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How to Prepare Your Finances for an Election Year
Election years create a certain level of uncertainty regarding your finances and investments. During continued market volatility, an imminent election can make investors tense. All followers of political parties believe their party...
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement
Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence, easy loan access, and lower...
Read MoreTrading vs. Investing: Which One Fits Your Personality and Risk Tolerance?
Both trading and investing involve purchasing financial assets for the purpose of growing the value of those investments and either earning a profit through a sale, the accumulation of interest, or dividends paid out (and reinvested in...
Read MoreInflation and Its Impact on Markets and Portfolios
Understanding the implications of CPI and PPI is crucial for investors In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying abreast of economic indicators is crucial for investors looking to make informed decisions. One such key indicator is...
Read MoreThe Role of AI in Investing and Financial Planning
The integration of tech can amplify the capabilities of financial professionals As investors navigate the dynamic landscape of the financial markets, they find themselves at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and traditional...
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How to Plan for a Healthy Retirement
Planning for retirement often involves focusing on your finances and ensuring that you not only will have enough to sustain you during your retirement but adequate funds to do the things you enjoy doing. While this strategy is a...
Read MoreKey Numbers 2024
Explore 2024 Tax Rates and Deductions! From income brackets to education credits, get the insights you need for strategic financial planning. Don't miss out on maximizing your tax benefits! From Financial Advisor in Littleton
Read MoreEntrepreneurship and Financial Risk: What You Need to Know
Entrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. A wise entrepreneur considers their potential exposure before leaping into a new business venture, moving forward only on those...
Read More8 Things Financial Planning Can Help You Address
Financial planning is unique for each person; no two financial plans look the same because everyone's life and personal goals are different. Regardless of what your goals are, financial planning can help you work towards achieving them...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreProtecting Your Tax Identity Doesn't Have to Be Taxing
When you think of identity theft, you may think of unauthorized credit card payments or new lines of credit. However, tax identity theft is one of the most common types of identity theft — and it’s also the most common...
Read MoreKey Financial Wellness Metrics for Near-Retirement Individuals
As one approaches retirement, monitoring your financial situation by understanding your net worth and assessing the assets and resources needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement is vital. This article explores...
Read More2023 Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits Released
Cents-per-mile rule, parking and transportation benefits and health FSAs The IRS has released the 2023 final version of its Publication 15-B (The Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits). The “What’s New”...
Read MoreFinancial Resolutions for Individuals Nearing Retirement
Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track to allow you to...
Read MoreUnderstanding Real Estate Investment Trusts
Know the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations on REIT prices Real Estate Investment Trusts, commonly known as REITs, have become a popular investment choice for individuals seeking exposure to the real estate market without...
Read MoreOUTLOOK 2024: A TURNING POINT
IN 2024, WE BELIEVE MARKETS will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is bubbling up again as
Read MoreYear-End Tax Planning Considerations for Capital Gains
As the end of the year approaches, investors need to focus on tax-related considerations, particularly regarding capital gains. Year-end tax planning can help investors manage their overall tax liability while seeking to manage...
Read MoreSpreading Holiday Cheer with Year-End Giving
The holidays are nearly upon us – a time of giving, goodwill to others, and embracing traditions. For many people, giving to a charity or organization that aligns with your values provides a sense of fulfillment. If you itemize...
Read MoreScrooge and the Ghosts of Financial Planning
In Charles Dickens's timeless classic, "A Christmas Carol," Ebenezer Scrooge transforms from a miserly old man to a generous and empathetic soul. Along the way, he encounters the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who...
Read MoreWhy Caregivers Should Care About Estate Planning
More than half of Americans don't have a will, even though most agree that wills are a good idea. For caregivers, planning ahead for their unexpected death is even more critical since the people who depend on their services will likely...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: How Small Business Owners Can Make a Big Impact
Charitable giving is an excellent way for businesses to help others while taking advantage of additional tax breaks. Billions of dollars are given each year in the U.S. to a wide range of charities providing valuable community services...
Read More4 Simple Ways to Give Back
As you take a moment to reflect upon all of the things that bring you comfort and joy this holiday season, consider giving back to those in need. Whether you are participating in an organized fundraiser or diving headfirst into your...
Read More4 Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Small-Business Owners
The past two years presented many small-business owners with unprecedented challenges. This year’s tax planning preparations include necessary measures for small-business owners to satisfy existing, new and modified tax laws that...
Read More6 Scary Money Mistakes and How to Avoid Becoming a Financial Horror Story
Managing money may seem stressful at times. Unexpected expenses, changes in employment, and changes in family or lifestyle may all lead to money issues. Making sure you have money saved up for the unexpected is crucial. Here are some...
Read MoreProtect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...
Read More5 Differences Between Planning for Long-Term Care and Crisis Planning
If you're like many, you may associate long-term care with nursing homes and end-of-life care. But far more people will need long-term care in a crisis—an injury or illness that requires long-term care or rehab before you can...
Read MoreSuccession Planning for Women Business Owners
Women entrepreneurs face a unique set of hurdles when it comes to starting new businesses, particularly in a post-pandemic world. In 2021, women started about 40 percent of all new businesses, and this figure has remained fairly steady...
Read MoreEverything You Need To Know About the FedNow App
You may have heard people in the office talking about FedNow. FedNow is an instant payment service that the Federal Reserve will offer businesses and individuals to send and receive money within seconds on a 24-hour, 365-days-a-year...
Read MoreWomen Who Mean Business: 7 Secrets of Successful Businesswomen
Being successful in the business world has been especially challenging for women in recent decades as they continue to strive for equality in the workplace and advancement as well as comparable advancement opportunities. At the same...
Read MoreCan ChatGPT Make Better Investment Decisions?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning bring investors additional tools Investing can be a tricky business, even for seasoned professionals. With a plethora of investment options available and constantly changing market...
Read MoreWhy Financial Preparedness Is a Smart Investment
During turbulent financial times, having a financial emergency plan might provide you with a proverbial life preserver. Whether it is an emergency fund to help you tackle an unplanned expense, insurance to cover an unexpected accident...
Read MoreMoney Matters: Financial Literacy For The Whole Family
Financial literacy is crucial, not only for adults but for everyone in the family. When you have a good foundation of financial literacy, you will have a greater understanding of money and prepare yourself for a brighter financial...
Read More5 Tips For Budgeting Like A Boss
When it comes to creating your own monthly budget, sometimes planning is easier than the practice. Keeping track of finances can be tricky, but, with a few guidelines and time, you can take charge of your bank account once and for all. Adop
Read MoreBatter Up! How to Score a Retirement Planning Home Run
There are two things Americans have always looked forward to: going to the ballpark for the big game and retiring after a fulfilling career. Interestingly, baseball and retirement planning have several aspects in common. Taking the time to
Read More6 Tennis Tips To Help Make Your Retirement a Grand Slam
Whether you make tennis one of your leisure activities during retirement or just enjoy watching the sport, you may not realize that the same strategies used in a tennis match may also translate into retirement. Prepare yourself for peak per
Read MorePlanning Lessons for Educators - Addressing Your Financial Issues
Being an educator requires expertise and that you stay current on developments in your field. However, that level of ongoing attention can make it difficult to find the time to stay on top of issues that affect your finances, or to put toge
Read More5 Ways a Financial Professional Could Be a Small-Business Owner's Best Friend
As a business owner, you may assume you do not need professional financial advice until you hit certain milestones such as $1 million in sales, having ten employees, or some other tangible measure. However, financial professionals may benef
Read MoreHow a Financial Professional Can Help You Apply Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
How a Financial Professional Can Help You Apply Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” to Your Investment Strategy In 1989, Stephen Covey, an American author, educator, and businessman, published...
Read MoreTake a Swing at Investing Like a Golfer
Golfing and investing may not seem to share much common ground at first glance. But the more you think about it, a successful golfer and a successful investor share a number of traits such as patience, perseverance, attention to detail...
Read MoreMidyear Outlook 2023: The Path Toward Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change. It’s a theme...
Read More10 Tips to Work Toward Financial Freedom
Financial freedom is a state of being in control of one's finances, covering expenses easily, and saving for future goals. Financial freedom enables you to choose how you spend or interact with your money and have the choice to decide...
Read More8 Reasons Small Businesses Should Hire Veterans
Hiring employees is sometimes a difficult task. You may need to find employees who fit the business culture and have the skills to get the job done. The good news for small businesses looking for employees with various skills and a...
Read MoreA Few Red Flags in the Stock Market to Watch
Current warning signs might point to a future downturn for the stock market As an investor, it's important to keep a close eye on the stock market indicators. Currently, the indicators are showing a concerning trend that investors...
Read MoreLast Minute Considerations for the FAFSA Deadline
For many, the expenses of college or technical school can be overwhelming. But, with financial aid programs, tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related costs can become more affordable. To determine if your student...
Read More5 Homeowner Estate Planning Tips to Consider
Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...
Read MoreTax Benefits of Home Ownership
In tax lingo, your principal residence is the place where you legally reside. It's typically the place where you spend most of your time, but several other factors are also relevant in determining your principal residence. Many of the...
Read MoreUtilizing a 529 Plan as a Wealth Transfer Tool
529 plans are designed for saving for education and are beneficial since contributions accumulate and grow tax-free as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. But 529 plans may also be part of a wealth transfer...
Read MoreTax-Advantaged 529 Accounts
What families need to considerAccording to the College Board, the most recently published figures of the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public university for the 2021-2022 school year was $10,740 for in-state students and...
Read More13 Potholes to Avoid on the Road to Retirement
You may have spent years planning to race down the retirement highway and ride off into the sunset, but unexpected hazards ahead could potentially turn a smooth trip into a bumpy ride. Spot the warning signs and steer clear of these 13 ret
Read MoreHow Life Insurance Policies Make Money for You
With all of the attention the life insurance industry has been receiving lately, it's easy for policyholders to overlook two important factors: 1) few investments, if any, meet the safety of life insurance and, 2) few investments offer...
Read MoreA Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small...
Read More5 Tips to Maintain Your 529 Plan During Periods of Uncertainty
The uncertainty of today's economy, rising interest rates, and market volatility may have you concerned about your 529 plan's performance over the past months. If your child or grandchild has an upcoming tuition bill soon, now may be...
Read More6 Money Myths That Are Limiting Your Wealth
When people think of “myths,” they often think of such stories as Pandora’s Box (the woman who took the lid off of a jar releasing all of the world’s ills upon the world, were taxes one of them?), or the Tale of...
Read More4 Things You Should Know About Your Financial Professional
Having a professional walk you through savings, budgeting, investments, tax issues, and other aspects of financial planning can be invaluable. But if you're not sure what you want from this relationship—or what you're looking for...
Read MoreThe Principles of Financial Literacy
Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of 'money...
Read More5 Social Security Benefits You Might Be Missing Out On
Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is...
Read MoreCommon Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Credit
Having a good credit score doesn't just get you the best interest rates. It can also reduce your auto insurance premiums, allow you to avoid security deposits, and in some cases, even help you get hired.1But what goes into your credit...
Read MoreThe Effects of Credit Cards on Your Credit Report
What is your credit report?Your credit report is your credit history, as recorded in a file maintained and sold by consumer reporting agencies commonly known as credit bureaus. If you've ever applied for a credit card, personal loan,...
Read More3 Ways for Women to Achieve Financial Independence
For many women, working toward financial independence is more difficult. Obstacles women face include having a longer life expectancy than men which will require more savings for retirement, spending fewer years in the...
Read More7 Reasons to Invest in Women Owned Businesses and How to Get Started
In 2021, women-led companies only received 2% of all venture capital funding, a figure considered the lowest percentage in more than five years.1 Data shows this figure does not necessarily reflect the potential success of...
Read MoreA PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED
There are many reasons why people save money. For some, it is so they can enjoy a certain amount of financial confidence and freedom, while others squirrel away money for emergencies or future plans like the down payment for a home,...
Read MoreBuilding a Strong Financial Foundation
Today, many people are concerned about saving for retirement or paying for a large ticket item, such as a child’s college education. If you belong to this group, now may be the time to organize your finances. It is never too...
Read More5 Valentine's Day Gifts that Grow in Value Over Time
Valentine's Day is one of the biggest holidays for romance and for lavishing gifts on that special someone in your life. While flowers and chocolates may be the most common gifts exchanged on that day, why not consider a gift that may...
Read MoreWays to Support Black Business
As the call continues to come for following through on support of minority-owned businesses,[1] many are wondering how they may lend their support to black businesses. Whether through direct investment or community support, there are...
Read MoreAre You Cybersecurity Safe?
COVID-19 and remote work is continuing to increase the need for internet security. Social distancing has increased device use and strained security protocols. Although cyber-security attacks are often direct at companies, other attacks...
Read MoreHow to Teach Your Children Financial Wellness
Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from...
Read MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Wellness
Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreYear-End Tax Planning Basics
The window of opportunity for many tax-saving moves closes on December 31, so it's important to evaluate your tax situation now, while there's still time to affect your bottom line for the 2022 tax year.Timing is everythingConsider any...
Read MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Year-End Planning: Things to Consider Going into “The New Year"
At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over...
Read MoreOutlook 2023: Finding Balance
LPL Financial Research Outlook 2023: Finding BalanceThrough all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for...
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with that shiny...
Read MoreA Year-end Wealth Checklist
If the end of the year has you in planning mode, you’re not alone—starting a new year may be a great opportunity for a review and renewal. What steps might you take for next year? Review Asset AllocationsMost...
Read MoreHow Financial Planning Can Help Prepare for LTC Costs
With the cost of long-term care (LTC) increasing year over year, considering how the costs of long-term LTC will impact your financial plan is essential. According to insurance company Genworth, the price of LTC services increased...
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Planning Guide
As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:
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