Blog

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

A solo 401(k) plan is a great retirement savings vehicle for self-employed business owners with no employees, other than their spouse.  Unfortunately, most folks have never heard about this opportunity and instead are steered toward a SEP IRA.  To take full advantage of a solo 401(k) the deadline to establish a plan is December 31st.

How is a solo 401(k) different from a SEP IRA?

By: Kate Hennessy, CFP®

When investors are weathering market volatility, high inflation, and rising interest rates it can be challenging to look out and continue supporting non-profit organizations. If your retirement plans have not changed, it’s important to keep a long-term perspective – stay the course, keep saving for your long-term goals, and keep donating to charities.

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

Using an IRA to make a charitable donation can help a worthy cause and help lower your tax bill as well.  As we approach the year end, you may be reviewing your charitable giving strategies with a financial and tax advisor as part of your year-end planning.  While some tax efficient giving strategies can be a bit complex, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) are as easy as writing a check to your favorite charities!

What is a QCD?

By: Patrick R. Cote CFA, CFP®

One of the most important decisions investors make is their asset allocation – the split between stocks, bonds, cash and the asset classes within each type (US large cap stocks, emerging market stocks, short-term bonds, high yield bonds, etc.).  Research shows that trying to time the market hurts investors, which means you should avoid making rapid and drastic changes to stock allocations if your personal circumstances have not changed.  Dialing up or down the allocation to stocks means trying to time the market.

By: Kate Hennessy, CFP®

This time of year, it’s hard not to think about college.  From young adults packing up their cars to Saturday football games, college is in the air.  In this month’s newsletter are two articles about saving for college, one from the perspective of a parent whose children are one to three years out from starting college, and the second from a parent who is six to nine years out from beginning college.

By: Patrick Cote

Student loans are a hot topic these days, with the recent announcement that the US government is forgiving $10K - $20K of federal student loans for borrowers with incomes below $125K (single) or $250K (married).

By: Susan Powers

Looking for fresh ways to save money so that you can live life on your own terms?  Did you know that:

• 21% of self-storage units are rented for 3-10 years, a cumulative cost of $7,000 to $23,000
• Most people underestimate how much they spend on subscriptions by $1,600 a year

By: Jennifer Pilcher, Ph.D., CMC

Talking about dementia can be hard and scary. However, learning about the common symptoms, the difference between dementia and normal aging, and what you can do if you get a diagnosis of dementia can help to alleviate fear and help you be more prepared to address this issue for yourself, a client or a family member.

What is the difference between normal aging and dementia?

By: Rebecca Wild-Wesley, RN, MA, CMC

There is no time like the present to develop your strategy for Aging Well. Being intentional about planning for where and how you want to spend your later years will reward you with confidence about your future.

By: Susan Powers, CFA, CPA, CFP®, CPFA

Millions of Americans are taking a step back and rethinking their work lives amid the “Great Resignation”, more recently termed the “Great Reshuffle”, as they seek remote options, flexible work hours and life beyond work.  Are you among those considering a change?  What else should you consider before taking the plunge?

KEY POINTS

By: Kate Hennessy, CFP®

Do you have extra cash on hand, sitting in a saving account at a bank earning a small amount of interest?  Do you have a CD maturing? 

By: Patrick R. Cote CFA, CFP®

“The rules no longer apply.”  Spring 2020 – As the Covid pandemic took off, I found myself repeating this phrase with my teenage sons, as they were shocked to see many of the activities and organizations they knew shut down or shifted to virtual meetings.  The investment world also went through a lot of upheaval during the pandemic, with the overall decline, the quick turnaround, the rise and fall of tech stocks and the large increase in commodity prices.