Blog

Why the Drop in Inflation Was Such a Big Deal

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I decided to include an image of the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to help put inflation in better perspective:Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose just 0...

Here's a fact that news articles never seem to cover: inflation never goes away. Being 2023, Social Media has deemed a bunch of new buzzwords to go with inflation.

Understanding American history is important for investors, savers, and retirees. In fact, I think most financial planners should be encouraged to study history. Why? Becuase history teaches us why, and how something happens.

New Roth Catch-Up Rules

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Last year, when the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement 2.0 Act of 2022 ("Secure Act 2.0") was passed, congress made changes to retirement plan catch-up contributions. 1Starting on January 1, 2024, when a retirement...

Retirement outlooks in America are changing. Some changes for the better, some not as much.  Knowing the numbers of retirement helps us understand what retirement is expected to look like in America.

Before the fire

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

The fires in Canada were awful.But it seems like I can remember awful fires here at home every year too.Nobody expects the wildfires to reach their home. But it often takes events, like huge fires in a neighboring country, to raise...

I'm really excited for AI and its potential, and I'm not afraid of artificial intelligence. In fact, I think it has the potential to make us better at our jobs.Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the financial planning...

IRS Audit - What to do when you get an IRS letter

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Your taxes have been filed, and when you check the mail, you see "the letter". The one piece of mail that makes your heart pause, hairs curl, and sweat come down. You got a letter from the IRS.Surely, this letter can throw even the...

What does it mean to have enough?  Do we ever feel like enough is enough?I'm not sure if people, on their own, can ever be satisfied. As a man, I think working is in my nature. Constantly desiring more stuff, more fun, more...

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...

Managing expenses, whether you're on a fixed income or not, it always important. Lifestyle creep is one of the most detrimental ways to blow up a retirement plan.One way to easily rack up fixed expenses, which are essentially locked in...

We have shared thoughts on the Fed fighting interest rates, Silicon Valley Bank news, encouragement of a soft landing, and other big changes in global retirement trends. Here are 12 great charts posted by the Wall...

Every year, the IRS posts a list of the Dirty Dozen tax scams to make taxpayers, business owners, and tax fillers to be aware of what to watch out for. These tax scams range widely in schemes to separate you from your money. Many...

There has been a lot of news coming out of the banking industry: FDIC, Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, First Republic Bank, Credit Suisse, interest rate hikes, and more interest rate hikes.It's been a lot to take in.In the...

About FDIC Insurance and SVB

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Thursday, March 16, 2023

I don't talk about FDIC insurance a lot.Why not? This just to allows you to withdraw your own money from a bank if it goes under.Is FDIC insurance needed? Well, yeah it's good to have.But, and here's a big BUT, our partner Trust...

Predicting the market is hard. Which is why you shouldn't try to. Rather, have a financial plan.

Bloomberg recently shared a piece comparing retirement ages and years in retirement in major economies around the globe. They found the differences in age ranges can vary well over a decade.It's important to note that Bloomberg is...

Don't risk a tax audit

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Thursday, February 9, 2023

We love talking about taxes here. As financial planners, we think taxes are integral to everything in our financial lives: taxes affects cash flow, taxes create frustration, and taxes never go away.Taxes are one of the 5 uses of...

Big changes to 401k plans

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Some big changes to 401k plans were announced recently. We wanted to take a moment and send you a quick note that we are aware of, and are working through, the changes that were announced as part of the Secure Act 2.0 which may...

Taxes and Savings Figures for 2023

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

A note before you read: This page was posted in early January. Note that as time passes the IRS and congress may make changes to rules, which could positively, or negatively, affect financial plans. As a service-first firm, we work...

The Secure Act 2.0 passed, with a lot to go through

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Just before Christmas, Congress decided to fund the government. As part of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package that was passed, the Secure Act 2.0 was tacked on. This is an update on the 2019 bill, Setting Every Community...

Meet Lieutenant Sean Carter. He is a public-affairs officer who runs the NORAD Tracks Santa program. For the past 67 years, one of the Department of Defense's largest outreach events has been to track Santa from the minute he leaves...

Tax day is not just every April 15th. December 31st is a big timeline crunch. There are a lot of things you can't change after 12/31.... namely payroll!The amount you earn today is what will affect your taxes on April 15th. So by...

Giving with a legacy

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

I have been taking some time talking about the uses of money, and the importance of understanding how each use of money affects the other. Again, the uses of money are Earn, Live, Give, Owe taxes, Owe debt, and Grow.To highlight...

Social Security timing has been one of my favorite topics to talk about. One of the number one questions I get, next to "will I be ok" is "when should I/we take Social Security?". Contrary to popular belief, just taking...

New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

The IRS recently announced how much savers are allowed to put into retirement accounts for the year 2023. When we refer to retirement accounts, that means 401(k)'s, 403B plans for no-profit workers, TSP for federal employees, IRS's,...

Giving: Strategies

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Friday, October 28, 2022

Giving stems from the desire in your heart.   I’ve been lucky enough to work with many charitably minded clients. Through their wisdom and what I have learned from my own walk, I have discovered that giving should be an...

Social Security increases PLUS action items you may need to take

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Friday, October 21, 2022

As you probably had heard, Social Security announced the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2023. We recently received updates on a decrease in Medicare Part B premiums for 2023 as well.  While both of these updates are quite...

As inflation continues to increase, the IRS has increased the federal tax bracket and the standard deduction.The inflation adjustment on marginal tax rates means you can fill up lower brackets longer.  That could lead you to a...

The five uses of money

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

When you break it down, there are only 5 things you can do with money. Finding a balance of these uses, regardless of age or stage of life, is what brings financial contentment.Uses of money:You can Earn inYou...

Recently I mentioned that it doesn't seem like the Fed is being very patient this year, contrary to the position they were taking last year with "transitory inflation".This year, the Fed has hiked rates in 5 different occasions:March...

Talking about recessions has been all the rage in economic circles. The big questions are will a recession will come, or can the Fed manage a "soft landing".In his recent speech in Jackson Hole, Fed chairman Jerome Powell did not even...

When you leave a job there are a couple options you have for your existing 401k.There's generally 4 things you can do with the money.You could just leave it there.You could cash it out.You could roll it into your new 401k.You could...

The 401(k) Plan has been thought of as the #1 savings vehicles for American's, standing alone next to building equity in a primary home. Congress knows this. The average 401(k) savings balance increased to $129,300 in 2021,...

I'm a financial planner serving Orange County and Riverside county.  The Economist just posted a an article that points both Los Angeles and San Diego as some of The best places to live in North America. Since both Riverside...

If you would have asked me last year how to define a recission, without hesitation I would have told you "two quarters of negative/or falling GDP".I'm not alone in this. It isn't farfetched for me to presume everyone would have...

There could be a big jump in Social Security checks next year. Some estimates show recipients getting a double-digit raise next year. That would be the biggest increase in more than 40 years.Why?Inflation!There hasn't always been an...

The IRS sets rates for intra-family loans, which can be a useful wealth transfer move. By: Ashlea EbelingImage: Blaise CarrigJuly 22, 2022With average mortgage rates near 6% for a 30-year-loan, some lucky home buyers are snagging...

The economy is growing through some growing pain.US Inflation hit 9.1% in July.The stock market and bond markets are down on the year.and GDP numbers for Q1 2022 were -1.4%.It's gotten some to start using the term "stagnation"...

The Fed had the Federal Funds rate by 0.75% last month. That's the rate at which banks can borrow, which has a major impact on how mortgages, car loans, and business loans interest are set. Next week, on July 27th, the Federal...

There are a lot of people convinced we're in the middle of a recession.  While that certainly might be true, we could actually be catching the "soft landing" economists have been hoping for.This is a great article posted on the...

A beneficiary on your iPhone?

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Not your average estate planning recommendation!Did you know when you die, Apple (and Google/Android/whatever) won't give anyone access to your data?  That includes:Text messagesPictures on your phoneAccess to your home alarm...

The US Federal Reserve increase interest rates by 0.75% yesterday1. That's an increase on the Federal Fund Rate, which is the hammer in the Fed's toolbox. Reasons for the increase were sited most because of inflation. The US...

Here’s what to do now and in the coming months to possibly get a quicker and bigger tax return in 2022. By Andrew Keshner, MarketWatchThis article was originally posted on Barron's on Dec. 28,...

Estimated tax payment tips

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Not everyone send in estimated tax payments.  Normally your tax advisor will help determine if you tax withholdings from income are enough, or if you should be sending the IRS quarterly withholdings. You may have to make...

How to Buy I Bonds Direct from the Treasury

Bradley Shammas, CFP ®, CPFA

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

There are a lot of people asking about I Bonds right now. With inflation pushing over 8%, an interest rate for the I Bond will rise to nearly 10% in May. Being backed by the US Government, savings bonds offer a guaranteed return,...

FANNG is now MAMAA

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

CNBC’s Mad Money host Jim Cramer created the popular FAANG acronym to denote some of the largest, most powerful companies in the world: Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google. Recently, changes in those companies are...

Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

The long waited Infrastructure Bill has finally been signed by President Joe Biden. There's a lot that this bill covers. At the White House on Monday, President Biden signed a $1T bipartisan infrastructure bill set to enable...

The IRS has just announced that 401(k) contributions have increased for 2022:From $19,500 to $20,500And for those age 50 and over, from $26,000 to $27,000 with the catch-up. This higher contribution amount may come as good news for...

Emergency Funds: How Much is Enough?

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Over the last two years, we have leaned a lot of financial lessons including: We pay attention when taxes go up If price of toilet paper is increased, we'll still pay it Emergency Funds are so, so important This weeks article is to...

"Political chicken". Those are the words described the current standoff over the debt ceiling. "Unprecedented". That's another term thrown around a lot. But the US has actually failed to pay its bills before. I've shared how the debt...

Legal precedence was sent coming out of New York on how emails can be interpreted. Recently, and email that was sent was confirmed to be the equivalent to agreeing to terms and services. (Also as related read, here is a hilarious...

What will the Fed do? Slow down purchases? Are interest rates going up? If so, when? In the Famous Jackson Hole meeting last year, Fed Chare Jerome Powell was notably cautious in every word he said. The Fed is intentionally particular...

I hate the debt ceiling conversation. It’s irresponsible. Believe me, I certainly don’t agree with all of the spending that’s going on in congress. But the fact is the spending was passed, and not agreeing to pay the...

We’re holding on breath for the new Infrastructure Bill. As of now, we see what proposals are on the table.Increasing the top rate of capital gains tax. Increasing the top tax rate back to pre-Secure Act. Removal of the...

The key to achieving your career ambitions comes down to one question: How many times are you willing to pick yourself up after falling down? The rate at which you achieve your goals is always going to be a combination of volume,...

Last year, being stuck at home, presented a period of time which a lot people us finically had time to reflect on our current path of life. Considering if there should be a change. The Harvard Business Review points out the tendencies...

Allyson Felix is the most decorated track and field Olympian in history. She has won 25 global medals at the Olympics and World Championships. This article was posted by Kelly Anne Smith, Forbes Advisor Staff July 27, 2021 Allyson...

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our...

Fears of inflation are set in, but at least Social Security looks like it's gong up. Retirees can look forward to a large Social Security Cost of Living bump soon. A big bump. Bigger than we have seen for years. This article was posted...

Another key and controversial provision coming from the Biden’s tax overhaul. This proposal would have massive effects in additional taxes as the proposed shift from Step-up basis to Carryover basis. This change, though seemingly...

We get sucked into short-sightedness by social media and data overload. As a result, the crucial becomes buried amidst the irrelevant. Chris Lowney, Contributor June 22, 2021 Here’s how to become a better leader: Place a giraffe...

Can Congress make changes to the Tax Code today that change the rules for yesterday? In a word: yes. But what Congress can do, and what Congress will do are not necessarily the same thing. Here's what to expect... Jeffrey Levine,...

Inflation in the US has been mostly modest since 1982. We have not had to worry much about the price of goods and services changing from year to year or the devaluation of the U.S. Dollar. However, that may be changing. Here's how you...

Well, this was unexpected. Biden's plan to nearly double the top capital gains rate could be retroactive. This will effect people who have $1M homes that have tons of gains, employer stock or other $1M+ gains who want to make changes...

Payments will go to about 39 million households starting July 15. Here are questions and answers... Article from The Wall Street Journal By Richard Rubin Image: iStock-1128257742.jpg The child tax credit is a federal benefit that...

I find investors in Bitcoin, Dogecoin (or the popular pronunciation as Doggy Coin) and Coinbase (there is literally a crypto currency called SCAM Coin!) immensely interesting. I’m not talking about the investments themselves,...

Inflation numbers are up 4.2%. Chill. It’s going to be ok. The Fed is still targeting 2%. This article was taken today from Barron's, by contributor Ben Levisohn April’s inflation report is out, and it was a doozy. But...

How does the President Biden tax plan affect my retirement? There are ways to prepare for or possibly avoid some of the tax increases envisioned by the president’s proposal. President’s proposal calls for a near doubling of...

Freelancers face a number of challenges that retirement savers who work for a company do not. For starters, they don't have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. This article was taken today from Barron's, by contributor P.A....

Too many people leave work too early or too late. It doesn’t have to be this way. This article was posted on the Wall Street Journal on 04/13/2021 by Maryanne Vandervelde Image credit: iStock-914072970.jpg I’m talking about...

Even if you've already started saving for retirement, you might not know exactly what it takes to get there. And you're not alone. According to new data, there's a lot Americans don't know about retirement planning. Today's guest post...

The first quarter offered no shortage of drama for markets. Meme stocks surged, celebrities dove into SPACs, as investors big and small showed no fear of risk-taking. Meanwhile, the Dow appeared set to outperform the Nasdaq by the...

If you'd hoped to max out your IRA or HSA in 2020, the tax deadline extension means you have an extra month to contribute. The IRS has extended the 2020 tax deadline through May 17, 2021. The extension gives Americans more time to...

Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own...

Many retirees and people who took Covid-related retirement plan distributions might need some extra time to work through their 2020 tax returns. Bob Carlson, Senior Contributor March 29, 2021 Image credit: Getty Images Those who took...

As parents, it’s natural we want to help our children save for their futures and build financial literacy. This article was posted by Eric Brotman, Contributor at Forbes.com on March 24, 2021. Teaching your child how to save...

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy. In January, the White House released its 533-page book, “Economic Report of the President (2021).” If you...

83 million. That’s how many children live in households that will benefit from the expanded child tax credit. Sarah Hansen, Forbes Staff AFP via Getty Images March 10, 2021 Included in President Biden’s $1.9 trillion...

Ask Encore: It is all right to sometimes decline to help the family financially. We also answer a reader’s question on required minimum distributions. By Glenn Ruffenach March 5, 2021 Question: In a recent column, you talked...

In an effort to bring a little ease to a tough topic during a tough time, Barron’s sought out answers to some of the tax questions accountants and financial advisors are hearing most frequently. Today's guest post is brought by...

Much has been written about the attributes of high-achieving adults, and what makes them different from everyone else. But if you're a parent, a more compelling question may be: "What can I do to make sure my kids succeed in life?"...

With the April 15 tax deadline less than three months away, here are answers to a few reader questions. The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing federal tax returns on Feb. 12. But if you’re ready before...

It’s been a weird few days in the stock market, where a video game retailer has suddenly become the center of attention. While this all makes for an interesting story, the truth is that this is something of a sideshow and a far...

Exhibiting confirmation bias in the political realm may cost you friends. When it comes to investing, such a bias may cost you money by preventing you from empirically evaluating data and causing imprudent investment decisions....

A historic downturn and dizzying comeback show markets still have the capacity to surprise us all. This article was published by The Wall Street Journal last week, by Akane Otani. Hope you find value here. Dec. 31, 2020 Here is...

The new COVIDTRA laws do not have nearly the number of retirement changes or law modifications as the SECURE Act or CARES Act, but it does create a few new retirement planning considerations and strategies for 2021 and beyond. Jamie...

Lawmakers agreed to issue stimulus payments of $600 and distribute a federal unemployment benefit of $300 for 11 weeks. But that money will take time to start arriving. This post is being shared by the New York Times, written by Tara...

2020 is almost over, and for many of you, it can’t end soon enough. There will be plenty of time to celebrate the end of one year and to hope for better days in the one ahead. But before we get to that, take these steps you can...

Since bursting onto the scene over a year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic has so far claimed well over one million lives. The ferocious spread of the virus first witnessed in the spring is now being dwarfed by an even larger surge. Yet...

Social Security: The Elephant in the Room

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Some people wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed. For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively...

9 Facts About Social Security

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

There are things about Social Security that might surprise you. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are...

Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process. Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?”...

If the early indications of a divided Congress bear out, the resulting political gridlock could complicate plans for sweeping tax changes. Here’s how each party's tax policy would affect different segments of the population. Note...

We talk a lot about debt. What is good debt? What is bad debt? Debt has become a common way of life which most people can relate to. But do you know how much money that debt costs you each year? With an economic degree, I often like to...

401k fees are important. Making sure you actually look at and uncover the fees in a 401k can be difficult, but is still important. Offering the service of looking through 401k fees is a big part of our business. Let us know if you need...

Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded. Tip: Regardless of your net worth, it’s critical to understand your choices when developing an estate strategy. In...

Investing for Impact

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs. READ TIME: 3 MIN Investing for Impact Many investors are looking to build a portfolio that reflects their socially responsible values, while...

Kindness is all around us and matters a lot--affecting wellbeing and the health of the community. It is cause for optimism in pessimistic times. Today's guest post is brought by Tracy Brower, Contributor Kindness is a really good...

Millennials are a generation of investors who grew up during the Great Recession, are dealing with exorbitant student loan debt, inflated home prices and rent costs, and are now dealing with the economic fallout of COVID-19. So how...

FAFSA FOR COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID 2020

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Today, I want re-share important FAFSA information that was posted on our October 2019 blog, FAFSA for College Financial Aid and Financial Aid For Students 101. Every we, we realize how daunting the Financial Aid for Students can be,...

How would you handle an increase in taxes? What are you doing now in your financial plan to prepare for an expected increase in taxes in the near future? If you aren't sure what steps your financial plan should be taking now, we would...

With interest rates at rock-bottom, the Fed wants to get out of the way of economic recovery. Financial Planning can show you the expected effect of increasing inflation, or extended periods of low interest rates can affect your long...

Regardless of who wins the election, there is potentially a lot of financial planning throughout this coming election cycle. Here is a summary of some of the tax changes that are to be expected from each candidate. A special eye to...

The financial decisions you make in your 30s will affect you for the rest of your life. Here are a few ways to plan for a successful retirement long before you near the end of your career. Today's guest post is brought by Peter...

Many individual investors think they understand diversification, they often fall prey to certain myths that keep them from fully partaking in it. Today’s guest post is brought to you by Meir Statman Aug. 10, 2020 Diversification...

If you have a 401(k) loan but your employer hasn't reopened, you're probably still on the hook to repay the loan, say certified financial planners. Today’s guest post is brought to you by Sarah Okeson July 31, 2020 If you have a...

Our personal finance team tackles common questions to help small-business owners navigate these trying times. Today's guest post is brought by Veronica Dagher, Anne Tergesen, Amber Burton, and Julia Carpenter Aug. 3, 2020 How...

Many busy parents have yet one more task on their overflowing list of to-dos – curate a fresh, new list of Covid-19 friendly activities that the kids will love. Dana Brownlee July 18, 2020 Midway through summer, many working...

If properly done, trust funding will avoid probate, provide for you in the event of your incapacity, and save on estate taxes. Christine Fletcher, Contributor July 13, 2020 If you have updated your estate plan during the Covid crisis...

The NFL and its players agreed to football's most important new rules—pandemic protocols—after a period of blistering public criticism about safety standards from stars across the league. By Andrew Beaton July 21, 2020...

Many self-employed business owners lament the fact that they do not have a corporate company 401(k) plan. They must not be aware that they can set up their own 401(k) plan that has even more flexibility than a corporate one. James...

Your taxes are in. Or are at least extended if not already filed. But what should you do if you made a mistake?In 2018, the IRS saw nearly 3.5 million amended tax returns.Here are some things you should be aware of before you send in...

With so many workers having no money in retirement accounts, states are passing legislation to help people to start saving. By Bailey McCann July 6, 2020 Don't have a retirement plan? You aren't alone. But the state you live in might...

As a consumer, when you purchase an expensive item, like a car or refrigerator, you expect to receive a warranty that the manufacturer will repair or replace that product if it breaks down. A warranty makes sense for big-ticket...

June 26, 2020 In the US, there are 419 national parks that cover more than 84 million acres, and one way to experience them is by road tripping. Each national park has roads that you can easily drive down to experience the beauty of...

Being able to tap your 401(k) as an emergency source of cash might help keep you afloat, but financial advisors warn you should aim to recharge your retirement savings a soon as possible. Martha C. White June 16, 2020 Being able to...

Most baseball fans know that the New York Yankees is the winningest team in MLB history. Of the 18,426 games it’s played since 1901, it’s won 10,378, or about 57 percent of them. The Yankees have also won the most World...

By Chip Cutter June 6, 2020 An online plank-holding contest. Walk-and-talk meetings held outdoors via Zoom. A companywide game show based on Netflix's "Love Is Blind," capped with a virtual dance party. American companies are...

As unemployment claims pass 40 million, an altruistic instinct has emerged among those who are more financially secure. So what is the very best way for people with more money than they need to quickly hand it over to those in need?...

Research Affiliates founder and chairman Rob Arnott wants to educate Americans about pensions. He's hoping to avoid a crisis. And Arnott has penned a paper, titled "The Covid-19 Crash and the Abandonment of the Pensioner". By Al Root...

H.R. 7010 is a bill that will dramatically alter several critical terms of the recently-enacted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). To view the text of this law in its entirety, click here. For more information, view the joint...

The Cost of Procrastination

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops. “Are you aware the registration on...

By Laura Saunders May 29, 2020 In March, millions of people had their workplaces scrambled by the coronavirus pandemic and hastily decamped to work remotely. Even with some offices reopening, many hope to prolong the arrangement now...

If you’re one of the many investors in the $3.9 trillion municipal-bond market, the coronavirus may have you asking: are my safe-haven municipal bonds really that safe? Mallika Mitra May 27, 2020 If you’re one of the many...

Uncertainty and anxiety persists, and lots of entrepreneurs have questions. I’ve compiled a list of the ones I’m asked most frequently to help all of you who may have similar concerns. Brian Thompson May 26, 2020 Business...

Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

In a recent study, 88% of millennials admitted that financial decisions are a source of tension in their relationship with a spouse or partner. This could help explain why some experts say financial problems are the #1 reason marriages...

Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

More than one-third of all homeowners insurance claims involve dog bites, totaling aggregate damages of about $700 million in 2017, according to the Insurance Information Institute.1 For most homeowners (and renters), a standard policy...

A handful of proposals on limiting retirement tax breaks have been circulating in Washington for years. "That could happen, because tax law is notoriously unstable—even in the area of retirement rules, where savers must plan for...

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Clearing up confusion from the economic downturn following COVID-19 and how it might affect your financial strategy. The COVID-19 outbreak has put tremendous pressure on stock prices, prompting some investors to blindly and...

The U.S. government's $660 billion small business rescue program has stumbled on missing paperwork, technology failure, and the misdirection of funds to big corporations. Now, it is lurching toward another hurdle: forgiving those...

Countries can test, quarantine and prepare for the post-coronavirus world, says Larry Brilliant, an epidemiologist. April 21, 2020 WHEN THE makers of the film “Contagion” in 2011 needed to vet the plausibility of the script...

April is Financial Literacy Month! Given world events over the course of the past several months, there’s no better time to dive into understanding your finances and striving for financial health. Rianka Dorsainvil April 21,...

The $484 billion interim emergency bill passed by the Senate includes expanded funding for small businesses and hospitals, and money for Coronavirus testing. Find even more useful resources regarding the Coronavirus economic relief for...

Building wealth through investing doesn't happen overnight, and the balances of each age group indicate that clearly. Liz Knueven April 6, 2020 Growing wealth with investing doesn't happen overnight, and nothing shows that more...

The Stimulus Plan people have been asking about

Bradley Shammas

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Here is a great link to an explanation of the Coronavius Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act from this past week. This explanation provided by the Tax Foundation is clear and easy to follow. https://taxfoundation...

As couples confront the new reality of working in close quarters due to employers' efforts to contain the novel coronavirus, they also have to contend with the added challenge of managing children at home. By Julie Jargon March 18,...

At this point, odds are good that the coronavirus is affecting your work life, and you may be asked to work from home, if you aren’t already. Lelia Gowland March 12, 2020 At this point, odds are good that the coronavirus is...

A Primer on Dividends

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends." When interest rates reach historic lows, some investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks when in search of income-generating...

Value vs. Growth Investing

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth. Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole...

When the stock market shudders a few days in a row, it is tempting to do something, and fast. Read this first. Besides, net worth need not equal self-worth. Ron Lieber Feb. 27, 2020 Ignore predictions and seek perspective. When the...

Gold-Star families saw their taxes soar, prompting Congress to reverse course on one part of the 2017 tax overhaul. The change could affect you too. By Laura Saunders Feb. 21, 2020 Congress made a big change to the so-called Kiddie Tax...

Some savers have done what seems impossible. They’ve managed to save $1 million or more in their workplace retirement accounts. Michelle Singletary Feb. 17, 2020 Some savers have done what seems impossible. They’ve managed...

Although I love the fun word "Rothification", the implications are not to fun. So, what is Rothification, and are going to be hearing more about it? Research shows that switching 401(k)s to after-tax contributions would boost tax...

For Valentine's Day, my wife and I go out for chili burgers and chili cheese fries. We've done this sense we were dating (God sent me a keeper!). It's both romantic, and cheap... really, it is! We also start talking about money as we...

Credit-scoring company Fair Isaac (FICO) is making changes that will create a bigger gap between consumers deemed to be good and bad credit risks. By AnnaMaria Andriotis Jan. 23, 2020 Changes in how the most widely used credit score...

Spoiler: The average [gross domestic product] growth rate by the President’s party since Jimmy Carter, suggests there is little to separate the real growth performance by party. By Ben Walsh Jan. 24, 2020 It’s easy to see...

Free money for college can sound enticing, but students need to be wary of offers that are too good to be true. Here are a few ways students can recognize and avoid scholarship fraud. By Cheryl Winokur Munk Jan. 7, 2020 Free money for...

Jeff Sommer Jan. 1, 2020 It is the time of year for predictions and I’ll make one: You will be better off ignoring the Wall Street stock-market predictions for 2020. Strategists, some of whom are very smart, are issuing precise...

Two thirds of Americans are considering a New Year's resolution... sadly only half of these people will likely keep them. Here are six behavioral strategies to consider as you personalize your plan. Anne Tergesen Dec. 26, 2019 New...

The SECURE ACT is set to be put in front of the president for his signature today. Here are some highlights you may want to know. If you have questions on how this would effect you and your financial plan, give us a call, we are here...

Research shows that grateful people tend to be healthy and happy... Perhaps when we are more focused on the good things we enjoy in life, we have more to live for and tend to take better care of ourselves and each other. Dec. 4, 2019...

Millennials are known for being financially behind, but they'll probably end up being okay. A new survey by Insider and Morning Consult found that many millennials view their financial standing positively when compared to their peers....

Words used to describe retirement say a lot

Bradley Shammas

Friday, November 22, 2019

MIT ran a study that found people think of retirement differently. Which makes sense. Here is what they found. The MIT AgeLab was created to "invent new ideas and creatively translate technologies into practical solutions that improve...

401(k)s Aren't Helping Americans Save Enough for Retirement.

Bradley Shammas

Monday, November 18, 2019

401k plans are not helping Americans save enough for retirement. These researchers found four major shortcomings. When reviewing the four outlined observations from the Boston College paper, we see many of these shortcoming can be...

IRS Announces Higher Estate And Gift Tax Limits For 2020

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, November 7, 2019

The IRS just increased the estate and gift tax starting in 2020. Though the TCJA is set to sunset in 2025, everyone should consider what would happen to their money when they are no longer the stewards of it. Regardless of your net...

How much can I contribute to a 401k or IRA in 2020?

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Today, the IRS announced that employees in 401(k) plans will be able to contribute up to $19,500 next year. Also announced that Roth & IRA contributions allowed in 2020 are $6,000. A highlight of the changes: 2019 2020 IRA...

Here is perspective of six steps one writer took that many take on a regular basis. Sometime, it helps to hear from others experiences to help make changes in our own lives. By Tara Mastroeni Oct. 19, 2019 When I was younger, money...

There are now an estimated 618,000 millennial millionaires in the United States. And things are only likely to get better in the future for these rich millennials. Michael Tedder Oct. 18, 2019 Millennials, as a whole, are notoriously...

Working with a professional financial planner can be a huge benefit to the retirement process IF the correct assumptions are used. Megan Gorman Oct. 15, 2019 As Gen Xers reach their 40s and 50s, they are starting to focus more on their...

One day, my wife asked me how much time I spent sitting at my desk “half working.” What is half-working? Carl Richards July 16, 2019 Finding time is hard. I often think about all the things I would do if I could just find...

FAFSA for College Financial Aid

Bradley Shammas

Friday, October 11, 2019

It’s FAFSA time! As your student prepares for college, they can now fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for the upcoming school year. Even if your student won’t require help from the government,...

FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS 101

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

The FAFSA is the single-most important form you need in order to secure financial aid Luckily, with a little preparation, you may be able to make applying for financial aid painless and stress free. Read on to learn more. Preparing for...

Getting ahead is overrated as a goal. In fact, it might even be just plain stupid. CARL RICHARDS Sept. 17, 2019 Getting ahead is overrated as a goal. In fact, it might even be just plain stupid. The problem with getting ahead is that...

Gen Y. The Next Generation of Investors Source: Sprinklebit blog – The Next Generation of Investors This infographic was originally shared on June 5, 2014

RMD's and the Qualified Charitable Distribution

Bradley Shammas

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Considering the Qualified Charitable Distribution From the year you turn 70 ½, you will be submit to the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) rules. As part of our ongoing services provided to clients, we attempt to assist with...

Mistakes, or penalties, both veteran and rookies can avoid Rob Isbitts Sept. 10, 2019 How to minimize penalties in your portfolio as retirement approaches One thing that NFL rookies will have to get used to during today’s first...

Lets talk about saving half of your raise... By David Blanchett Sept. 10, 2019 David Blanchett is the head of retirement research for Morningstar Investment Management. Who doesn’t like getting a raise? While raises are pretty...

I’d like to share some unpopular, hard-hitting and real-life gritty advice to the new graduates, their families, and friends. Be forewarned—this is not the squishy, feel-good, save-the-world stuff you hear at endless...

CALSAVERS: California’s Sponsored Retirement Savings Plan

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

California has adopted a state run retirement savings plan, known as “CalSavers”. Starting as soon as next year, California now requires employers who don’t already offer a qualifying employer-sponsored retirement...

"The question to ask is, 'can those bad habits be instructive for us? Can we look at why they form so readily and then learn what we can do to design an environment or situation where good habits also form effortlessly?' I think the...

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates last Wednesday to 2% By James B. Cutchin Aug. 3, 2019 The Federal Reserve's interest-rate cut Wednesday _ its first since the Great Recession _ is intended to shore up the U.S. economy, and it...

How stocks work

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

The Business Cycle

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Understanding economic cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective. What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, in fact they...

A Bucket Plan to Go With Your Bucket List

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Longer, healthier living can put greater stress on retirement assets -- the bucket approach may be one answer. The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to...

A History of Retirement

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Here is an infographic showing the The History of Retirement. Right now there may be changes looming that will need to be added to notable history.

A Brief History Of Currency

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

A brief history of where currency has been and where it is going.

The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Before you purchase your credit score understand that the methodology used to calculate the score you buy is different from that used to determine the credit score lenders receive. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003...

Jamie Hopkins May 25, 2019 From the outset, 2019 looked like it might be “ The Year Of Retirement Reform ” for Congress. Last year closed out with a number of retirement bills making real headway through DC, committees,...

May 23, 2019 The U.S. retirement system is on the cusp of big changes now that the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would make it easier for employers to offer retirement plans and encourage 401(k)-style plans to...

Shaina Mishkin May 22, 2019 The average credit score in America is 680, according to a new Experien report. But whether that number looks familiar or way off could depend on where you live. Your credit score — a record of your...

Trends In Charitable Giving

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Some people may want a more advanced gifting strategy that can maximize their gift and generate potential tax benefits. According to Giving USA 2017, Americans gave an estimated $390.05 billion to charity in 2016. That’s the...

Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you reduce health-related expenses... and avoid time in the recovery room. People save for a variety of things in retirement. Some dream of vacation homes in tropical destinations, others plan...

How Income Taxes Work

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

A quick look at how federal income taxes work. The Internal Revenue Service estimates that taxpayers and businesses spend 8.1 billion hours a year complying with tax-filing requirements. To put this into perspective, if all this work...

The Financial Literacy Crisis

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Many Americans are operating their personal finances with only the barest minimum of knowledge. Imagine driving a car without a basic understanding of the rules of the road, or even how to operate it. Scary thought. Yet many Americans...

Some taxpayers are feeling a little battle-weary after filing their 2018 returns. People are shellshocked. Either they got less of a refund than they expected, or they've been hit with a surprise tax bill because they didn't adjust...

Right now is a good time to start saving for retirement if you want to be able to brag about your millionaire status to your Pickleball partner down the line. Becoming a millionaire is something many people aspire to, but —...

Valentines Day spending is hyped as a way to show your love. But one way to truly have a successful, loving relationship is to have frank, regular discussions about your finances. Bare your financial soul to your soul mate. Yet many...

Good Debt Versus Bad Debt – Understanding The Gray Area

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Debt is due for a rebrand. So often when we hear about debt in the news, it’s within the context of “bad debt” – households in over their heads with credit card bills and interest payments; students working...

By Charles Rotblut Jan. 29, 2019 It’s that time of year when budgets and savings plans--and resolutions to stick to them--abound. Cognitively, I know the importance of saving and can make a strong argument for doing so. But this...

Jan. 14, 2019 The beginning of the year is a fabulous time to sit down and create a plan to master your money. But, where do you start? And how can you make sure the financial goals you set now don’t get forgotten like all those...

Global vs International: what is the difference?

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks. With international stock markets comprising nearly two-thirds of the world’s capitalization, a broad range...

Don't Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here are few to be mindful of. One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that “the investor’s chief problem—and...

Does your child need to file an income tax return?

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

When your child has income, there’s a good chance that he or she will need to report it and pay taxes. As parents, we encourage our children to work so they can learn important values about work and independence. At what point,...

My wife is my best friend. We’ve had more fights about money than I’d care to admit. But we’re still married. And she’s still my best friend. CARL RICHARDS Dec. 18, 2018 I recently sent out an email asking...

Dayana Yochim Nov. 22, 2018 First, a word about girls. (Stop making that face.) When the ladies in your life grow up, they may face certain challenges that, historically speaking, you guys haven’t had to deal with. If...

By Shlomo Benartzi Oct. 24, 2018 Digital devices are potentially damaging your wallet—but not in the way you might think. Smartphones and other gadgets allow us to follow our friends, read the news, watch a football game and...

Best Performing Asset Classes

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Tip: Fund Flows. In January 2017, investors added $10 billion to mutual funds, a significant shift from the $56 billion they had taken out of mutual funds the month before.Source: Investment Company Institute, 2017 According to Yale...

Kristin O'Keeffe Merrick Nov. 13, 2018 When you are a financial advisor, you get slammed in January. Everyone spends the holiday season going over their goals and dreams for the New Year. Getting “financially fit” falls...

A Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

This modern twist on the Ben Franklin maxim reflects the multiplicity of taxes to which earnings are subject in today’s world.¹ Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound financial strategy. Here...

The Five Basics of Financial Literacy

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

How literate are you when it comes to your finances? Brush up with these five basics. Check Here The Five Basics of Financial Literacy

We've been getting a lot of questions on how the recent Fed rate hike will affect people individually. After stumbling across a recent articles in Reuters, I thought this would be a great addition to share. Now might be a great time...

Alix Langone Sept. 27, 2018 What if a slip-up as small as a typo could cost you the chance to get a loan? That may be the future of banking, according to a new study by U.S. and German researchers. Until recently, companies have had a...

Estimating the Cost of College

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Tip: Public Costs. Average in–state tuition and fees for public four-year institutions was $9,970 for the 2017-2018 school year. Out-of-state tuition for these same institutions averaged $25,620.Source: College Board, 2017 It...

Bitcoin 101

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

If you look up “currency” in Merriam-Webster, you will find it defined as “the money that a country uses” and “the quality or state of being used or accepted by many people.” Recent news stories...

Business owners who offer a 401k

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Business owners who offer a 401(k) have a LEGAL FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY as defined by the Department of Labor. Let us review your 401k and check your personal liability exposure.

5 Things that seasoned travelers are doing (that you're not)

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Traveling. Some of us travel a lot, and some of us travel a little. For some of us, traveling is a job. Nearly 63 million people are employed, worldwide, in air travel and related industries.¹ There’s bound to be travel...

Apps that help achieve goals

Bradley Shammas

Monday, August 27, 2018

The gap between setting goals and achieving them can be difficult to bridge. To enhance the chances of achieving personal goals, reminders and motivation are essential; making a New Year’s resolution is simply not enough. A...

Should You Choose a Fixed or Variable?

Bradley Shammas

Friday, August 24, 2018

Buying a home is the single largest financial commitment most people ever make. And sorting through mortgages involves a lot of critical choices. One of these is choosing between a fixed- or variable-interest-rate mortgage. True to its...

How BIG is Money?

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Learn a little about worldwide currency in this fun infographic Click the picture below, or follow THIS LINK http://www.iwmfinancial.com/resource-center/money/how-big-is-money

Your most valuable asset is your income.

Bradley Shammas

Monday, August 13, 2018

Your most valuable asset is your income. Work with a CFP® professional to make the better decisions. Call us today.

Masha Rumer July 31, 2018 Telecommuters used to get a bad rap, seen as folks who lounge by the pool with a trashy magazine and a margarita on a Tuesday afternoon. But technology is making working from home a viable option for many...

Exit stage right - What to think about when you're ready to leave your business

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

A succession plan will help assure business continuity If you’ve built a successful business, you know that having a plan is critical to making it work. By the same token, readying your business for your retirement, or to enable...

Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, July 12, 2018

When you receive some extra money it may be difficult to determine whether you should invest the funds or use them to pay down debt. One financial theory suggests that if your after-tax return on investments is greater than the...

Roth 401(k) vs Traditional 401(k)?

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

As you save money into your 401(k), you might be able to choose whether to direct your funds into a Traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k). What is a Roth 401(k)? Check out this article to find out more: What is a Roth 401(k) 1 With a...

Can you contribute to an IRA or a Roth IRA?

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, June 28, 2018

The math is simple, the more you save, the more savings you should have… right? Well that only works if… well… actually save. Two tools that might help you save are by using either a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA....

A Look at Systematic Withdrawals

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

The number one concern clients tell me is “I don’t want to run out of money”. That’s a valid concern. Have you taken a few minutes to make a simple calculation on how long your money can last as you withdrawal...

Carl RichardsJan. 6, 2018 I received these two messages within three minutes of each other recently: Several years back I used to mine Bitcoin, and then I sold most of them off for a down payment for our house. I had 400 BTC at one...

Spotting Credit Trouble

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Fast Fact: Credit Inquiries. Your FICO score won’t drop by much when you apply for new credit. But if you apply for several new credit cards over a short period, your credit report will reflect the activity. How does your credit...

How Does Your Credit Score Compare

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Your credit score is simply a statistical estimation of how likely you are to pay your debts and, by extension, how much credit you should have. Everyone is different—everyone has a different history, different experiences. But...

Social Insecurity - will Social Security be around for me?

Bradley Shammas

Friday, June 8, 2018

Have you heard that there has been an issue with the Social Security system? I refer to the issue as the “insolvency of social security system” or the “unfunded social security crisis”. This is especially...

Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

You’re young, have little in savings and likely have no one yet relying on you financially. So why do you need to think about estate management?¹ Here are four great reasons: Estate Strategies: They're Not Just for the...

Budget Check Up: Tax Time is the Right Time

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns.¹ For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage, retirement, and investment account...

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counter intuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time,...

After all their hard work, the college class of 2017 is finally enjoying the real world and all its "perks," including having to pay back their student loans. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's latest report on household debt and...

April 15, 2018 Shutterstock You may hear the term “financial plan” and imagine thousands of dollars spent and hours in a stuffy broker office discussing the benefits of a diversified portfolio. Or maybe you think financial...

Tax Rules When Selling Your Home

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

How the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home, or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules. Home Sale If you owned and lived...

Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits your Business

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

One survey found that 79% of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.¹ If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if...

April 17, 2018 Plan on tapping into your home equity to make a springtime splurge? The good news is that, despite what you may have heard about the new tax law, you might still be eligible for a federal tax deduction on the interest...

Red Flags for Tax Auditors

Bradley Shammas

Monday, April 16, 2018

No one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at his or her door. The IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return, so it relies on guidelines to select the ones most deserving of its attention. Here...

The Anatomy Of An Index

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Did you know that more than $7.8 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $2.2 trillion in index assets?¹ The S&P 500 is ubiquitous—we see it on the TV news, read about...

Money Staff April 7, 2018 Americans love to complain about taxes. Yet most have no idea what they actually pay. Indeed, a nation that habitually thinks it’s taller and thinner than it really is also routinely and dramatically...

Kelly Phillips Erb March 22, 2018 Shutterstock With less than a month until Tax Day, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers to be on the lookout for tax scams. The IRS has issued its annual “Dirty Dozen”...

Tax Reform: Before and After

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties....

March 27, 2018 NEW YORK, March 1 (Reuters) - It stands to reason that getting involved in your community helps others. But what if it helped your own bottom line, as well? That is the finding of a new survey from financial giant...

Nick Clements March 22, 2018 Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve voted to hike interest rates to 1.75%, the highest level since 2008. This means credit card debt will become more expensive for...

Ben Casselman March 20, 2018 Americans have spent much of the past decade wondering when the economy would recover from the crippling Great Recession. Now, they are considering another question: When, and how, will that recovery end?...

4 Reasons for the Return of Market Volatility

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Until early 2018, stocks were enjoying their longest period without a five percent pullback in nearly 90 years.1,2 But in early February, that calm came to a sudden and decisive end, as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell more...

Lee Mathews Dec. 20, 2017 The movie Hackers hit theaters back in 1995. In it, there’s a scene where the main characters list the most common passwords people use. They’re predictably bad: love, sex, secret, and god. 22...

Kelly Phillips Erb Feb. 2, 2018 With tax season in full swing, identity theft-related tax fraud has become a hot topic. While taking steps to protect yourself from identity theft is always smart, it’s important that you...

Lorrie Cranor Sept. 8, 2017 For years, computer users have been told they should have complicated passwords, including numbers, punctuation marks and other symbols, and upper- and lowercase letters. Despite those being hard to...

Kelly Phillips Erb Feb. 3, 2018 If the chatter is to be believed, identity theft tops the list of taxpayer concerns for 2018. And it’s not all in your head: an Identity Fraud Study, released by Javelin Strategy & Research, found...

Tax forms were due to most taxpayers yesterday (click here for more about due dates), but that doesn’t mean that scammers are taking a break. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues to remind employers to educate their...

Lauren Lyons Cole Feb. 23, 2018 The IRS warns taxpayers every year to beware of a long list of tax scams. This year, identity thieves are up to the same tricks, but with a new twist. Scammers file a fake tax return, deposit the...

Samantha Bomkamp Feb. 16, 2018 Most Americans are starting to see one of the early benefits of the new tax law: a bump in take-home pay. Paychecks are increasing for about 90 percent of Americans due to the tax overhaul, according to...

How the Federal Reserve Works

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Checks. Due to the onslaught of electronic check collection, the Federal Reserve now processes paper checks at just one location nationwide, down from 45 locations in 2003. Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,...

Adam Sarhan Feb. 9, 2018 NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 09: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Friday morning on February 9, 2018 in New York City. Following a drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average of...

Debt Stress

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

The average American household with debt owes $132,158. And credit card debt accounts for $15,675 of that.¹ Little wonder that money worries are a major cause of stress. The Link Between Stress and Health Humans have an innate...

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Four Really Good Reason to Invest

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Forty-eight percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, such as mutual funds, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ 48%!!! Individuals may cite different reasons for not investing, but with important...

What the New Tax Bill Means for You

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act represents “the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years.”1 For millions of Americans and businesses it means an altered financial and investment landscape...

What Do Your Taxes Pay For?

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

WHAT DO YOUR TAXES PAY FOR? Tip: Mid May. If the government had raised taxes enough to cover federal borrowing, we would have had to work until May 10 just to cover the tax bill.Source: FoxNews.com, April 24, 2016 Taxes are one of the...

Six Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?¹ While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the...

Strategies For Managing Student Loan Debt

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING STUDENT LOAN DEBT If college were a party, then student loans are the hangover. Unfortunately, the “hair of the dog” won't cure this headache, but here are some ideas for managing your student loan...

A Look at Diversification

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

A LOOK AT DIVERSIFICATION Tip: Correlation. To adequately diversify, it’s important to select securities that have a low correlation — that is, securities that don’t tend to track each other’s movements up and...

What Do Your Taxes Pay For?

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Taxes are one of the biggest budget items for most taxpayers, yet many have no idea what they’re getting for their money. In 2016, as in recent years, Americans spent more on taxes than on groceries, clothing, and shelter...

How to Make the Tax Code Work for You

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

By April 15, 2016, 125 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns.¹ And all of them made decisions about deductions and credits—whether they knew it or not. When you take the time to learn more...

A decision not made is still a decision

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all...

A Living Trust Primer

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives. What is a living trust? A living trust is created while you are alive and...

Estate Management Checklist

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare...

Critical Estate Documents

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Financial Documents Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitated...

Pay Yourself First

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Each month you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most basic tenets of sound investing involves the simple habit of...

Keeping Good Records is Good Business

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Maintaining good records is important to help meet your tax and legal obligations. The right record keeping system not only helps satisfy these obligations, but it may save you money and time. Here’s what to consider for your...

Changing Unhealthy Behavior

Bradley Shammas

Friday, September 22, 2017

Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no...

Good Health is Good Business

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, productivity losses linked to employees not showing up for work cost employers $226 billion annually, or $1,685 per worker.¹ Business owners and managers understand very...

Password Protection Strategies

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn—they’ve all fallen prey to hackers who exposed passwords and other personal information for hundreds of thousands of their users. If you haven’t yet had your password stolen, chances are,...

What is the Value of Your Business?

Bradley Shammas

Monday, September 11, 2017

In the first quarter of 2015, nearly 2,000 small businesses were sold. The median sale price was $200,000, up from $175,000 the year before.¹ As a business owner, ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety...

You May Need To Make Estimated Tax Payments If...

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

You may have to make estimated tax payments if you earn income that is not subject to withholding, such as income from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, rent, realized investment gains, prizes, and awards. You also may...

Protecting Your Home Against Flood Loss

Bradley Shammas

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

From 2011 to 2015, the average residential flood claim was more than $43,000.¹ The financial loss that comes with flooding can be devastating. Yet, many Americans are not protected against flood damages, primarily because flooding...

Creative Ways To Motivate Your Employees

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

The common thread that runs through all small businesses, from professional services to manufacturing, is that a motivated workforce is central to the business’s success. Here are some quick, inexpensive, and potentially...

Last years IRS "Dirty Dozen"

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Every year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting the myriad ways that people try to separate you from your money.¹ The 2016 “Dirty Dozen” Identity Theft Using your personal...

Retirement Savings Plans for Small Businesses

Bradley Shammas

Monday, August 14, 2017

Retirement is top-of-mind for professionals everywhere, but that doesn’t always mean they have a savings plan in place. To determine how small business owners are planning for retirement, Manta surveyed 1,960 small business...

Choosing a Business Structure

Bradley Shammas

Thursday, August 10, 2017

In March 2015, about 679,072 new business had been created in the preceding year.¹ All individuals pursuing the dream of exercising their entrepreneurial muscles, will face the same question, “Which business structure should...

Choices for your 401(k) at your former employer

Bradley Shammas

Monday, July 31, 2017

One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹ Individuals have three basic choices with the 401(k) account they...

Asset Allocation

Bradley Shammas

Monday, July 31, 2017

If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors—people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas in carts—on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell...

Capital Gains and Capital Losses

Bradley Shammas

Monday, July 24, 2017

Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates, while long-term gains are taxed at a lower rate, based on an individual’s marginal income tax bracket. If you are in the… your long-term capital gains rate...

Understanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets

Bradley Shammas

Monday, July 17, 2017

By any measure, the tax code is huge. According to Commerce Clearing House's Standard Federal Tax Reporter it's up to 74,608 pages in length.¹ And each Monday, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a 20- to 50- page bulletin...

Protecting your Business from Loss of a Key Person

Bradley Shammas

Monday, July 10, 2017

Charles de Gaulle once remarked, “The graveyards are full of indispensable men.”¹ While we know that life goes on regardless of the loss of any “indispensable” person, for a small business, the loss of a...

Planning for the Expected

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Perhaps Bette Davis said it best when she observed, “Old age is no place for sissies.”¹ The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the unique challenges...

Mutual Funds VS. ETFs

Bradley Shammas

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 1998, there were only 29; near the end of 2016, there were 1,700 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.¹ At first glance,...