Market uncertainty can be stressful, and if you are preparing and saving for retirement, an unpredictable economy might leave you anxious. Understanding how to manage your money and investments during such times may help alleviate some...
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Social Security replaces only part of your income. Discover ways to fill the gap and create a more confident, flexible retirement plan in Tigard, OR.
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Discover 10 smart ways to use your tax refund—from paying debt to investing in your future. Make every dollar count this tax season.
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The 2025 tax season is right around the corner, and staying informed is essential. Tax laws, credits, and deductions change frequently, which means planning ahead can help you maximize your refund and minimize your tax liability.
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Just left your job or got let go and not sure what to do with your 401(k)? Explore some rollover options here!
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As the year comes to a close, there are some important deadlines that you shouldn’t ignore. These deadlines affect your taxes, savings, and, perhaps, your financial future. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay on track before this...
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In 2017, the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) offered many different taxpayers a variety of benefits including changing deductions, depreciation, expensing, tax credits, and other tax-related items. The provisions were never...
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The 401(k) plan is an excellent way for HENRYs, high earners not rich yet, to save for retirement. Hitting the maximum contribution limit is a goal many work toward to reap the benefits of this tax-deferred saving strategy fully. But...
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Every so often we wake up to news reports of market volatility and global financial upheaval. Even though this is not unusual, we grow concerned and some investors panic as they watch their hard-earned money disappear before their eyes...
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Many dream of working toward early retirement, but getting there generally doesn’t happen by accident. Retiring early requires financial independence that can last for decades, but that is much easier said than done. To get there...
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Medicare is complex with many different moving parts involved. First and foremost, it is always beneficial to gain a solid understanding of your options. There are two main types of Medicare: Original Medicare Medicare Advantage (also...
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Wealth and estate planning are vital for all individuals but are particularly essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in the sandwich generation. "Sandwich generation" refers to individuals caring for their aging parents and...
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“A penny saved is a penny earned.” This nugget of financial wisdom from Benjamin Franklin, shared in the late 1700s, remains as relevant today as it was then. Despite living in a different era, our founding fathers were remarkably...
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If you're like some, you may have spent large parts of your working life missing the carefree summer days of your childhood. That is, of course, assuming you had a happy childhood. If not, try to imagine how it might be if your...
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As a young person, you imagine you have all the time in the world to save for retirement. You live in the present with the future a mere blip out on the horizon. But time has a way of flying by, and you realize that maybe you are not...
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As an affluent family, planning for your children's education is likely a top priority. You want to ensure that they have access to the best education possible without worrying about the high cost of tuition; this is where 529 plans...
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As Gen X-ers and Millennials move toward retirement, long-term care expenses are poised to make up an even larger share of their retirement expenses. But if you start planning early and focus on your goals, preparing for long-term care...
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When it comes to financial accounts like the IRA, details are everything. Look past the surface, examine it closer, and you may be surprised that numerous accounts, including your IRAs, contain hidden gems and little-known facts you...
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If you're nearing retirement age, you know the Social Security process and how much you will likely receive. With that information, you may have also anticipated that your Social Security benefit would not be enough to sustain you in...
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Financial literacy is crucial to a solid financial future and an enjoyable retirement. No matter your age, when you understand how to manage your money and finances, you can make sound financial decisions and take the needed steps...
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Most American workers who earn wage income and pay Social Security taxes via withholding receive Social Security benefits at some point in retirement. While the Social Security Administration has tried to make the process easier to...
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Approximately 60 million workers contribute to a 401(k)-retirement plan. A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan companies offer employees and is funded through elective salary deferrals. There are several benefits to...
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If you have a 529 education savings plan, it can now be converted to a Roth IRA. Both plans are funded by after-tax money. Initially, the money put into a 529 plan had to be used toward education expenses. If, for whatever reason, the...
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Wealth preservation is essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, but it warrants a gender-specific focus, too. Particularly for HNW women, understanding the complexities of wealth preservation is crucial. Whether due to...
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You are finally retired after a lifetime of hard work, juggling responsibilities, and managing stress. During the pre-retirement phase, you did some planning, excited with the prospect of checking off that long list of all the things...
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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...
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Retiring early as a couple is a goal shared by many, and if planned comprehensively, it may provide opportunities for travel, passion projects, and more quality time together. Retiring simultaneously can bring many benefits, such as...
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Navigating these demands an adaptable approach to planning your finances As we kick off 2024, the world of retirement planning is undergoing a fairly significant transformation, as tax brackets, retirement contribution limits, estate...
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When filing your income taxes, each taxpayer is different. Some prefer reducing the taxes they owe and getting the most significant possible refund, while others work to keep the taxes they pay as low as legally required. The IRS...
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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...
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Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include: If you have income from working in retirement....
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For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), implementing healthy financial behaviors is crucial to maintaining their assets and growing wealth. Regardless of having significant financial means, embracing healthy financial behaviors must...
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Asset management and financial wellness can help develop long-term confidence when wealth transfers from generation to generation. Understanding and implementing financial wellness techniques is essential for effectively sharing wealth...
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When it comes to your estate plan, you don’t just have it drafted and put away until it is time for your loved ones to manage your lifetime of affairs. As your world changes year by year, it is critical that you review your...
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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...
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Whether you are just entering your golden years or are already several years in, setting goals to stay on track and maintain your health, happiness, and finances is essential. So why not use the New Year's holiday to turn these goals...
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As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning. Due to the nature of their holdings and dynamic financial situation, HNWIs often...
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Long-term care (LTC) planning is a significant financial decision that requires thoughtful consideration and precise planning. This undertaking can be more complex for high-net-worth families due to a more extensive and diverse asset...
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Thanksgiving is a holiday for spending time with loved ones, being grateful, and perhaps enjoying a bit of overindulgence. There are many financial lessons to be had in planning, preparing, and celebrating this annual feast.1 Here are...
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Having a desire to give and a philanthropic mindset are both important qualities to possess in modern society. With so many economic and social challenges in society, contributions to charities and philanthropy efforts are needed now...
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A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...
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It’s not just about how much money you make, but how much you keep Capital gains taxes might sound like a complex financial term reserved for Wall Street tycoons, but in reality, they touch most investors and many homeowners....
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Investing your money for the future might be one of the quickest ways to grow your wealth, whether saving for retirement or making a large purchase. While most people know investing is a potential way toward a more manageable financial...
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Retirement seems like a long way off, but it arrives faster than you think. The big question is, are you ready? What exactly does retirement entail? Analysts suggest there are four designated phases of retirement that a person often...
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Scammers are one of the biggest unseen threats out there, and they are especially dangerous to the most vulnerable—the elderly population. In fact, more than $1.7 billion was lost in 2021 among the sixty-plus age group, a 74...
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Now is an excellent time to start evaluating your current financial situation, determining your future goals and expectations, and working toward pursuing them. If you need help pulling together a plan for your finances, a financial...
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Do you consider yourself a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? Most people tend not to categorize themselves or see themselves as anything more than a spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss, or business owner. However, society does...
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Obtaining a life insurance policy is part of being an adult. But it’s also something that you can easily neglect, especially if you obtained it earlier in adulthood. While you may have been diligent in securing your life...
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Medicare policies are the health insurance benefits you have worked toward throughout your life, and having the proper policy is critical as you are likely to face more health problems as you age. While these policies can provide you...
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Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like...
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Retirement planning is a constantly evolving process. Strategies that may have worked fine a few years ago may no longer be the optimal direction to continue. Your life may have taken unexpected turns, you may have different retirement...
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Nearly 56 million American adults are 65 or older, and the demand for community living and estate planning services may increase over the next few decades.1 Do you know what arrangements you need to make when the time comes? What are...
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If you're considering giving back to society or a cause as part of your financial planning, there are many ways you can do so. You can make an impact while receiving tax benefits by including philanthropic giving as part of a holistic...
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All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. And asset allocation and diversification alone cannot guarantee a profit or eliminate...
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Understanding the difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts can improve portfolio diversification and make a difference in how much you earn over time. But investors may not fully understand how a strategy...
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For members of the "Sandwich Generation"—those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years old—estate planning may seem like a low priority. After all, when you're...
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A critical part of financial planning that is often overlooked is insurance. Having various insurance policies will provide different benefits to your financial plan, ranging from protection to tax breaks. In fact, insurance is a...
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Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully. Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will,...
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Adults caring for aging parents and children simultaneously have now become known as the "sandwich generation." While each generation comes with its own array of financial challenges, the sandwich generation often feels...
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Right now is a great time to assess your insurance coverage. Insurance is a means of protecting your assets against premature liquidation. When a loss occurs, the assets you've worked hard to attain face liquidation if your insurance...
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For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...
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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...
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What is it?Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but something you probably hope you never have to do. Caring for your aging parents means helping them plan for the future, and this can...
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After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to...
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529 plans can be powerful college savings tools, but you need to understand how your plan works before you can take full advantage of it. Among other things, this means becoming familiar with the finer points of contributions and...
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Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals.Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying on...
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Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...
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A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you're alive. With the median cost of a long-term care facility approaching $8,000 per month, paying for long-term...
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The cost of long-term care can vary widely based on location (both city and state) and level of care needed. However, one thing is for certain: with 7 in every 10 people requiring long-term care at some point, preparing for this...
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When helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money and a stressful one with difficult...
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As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take...
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The SECURE 2.0 legislation included in the $1.7 trillion appropriations bill passed late last year builds on changes established by the original Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE 1.0) enacted in 2019....
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Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need—and the same goes for your finances. Checking in with your finances during tax season may be particularly beneficial, as it allows you to...
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Many workers have been dreaming of retirement since they first entered the workforce. However, once this retirement date draws near, the prospect of giving up your primary source of income may be nerve-wracking, even if you've...
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With the signing of the Omnibus Appropriations package into law, both employees and employers can take advantage of more than 90 new provisions aimed at creating opportunities to create or modify workplace retirement plans and...
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While retirement is a time to enjoy the things you have worked hard for in life, the next chapter may leave some a little anxious. Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from the excitement in life. In fact, it is the perfect time...
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Identity theft runs rampant during tax seasonHere’s what to know and how you can help protect yourself.Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN)...
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The SECURE 2.0 legislation included in the $1.7 trillion appropriations bill passed late last year builds on changes established by the original Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE 1.0) enacted in 2019....
Read MoreThe SECURE 2.0 legislation included in the $1.7 trillion appropriations bill passed late last year builds on changes established by the original Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE 1.0) enacted in 2019....
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Tax preparation tools and products continue to evolve even more quickly than the federal tax code itself. Which tax prep tools are worth the hype, and which may be passed over? Below we discuss five high-tech tools to help make tax...
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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...
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Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an incremental approach. Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to...
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Through 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 more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...
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If you ask someone their favorite part of the holiday season, giving or receiving gifts will likely be their response nine times out of ten. Gift-giving is a huge part of the holidays—it’s why there are entire days...
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THINGS TO CONSIDER GOING INTO “THE NEW YEAR" (YEAR-END PLANNING CHECKLIST) The end of the year is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved,...
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Take an organized approach to holiday shopping and actually enjoy itIf advertisements and commercials are beginning to feature scenes of happy families, clad in brightly colored sweaters, gathered by a fire, surrounded by an assortment...
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Talking about long term care (LTC) can be challenging, and it can be especially difficult to know where to start. How you choose to broach the conversation may depend on your loved one’s personality, age, health status, cognitive...
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The first step to improving your finances is to get organized.These top Amazon finds can help you create a monthly budget, plan your spending, and safely store your important insurance or personal documents for easy access when...
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It's generally a good idea to review youremployer-sponsored retirement savings plan at least once each year and when major life changes occur. If you haven't given your plan a thorough review within the last 12 months, now may be a...
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High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...
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As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years. There are tax and income...
Read MoreTip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...
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