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Blog
4 Tips to Take Your 401(k) to the Next Level
The best kind of money isn’t old, new or even tax-advantaged – it’s free money! If your employer has a 401(k) program, they probably have a matching plan. Know what that is and make sure you max it out. They’re essentially giving you money, which you never want to turn down.
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Knowledge Isn’t Enough Anymore
By Doug Gjerde In complicated fields like financial planning, medicine and aviation being knowledgeable is critical but it isn’t enough. Complication requires a system that ensures the learning is applied and used safely and effectively. Missed opportunities and overlooked threats can happen to the brightest professional when dealing with complex issues if a proper process isn’t in place to support the knowledge. Processes and systems are important in today’s complex world of wealth management. We have adapted a process called Wealth Designed. Life Defined. It was originated by our strategic partners at Carson Group. Are you using a process for...read the full article
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How a 529 College Savings Plan Can Help Make Summer Dreams a Reality
I have always loved the feeling of summer. Once Memorial Day celebrations kick off, the atmosphere seems to relax. Sunshine, water and sunscreen seem to be everyone’s focus. Long, warm nights are filled with the sounds of lawn mowers and children laughing.
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Why You Need a Will (and You Need One Today)
Who wants to spend an afternoon thinking about their mortality? No one, which is why more than half of Americans don’t even have a will. The foundation of your estate plan is a Last Will and Testament. Without a will, you are leaving the disposition of your assets and the guardianship of your minor children to a court.
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Should you invest in a Roth or Traditional IRA?
Multiple retirement savings vehicles are available but having options can be overwhelming. Each option comes with different rules leading to a variance of outcomes in the short-term and long-term. It’s not that dissimilar to choosing what to eat.
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The Progression of Financial Planning Through Every Decade of Your Life
Your career and lifestyle look completely different when you’re in your 20s compared to when you’re in your 60s – your financial focus and planning in each decade should follow suit. I’ve highlighted three financial tactics to focus on in each decade of your life starting with your 20s.
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How to Buy a Car Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)
Having to buy a car is like having a sliver stuck under my fingernail. It’s painful and annoying, I know I have to deal with it, but it’s going to take forever. Might as well pack a lunch too, because the second you decide you want to test drive something they have you trapped.
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Hitting Your Retirement Savings Goal and Picking the Date is Not the End Goal
I have a grievance with the retirement planning industry. I feel too much focus is on the wrong thing and critical concerns are often neglected. Too many articles, too many planning calculators and too many planners make the goal seem like it is all about flipping a switch on a certain date. The day you retire is the beginning of a long phase, not an end goal. Picking the right date is important but there are other issues that need addressing to make your retirement phase enjoyable like a detailed retirement income plan.
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5 Reasons to Think About Long-Term Care Planning Today
I once received an email from a family friend about long-term care insurance. He was frustrated over a premium increase – which wasn’t the first rate hike – yet, he was still thankful for the policy. Despite the rising cost, he knew the importance of long-term care insurance in helping protect himself and his family.
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Retirement Planning: What Are You Waiting For?
Almost half of households near retirement have nothing saved, and that’s a big problem. I believe the biggest headwind is merely getting started: saving money is hard to do. Life is filled with unpredictable events. Children, healthcare expenses and student debt exact a large toll on many Americans.
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