Financial planners help clients achieve financial goals by providing advice on how best to save, invest, and grow assets. Anyone can hang out a shingle as a financial advisor, but that does not make them an expert. Don’t confuse a financial planner with a stockbroker, who is usually contacted for
Most Americans think of doing their taxes as a daunting task that takes place every twelve months. Reactions differ from shock due to the amount owed all the way to joy from planning ways to spend a refund. Most of us want to forget about tax season the minute our
Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor. It is often hard for an investor to understand how to choose a competent financial planner. With hundreds of certifications, they may also have an alphabet soup behind their name. However, CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) is the most significant financial planning credential. A
Many business owners and CEOs see the value of a 401(k) not only for themselves, but their employees. What once was a well thought out benefit, often becomes a forgotten cost burden. If an experienced advisor is not monitoring a 401(k), the business owner may be left with a 401(k)
Investors have trouble keeping perspective of investing for the long-term after a decade of underachieving returns, volatility, and the recent slowing down of the economy. The psychology of investing dictates that investors remember periods of declining returns and the most recent economy rather than periods of high growth and the
The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration recently released the final rule to help Americans invest and manage money in 401(k) plans with additional clarity. Many experts are referring to the new regulations as the Fee Disclosure Rules or simply 408(b)(2). The overall idea is to provide plan sponsors
There was a time when 401(k) retirement plans were out of the reach of many small businesses due to high cost and complex administrative duties. This has changed – mainly due to technology. Retirement plans are now very cost effective and the administration streamlined. Any business structure – whether it
The week following the debt ceiling agreement produced a decline in the stock market along with record setting volatility. The DOW closed up or down over 400 points for four straight days for the first time in the over 110 year history of the index. This led many investors scrambling
Tax Considerations As Congress debates the fate of future tax rates for Americans, it is more important than in past years for investors to be vigilant of tax law changes. Without action by Congress to extend Bush-era tax cuts, income taxes, short-term capital gains tax, and long-term capital gains tax
Introduction Often, individuals with substantial accumulations manage their own money or work with a financial advisor more inclined to sell a product than add value. Many of these individuals are “leaving” money on the table. However, this opportunity cost lost is often not realized. Here are the biggest mistakes made