Investing Lessons from a Fun Sport

Apr 13 2021

In “What Pickleball Can Teach You About Investing,” Jacob Schroeder, writing for Kiplinger.com, demonstrates how you can apply everyday lessons to your investing and financial planning…if you pay attention.

Pickleball isn’t tennis but it has some things in common with tennis. In pickle ball, the players use paddles to hit a small plastic ball over a net. And if you didn’t know, pickleball is popular with retirees. There are pickleball tournaments at community centers and most players are in their golden years. The author of this article played the sport outdoors as a way to get some recreation and follow …

Creating A Strong Tax Planning Strategy Can Save You Thousands, Here’s How

Apr 08 2021

Financial planning can feel a bit ambiguous at times. There are quite a few assumptions that need to be made about your financial future. What will your income and expenses be in retirement? What growth rate can you assume in your portfolio? How much of your income will social security really replace?

While you may not be able to control everything about your financial situation, there is one area where you can take charge immediately.

Taxes.

Proactive tax planning can instantly elevate your overall financial plan.

Here’s how.

Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning

It is very common for people to

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Turn to a Fee-Only Financial Planner When You Inherit

Apr 06 2021

When someone uses financial planning services to transfer money or assets to beneficiaries, that is a wealth transfer. Many people believe that in the United States we will see a great wealth transfer as Baby Boomers age and leave money for those who are younger. “The impact of inheritance” on Vox.com ponders whether the anticipated wealth transfer will be enough to help a number of Americans maintain middle-class status.

Author Meredith Haggerty writes, “….a transfer of wealth can be a lot of things: freeing and stifling, a relief and a burden, a windfall and a pitfall. It depends …

Empty Nesters, Is It Time To Downsize?

Mar 15 2021

Empty Nesters, Is It Time To Downsize?

You have just come to grips with the fact that all of your children have moved out. After the initial lifestyle shock (and maybe a few tears), you might be thinking “Do we really still need this big house?”

While downsizing your home can be an attractive option, you’ll want to go in with both eyes wide open. Here’s what you need to think about before calling the real estate agent.

Consider Your Retirement and Lifestyle Goals

As you approach retirement, you should consider the impact that downsizing will have on your life.

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Should You Hit the Pause Button on Filing Your 2020 Tax Returns?

Mar 13 2021

As you likely know, President Joe Biden signed his sweeping $1.9 trillion Covid-19 economic relief package into law on Thursday afternoon March 11, 2021. Included in this package were several tax provisions that increase child tax credits and exempt certain 2020 unemployment benefits from taxation for lower income taxpayers.

Passing retroactive tax legislation just five weeks before the regular 1040 tax deadline of April 15, 2021, is virtually unprecedented, and has left the IRS and tax preparation software vendors scrambling to update calculations, guidance, tax forms, publications and program logic.

Add to the foregoing the IRS’ backlog of taxpayer correspondence …

Archive - 2021

Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning

Empty Nesters, Is It Time To Downsize?

Consider Your Retirement and Lifestyle Goals