There are many benefits of being self-employed, but sometimes it can feel as though there are just as many hindrances. Many owners consider staying abreast of tax laws and changes tedious and frustrating, so partnering with an expert...
Read MoreIt’s not often that the IRS provides a tax-free option for your money—so when it happens, it’s a good advantage to take. A Health Savings Account (HSA) is the one program that offers you three different tax benefits. Most people think...
Read MoreHappy New Year! It’s a new year, a new you, and a new time to do things differently—like your taxes. Tax-filing season is officially here, and there are many things you can do to be prepared and organized. Here are a few simple tips...
Read MoreThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act (CARES Act) provides relief to self-employed people by delaying the Social Security tax payment due in 2020 for two more years. Specifically, individuals were allowed to defer 50%...
Read MoreSmall businesses need suitable types of insurance to protect assets against damage and legal claims. While most business owners hope they’ll never have to rely on insurance, the truth is, it’s an essential investment. It could make the...
Read MoreThere’s a potential game-changer being discussed when it comes to retirement savings. It’s called SECURE Act 2.0 (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act), and it’s intended to help more Americans ensure they’ll have...
Read MoreThe Internet is your entrance to the marketplace for the world from the comfort of your home or office. There are safety concerns to address when it comes to identity theft and fraud because organized identity theft groups constantly...
Read MoreIf you're one of America's 64 million Social Security beneficiaries, you might want to prepare yourself for a significant pay raise. According to the Social Security Administration, the annual cost-of-living (COLA) benefits increase...
Read MoreIt's Long-Term Care Awareness Month, and it might also be time for you to purchase your insurance plan. Insurance can be costly and confusing, but it's also necessary to avoid wiping out your retirement savings. Knowing what you need...
Read MoreIt's Long-Term Care (LTC) Awareness Month, and whether you're in the market now or just curious about insurance coverage choices for the future, it's important to know where, why, and how to get answers. There are three main options...
Read MoreAccording to a February 2021 Barron's article, there will be 60% more elderly population by 2030. That's less than a decade away, which means now is the time to talk about care planning. If you're an annuity owner, chances are you're...
Read MoreLet's start with the most echoed statement on the web: Americans are living longer but aren't necessarily healthier, leading to health problems later in life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 69% of people...
Read MoreAnnuities are one way to generate a lifetime income, save for retirement, and leave a financial legacy. However, there are three main types of annuities—fixed, variable, and indexed—so selecting the right one for you can get...
Read MoreSocial Security is neutral with respect to gender—individuals with identical earnings histories are treated the same in terms of benefits. This information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) highlights how the Social...
Read MoreAccording to the FINRA website: power of attorney is a legal document you sign to grant someone you trust with authority to make decisions on your behalf. You must sign when you're still mentally competent for your power of attorney to...
Read MoreMedicare open enrollment – also known as Medicare's annual election period – runs from October 15 through December 7. During this window, Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage and make changes or purchase new policies...
Read MoreWhile life insurance is designed to benefit your loved ones after you pass away, it also helps them and you before that time comes by way of something known as living benefits. Living benefit options for term life include: Accelerated...
Read MoreEver wonder what type of life insurance is best for you? It's going to depend on a variety of factors, including how long you want the policy to last, how much you're willing to pay, and if you wish to use the policy as an investment...
Read MoreMany small-to-medium-sized business owners don't recognize how beneficial a life insurance policy can be to the success of their business. Whole life insurance can help companies break free from traditional bank loans, benefit their...
Read MoreThe best time to apply for life insurance is when you're young, healthy, and not likely to need it soon. The reason is simple: The younger you are, the lower your life insurance premium will likely be due to your probable lack of...
Read MoreLife can be full of surprises, and you want to be ready for whatever lies ahead. Through life insurance, you can prepare for the unexpected by providing financial security for your loved ones in the event of your death. An important...
Read MoreThe Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act fundamentally changed the rules governing distributions from inherited retirement accounts. Inheriting an IRA or 401(k) under the new administration could create...
Read MoreEach type of retirement benefit has a different eligibility age. Your age plays a significant role in how much you can expect to receive from Social Security and what you need to do to avoid retirement account penalties. Key Milestones...
Read MoreIf you're 62 or older – and want money to pay off your mortgage, supplement your income, or pay for healthcare expenses – you may consider a reverse mortgage. It allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without...
Read MorePre-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals, and tax-free gains = the Holy Grail of savings opportunities. If you estimate yourself at the 25% tax bracket when you retire, and you put $60,000 into a savings account, you lose $15,000 to...
Read More2021 could be the pivotal year for how businesses operate moving forward. Will they offer employees a work from home option, will Zoom meetings be standard procedure, will telehealth replace typical doctor visits? The answers are still...
Read MoreThere's much to be said for taking care of your health, and you should make caring for your wealth part of your focus, too, as it directly correlates. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health confirms that Americans at lower...
Read MoreThe 2019 Employee Wellness survey by PwC found that 73% of Millennials, 70% of Generation X, and 61% of Baby Boomers think health care costs will adversely affect their retirement. If a healthy 65-year-old couple retiring in 2019...
Read More"Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations." The saying is true, and the cycle is real. As the expression indicates, after the buying, the building, and the selling, there's rarely anything left of a family's wealth for the...
Read MoreFor many, owning a business is the American dream come true, and making management decisions that grow your business brings about well-deserved feelings of accomplishment. Playing devil's advocate here—did you decide to use any of your...
Read MoreCarrying consumer debt into retirement can quickly reduce the monthly cash flow available to spend on healthcare, travel, and leisure activities or could necessitate drawing down retirement accounts faster than planned. Either...
Read MoreOver 99% of America's 28.7 million firms are small businesses, and 88% have fewer than 20 employees. After the year of COVID, many can't wait for a Government stimulus to bail them out and are instead looking for ways to fund their...
Read MoreMany families have plans to give their children and grandchildren financial gifts when they die, but it might make sense to gift earlier. Making financial gifts during your lifetime can significantly impact their lives, sometimes when...
Read MoreEvery year the federal government decides how much of your estate isn't subject to taxes when you die. This year, thanks to inflation, it increased to $11.7 million. This means, when you pass away, the value of your estate is...
Read MoreMillennials are victims of many stereotypes, but the one that portrays them positively suggests they're a planning generation. They research and collaborate and plan for all life's major decisions, and their long-term care (LTC) isn't...
Read MoreCandidates run campaigns on promises and plans, but that doesn't mean they ever come to fruition. The Biden administration will maintain a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate for at least the next two years, giving him...
Read MoreDoes your estate plan include transferring your wealth onto your family? Have you looked over potential tax implications? It's important to understand that your beneficiaries may be in for sticker shock when they receive a tax bill...
Read MoreGuaranteed returns, you ask? Yes, but it's complicated – one simple word can make a big difference. If you have a fixed annuity, you get a fixed rate of return. If you add one simple word "indexed" creating a fixed indexed annuity,...
Read MoreWe spend years of our life working and saving for that retirement dream, and as you get closer, it's important to take all steps to preserve your nest egg. Perhaps a move across state lines will help in that endeavor. Some states don't...
Read MoreCryptocurrency is a form of digital payment that can be exchanged online for goods and services. Many companies have issued their own currencies, often called tokens, and these can be traded specifically for the good or service that...
Read MoreThe Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits would be 1.3%. Here's a closer look at some of the most significant changes affecting Social Security recipients...
Read MoreMany people may think life insurance is just another unnecessary expense without realizing its purpose and benefits. The question to ask yourself is would someone in your life suffer financial hardships if you were to pass away? If the...
Read MoreIt’s never too early nor too late to start thinking about retirement and planning for one. It takes careful planning for your money to last a lifetime. Here are simple action steps you can take today to start preparing for your golden...
Read MoreMany Americans significantly underestimate the impact that a loved one’s long term care needs could have on their own lives, marriages, work, and not to mention their finances. As a matter of fact, 57% of caregivers surveyed tapped...
Read MoreOftentimes we tend to be unrealistic when it comes to planning how much we can achieve and how long it will take, especially when it comes to setting money goals. A general rule to reaching your financial goals is to establish a plan...
Read MoreFor many, our children’s high school graduation is just around the corner and then they’re off to college. And we ask ourselves–where did the years go by? Besides seeing an empty nest, parents are also seeing empty pockets; thus,...
Read MoreEstate planning is something that’s never easy to do or even to begin thinking about for that matter. But it can help give you comfort knowing your estate and loved ones are protected after your death. Avoid missteps and get your...
Read MoreToday, women are providing more financial value to their household than ever before. Studies show 51% of women are responsible for household finances while 37% reported to be the primary breadwinner of their family (compared to 31% in...
Read MoreSeniors can benefit from many discounts and offers; however, taxes aren’t one of them. Retirees will be shocked to find that much of their income is, in fact, subject to taxes. Here are a few that you can expect to face in...
Read MoreWhen it comes to annuities, misinformation surrounds them. To help you make a sound decision on whether or not an annuity is right for you, here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions:They’re only for retirees. While...
Read MoreWhen it comes to retirement, both men and women face many risks. However, women are faced with greater financial obstacles:Living longer. It’s a known fact that women enjoy a longer lifespan than their male counterparts. As a matter of...
Read MoreFor many of us, we look forward to this time of year where we can expect some extra money in our pockets. The sooner we file, the sooner we can receive our tax refund. And you can do so by filing electronically, requesting your refund...
Read MoreMany of us look forward to our golden days, the days where we can simply kick back, relax, and do a lot more things we didn’t have time for during our days of labor. How comfortable and secure your retirement will be depends on how...
Read MoreRunning out of money in retirement is a worry for many people. In fact, 55% of baby boomers and 57% of Generation X expressed outliving their savings is one of their greatest fears. 47% of millennials also have similar concerns.1...
Read MoreMaking the decision to place your spouse, partner, or family member in long-term care (LTC) might be one of the hardest decisions in your life. Nobody wants to think about putting their loved ones in assisted care. For many, it is a...
Read MoreFiling season for the 2018 tax year is officially underway. To help you stay organized as you prepare to file, use the checklist below to gather all the forms and documents you’ll need.1Identification for You and Your SpouseFull...
Read MoreNearly 50 percent of Americans aren’t prepared for retirement.1 However, there’s still time to catch up. Here’s some insight on how you can better position yourself for securing a happy retirement:Pay off large debts. By focusing on...
Read MoreIt’s January of the New Year and other than starting fresh and enduring frigid temperatures, tax season has arrived. Below are some of the 2018 tax deduction changes you should know when filing in 2019.1Medical and dental expenses. You...
Read MoreHave a life insurance policy? That’s great! If you don’t, well, you may want to reconsider. But what are some of the features that a life insurance policy should have built-in to it? There are a lot of different options, but here are...
Read MoreEvery birthday is special – but these are particularly important in your retirement journey.1 Here are some age milestones to keep in mind:Age 55 – Penalty-free distributions allowed from 401(k), if retiredAge 59 ½ – Penalty-free...
Read MoreHappy New Year! We are officially in 2019, and there’s no better time to start fresh with your finances than now by laying out your goals for the New Year. Follow these simple tips below to help your financial year start off on the...
Read MoreYou’ve worked hard this year and it’s that time of the year again for New Year’s Resolutions. And for many of us, that means getting your finances in order. Follow the calendar below to track important deadlines and notices for your...
Read MoreMany people think they don’t need life insurance for one reason or another. A lot of these same people also think life insurance is too expensive (it’s not). Add these two together, and you get a population that simply doesn’t...
Read MoreThere are millions of different ways a person can get themselves to be financially-stable in retirement, but what is the ideal way? Through examining studies and compiling expert opinions, MarketWatch came up with an ideal timeline for...
Read MoreNow’s the time to observe your entire financial situation. The new year is upon us, so it’s only smart to start looking towards next year so you aren’t caught off-guard. Follow this quick tips and be on your way to a current financial...
Read MoreThere are some things in life that are just worth knowing. Retirement terms is one of those things. Regardless if you’re far off from retirement or in the middle of it, it pays to understand some common retirement lingo, so you’re not...
Read MoreMany factors come into play when you consider an annuity. They come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know which questions to ask to come away with the right annuity for you. We’ve compiled a list of questions you’ll...
Read MoreWe get it—life insurance isn’t the most exhilarating topic. No one wants to talk about their own death. And because of that, a lot of people don’t consider it a priority in their finances. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth....
Read MoreIn retirement, annuities can be an essential part of your income strategy. They can provide guaranteed income for as long as you live, and are often a great way to supplement income from the likes of a pension or Social Security....
Read MoreIf retirement is in your future, listen up: A secure retirement plan isn’t just about savings, it’s about generating income, too. If you’re focusing only on your retirement savings, you likely will miss out on the retirement you want...
Read MoreA lot of people purchase life insurance and never look back. If that’s you, you may think that once you place a life insurance policy, you’re set until, well, you know.But that’s not really the case, given life’s dynamism. Here are...
Read MoreWith life expectancy continuing to rise as care costs grow with it, finding sustainable funding for long-term care (LTC) needs can be a challenge. Here are three ways to fund your LTC.Annuities – Annuity-LTC hybrid products deliver a...
Read MoreDo annuities and retirement go hand-in-hand? Not always. But, annuities do serve as a great way to secure income in retirement, especially under certain conditions. Here are four situations where annuities make most sense in retirement...
Read MorePurchasing multiple term life insurance policies from different companies can prove to be a fiscally efficient strategy that works especially well if you’re able to predict when your coverage needs will diminish. For example, instead...
Read MoreLife insurance is most valuable to you in times of need, which is why it's important to know in advance when and how to file a claim. Insurance companies are required to pay insurance claims promptly, but there are steps you or your...
Read MoreA recent study found that there were 16.7 million victims of identity theft in 2017, combining for a total loss of $16.8 billion.1 Still to this day, one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft is to spot and stop the...
Read MoreSending a child or grandchild to college comes with new insurance responsibilities. Whether they're already in college or still have a few years to go, your family's insurance needs change when your children go off to school....
Read MoreSending a child off to college? Sit down together and go over these important financial issues before dropping him or her off for the semester.Get your student set up with a credit card.If your child doesn't already have a credit card,...
Read MoreThere are some things in life that are just worth knowing. Retirement terms is one of those things. Regardless if you’re far off from retirement or in the middle of it, it pays to understand some common retirement lingo, so you’re not...
Read MoreNew types of policies are emerging that combine life insurance with long-term care (LTC) insurance, getting you covered for both. If you’re intrigued by these hybrid policies, they may be worth a look. Here’s a few notes about how they...
Read MoreHow much do you know about Social Security in 2018? Because of the program’s complexity, chances are you don’t know every little piece of information. These four facts serve to fill in some gaps in your Social Security knowledge. If...
Read MoreIf you’re retired or nearing retirement, you know how long you’ve been saving for your best years. Are you ready to manage your distributions well and budget correctly? If not, you may run out of money. Consider this tips when you’re...
Read MoreLong-term care (LTC) insurance is often overlooked as a necessity, but as humans continue to live longer lives, LTC is becoming an important asset to have in your later years. It helps take care of daily tasks when you’re unable...
Read MoreWith retirees living longer than ever before, it’s becoming more and more important to accrue enough savings during your working years to help you live the retirement you deserve. The three strategies below can help you get your...
Read MoreThere are many types of annuities, but immediate annuities are one of the most popular options. These annuities are purchased with one lump-sum payment and begin paying out the agreed-upon amount right away. But, to be sure this...
Read MoreTechnology today allows for access to more information and choices than ever before across all industries – and financial advisory is no different. But, before you think about trying the next up-and-coming “robot advisor”, consider...
Read MoreDid you know that 65% of Americans end up saving little or nothing at all? And only 39% can cover a $1,000 emergency. This begs the question, are you saving enough money? Here’s four signs that you need to be saving more.You don’t have...
Read MoreThinking of life insurance? You should be doing your math then, too. With a few simple “rules of thumb”, and dependent on your age, you can define a solid estimate based on your loved one’s needs in the future and your current...
Read MoreConverting your individual retirement account (IRA) into an annuity can be an excellent way of supplying yourself with a steady income stream for the rest of your life. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone, though. Here’s two pros and...
Read MoreSocial Security is meant to lead people into a comfortable, stress-free retirement. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t encounter some unchartered territory along the way. These tips should help you navigate Social Security with greater...
Read MoreSome retirement investors have a portion of their investment in stocks, and this may have served them well. Stocks have recently been on a roll - and many are near all-time highs. Some investors may think the market is a bit extended....
Read MoreFor many people, the dream of traveling in retirement is strong. You may want to plan trips to see your adult kids and grandkids a few times per year, and you likewise may have bucket list trips in mind. Because you do not have a job...
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Once you reach your retired years, you may think that your previous planning efforts would put you in the clear from a financial standpoint. However, the numbers that you use in your projections are in flux. This means that you must...
Read MoreNo matter what your age, it’s important to start preparing for the time when you eventually retire. One of the biggest financial issues you may encounter by the time you’re ready to stop working is how much money you will...
Read MoreThe first month of 2018 is behind us but it is not too late to take stock of various aspects of our lives. One of the primary areas that is commonly reviewed each year is personal finance. If you are thinking about retiring within the...
Read MoreThe first month of 2018 is behind us but it is not too late to take stock of various aspects of our lives. One of the primary areas that is commonly reviewed each year is personal finance. If you are thinking about retiring within the...
Read MoreThe first month of 2018 is behind us but it is not too late to take stock of various aspects of our lives. One of the primary areas that is commonly reviewed each year is personal finance. If you are thinking about retiring within the...
Read MoreDid you hear about the people that are mortgaging their home to invest in Bitcoin? It seems that as more and more people become interested in Bitcoin, that more people are thinking about adding it to their portfolio. With the recent...
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