Blog

By Kevin Korhorn, CFP®, ChFC, AIF®

One of my favorite parts of tax season is the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The tournament starts in the throes of tax season, so we are more than ready to have some fun when March Madness rolls around each year.

By Amy Masters, CFP®

It’s tax season at our offices right now. As a financial advisor, that means that I’m spending all of my days sitting down with clients to review their 2018 taxes and put a plan in place for the current year. What has surprised me this year? The number of people who have come in worried about their returns.

By Alysia Boehner, Certified Insurance Counselor

We’re headed for a record-setting Valentine’s Day. And though I hate to put a damper on this heart-filled holiday, the revelation that the majority of people are planning to spend more than ever on Valentine’s Day this year is less-than-great news for most gift givers this year.

By Ryan Fair

Tax season is officially here, which means taxpayers across the country are frantically trying to figure out exactly how the recent tax reform will impact their 2018 returns. It’s no surprise. While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was designed to simplify the tax code and streamline the process of filing, so far it has done the opposite, delivering confusion (at best) and, in some cases, downright uncertainty. Luckily, just in time for CPAs and accountants to help our clients tackle the job ahead, the IRS has finally provided some much-needed clarity.

By Mike Bernard, CFP^®

Ah, the holidays! Now that December is here, the spirit of giving is everywhere. Children are lining up to hand over their wish lists to the man in the big red suit. Our mailboxes are being flooded with donation requests from charities near and far. And we’re busy checking off our own gift lists in preparation for the holidays. But here’s the question for the day: are you feeling stressed about giving—or are you giving with a joyful heart?

By Lance Ludwig, CFP^®

It’s that time of year when ghosts and ghouls get top billing. But while trick-or-treating may be all fun and games, there are three truly scary monsters that can put you in very real danger—at least when it comes to protecting your financial future. The good news is that for every monster, there is a powerful defense. The key is using the right weapons to slay each threat long before it’s able to cause any lasting harm. Are you ready?

By Kevin Korhorn, CFP®, ChFC, AIF®

Last week, I was honored to be asked to speak to a group of fellow financial advisors on one of my favorite topics: personal financial planning. The response from the attendees was spectacular—not because I’m a particularly amazing speaker (I always feel a bit underprepared and overly enthusiastic!), but because customized, comprehensive financial planning is finally resonating with the majority of my peers. But that wasn’t always the case.

Far from it.

By Bill Mock, CFP^®, CRPC^®

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has been making a lot of headlines since it was first announced last year. Some of the news is good, some not so good, and some of it is just plain confusing. Even today, in the dog days of summer, there is still a lot of guidance from the IRS that has yet to be issued. What does that mean for you as a taxpayer? First, perhaps more than ever, it means that tax planning should be a top priority to be sure you are optimizing the new tax laws to your advantage. Second, because of the new, higher standard deduction and other significant changes in the law—and the fact that those changes won’t last forever—it means that right now is the time to truly “make hay while the sun is shining”!

By Matt Hoke, CFP^®, ChFC

Retirement. It seems to be every working person’s dream. But retirement dreams can also cause a lot of anxiety, especially the closer those “golden years” become. With 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day, the question I hear over and over again is, “Can I retire?” and “If so, when?” The answer isn’t always so easy.

By Amy Masters, CFP^®

I was a little nervous as I sat down for a long-awaited financial planning meeting with Ellen, an older and highly respected member of my church. It was four years ago, and she was considering retiring, but she wanted to look closely at the numbers first to be sure she was ready. When we sat down together, I was surprised that this poised, confident woman I’d known for years suddenly looked like a deer in the headlights. It was clear that she was even more nervous than I was! As soon as she spoke, I found out the reason. “I’m terrified Amy. I just don’t have a million dollars to retire!” As soon as I heard her words, I knew I could help.