Articles

Estates & Trusts

• Estate Planning

  Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.

• Living Trusts

  A living trust can help control the distribution of your estate upon death.

• Avoiding Probate

  The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.

• Preserving My Estate

  Life insurance can be used to help preserve your estate’s value for your heirs.

Retirement

• How Much Do I Need to Save?

  Many realize it’s important to save for retirement, but knowing exactly how much to save is another issue altogether.

• Planning Options

  There are a variety of retirement planning options that could help meet your needs. Here are some of the most popular.

• Future of Social Security

  Greater demand is being placed on the Social Security system as the baby boom generation has begun to retire.

Tax Planning

• Capital Gain Tax

  Capital gains are profits realized from the sale of assets; a tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not held.

• Estate Tax

  Everything you own, whatever the form of ownership, is subject to federal, and possibly state, estate taxes.

• Gift Tax

  The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living.

• Tax Deferral

  There can be a substantial benefit to deferring taxes as long as possible.

• Tax Deductions

  Changes to the tax code have left a few key deductions for itemizers, like medical, dental and some business expenses.

Investing

• Diversification

  An important element to successful investing is to manage investment risk while maintaining the potential for growth.

• Types of Bonds

  Bonds are issued by many entities and share many characteristics, each type of bond has certain benefits and risks.

• Mutual Funds vs. Stocks

  The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.

• Annuities

  An annuity is a flexible financial vehicle that can help protect against the risk of living a long time because it provides an option for a lifetime income.

• Fixed vs. Variable Annuities

  Both fixed and variable annuities could be appropriate options for an individual interested in purchasing an annuity.

• College Savings Plans

  There are several funding methods for a child's college education including mutual funds and Section 529 plans.

Cash Management

• Cash Management Basics

  A sound cash management program uses a disciplined approach: accounting, analysis, allocation, and adjustment.

• Savings Alternatives

  There are a number of savings alternatives that could help you earn a reasonable rate of return.

Risk Management

• Why Purchase Life Insurance

  If you have a family who relies on your income, it is important to have life insurance protection.

• Life Insurance for Business Owners

  Company-owned life insurance is one way to help protect a business from financial problems caused by the death of a key employee.

• Protecting Your Home

  Since your home is one of your greatest assets, you should make sure it is adequately protected. That's where homeowners insurance enters the picture.

• Long-Term Care Costs

  The odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. Prior planning can help protect you from financial ruin.

• Types of Life Insurance

  When selecting a life insurance policy, examine all your options, as well as the positives and negatives of each type.