Cash Balance Plans
A new concept is evolving in the pension world that combines both features of a traditional defined contribution and defined plan. A cash balance plan is sometimes referred to as a “hybrid” plan as it allows for the high contributions of a defined benefit plan, but with the look, feel and portability of a defined contribution plan.
5 Financial Issues Only Women Face
Round Table Wealth Management Director, Wealth Advisor Marianne Rodriguez was recently quoted in GOBankingRates. Fitting for Women's History Month, Marianne provides insight on managing finances when faced with challenging life events. Click here to read the full article: 5 Financial Issues Only Women Face [...]
Investing in Index & Target Date Funds: A Closer Look for the Smart Investor
by: Richard B. Freeman, CFP & Theodore D. Schneider, CFA The rise in popularity of investing in passive index funds has occurred for a number of reasons—simplicity, low cost and a “can’t beat the market” perspective. As a result, passive index funds have gained a [...]
How well do you know your advisor?
How well do you know your advisor? People often find their advisors through word of mouth from friends, family or their personal network. While this is a good start, it is crucial to do research on the different criteria to be aware of and [...]
Investing in Index & Target Date Funds: A Closer Look for the Smart Investor
by: Richard B. Freeman, CFP & Theodore D. Schneider, CFA The rise in popularity of investing in passive index funds has occurred for a number of reasons—simplicity, low cost and a “can’t beat the market” perspective. As a result, passive index funds have gained a [...]
Types of Fixed Income
Types of Fixed Income Chances are that fixed income (bonds) will comprise some portion of your investment portfolio during your lifetime. Many investors use bonds as safe-haven assets in their portfolios due to their (typically) lower risk level relative to stocks. However, the types [...]
Portfolio Basics: Asset Allocation, Time Horizon, Risk Tolerance and Diversification
Portfolio Basics: Asset Allocation, Time Horizon, Risk Tolerance and Diversification Investing can seem daunting at times for those that are just starting out. There are several concepts that need to be mastered to comprehend how to build an investment portfolio based on your specific [...]
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies The news is full of stories on “cryptocurrencies” – from the well-known Bitcoin to the infamous Dogecoin. But what are cryptocurrencies? Is this the new wave of the future or the next Beanie Babies fad? What are cryptocurrencies? [...]
2020 Year-End Financial Check List
Here are several simple year-end tax planning ideas to consider before you ring in the new year to improve your personal finances.
Medicare: Understand Your Options and Meet the Deadlines
Are you retiring soon, recently retired or nearing your 65th birthday? If so, you need to understand Medicare and the necessary steps you need to take to ensure proper healthcare coverage in retirement. Even if you don’t fall into one of the categories above, I’m sure you know someone who does… so keep reading!
Property and Casualty Insurance: What You Need to Know
Property & Casualty Insurance: What You Need to Know Property and Casualty insurance protects against loss related to things that you own (Property) as well as things that can happen to others because of your actions (Casualty). Property Insurance commonly includes protecting your home [...]
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance On average, an American turning 65 today will incur $138,000 in future long-term care costs1. One in seven adults will have a disability for more than five years, and the median annual cost of nursing home care in the US is [...]
6 Ways to Become Your CPA’s Favorite Client This Tax Season
6 Ways to Become Your CPA’s Favorite Client This Tax Season in 2021 Establishing a good relationship with your accountant can result in a number of benefits including faster turnaround times, lower fees, and better proactive planning. Becoming your accountant’s favorite client this tax [...]
Five Simple Year-end Tax Planning Strategies:
The end of 2018 is fast approaching. Thanksgiving flew by, and now it’s time to make sure holiday presents and plans are set as we gear up for cold weather and special times with family and friends. It’s a busy time, but don’t forget – your finances can use [...]
5 Financial Issues Only Women Face
Round Table Wealth Management Director, Wealth Advisor Marianne Rodriguez was recently quoted in GOBankingRates. Fitting for Women's History Month, Marianne provides insight on managing finances when faced with challenging life events. Click here to read the full article: 5 Financial Issues Only Women Face [...]
Top 7 Financial To-Do’s After a Divorce
Top 7 Financial To-Do's After a Divorce You have just signed your divorce papers and are now ready to put all the stress of the long and complicated process behind you. Emotions ranging from relief and peace to sadness and anger, and likely fear [...]
The Marital Home in Divorce – Emotions vs. Economics
As someone contemplates divorce, one of the most common concerns, after custody of the children is whether either spouse will be able to continue living in the marital home. Most likely, the home has significant emotional meaning. It could represent heartfelt memories of raising your family during happier times [...]
For better or for worse? Not when it comes to your credit
People in the midst of a divorce are most likely thinking about the future well-being of their children, cash flow, living arrangements, or even employment options. The last thing on their minds is probably their credit. I am here to tell you that your credit is also important and [...]
Estate Planning in the Digital Age
You are likely familiar with traditional estate planning that utilizes documents like wills and trusts to dictate how your assets such as your bank and investment accounts, home, and personal belongings are distributed after your passing. But have you also planned for what happens to your digital assets after [...]
What is a Trustee?
A trustee is a person (or company) who has been entrusted by the grantor (the person who created the trust) to carry out the terms of the trust on behalf of the beneficiary. For legal purposes, the trustee is considered the owner of the assets in a trust. A [...]
Cash Balance Plans
A new concept is evolving in the pension world that combines both features of a traditional defined contribution and defined plan. A cash balance plan is sometimes referred to as a “hybrid” plan as it allows for the high contributions of a defined benefit plan, but with the look, feel and portability of a defined contribution plan.
Complexity of Retirement Planning
The Complexity of Retirement Planning THE QUESTION ISN’T WHO’S GOING TO LET ME...IT’S WHO’S GOING TO STOP ME – Ayn Rand After graduating college, typically you begin a career and (hopefully) start saving for a rainy day. Years quickly pass [...]
How well do you know your advisor?
How well do you know your advisor? People often find their advisors through word of mouth from friends, family or their personal network. While this is a good start, it is crucial to do research on the different criteria to be aware of and [...]
Financial Lessons Learned from the Pandemic
Financial Lessons Learned from the Pandemic Spring is here, schools are open again and sports are coming back – it is beginning to feel more like “normal”! Covid-19 turned our world upside down, shutting down our nation’s businesses and forcing our families to learn [...]
What’s My FICO Credit Score and How Can I Improve it?
What’s My FICO Credit Score and How Can I Improve it? If you are applying for a new credit card, car loan or home equity loan, you may find yourself at the mercy of the Fair Isaac Corporation, creators of the FICO credit score. [...]
Paying it Forward in 2021
Paying it Forward in 2021 While many are celebrating as they watch their portfolios grow in value, we all know there are many who are struggling financially during these challenging times. Charities are no different, as they have faced a steep decline in 2020 [...]
How well do you know your advisor?
How well do you know your advisor? People often find their advisors through word of mouth from friends, family or their personal network. While this is a good start, it is crucial to do research on the different criteria to be aware of and [...]
Financial Lessons Learned from the Pandemic
Financial Lessons Learned from the Pandemic Spring is here, schools are open again and sports are coming back – it is beginning to feel more like “normal”! Covid-19 turned our world upside down, shutting down our nation’s businesses and forcing our families to learn [...]
Types of Fixed Income
Types of Fixed Income Chances are that fixed income (bonds) will comprise some portion of your investment portfolio during your lifetime. Many investors use bonds as safe-haven assets in their portfolios due to their (typically) lower risk level relative to stocks. However, the types [...]
What’s My FICO Credit Score and How Can I Improve it?
What’s My FICO Credit Score and How Can I Improve it? If you are applying for a new credit card, car loan or home equity loan, you may find yourself at the mercy of the Fair Isaac Corporation, creators of the FICO credit score. [...]