An indexed annuity is an insurance contract that provides investors with the potential to earn higher returns than traditional fixed-rate annuities. The returns are based on the performance of an underlying index such as the S&P 500 or a bond market index. While...
Grieving the loss of a loved one is difficult, and in the midst of that grief, it can be hard to know what financial steps to take. For those who have recently lost a spouse, here are five financial steps that ought to be taken as soon as possible. 1. Review...
Ensure Your Financial Security by Understanding 401(k) Rollovers Retirement planning is an important part of ensuring financial security. As such, it is important to understand the nuances and implications of rolling over your 401k. In this blog, we will discuss the...
There are a few key financial things to keep in mind if you’re going through a divorce. First and foremost, it’s important to be aware of your financial situation and be honest with yourself about what you can afford. Next, you need to make sure that all...
It’s almost that time again! Yes, Spring is quickly approaching but with it, the often dreaded tax season is also upon us. However, it doesn’t have to be a time of stress. Here are five things for investors to keep in mind during tax time: Capital Gains...
If you and your spouse both have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, retirement saving is as easy as specifying the pre-tax contribution amount to be deducted from your paycheck. But for many couples, it’s a little more complicated. The decision may be for...
For most of us, our online lives are well-established. More than just your social media accounts – the way that you live day-to-day. When was the last time you wrote a paper check? Or got a credit card statement in the mail? How about paper files? If you have a...
Pre-retirement planning is one of the most challenging stages of your financial journey. You’re still fully engaged in your career, but you’re also looking ahead to a not-so-distant future when your life and your source of income will radically change.Retirement means...
One of the most challenging parts of going to college isn’t getting accepted – it’s figuring out how to pay for it. Long before your child is selecting a major, their college savings plan should be in place and growing. When do you start? What’s the right investment...
Looking for a family activity? There’s one that is not just enjoyable family time – it can move you closer to achieving your goals and making your dreams come true. While we all have things we want to accomplish, lives we want to build, and things we “wish” for —...
For some people, retirement either doesn’t live up to their expectations or is a mystery because they never figured out how to live the rest of their lives. That’s why planning for the non-financial aspect of retirement is as important as planning for lifelong...
Planning ahead for the care you’ll need when you can no longer care for yourself is one of the most necessary parts of a comprehensive financial plan. It combines two of the most important factors of risk management: ensuring your needs are met in the way you want...
Tax planning for retirement is different from the strategies you deploy to minimize taxes while working. You’ll be using your investments for income, and the way they are taxed is different depending on the type of account you hold assets in. In addition, at age...
You’ve built a retirement nest egg by saving consistently and investing carefully. An asset allocation that allowed growth but gradually reduced risk as you got closer to retirement was probably part of the plan. But once you’re in retirement, your focus shifts a bit....