3 Reasons Your Spouse or Partner Should be Included During Planning Conversations

3 Reasons Your Spouse or Partner Should be Included During Planning Conversations

Have you and your spouse discussed your retirement plans?  In the 2017 study, Age Wave/ Merrill Lynch, “Finances in Retirement: New Challenges, New Solutions” showed that only 16 percent of pre-retirees older than 50 feel prepared for a 20-year retirement.  

Personally, I found that to be a truly sobering statistic.  As a Certified Financial Planner™ I’ve seen the importance and difference working with a professional to develop and follow a financial plan can make.  Also, I know there is a significant need in our country to help individuals plan their finances and retirements.  However, I was shocked to see a number less than 20 percent!  

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Think You Are Too Young or Can’t Afford to Hire a Financial Professional to Help…. Think Again!

Think You Are Too Young or Can’t Afford to Hire a Financial Professional to Help…. Think Again!

Just because you have recently graduated from college or are early in your career doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be thinking about your financial future or that you can’t seek help in answering questions you may have.  This is the exact time you should be asking questions.  First, from a saving for your retirement perspective, the younger you are when you start planning and saving for your retirement the better your chances of having a financially independent retirement age.  

But, if you are like many young workers or graduates you feel as if you are unable to save toward many of your life goals.  You may be like the many other recent graduates who have higher levels of student loan debt, lower levels of wealth and personal income than any other generation at the same stage in life according to The Pew Research Center.  Depending on the type of student loans you have federal (subsidized/ unsubsidized) loans or private loans your repayment options will vary. That only means you need some help to review your student loans to see if you could benefit from refinancing them or help you figure out a plan to begin paying off your loans. 

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“I’ve Been Granted a Stock Option from My Employer. What’s Next”? - Understanding Your Executive Compensation

“I’ve Been Granted a Stock Option from My Employer.   What’s Next”? - Understanding Your Executive Compensation

Many employers will grant company stock options to executives and key employees as a way to incentivize them to remain at a company and tie their incentives to increased production/ profitability of the company.  If you have received a stock option from your employer you probably have several questions.  

To fully understand your benefit, you need know what is an Incentive Stock Optionsor ISO and what the similarities/ differences between Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)and Non-Qualified Stock Option (NQSOs).  This knowledge will help you to identify and better manage your options. 

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Small Businesses Need Retirement Plans Too- Retirement Planning for Your Small Business

Small Businesses Need Retirement Plans Too- Retirement Planning for Your Small Business

Providing a retirement plan for your business can be beneficial to both you as an owner and your employees.  With the move away from pension plans many individuals will be relying more heavily on their own savings to provide income during retirement.  One of the best tools we have to create retirement savings is a plan through their employer. 

If you are considering creating a retirement plan for your small business you have several options.  Below will be a discussion about a few of those options.  This is not an exhaustive list and there may be some plan types that will benefit you more than another.  Prior to implementing a plan you should consult with a seasoned professional (financial advisor and tax advisor) who can help you select the plan that will best fit your small business.  The contribution limits and tax deductions can vary from plan to plan and year to year. So, it is advised to work with a trusted advisor.

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Understanding the Difference Between a Financial Advisor and a Certified Financial Planner™

Understanding the Difference Between a Financial Advisor and a Certified Financial Planner™

You more than likely have seen Financial Professionals call themselves by different titles.  And like many other consumers you may be confuse about the differences, or if there are any differences. If you have ever wondered about the difference between your friend’s Certified Financial Planner™ and your Financial Advisor, keep reading to find out. 

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How Has Your Estate Planning Been Impacted By the New Tax Law

How Has Your Estate Planning Been Impacted By the New Tax Law

Now that tax season is over.  Take a moment to ask yourself if your Estate plan needs to be reviewed.  Many individuals and families are finding they may need to check in with their financial planner and attorney to understand how the new tax law may impact their estate plan.  

An Estate plan, just like a piece of real estate, needs periodic maintenance and care to make sure it’s in good shape when you need it most. 

Provisions in the newly passed GOP tax plan mean it’s time to review a handful of key areas in your estate plan. Below are five areas you should pay attention:

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5 Retirement Saving Tips for Anyone

5 Retirement Saving Tips for Anyone

We all know the importance of planning and saving for retirement; we hear it everywhere we go.  We can point to statistics, articles, and studies that all tells us the responsibility of retirement savings is being placed more and more onto the individual worker.  While we may know this and hear it from multiple outlets, how much action are individuals and business owners actually taking?

 

Here are 5 tips to help save for your retirement that anyone can use:

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Retirement Planning for Small Businesses

Retirement Planning for Small Businesses

Providing a retirement plan for your business can be beneficial to both you as an owner and your employees.  With the move away from pension plans many individuals will be relying more heavily on their own savings to provide income during retirement.  One of the best tools we have to create retirement savings is a plan through their employer. 

 

If you are considering creating a retirement plan for your small business you have several options.

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