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The Week on Wall Street Stocks broke out of a narrow range on Friday following news that two major banks grew their bottom line in the first quarter. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.79%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.91%. The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended last week higher as volatility slowed, completing their best quarter since 2009. A Friday tweet from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin encouraged investors, referring to "constructive" discussions...

Whether you’re nearing retirement or have many years to go, calculating what your retirement budget will be will help you plan and make the transition to retirement smooth.

The Week on Wall Street Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of...

In spite of changes made to income tax deductions by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, charitable contributions are still a viable way for high-income individuals to make tax-deductible donations to the charity of their choice.

Here are some facts about the Social Security program you may not know.

When a family member dies there are a multitude of issues to look after, from getting a copy of the death certificate to finding insurance policies and more. Here’s a financial checklist to help you through this difficult time.

Finding enough money to pay for your child’s college education is challenging. Fortunately, there are ways to cover tuition costs that don’t involve your child working his way through school or getting soaked with debt.

There are two types of IRAs you can use for retirement investments: Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs. While they share similarities, there are also some important differences to note.

Which is Better: Florida Prepaid or a 529 Plan?

Robert Fenn Giles III, CFP®, CAIA

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

There are many variables parents should consider when planning for education expenses. A person’s risk profile and their desire for flexibility are two very important factors. However, each person is different.

Being healthy has benefits that extend beyond your physical wellbeing. From lower healthcare costs to a boost in self-confidence, your finances may benefit as well.

What financial facts should you consider as you retire? What monetary realities might you need to acknowledge as your retirement progresses from one phase to the next? The reality of retirement may surprise you.

Every year, scammers target taxpayers with schemes designed to separate them from their money, and some taxpayers try to outsmart the IRS to get out of paying their full tax burden. Here are this year’s “dirty dozen” tax scams and schemes.

It is no small responsibility to serve as an executor, especially for a complex estate. Prepare for the tasks ahead of you, so that you may do them well while honoring the wishes of the deceased.

Changes are coming to 401(k)s in 2019 affecting employees who borrow from their plan and then leave their job, employees who receive hardship distributions, and in the amount employees are allowed to contribute.

LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets is filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead.

Seniors can look forward to the biggest boost in Social Security benefits that they’ve seen in years. The Social Security Administration has authorized a 2.8% cost of living adjustment for 2019.

If notable changes occurred in your life, you’ll want to review your finances before this year ends. Even if 2018 has been uneventful, it’s still a good time to see where you can save some taxes and build a little more wealth.

What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for 2019? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ to meet those goals.

If you start your retirement with inadequate savings, you may end up living a watered down version of your retirement dreams.

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In an ideal world, it would be simple to prepare to retire single. You would just save half as much as a couple saves, buy half as much insurance coverage, and expect to live on half the income. Reality dictates otherwise.

The indexing of capital gains to inflation has seen renewed interest of late. If the idea got the green light, that could hand investors a tax break.

Becoming a new parent brings many new financial responsibilities. You’ll want to take care of the essentials in budgeting, insurance, and these other areas to establish a secure financial future for your family.

Have you ever truly taken the time to reflect on the things in your life that matter most to you? Maybe it's your family, your community, your job, or your hobbies--whatever it is that you hold important and place the highest value on.

Statistics show that only 9.2 percent of people ever achieve their New Year’s resolutions, but there are a few things you can do to make sure that your resolutions become a reality.

The IRS is using new withholding tables for 2018, so you may need to adjust the amount you have withheld - or the amount of your estimated tax payments - to avoid paying a penalty next year.

Probate can eat up as much as 5% of your estate. How can you exempt more of your assets from probate and its costs? Here are a few ideas.

Some retirement myths have been around for decades, while others are have recently joined their ranks. Take a look at these seven popular retirement myths to be sure you don’t fall for them.

When saving for retirement, you aren’t limited to traditional accounts. There are several less common retirement savings accounts worthy of your attention. Here are five of them and the benefits that they bring.

As part of your preparation for retirement, give these financial matters some thought. Enjoy the here and now, but recognize the potential for these challenges to impact your financial future.

You need not wait for the new year to plan improvements to your finances. You can begin now. The last few months of the year give you a prime time to examine critical areas of your budget, your credit, and your investments.

If you have a child or grandchild earning some income with a summer or after school job, you could help them save for future goals by assisting them to create and fund a Roth IRA. This could give them a chance at a great financial start.

A car is a big purchase. It’s worth taking your time and making sure that you’ve covered your bases in terms of making the most responsible purchase. There are many options for saving money by avoiding spending too much on your next car.

This year, lawmakers are addressing the problem of Americans not saving enough for retirement, with a bill proposing big changes to IRAs and workplace retirement plans called The Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act (RESA).

An HSA can potentially offer them: a pool of tax-exempt dollars for health care, a path to tax savings, even a possible source of retirement income after age 65. You may want to look at this option yourself.

Sometimes liars, scammers, and fraudsters try to pitch any number of too-good-to-be-true “investment opportunities” to retirees. You have good reason to be financially skeptical as you get older.

We all know the value of a good credit score. We all try to maintain one. Sometimes, though, life throws us a financial curve and that score declines. What steps can we take to repair it?

What's Inside: LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2018: The Plot Thickens Financial Independence: Standing on your own two cents Continuous Improvement and Event Announcements

As you read or hear stories about seniors being financially exploited, you may think: not me. Your parents? Same thing. They are too smart and too vigilant to be taken for a ride by a con artist or an unprincipled relative or caretaker.

Can a child inherit an IRA? The answer is yes, though they cannot legally own the IRA and its invested assets. It can get complicated.

Investment firms have a new client service requirement. They must now ask you if you want to provide the name and information of a trusted contact. This vital investment account question should be answered sooner rather than later.

There are incidents that standard policies may not cover. Fundamental insurance coverage is often far ranging, but some risks to your business, your home, your cars, and your income may need to be addressed with supplemental coverage.

How much does eldercare cost, and how do you arrange it when it is needed? In reality, government programs do not help the average household pay for any sustained eldercare expenses. The financial responsibility largely falls on you.

Is student loan debt weighing on the economy? Probably. Total student loan debt in America is now around $1.5 trillion, having tripled since 2008. If you carry sizable education debt, how can you plan to pay it off?

When we buy a car or a house, consider a school for our children, or plan our next vacation we take our time, shop around, and consider our choices. Yet when it comes to selecting a financial consultant, not everyone takes such care.

Breaking down the basics of Medicare and what each part covers can get confusing. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, you should understand all the parts of Medicare – what they cover and where they come from.

The biggest weakness is not having a plan at all. How many households save for retirement with a number in mind – the dollar figure their retirement fund needs to meet? How many approach their retirements with an idea of the income they wil

As people establish themselves as doctors and lawyers, executives, and successful entrepreneurs, they see living well as a reward. It can happen to successful individuals of any age. How do you guard against it?

What are the keys in planning to grow wealthy together? At some point, you will have to ask yourselves some money questions – questions that pertain not only to your shared finances, but also to your individual finances.

As you approach retirement, it may be time to pay more attention to investment risk. Rebalancing your portfolio with your time horizon in mind is only practical. “Playing defense” with your invested assets should be a priority.

There are hundreds of “experts” sharing their advice on what’s best and how to achieve your goals of being healthy. While all of these options are great, it is a known fact that information overload can lead to decision paralysis.

Are you about to buy life insurance? Shop carefully. Take your time when you look for life insurance, and compare your options. The more insight you can draw on, the more informed the choice you may make.

What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a Roth IRA conversion? If you own a traditional IRA, perhaps you have thought about converting it to a Roth IRA. Going Roth makes sense for some traditional IRA owners, but not all.

What's Inside: The Major 2018 Federal Tax Changes Doing Good for Other is Good For Your Health WATB Happenings: Community Involvement Get To Know Us: WATB Favorite Charities

We are witnessing a great movement away from what was the norm to a new paradigm. An advisor paid mostly or wholly through fees may be an advisor well positioned to create candid, trusted relationships with loyal clients for years to come.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made dramatic changes to federal tax law. It is worth reviewing some of these changes as 2019 approaches and households and businesses refine their income tax strategies.

The big picture of personal financial recordkeeping has not changed much. It is still wise to keep records pertaining to financial, health care, insurance, and real estate matters for at least a few years, and perhaps much longer.

Although your retirement benefits may be taxed, more retirement income is decidedly better than less – and a key part of retirement planning is estimating both your retirement income need and your retirement income potential.

Living without an emergency fund can invite worry. It is an anxiety too many households have had to accept. Plan to save a little each month (or more than a little, if you can manage), so that you may create a bit more financial “breathing

Your beneficiary choices may seem obvious when you initially make them, time has a way of altering things. In a stretch of five or ten years, some major changes can occur in your life and may warrant changes in your decisions.

What kind of retirement do you think you’ll have? Qualitatively speaking, what if the success or failure of your retirement begins with your perception of retirement? Your outlook may influence your financial outcome.

With a clear understanding of where she stands, financially, a widow may evaluate her investment and wealth management options and take steps toward the next phase of life with some confidence.

Any early retirement is a critical financial juncture in your life, and whether you find yourself at it by choice or by chance, your decisions could have lifelong impact.

If you have a 529 college savings plan, or have ever thought about opening one, you should know about two major changes that broaden the possibilities for these education savings accounts. They may give your family some new options.

Firm Update Helpful Resources 2018 IRA Tax Limits Important Tax Information Technology Safety WATB Happenings Meet Emily Gonzalez View the Full Newsletter PDF Here

You have a chance to manage your money better than previous generations have. Some crucial financial steps may help you do just that. Avoid the money pitfalls of past generations and take these financial lessons to heart.

The Roth IRA changed the whole retirement savings perspective. Since its introduction, it has become a fixture in many retirement planning strategies. Here is a closer look at the trade-off you make when you open and contribute to a Roth.

You Will Probably Pay More for Medicare in 2018. Was your monthly Medicare Part B premium less than $110 in 2017? This year, you may pay considerably more for the same coverage. If you have been shielded from higher Part B premiums, that sh

Many people fall into the same financial behavior patterns year after year. If you sometimes succumb to these financial tendencies, the New Year is as good an occasion as any to alter your behavior.

Are you on track to save $1 million or more for retirement? If you are 50 or younger, you may need that much in savings to generate the kind of retirement income you prefer.

Is a permanent life insurance policy an investment? One financial professional might answer that question with a “no,” another might say “in a sense, yes.” Just as some people see a home as an investment, others do not. Opinions differ.

Should We Reconsider What “Retirement” Means? The notion that we separate from work in our sixties may have to go. Our definition of “retirement” is changing. Retirement is now a time of activity and opportunity.

Some of us may retire at 65 and live to 100 or 105. Advances in health care may make this a strong possibility. The corresponding question is: will we outlive our money? More people are spending more of their lives in retirement.

Talking about “the end” is not the easiest thing to do, and this is one reason why some people never adequately plan for the transfer of their wealth. Those who do, sometimes leave their heirs out of the conversation.

In a wealth transfer strategy (as opposed to a basic, generic estate plan), you share your values and goals in addition to your assets.

You will able to put a little more into your workplace retirement account in 2018. The federal government raised the annual contribution limit on some of the popular qualified retirement plans thanks to inflation.

Will the current bull market run for another year? How about another two or three years? Stocks will correct at some point. A bear market could even emerge. Is your investment portfolio ready for either kind of event?

What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for 2018? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives for the upcoming year.

A successful retirement is not merely measured in financial terms. Even those who retire with small fortunes can face boredom or depression and the fear of drawing down their savings too fast.

These investments let you own real estate without having to be a landlord. By getting into a REIT, you can gain an ownership interest in prime commercial real estate, without the headaches of commercial real estate management.

If you have children, at some point they may discern how wealthy you are – and in turn, learn how “rich” they are. How will you handle that moment? How will they handle that knowledge?

The art of being productive vs. busy. A recent survey showed that the average woman typically completes 26 tasks each day. Even with this huge number of things accomplished, 80% of these women still don’t think they’re good...

Parenting presents you with definite, sudden, financial needs to address. By focusing on those needs today, you may give yourself a head start on meeting some crucial family financial objectives tomorrow.

Practically speaking, the federal gift tax is a tax on estates. If it wasn’t in place, the rich could simply give away the bulk of their money or property, while living, to spare their heirs from inheritance taxes.

Do you want a simple retirement plan you can implement easily as an independent contractor or small business owner? A SIMPLE IRA plan gives you a tax break, while giving you and your employees a way to build retirement savings.

Debit card data theft has surged lately. According to FICO’s Card Alert Service, the number of businesses or ATM locations where debit cards were hacked rose 26% from 2015 to 2016.

Whether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 70, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by federal law is no casual decision. You will want to consider a few key factors first.

You might be surprised how many people have financial documents scattered all over the house. If this describes your financial “filing system,” you may have a tough time keeping tabs on your financial life.

Ever hear of an SDBA? That acronym stands for self-directed brokerage account. If you are enrolled in a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan, you might want to see if your plan gives you this option, which is often unnoticed.

What do your retirement plan participants wish you would offer? The answer could be “a little more help.” When workers have money issues in their lives, both their health and performance may suffer.

Identity theft hit 15.4 million Americans last year. Perhaps it hit you. You know you have been victimized when you get that courtesy call or email from a bank or credit card issuer, but is there a way you can tell prior to that moment?

Due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Irma our office will be closing today at 1:00 pm and remain closed on Monday, September 11th. We hope to re-open the office on Tuesday, September 12th. Please take the necessary precautions and...

Key Medicare enrollment periods are approaching for 2017-2018. This fall and winter, there are three periods in which Medicare beneficiaries can either enroll or disenroll in forms of coverage.

Are you one of those baby boomers (or Gen Xers) who believes he or she can work past 65? Some pre-retirees are basing their entire retirement transition on that belief, and that could be financially perilous.

Some young adults manage to acquire a fair amount of financial literacy. In the classroom or the workplace, they learn a great deal about financial principles. Others lack such knowledge and learn money lessons by paying.

Financially, Generation Y is often criticized for being risk averse & unaware. Is this truth, or is it fiction? In some instances, pure fiction. Here are some good financial habits common to millennials.

How much will your family end up paying for college? Your household’s income may have less influence than you think – and some private colleges may be cheaper than you assume.

Highlights Mid Year Outlook Go Green | Analyze Your Energy Consumption DOL Fiduciary Rule | And what it means for the investor Back To School View the Full Newsletter PDF Here

Many investors wind up buying shares of companies whose beliefs and business practices are far removed from their own. Often, they simply haven’t thought about merging their personal beliefs with their investment strategies.

If you don’t leave behind an estate plan, your family could face major legal issues and (possibly) bitter disputes; making the plan may leave you with the comfort of knowing that your wishes will be carried out, when the time comes.

Retirement planning is about the pursuit of a happy outcome – a fun and emotionally rewarding “second act” that spouses and partners can share.

They are low, unless you show the I.R.S. some conspicuous “red flags” on your return. Fewer than 1% of Americans have their federal taxes audited. The percentage has declined recently due to Internal Revenue Service budget...

As an investor, a retirement saver, how much will this turmoil matter to you in the long run? Perhaps, very little. There are many good reasons to remain on plan.

A good financial strategy is not just about “making money;” it is also about protection. Some people mistake investing for financial planning. Their “financial strategy” is an investing strategy, in which they...

When should you apply for benefits? Consider a few factors first. Now or later? When it comes to the question of Social Security income, the choice looms large. Should you apply now to get earlier payments? Or wait for a few years to...

Do you really want to risk facing these potential outcomes? Saving for retirement may seem a thankless task. But you may be thanking yourself later. Putting away a percentage of one’s income, money that could be used for any...

Highlights GET TO KNOW US: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?

There is something about the month of May that really is beautiful. The fact that it is the month where we get to celebrate not only being a mother, and our own mothers, but also any other important woman in our life. May truly just...

Women 35 and younger are often hard-pressed to save money. Student loans may be outstanding; young children may need to be clothed, fed, and cared for; and rent or home loan payments may need to be made. With all of these very real concerns

Every now and then, you read an article about a woman past the age of 65 who says she loves her job and will “never retire.” In addition to keeping herself engaged and active, she may be doing herself a great financial favor as well.

Do you really want to live without this coverage? If you forgo it, you may pay a high price. Disability insurance is an important insurance coverage that most people lack. Many people think of it as optional – when they think of...

How separate (or intertwined) should your financial lives be? Some spouses share everything with each other – including the smallest details of their personal finances. Other spouses decide to keep some individual financial...

Keep an eye on where it goes, as some destinations may be better than others. You can probably envision how most of your retirement money will be spent. Much of it will be used on living expenses, health care expenses, and, perhaps,...

The basics on capital gains & deductions. Buying or selling income property has definite tax consequences. A taxpayer should clearly understand them, whether he or she intends to acquire a property or put one on the market. A sale of...

Certain kinds of coverage may help to sustain you financially in an emergency. You plan for retirement with expectations in mind. You hope to enjoy a certain quality of life, with sufficient income resulting from smart financial...

Every day, people die intestate. In legalese, that means without a will. This opens the door for the courts to decide what happens with their estates. When no valid will exists, state intestacy laws dictate how assets are distributed....

Critical illness insurance isn’t standard-issue disability insurance, but a cousin of sorts. With people living longer, it is a risk management option entering more people’s lives.

Too many people do too little estate planning. Avoid joining their ranks, and plan thoroughly to avoid these all-too-frequent mistakes.

On March 15, the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 0.75-1.00%. The increase was widely expected, and it represented a vote of confidence in the economy.

Health Savings Accounts offer you tax breaks & more.Why do people open up Health Savings Accounts in conjunction with high-deductible health insurance plans? Well, here are some of the compelling reasons why younger, healthier...

Investment management can be active or passive. Sometimes, that simple, fundamental choice can make a difference in portfolio performance.During a particular market climate, one of these two methods may be widely praised, while the...

About 70% of taxpayers receive sizable refunds from the Internal Revenue Service. Just how sizable? The average refund totals about $2,800.(1)What do households do with that money? It varies. Last year, consumer financial services...

Homeowner policies routinely provide tornado, windstorm, & hailstorm coverage. If a tornado, windstorm, or hailstorm damages your home or yard, the insurer will commonly pay out in response to your claim, unless your residence has...

The 2017 limits are the same as in 2016: $5,500 for IRA owners who will be 49 and younger this year, $6,500 for IRA owners who will be 50 or older this year. These limits apply to both Roth and traditional IRAs.The 2017 limits are the...

There are many ways that you can stay heart healthy, and they don’t all have to be about counting calories and exercising for hours. You can keep things simple, make small changes, and have a large impact on your heart health, all...

Heart Month was created by the Center for Disease Control to bring awareness to the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Heart disease isn’t just one disease, but several different diseases that all fall under...

Hackers are now using ransomware to hijack computers and hold files hostage in exchange for payment. Malware programs like CryptoWall, CryptoLocker and CoinVault spring into action when you unsuspectingly click on a link in an email,...

Social media and email accounts. Creative works, photos and keepsakes kept on home computers, the cloud or external storage drives. E-commerce accounts. Domain names. Bitcoin. These are all examples of digital assets. You will manage...

According to data compiled by Norton, cybercrime hits over 74 million Americans annually. You know you have been victimized when you get that courtesy call or email from a bank or credit card issuer - but is there a way you can tell...

Mention “bitcoin” to assorted economists or investors, and you may trigger all kinds of associations. To some, it signifies an exciting new reality – a digital currency with a payment system that could revolutionize finance. To others,...

How many short-term financial decisions do you make each week? You probably make more than a few, and they may feel routine. Yet in managing these day-to-day issues, you may be drawn away from making the long-term money decisions that...

This article is intended as a checklist to address in the event of a tragedy. If you find yourself referring to this article now, or you decide to keep it in a drawer or on your computer for some unforeseen time in the future.

Retirement spending should never be treated casually. A spending strategy may play a crucial role in preserving a retired household’s quality of life.

The key argument for going Roth can be summed up in a sentence: Paying taxes on retirement contributions today is better than paying taxes on retirement savings tomorrow.

These common and obscure paths toward tax-free retirement income may be worth exploring. Who knows? Perhaps, this year, your retirement will be less taxing than you think.

Increased mobility in today’s society has changed the ways in which we live, work, and play. Compared to previous generations, it is now quite common for work and recreational activities to cross state lines, resulting in ownership of...

The year following an individual’s 70 ½ birthday they are required to distribute a minimum amount of their IRAs. Often times they may not need this distribution and it can increase their Adjusted Gross Income.

You’ve seen the footage on the news. You’ve been in the middle of it. You’ve stood in the vexing lines. You’ve circled for the elusive parking spots. Holiday shopping can be downright frenzied – and impulsive.

Some myths & misperceptions keep circulating about Social Security. These are worth dispelling, as more and more baby boomers are becoming eligible for their retirement benefits.

If you want a tax break and want to help a non-profit, this may be a good move. Have you ever wanted to make a major charitable gift? Would you like a significant federal tax break in acknowledgment of that gift? If so, an IRA...

The holidays are here! For some, that gives warm and fuzzy thoughts of a fat man in a red suit and delicious family dinners. For others, it instills feelings of stress and panic. Pair this with the already colder weather and shorter...

As you invest and save for retirement, you will no doubt hear or read about it – but what does that phrase really mean? Just what does comprehensive financial planning entail, and why do knowledgeable investors request this kind of...

Many parents may find it uncomfortable, or even believe it is unnecessary, to inform their children about personal finance matters. Yet, communicating openly with your family members can help to reassure them about your financial and...

Taking the steps to designate your durable power of attorney can help ensure that your financial decisions will be handled by someone you trust, in the event that you are unable to do so.

You have an “estate”. It doesn’t matter if you own a mansion or a motor home. Rich or poor, when you die you leave behind an estate. For some, this could be real property, an investment portfolio and more. For others, it could be as...

Create a will if you do not yet have one. A valid will may save your heirs from some expensive headaches linked to probate and ambiguity. A solid will drafted with the guidance of an estate planning attorney will likely cost you a bit...

Life insurance is an important feature of many business arrangements. While most business owners are familiar with providing life insurance as an employee benefit, many may not fully appreciate the variety of other business uses that...

There are many factors and calculations that must be taken into consideration in order to objectively assess your needs. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified insurance professional to help ensure you secure the right...

​In the language of life insurance, a beneficiary is the recipient of the proceeds of a policy when the named insured person dies. The owner of a life insurance policy has a great deal of flexibility in naming beneficiaries and can...

Good habits developed now can go a long way toward helping you achieve your financial goals. For specific guidance, contact your financial professional.

Financial literacy is the ability to understand how money works in the world: how someone manages to earn or make it, how that person manages it, how he/she invests it (turn it into more), and how that person donates it to help others....

It is nice to think that spring is on the horizon. It is a time for renewal, growth, and a chance to bring a new freshness to our lives and businesses. We are enjoying this time of growth and change and hopefully a little sunshine as well.

When you open an individual or joint owned investment you do have options and the title of your property can have consequences in the case of death, divorce, or creditors.

Your credit report is an accumulation of information about your bills and loans, your repayment history, your available credit, and your outstanding debts.