Taxes….Always On My Mind

Strategizing about ways to keep more of your money and put your savings to work should be done throughout the year, not just during tax season.  Here are a few of my favorite tax-smart steps to consider throughout the year:

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Why Choose a Solo 401(k) Over a SEP?

Many small business owners think of a SEP (Simplified Employee Pension) IRA when they want to save for retirement.  However, below are five reasons why one should consider a Solo 401(k) instead:

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When Not To Make Pretax 401K/Retirement Contributions

The general investment advice is to contribute the maximum amount to a pretax 401K every year in order to save for a more comfortable retirement.  However, there are three situations in which investors are better off using other savings tools instead, such as a Roth IRA, a Roth 401K or even a taxable brokerage account in a given year.  These situations typically occur when the tax rate today is lower than what the investor is likely to pay in the future:

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2024 January Market Review

2023 was an interesting year in the equity and fixed income markets. Check out AssetGrade’s review of the markets for 2023. Learn more about the markets, inflation, resilient US consumer, and importance of staying invested.

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Three Simple Estate Planning Tips

BY: KATE HENNESSY, CFP®

Some people associate estate planning with death, others feel it is time consuming and costly, it doesn’t have to be.  Here are three estate planning tips to help you start protecting your assets for you and your loved ones:

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Five Year-End Tax Tips

BY: SUSAN POWERS, CFA, CPA, CFP®, CPFA®

As we approach year end, here are five tax tips to help minimize your tax liabilities and make the most of your financial situation:

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How to Fight Inflation Through TIPS or I Bonds

BY: PATRICK R. COTE CFACFP®

With higher inflation continuing to persist, there are two main investment options that have become attractive in order to generate returns greater than the inflation rate.

For emergency funds, it is a good idea to keep your money in safe and accessible investments.  We mentioned I bonds a couple of years ago, when they were paying out up to 9%, which was attractive back then compared with bank account rates of near zero!

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Third Quarter 2023

Check out AssetGrade’s review of the markets for the Third Quarter 2023. Learn more about the challenges markets faced this quarter and what to consider as we look toward year end.

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Getting Started with “The Essential Investor”

By: Patrick R. Cote CFA, CFP®

Many of our clients have asked us how they or their family members can best learn the basics of investing.  They don’t necessarily want to start making trades themselves, however they do want to understand the key elements of investing.  The challenge in doing so is that there is so much information available that it is not clear where to start.

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Smart Spending Strategies for Kids

By: Kate Hennessy, CFP®

Our daughters like to spend money and since we fund most of their purchases, it’s difficult for my husband and me to quantify how much they spend each week.  Like most of us, our kids spend money on items that bring them joy, such as ice cream and beauty products.

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Dream Vacation – What is Yours?

BY: SUSAN POWERS, CFACPACFP®, CPFA®

Travel is up 25% over last year with 85% of adults planning to travel this summer.  The average cost of a dream vacation for two can vary greatly depending on factors such as the destination, duration of the trip, type of accommodation, and personal preferences. 

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