Earn, do and be more
What do I need to know about my Required Minimum Distribution?
What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)? Certain types of retirement accounts and qualified plans stipulate a minimum amount that must be distributed from the account each year after the account holder reaches age 70.5. This amount is called...
How do world events affect the stock market? And what does that mean for investors?
A number of factors, including lower costs of trading and the increase in high-frequency trading, have helped create a "new normal" for the financial markets in which greater volatility is expected. With that said, there will still be events in our...
Asset Allocation: No Such Thing As One-Size-Fits-All
Asset allocation is not formulaic, nor is it purely age-based. Investing should always be goals-based. The way you invest money for a particular goal depends on your needs and time horizon relative to that goal, as well as your personal risk...
Retirement Planning for All Ages
As you begin the retirement planning process: The first step in determining how best to reach your retirement goals involves simply envisioning the retirement you want. Start to bring to life the high-level goals you see for yourself once you...
Reviewing Your Retirement Goals
The new year is a natural point to check in, review your financial goals, and re-evaluate your plan to make sure that it is still a good fit and that you are on track to meet those goals. A common question that arises as part of this goal-mapping...
Re-thinking Your Financial Plan As We Approach Year End?
The end of the year can serve as a natural check-in point at which to evaluate your financial plan. The new year suggests reflection and renewal as we look to the season and the year ahead. It is a good idea to assess whether any of your major...
Three Things to Know About Financial Gifting Limits
The holidays are a time to focus on friends and family, and celebrating this special season often includes gifts. Whether your gift style tends toward entertaining, getting creative with thoughtful homemade goods, or scouring stores for the perfect...
Don’t Neglect This Critical Part of Financial Planning For Your Family
One of the most important parts of financial planning for your family is estate planning. One of the biggest potential mistakes people can make is to put off estate planning or worse, skip it completely. You can avoid this by starting an open...
How much do I need to retire?
Retirement planning is not one size fits all. Everyone's financial situation and goals are different. While there is no one magic number to answer this question for everyone, it is important to get a clear sense of where you stand and an idea of...
What Feels Natural Is Often The Opposite of Successful Investing Behavior
In investing, what feels natural can often steer us very much in the wrong direction. Follow your emotions and follow the crowd, and typically you'll be led to perform the opposite of successful investing behavior. Rational logic should be the...
Patience Pays Off for Long-Term Investors
In October, we saw a global pullback in the stock market. This prompted a flurry of media hype that spooked many investors. Flooded with headlines touting things like "Global Growth Concerns" and "A Brewing Storm," many investors experienced a...
Traditional vs Roth IRA
As you prepare for retirement, understanding the difference between a traditional vs Roth IRA will help you make the most of your wealth. So what is a Roth IRA, and why do you need one? In contrast to a traditional IRA, you contribute to your Roth...