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What Makes Up Your Credit Score

March 18, 2024

Americans treat credit scores like a personal competition where higher credit scores bring bragging rights in the financial game of life. However, few know exactly what goes into a credit score and why it is important to lenders. Here is a breakdown of what goes into a credit score, along with one GIANT myth that must be dispelled!
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How to Access Roth IRA Funds Prior to Retirement

September 9, 2022

There is a common misconception we hear often from clients with Roth IRA accounts. Most clients understand Roth IRA’s to be retirement vehicles that cannot be accessed prior to age 59.5 without penalty. THIS IS NOT TRUE!! Let’s take a deep dive into Roth IRA accounts to better understand how liquid they can be prior to retirement.
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7 Ways to Make Extra Money

June 2, 2022

Everything from gas to groceries, loan rates and car prices continue to rise. While everyone has their own personal inflation rate (the amount your monthly expenses have increased based on goods and services you buy), you may not want or need to cut back on certain types of spending. That doesn't mean you can't try to recoup some of the increased costs to your lifestyle somehow.
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What Is the Difference Between an Investment Advisor and Financial Planner?

May 11, 2022

There are distinct differences between professionals based on their formal business structure and credentials that determine how clients are served, what services a financial professional can offer, and how they are paid. Understanding these distinctions is helpful in determining the qualifications of a financial professional and the types of services they offer.
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5 Things You Didn't Know a Fee-Only Financial Advisor Does

February 24, 2022

When it comes to working with a financial advisor, you may not know where to start. There are many different types of financial professionals out there who can help you with any range of financial needs you may have, but fee-only financial advisors can occupy an important role in people’s financial lives. Here are five important things most everyday people don’t realize a fee-only financial advisor does.
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7 Reasons You Should Consider a Health Savings Account

January 19, 2022

Health Savings Accounts also referred to as HSAs, can be a powerful financial tool in your pursuit to maximize your dollars and build wealth. Here are seven good reasons to open a Health Savings Account and use it as part of your overall wealth-building strategy.
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My Company Offers An ESPP With A 15% Discount. How Much Should I Put In?

June 30, 2021

We’re fielding questions about Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP) more and more it seems. More often than not, these offerings are made available by mid-size to large, well established, publicly traded companies as an additional incentive for long-term savings in the form of stock ownership.
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How do Capital Gains Affect My Taxable Income?

April 29, 2021

Classic investments, like stocks, are not the only investments taxed by capital gains. Capital gains taxes can apply to any other property that acquires value over time. Buying and selling things like real estate, collectibles, precious metals, etc. can all generate capital gains. We’re reviewing how capital gains taxes are determined and how they affect other areas of your financial plan come tax time.
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3 Low-Risk Alternatives to Keeping Money in Cash

March 17, 2021

While a savings account is as low-risk as you can get in terms of money accounts, many people are willing to embrace some risk if it means a better return on their investment. The good news is that there are several low-risk options available to put that cash where it can grow, yet still be available in the short term when you need it.
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