Blog
Blog
Medicare Time – Now What? Things to Know as You Start Out
By Mark Petersen, Vice President, Affluent Wealth Planning
You’re turning 65 this year and Medicare is on your mind. Medicare is a subset of Social Security and run by the Social Security Administration. In my experience, it may be almost as complicated as the Internal Revenue Code!
With that said, let’s look at some common questions about Medicare. Read more
Blog
Digital Assets – You Already Own Some, Whether You Know What They Are Or Not
By Jamie Hopkins
Recently I gave a presentation to a large group, over 300 in attendance. I asked the group, “How many of you own a digital currency?” Only about three or four hands went up. I was shocked. Read more
Blog
4 Steps to a Retirement Savings Plan that Goes Beyond your 401(k)
By Pamela Peña, CFP®
I was standing in the middle of a sports bar with my coworkers when I saw him. He was sitting with a friend, relaxing and enjoying a beer. I just had to run over and greet him!
He quickly exclaimed: “I got a new job!” I jumped at the news and give him a big hug. But to understand the excitement, we have to back up a bit.
Blog
I Finally Found the ‘Why’ in My Career. You Can, Too.
Published by Grant Nieland, CFPⓇ
At some point in all of our working lives, we ask ourselves “Why am I doing this job?” or “Why did I choose this career?”
I have asked myself that question at every position I’ve held over the past 10 years and it was hard to find answers. That is, until this position.
Blog
7 Year-End Planning Tips from a Wealth Planner
Published by Mark Petersen, Vice President Affluent Wealth Planning
The holidays are upon us, so that must mean it’s time for year-end income tax planning, right? In the past, I would have said yes, but that changed 12 months ago when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was passed. Read more
Blog
3 Steps to Financial Independence: Ready Yourself for Retirement
By Pamela Peña, CFP®, Associate Wealth Advisor
I was running a few numbers recently – a part of my job that I find delightful – but this time it was a bit different. I was testing out various saving rates on my own financial plan instead of a client’s, which got me thinking: If I’m swimming in data when I do this for myself, what is everyone else doing?
The most basic goal should be to arrive at “your figure” for financial independence – or as I like to say, that time when I can work because I feel like it and not because I must. The problem is, many people aren’t hitting that goal – or even know how to set that goal.
Blog
Year-End Planning: Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For
Published by: Mark Lookabill
As November comes to a close and we head into the end of year holiday season, I thought this would be the perfect time to provide some tips to help you get a jump on year-end planning. While this is by no means an exhaustive or comprehensive list of everything that you could tackle, these three broad areas will get you headed in the right direction as we approach year end. As you are thinking about these topics, please remember to consult with your wealth advisor to make sure the information you have is accurate and you make the best decision for your situation.
Blog
The 4 Pitfalls of No Plan
There are some things in life you just can’t plan for: an unexpected illness, job loss, death of spouse, disability…While these major events can impact your life, having an effective game plan can help ensure that it doesn’t ruin your financial well-being. Read more
Blog
If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Won’t Change You . . .
Published by Teresa Milner
Have you ever participated in a fitness challenge? The purpose of the challenge is to help you accomplish your fitness goals; i.e., losing weight, increasing muscle mass, etc. The same concept can be applied to money challenges. Money challenges can be used to accomplish both short and long term financial goals. As with fitness challenges, money challenges can be measured too; i.e., buying Christmas gifts, funding a college savings plan, giving yourself the ability to retire early.
Blog
Football and Finance: The Secret Sauce to Success
Published by Jim Caldwell
Welcome to fall, almost everyone’s favorite time of the year. School starts up, the colors change, and football at all levels kicks into high gear. Growing up in the Midwest, and having been both a high school and college football coach in the past, I see a very distinct similarity between football and finances.