometimes necessary to create new social connections and a new social network, especially if you relied on work for your socialization.
Read MoreAn Introduction to Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation
For members of the "Sandwich Generation," estate planning may seem like a low priority. Here are some tips to begin the estate planning process.
Read MoreYour College Student May Need These 6 Types of Insurance
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your college student can remain on your health insurance plan until age 26. But there are other insurances you may want to consider for your college student while they're away from home. Whether an...
Read MoreWhat Homeowners Should Know About Estate Planning
If you have always thought estate planning was just for those nearing retirement or already retired, think again. If you own a home, it is important to have a plan in place. Without a will or other arrangements that allow your home to...
Read More529 Plans and Alternatives: Making an Educated Decision about Education Savings Options
Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love....
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
When you're a small business owner, you need to pay extra careful attention to both your business and personal finances. Your financial planning strategies should simultaneously encourage the success of your business while also working...
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