It was a busy morning getting ready for work and getting the kids ready for school when Tom received a text message from his bank stating there had been a suspicious purchase and they would be calling briefly to sort it out. In a few moments, the phone rang, and the caller I.D. indicated it… Continue reading Beware of Imposter Scams
Article Categories: Articles
Protecting Yourself Against Data Breaches
2024 has been a year of major data breaches. Here are some examples: Considering the ongoing number of incidents, it’s crucial to take a proactive approach to protect yourself. Freezing your credit is the most effective step you can take. Freezing your credit is important because it helps protect you from identity theft, especially after… Continue reading Protecting Yourself Against Data Breaches
Mapping Your Financial Priorities
Finances are a part of each of our lives, and at some point, we all come across financial advice. No matter how good the advice, sometimes we can find ourselves wondering, “Is what worked for you ideal for me considering my circumstances?” There’s no one size fits all financial advice but there are good principles… Continue reading Mapping Your Financial Priorities
Your 401(k) School Supply List
The backpacks have been filled and pencils have been sharpened: it’s time for school to start! As students have the supplies they need to be successful in the classroom, now is a great time to give your retirement plan the “supplies” it needs to work even harder than you do: Remember, you have a copilot… Continue reading Your 401(k) School Supply List
What is an IUL?
Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) is a popular topic for those looking to combine life insurance protection with the potential to build cash value. Unfortunately, social media sound bites are often high on praise and low on details. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand. How Does an IUL Work? When… Continue reading What is an IUL?
Understanding ERISA’s Duty to Diversify
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is aimed at safeguarding the interests of participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans. One crucial aspect of being an ERISA fiduciary is understanding the duty to diversify to minimize the risk of large losses. In this article, we review ERISA’s duty to diversify, its rationale, applications… Continue reading Understanding ERISA’s Duty to Diversify
The Merits of Long-Term Investing: Navigating Market Noise
When it comes to investing, the stock market can often feel like a roller coaster. The media loves to use dramatic language to describe market movements, making terms like “crash,” “plummet,” and “freefall” sound much scarier than they need to be. This can lead to anxiety and rash decisions for investors who aren’t prepared for… Continue reading The Merits of Long-Term Investing: Navigating Market Noise
Navigating Vehicle Maintenance Costs
We’re in the midst of summer, a time when many of us find ourselves driving more and perhaps thinking about purchasing a vehicle. Buying a car can be one of the most significant expenses in your life, impacting your disposable income throughout your driving years. The make and model you choose dictate much of your… Continue reading Navigating Vehicle Maintenance Costs
Shepherding Your Child to Their Career
A twenty-something electrician, registered nurse, and engineer walk into a financial planner’s office . . . No, not the beginning of a bad dad joke, though it is tempting. As a financial planner it is all too common to meet with young adults attempting to kick start their financial lives only to find that they… Continue reading Shepherding Your Child to Their Career
Can Kids Use Summer Job Money to Fund A Roth IRA?
With summer in full swing and lemonade stand revenue burning a hole in kids’ pockets, can kids fund a Roth IRA instead of just buying more Robux? Yes, kids can use summer jobs to fund a Roth IRA! As long as they have earned income, they are eligible to contribute. This includes income from formal… Continue reading Can Kids Use Summer Job Money to Fund A Roth IRA?
