Insights
Financial Perspectives that keep you informed
The Rule of 72 is a simple way to estimate how long it takes for an investment to double based on its annual rate of return (ARR). For example, if the ARR is 7.2% then it would take 10 years to double the initial investment (72/7.2% = 10 years). Years to Double Investment = 72
August is National Make a Will Month! The sooner you begin, the more you can protect. If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or even early 50s, estate planning probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. You’re focused on building your career, raising a family, and growing your wealth. But here’s the thing: starting
Tariffs represent a significant shift in U.S. trade policy that might be transformative. Well, the merits of these new trade policies are being debated vigorously around the world, in political circles and on investment trading desks. However, the last couple of weeks news has left me confused and asking questions. Perhaps the most important question
Financial knowledge and literacy are key to planning a successful financial future. Financial knowledge is important particularly for women as they take control their financial future and begin making financial decisions. Financial literacy can give women the knowledge needed to grow confidence to make financial decisions and empower them to build their financial futures. Steps
Key things you really need to know. Beneficiary IRA distributions have changed dramatically since Secure Act 2.0. In the past you could inherit an IRA from someone other than your spouse and remain taking small distributions at the decedent’s RMD pace. Now the IRS requires you to take the full balance within 10 years. For
Focusing on Retirement & Longevity Original Post from Raymond James Insights Financial resolutions for 2025 Instead of hauling out those familiar New Year’s resolutions about keeping a journal or drinking more water, how about focusing on your financial well-being? Here’s a set of resolutions that can help ensure your long-term financial confidence. Update your beneficiaries
Turning 73 this year? It is important to take minimum distributions to avoid penalties. Because the purpose of IRAs is to save for retirement, investors must take required minimum distributions (RMD) from their employer sponsored plan or other retirement account once they reach age 73 (70 1/2 for those born before July 1, 1949). For
Keith Wirtz, CIO speaks on the August 5th historic stock market drop across the world. On Monday, August 5 a series of historic stock market drops across the world starting with the Japanese Nikkei exchange saw wide-spread selloffs. The Magnificent Seven, consisting of NVIDIA Corp., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Tesla, Meta Platforms Inc., Alphabet Inc.
Brandon Angotti quoted on MSN.com “Anytime an asset sees that kind of growth, investor interest surges”, said Brandon Angotti, VP, Financial Planning & Trust Officer at the Wealth Group Union Savings Bank. “You just want to make sure you’re very careful, so that you’re not buying at the peak when everyone else is sort of
Family meetings ensure transparency, align wishes, and can prevent misunderstandings. “Estate planning is gloomy”. “Sharing wishes with my loved ones adds an extra burden for them”. “I don’t feel comfortable discussing finances with children/family”. If you have these thoughts whenever you think about preparing your estate plan, then it is time to change your perspective.
Investing does not have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the approach, the better. While many hold the keys to potential wealth, the roadmap to savvy investing remains uncharted for most. Time ticks away, and golden opportunities slip through the fingers of the hesitant. Yet, the truth is, the world of investing is not
While people are itemizing less often, there still could be some additional tax savings. With the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2016, several changes were made that significantly reduced the number of tax filers itemizing their deductions: the most noteworthy being the doubling of the standard deduction and creation of
Estate Planning is important for everyone, no matter your age or amount of wealth. Contrary to what most people believe, having an estate plan in place is important for everyone no matter your age or how much or little wealth you own. Having a plan in place provides you comfort in knowing: That your wishes
This year, college savings plans have evolved and gotten even more flexible and attractive. Imagine if you had retirement savings started at two years old with the flexibility to grow tax deferred for 60+ years and then distribute in retirement TAX FREE. The power of compounding over 60+ years can be incredibly eye opening. College
A Look at the Importance of Estimating and Generating Income for Retirement Plans. Where do I start? You may understand the importance of planning for your retirement. But where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. Since retirement planning is not
Patience is an important trait an investor should possess for the best chance of results. With the speed and availability in which information gets circulated, it’s human nature to seek instant gratification. If an investor can weather the stock market’s near-term gyrations (a.k.a. volatility) and remain invested over the long-term by staying the course, they
They’re both taxed, so which is better, a Roth IRA or a Traditional IRA? Well, it depends. I’m regularly asked whether I think a Traditional or Roth is the ‘better account’. My answer is, as with most financial planning questions, it depends. The general rule of thumb is to compare your tax rate when making