One of the provisions of the CARES Act signed into law last month that has received the most press is the economic impact payments. These payments, also referred to as stimulus checks or recovery rebates, are desperately needed by many individuals at this time and are estimated to eventually reach over 90% of taxpayers. But…
Opportunity Alert! The CARES Act impact on retirement plan distributions in 2020 Are you planning on a retirement account distribution this year? Whether you had planned on required distributions but wish you could leave funds alone, or you now need a distribution to make financial ends meet, the CARES Act has some very important…
In the midst of today’s such unique circumstances (COVID-19) it’s easy to forget some of the normalities of life. However, for the students preparing themselves mentally and physically for the college transition it can add an extra layer of anxiety to an already unpredictable time. As a recent college graduate myself, I’d like to offer…
Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, reminds us to “forget about what the stock market is going to do. Instead, focus on what you, as an investor, ought to do…” So what do we really know about the financial markets? First, what we don’t know: The full global economic and market…
Expecting a new child is certainly a life-changing event. Along with the excitement and blessings of family, that new life has important financial implications. Certified financial planner Suzanne Himes, with Asset Planning Corporation, is here to discuss some of the changes that growing families should consider. SUZANNE, THIS REALLY IS A SIGNIFICANT…
Retirement Planning Earthquake By Steve Carlson Just when you thought you had a good grasp of retirement planning rules, the government changes them! A new federal law took effect January 1, 2020, that affects many different parts of retirement planning. The SECURE Act of 2020 (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) has 29 provisions…
What did we learn about the financial markets in 2019? We learned that….. When it seemed the bleakest at the end of December with the S&P 500 Index on the verge of triggering a bear market signal (20% decline from the previous high), the market went on a tear. …
As the holiday seasons near, we are beginning to prepare ourselves both mentally and physically for all the festivities that are certain to accompany the season. As we think about the many paths this holiday season could take, I’d like to offer you a few of my personal tips for the long-anticipated parties, shopping sprees,…
Get your family involved with your saving plan by brainstorming ways to cut expenses in order to free up money to put toward your saving goals. Explore low- and no-cost activities you can do together as a family. Consider selling rarely used books, toys, clothes and other items in a garage sale or other marketplace.…
I have three children ranging in ages from 16 to 24 years old. In other words, two of my kids are legal adults! Whoa! How does that impact our daily lives and our financial plan? The relationship between parent and child is of fundamental importance to U.S. society, because it preserves the safety and provides…