The One Percent Difference
In this Planning Priorities episode, Scott Brown, CFS®, Senior Consultant, Retirement Services, explains how just 1% can make a difference in your retirement savings.
When Should Young Adults Start Investing for Retirement?
As young adults embark on their first real job, get married, or start a family, they might want to make preparing for retirement a financial priority. The best time to start investing is now — for two key reasons: compounding and tax management.
Looking for Quick Cash? Try to Avoid Retirement Savings
If you find yourself looking for a quick source of cash, your retirement savings may look like a tempting option. However, if you are under age 59½ and withdraw money from a traditional IRA or qualified retirement account, you will likely pay both income tax and a 10% early-distribution tax on your federal return; your state may also charge an early-withdrawal penalty in addition to the regular state income tax.
Social Security Offers Benefits from Birth Through Old Age
You may think of Social Security as just something for retired people. However, Social Security is with you throughout your entire life. We explain more!
Commonly Asked Tax Questions
Even if you have someone prepare your tax return for you, you should still understand the basic terms and concepts related to tax terminology. We define the key terms and answer some of the frequently asked questions!
The Benefits of Tax-Advantaged Savings Vehicles
Taxes can take a big bite out of your total investment returns, so it’s helpful to look for tax-advantaged strategies when building a portfolio. But keep in mind that investment decisions shouldn’t be driven solely by tax considerations; other factors to consider include the potential risk, the expected rate of return, and the quality of the investment.
Retirement Savings Should Not be Left on Autopilot
Chief Investment Officer Troy Harmon, CFA, CVA, and Justin Wagner, AIF®, Client Relationship Manager for Retirement Services, deal with an investor who set his 401(k) and forgot about it for 13 years!
Health Insurance Made Simple
The cost of medical care is soaring higher every year, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult (and in some cases, impossible) to pay medical costs out of pocket. Whether you already have health insurance or want to get it, here’s some basic information to help you understand it.
Optimal Financial Advice is Based on Open Communications
Chief Investment Officer Troy Harmon, CFA, CVA, is joined by Managing Associate Jarrett McKenzie, CFP®, CWS®, and Senior Financial Planner Josh Weidie, CWS®, to address a couple of investors who have been saving to the detriment of living. Their former adviser gave them pushback if they didn’t save everything for retirement. The financial advisers discuss the importance of understanding the lifestyle investors want to lead when developing a plan.
Applying for a Mortgage
Since most people finance their home purchases, buying a home usually involves applying for a mortgage. We cover some basic information to help guide you through the process.