Blogs

The stores are decorated, the lights are strung, and the holiday events have started. Even though everything is shiny and cozy, it’s hard to ignore that tiny feeling that the holidays seem to feel more expensive each year. But you’re not alone; holidays are a financially stressful time for many.

There was a time when old retirement planning models like “the 70 percent rule” were more common. This rule stated that a retiree only needed 70% of their pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement. These “rules” may have worked for some retirees several decades ago but can be dangerously flawed in today’s new normal retirement.

There’s no doubt that it feels great to help someone in need through charitable giving. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States that range from food banks and disaster relief centers to churches and cultural centers. And in 2018, Americans contributed over 4 billion dollars to charitable organizations. 

While following a solid tax planning strategy throughout the year is integral to your overall financial plan, some special considerations may maximize your refund or reduce overall tax liability.

Let’s look at some of the tax-saving strategies you could be taking advantage of.

In our client meetings, the term “wealth” is often tossed around somewhat loosely. We talk about building wealth, managing wealth, enhancing wealth, and preserving wealth as if the concepts are universally understood. But what exactly is wealth? It’s such a vague term that every person has a slightly different meaning.

Understanding how your savings can work for you is an important part of creating your financial future. If you’re curious about personal finance and want to learn more, here are some common questions we hear from new clients.

While following a solid tax planning strategy throughout the year is integral to your overall financial plan, some special considerations may maximize your refund or reduce overall tax liability.

Let’s look at some of the tax-saving strategies you could be taking advantage of.

Donating to charities is a win-win when filing taxes. You get to help a cause you care about and can claim dedications on cash contributions. But what happens when the charity you’ve given to is fraudulent? You’ve now donated to a false entity, haven’t helped the cause, and cannot write it off on your taxes.

Retirement can sneak up on you.

There are hundreds of articles on the so-called “biggest financial mistakes” that people make and some tips on avoiding them. We’re used to seeing common examples of how peoples’ activities, like overspending or making minimum payments, may get people in trouble. These lists of mistakes could fill a book, but many are rooted in a failure to adhere to basic financial guidance.