Summer Planning: Vacations, Beach Time…and Taxes?
June, the first official month of summer. For many people, summer is a time for vacations, fishing, and spending time at the beach. Consider adding to that list everyone’s least favorite topic – income tax planning. I know you are thinking, “I just filed my tax return, why do I need to start thinking about […]
Educators and Public Servants Finally See Increased Social Security Benefits
Let me tell you about Sarah, a long-time kindergarten teacher. Sarah looked forward to a modest retirement supported by her Teacher Retirement System pension and her late husband’s social security benefits. She met with me before announcing her retirement to make sure that she was ready to retire. After reviewing her social security benefits, Sarah […]
Celebrate National 401(k) Day
September 6th, 2024 marks National 401(k) Day, an annual “celebration” to raise awareness about the importance of saving for retirement through employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. I encourage all working adults to take this opportunity to review their 401(k) accounts and ensure they are on track to reach their retirement goals. The 401(k) is one of the […]
National Small Business Week
Last week, we celebrated National Small Business Week. Although the official time has passed, it remains an opportune time for small business owners to take a step back and ensure their finances are in order. Running a successful small business requires much more than just passion and hard work – it also demands fiscal discipline […]
Your Teen’s Guide to a Summer Job
School is almost out for summer! Teenagers will soon be looking for summer jobs to occupy their free time and earn some cash. I still recall the feeling of receiving my first paycheck, “I am rich!” I thought. Only to find out that Uncle Sam “stole” a portion of my hard-earned money before I could […]
Maximizing Retirement Funding at Tax Time
Now is a good time to discuss some retirement funding opportunities you can review to make sure you are maximizing your options when filing your return.
A Retirement Success Story
I recently conquered a 20-mile hike that stretched over the course of three days. I lugged my 40-pound backpack ten miles into the Colorado Rocky Mountains and set up camp. Exhausted, I spent Day Two enjoying my destination: Conundrum Hot Springs. I spent the day exploring a little, but mostly relaxing my sore muscles in […]
Retirement Planning for Educators
My wife is an economics professor at Victoria College. As her spouse, I get to experience the cadence of school starting back up as educators return to their classrooms to prepare for the fall semester. There is a lot to think about at this time, from forming syllabuses, creating presentations, getting to know students, as […]
Keeping Things Rolling
As a mom of young children and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a thought that’s always at the front of my mind is how to best set my children up for their futures, especially in regards to their education. Before my kids were walking, they all had a savings account. Personally, my husband and I selected […]
RMD Status: It’s Complicated
“It’s Complicated” is a relationship status used on social media by people when their relationship is full of tension and they find themselves in a mixed state. With Valentine’s Day next week and the recent passing of the Secure Act 2.0, I made the association between this term and the current status of Required Minimum […]