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How to Save Your First $100,000
Financial stability and planning can help you pay unexpected bills, fund your retirement, and maintain a desired lifestyle. Financial goals canhelp you look toward the future and keep your saving efforts in check. The more money you...
Read MoreLPL Midyear Outlook 2024 Summary - Still Waiting for the Turn
Here we are, at the midpoint of 2024. If we had to provide one word that defines the first half, it would be resilience. That resilience has continued to fuel the trends we saw in late 2023 – economic growth mixed with stubborn, but
Read MoreRich vs. Wealthy - Is There Really a Difference?
The terms "rich" and "wealthy" are often used interchangeably. But are they really the same? As the saying goes, "Money talks, but wealth whispers." Here are some of the differences between being rich and being wealthy in terms of...
Read MoreWhy Insurance is a Must-Have Element of Estate Planning
You probably already know that insurance is something you should have in case of unforeseen events. When it comes to estate planning, insurance helps manage the distribution of your assets the way you see fit. It may also help prevent...
Read MoreFive Planning Strategies for Turbulent Markets
Market turbulence is a challenge, but also an opportunity if faced head-on In times of economic upheaval, the natural reaction for many investors is to react with fear and anxiety. Market volatility can unsettle the most seasoned of...
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How to Navigate Buying a Home During High Inflation
With rising housing prices and interest rates, you may feel pressured to jump on the carousel to avoid being left behind. However, a home is one of the most expensive purchases most Americans will make, and you don't want to rush into...
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Social Security Benefits
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
Read More4 Essential Financial Planning Tips for Middle-Aged Families
As a Certified Financial Planner and a father of three, I have the privilege of helping numerous middle-aged families navigate the complexities of financial planning. Over the years, I've found that there are several key steps that...
Read More3 Proactive Steps to Prepare for Your Aging Parents
Preparing for the aging of our parents is crucial for their well-being and our confidence. By taking proactive steps now, we can alleviate future stress and uncertainty. Here are three essential measures to consider: 1. Establish an...
Read More529 Plans Demystified: What Affluent Families Need to Know
As an affluent family, planning for your children's education is likely a top priority. You want to ensure that they have access to the best education possible without worrying about the high cost of tuition; this is where 529 plans...
Read MoreWhy High Earners Need Life Insurance Too: Helping Your Family and Preserving Your Finances
There are several ways high-net-worth individuals can benefit from life insurance. It is a vehicle that could provide loved ones with an income stream, it can be used as an investment strategy, it may help to lower your estate tax...
Read MoreSmart Strategies for Staying Ahead in Uncertain Markets
Over the past few years, the market has appeared to be on a rollercoaster, providing investors with moments of excitement followed by heart-palpitating anxiety. Staying ahead during uncertain market activity seems impossible, but smart...
Read MoreTurning Profits into Wealth: A Guide for High-Earning Business Owners
Growing a business is impressive, but it takes more than just turning a profit to build wealth: It requires a mind shift from short-term gains to long-term prosperity. A business owner must focus on the company's financial confidence...
Read MoreImproving Your Financial Literacy Can Improve Your Business
Financial literacy is essential for your personal financial health and even more crucial for the financial health of your small business. Being a small business owner comes with many responsibilities, one of which is maintaining the...
Read MoreThe Business Owner’s Guide to Social Security: Planning for Your Future
Yes, even if you are a business owner or self-employed, you can receive Social Security benefits as long as you have been paying Social Security tax each year. The Social Security Administration defines you as self-employed if you...
Read MoreTax Relief Legislation in Progress
Legislation that could benefit parents and business-owners is currently moving through Congress. The House has passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. It now faces an uncertain future in the Senate. The...
Read MoreUnlocking the Power of Deferred Compensation
A strategic approach to retirement planning for today’s executives Retirement planning stands as one of the most critical financial endeavors, particularly for executives whose roles entail significant responsibility and...
Read MoreValuations Aren't Great Timing Tools
When stocks do this well, we inevitably hear warnings about high valuations.
Read MoreSo You Think You Might Need A Financial Professional? A Guide to National Financial Advisor Day
National Financial Advisor Day is a celebration on April 18 of each year. This date is a time to explore the world of financial professionals and understand how they may help you navigate the complexities of managing your money....
Read MoreWhy India is NOT the New China
Investing in India: Navigating the Unique Landscape Beyond China's Shadow In the realm of global investments and manufacturing, India has emerged as a compelling alternative to China. Boasting a population that surpassed China's last...
Read MoreNavigating College Expenses: How Grandparents Can Help Plan a Brighter Future
As young families start to grow, the focus of many financial decisions becomes the immediate need for housing, childcare, increased expenses and sometimes going from a two-income household down to one. While the thought of college...
Read MoreI Own an I Bond, Now What?
In June 2022, we posted an article titled “I” For Inflation. Is an I Bond a Good Options for Me? At the time, this low-risk investment that was yielding 9.62%. An I Bond is a US Treasury issued savings bond that pays a base...
Read MoreBenefits of Non-Qualified Deferred Comp Plans for Business Owners and High-Performing Employees
Unlocking Success: The Benefits of Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans for Business Owners and High-Performing Employees In the competitive landscape of business, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for sustained...
Read MoreHow Corporate Cash Management Helps Business Owners
A successful business isn't only about having an outstanding service or product that consumers desire. Success also includes managing day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and corporate cash management. Here are some tips on how you...
Read MoreCash Balance Plans: A Unique Retirement Savings Plan for Business Owners
A Cash Balance Pension Plan, is another retirement savings plan that may provide substantial benefits for a business owner. This article covers what business owners need to know about the unique retirement savings plan known as a CBP.
Read MoreStrategic Spending: Wise Habits for Long-Term Care For High-Net-Worth Individuals
As high-net-worth individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning during their working years, one critical aspect often goes overlooked—long-term care. In 2021, the median monthly cost of a private room in a nursing...
Read MoreYou started a business: Now what?
You started a business, took the initial steps to build a foundation, and are now working to grow and expand your customer base. What are the next steps to take? Here are five suggestions to help your business prepare for potential...
Read MoreHow to Plan for a Healthy Retirement
Planning for retirement often involves focusing on your finances and ensuring that you not only will have enough to sustain you during your retirement but adequate funds to do the things you enjoy doing. While this strategy is a...
Read MoreHow to Estimate Your Quarterly Taxes as a Small Business Owner
For profitable small businesses, paying quarterly estimated taxes is part of the tax process to potentially avoid penalties at the end of your fiscal year. The quarterly taxes for a business are the estimated taxes that will be owed at...
Read MoreKey Financial Wellness Metrics for Near-Retirement Individuals
As one approaches retirement, monitoring your financial situation by understanding your net worth and assessing the assets and resources needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement is vital. This article explores...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Private Business Owners
A necessity that underpins stability and growth for your business and you Financial planning is a critical element for the success of any private business owner. It provides a roadmap for working toward both short-term and long-term...
Read MoreKey Considerations for Small Businesses Enrolling in the Affordable Care Act
With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many changes have occurred in the American healthcare system. One impacted sector is small businesses, which face numerous complexities and opportunities regarding health...
Read MoreHow Corporate Profits and Dividends Affect Investor Returns
The stock market has been supported by a healthier-than-expected economy this year, generating returns that have helped many portfolios to partially recover from last year's bear market. With the future of the economy still uncertain...
Read MoreReducing Social Media Identity Theft: What NOT to Post (or have in your profile)
N*O*T*H*I*N*G Online is Private! Sharing exciting moments in our life is wonderful, but there is no reason to help the cyber criminals to your information. Even by limiting your account to people you know; other people may share...
Read MoreInvesting Like Water: The Bruce Lee Approach to Financial Success
In the world of finance, as in martial arts, adaptability is often the key to success. Renowned martial artist Bruce Lee once said, "Be formless, shapeless, like water." This philosophy of adaptability can be applied to the world of...
Read MoreEstate Planning & Business Transition Checklist
The end of the year serves as a natural checkpoint for many financial and personal processes, and with the arrival of the final months of the year, proactive preparation becomes essential. Whether you are an individual looking to optimize..
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits Set to Increase in 2024
In a welcome development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, the Social Security Administration has recently announced a substantial increase in retirement and disability benefits. Starting in January 2024, recipients...
Read MoreLessons From Sam Bankman-Fried’s Downfall
Amidst this complex financial landscape, choosing an experienced financial professional has become more critical than ever. The controversy surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried underscores the importance of exercising due diligence when selecting
Read MoreShutdowns and the Impact to Financial Markets
The following is a very brief history of U.S. government shutdowns and the effects they have on financial markets. More importantly, here are a few insights into how investors should prepare for the uncertainty surrounding such events...
Read MoreTALKING TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT INHERITANCE
Generational wealth involves proactive financial planning, especially when parents or grandparents pass on their wealth to loved ones after they die. We are providing you with a checklist to help you get a head start on your goals...
Read MoreAre We On the Brink of the Elusive Soft Landing?
In the intricate world of economics, maneuvering the vast U.S. economy without causing disruptions is likened to steering a colossal ship through a tempestuous storm. The question that beckons is: are we on the brink of witnessing this?
Read More4 Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Small-Business Owners
The past two years presented many small-business owners with unprecedented challenges. This year’s tax planning preparations include necessary measures for small-business owners to satisfy existing, new and modified tax laws that may help.
Read MoreThe Ryder Cup and Your Investment Strategy
Just as a financial professional can help guide investors in better positioning their portfolios, the Ryder Cup captain plays a pivotal role in creating a winning team. Let's explore the parallels between these seemingly unrelated worlds.
Read MoreCharitable Giving: A Family Affair
Discussing charitable giving with family members helps them to understand how meaningful it is to you, the importance of altruism for the betterment of society, and how participating in philanthropy as a family can help bring everybody...
Read MoreFueling Growth For Your Small Businesses
Innovation is more than just a buzzword – it's a vital strategy for future-proofing your business. Here's how small businesses can leverage innovation and benefit from a range of financial credits and incentives....
Read MoreSocial Media Influencers vs. Financial Professionals
This intriguing data prompts a deeper exploration into the risks and rewards of sourcing financial advice from social media influencers versus financial professionals, particularly for younger generations...
Read MoreLittle Known Tax Credits for Business Owners
Beyond the satisfaction of providing jobs and supporting community members, there are tangible financial incentives available for businesses.
Read MoreWhy Bonds Are Still Essential for Diversified Portfolios
While 2023 has been a better year for bonds after last year's bear market, rising interest rates over the past three months have acted as a headwind...What do long-term investors need to know about recent swings in the bond market and how.
Read MoreElder Care, Caregivers, and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know
If you or a loved one are approaching the point of needing elder care, you may be wondering what your options are. What level of care is right for your situation? How will you pay for care? What will happen when you need a more...
Read MoreWhat Flat Earnings Amid a Healthy Economy Mean for Investors
Recent economic figures, which show improving inflation and steady GDP growth, continue to support the market rally. The S&P 500 has gained over 20% with dividends this year and is now only 4.5% below its early 2022 peak. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreThe Stealth Move by the IRS & Kids’ Inheritance
In March 2023, the IRS subtly altered the rules on the tax treatment of assets held in irrevocable trusts. This change, detailed in Revenue Ruling 2023-2, has significant implications for the future of estate planning...
Read More4 Charitable Giving Strategies to Consider
The giving methods you choose, what you give, and when you give can help you maximize your impact and minimize your tax burden. Here are four charitable giving strategies to consider before making your gift...
Read MoreInvestor Expectations and Market Realities
In recent times, investor expectations have shown a concerning trend of becoming detached from the realities of the market. The focus on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has largely kept investors engaged and buying, creating a..
Read MoreA Business Owners’ Guide to Tax-Smart College Planning
Here are a few ways small-business owners might save money while their children are in college...
Read MoreHelping Elders Manage Their Assets
If you have an aging parent or relative, the following arrangements can assist you in addressing this concern of property management...
Read MoreBuying on Margin
When you buy on margin, you're using leverage to increase your purchasing power. Leverage magnifies the results of your investment decisions. It can lead to profits or losses that are greater than if you had invested your own money...
Read MoreActive vs. Passive Portfolio Management
One of the longest-standing debates in investing is over the relative merits of active portfolio management versus passive management. With an actively managed portfolio, a manager tries to beat the performance of a given benchmark index...
Read MoreWhat to Know About Working With a Financial Professional
the thought of turning over your most sensitive financial information to a near-stranger can be an intimidating one. To make this relationship work, you'll need to place a great deal of trust in your financial professional...
Read MoreHow Artificial Intelligence, Tech, and Productivity Impact Portfolios
The world has been abuzz over artificial intelligence and the possible benefits and threats. Given the promises and hyperbole around AI, what can long-term investors do to maintain perspective and stay properly invested?
Read MoreClosing Out Our Equities Overweight
Stocks have had a nice run, but at higher prices, the bar for further gains gets higher. We have recently made the case in this publication that there are a lot of...
Read MoreWealth Preservation in America: Portfolios Including Alternative Types of Investments
HNW investors are seeking opportunities in alternative investments to protect their wealth from loss. The desire for wealth protection is revitalizing today due to the volatility in the markets. Here's some examples of what they're inves...
Read MorePlanning 101: Implementing a Family Debt Ceiling
Families can benefit from adopting their own debt ceiling as a vital tool in creating a sound financial plan. Let’s explore the notion of a debt ceiling, its importance, and how families can leverage it to work towards financial confidence.
Read MoreWhich Internal Audit is Best for Your Business?
Internal audits play a crucial role in the proper functioning and success of a business. Here are the main types of internal audits that business owners should be aware of:
Read MoreBalancing a Retirement Portfolio with Asset Allocation
Balancing how much of each asset class you should include in your retirement portfolio is one of your most important tasks as an investor. That balance between growth, income, and safety/stability is constant juggling based on your stage of
Read MoreThe Ultimate Downsizing Checklist Before Retiring
As retirement approaches, many older adults consider downsizing their home as a way to simplify their lives, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly matters. To help you navigate this transition, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist...
Read MoreA Few Red Flags in the Stock Market to Watch
As an investor, it's important to keep a close eye on the stock market indicators. Currently, the indicators are showing a concerning trend that investors should pay attention to.
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Financial Independence
Being a business owner is often accompanied by the stress of growing your company and providing financial stability and growth for your family. There are many paths to financial independence, so here are a few directions for entrepreneurs..
Read MoreEmergency Savings or Your Retirement Goals?
There are a number of competing priorities that can make it difficult to determine where to focus your money efforts. For many people, the choice between building emergency savings or retirement accounts can be difficult. Here are some tips
Read MoreWhat the Looming Debt Ceiling Deadline Means for Investors
The federal debt limit is once again in the news as the country rapidly approaches a critical deadline on June 1. Investors are understandably nervous about Washington failing to reach an agreement, a possibility that both sides agree...
Read MoreTake a Swing at Investing Like a Golfer
Golfing and investing may not seem to share much common ground at first glance. But the more you think about it, a successful golfer and a successful investor share a number of traits such as patience, perseverance, attention to detail...
Read MoreGen Z Should Be Your Retirement Role Models
Generation Z, the youngest working generation, is commonly thought of as being uninterested in the future. However, recent research has shown that this stereotype may not be accurate, as many Gen Z'ers are excelling at saving for retirement
Read MoreWealth Due to Inheritance
If you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you'll need to evaluate your new financial position, learn to manage your sizable assets, and consider the tax consequences of your inheritance, among other issues.
Read More6 Retirement Tips for Surviving the Sandwich Generation Squeeze
Adults caring for aging parents and children simultaneously have now become known as the "sandwich generation." The sandwich generation often feels a tight financial squeeze as they juggle the cost of care for their elderly parents...
Read MoreElder Care, Caregivers, and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know
If you or a loved one are approaching the point of needing elder care, you may be wondering what your options are. Here we discuss some of the most important estate planning factors for elders and their caregivers.
Read MoreFamily Wealth Transfer Planning: Keeping it in the Family Through Generational Giving
There are several ways to pass wealth between generations that may provide tax advantages to help preserve it for the younger generations, as opposed to watching it disappear due to a tax consequence.
Read MoreWhy Business Owners Need Financial Planning
If you're a business owner, you are likely the Chief Everything Officer at work and have many responsibilities. A business financial plan can help business owners take the stress off of themselves, and do the following things...
Read More3 Tips for Preserving Wealth in Your Golden Years
You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to pass down to your loved ones. Here are three tips that may help you preserve wealth after retirement...
Read MoreHealthcare in Retirement
Health care in retirement is available from many sources. Depending on your specific needs and circumstances, you may use any number of these resources during your retirement years.
Read MoreBusiness Succession Planning
When developing a succession plan for your business, you must make many decisions. The key is to pick the best plan for your circumstances and objectives, and to seek help from financial and legal advisors to carry out this plan...
Read MoreLife Insurance and Estate Planning
To illustrate how life insurance can help you plan your estate wisely, let's compare what happened upon the death of two friends: Frank, who bought life insurance, and Dave, who did not.
Read MoreA Quick Guide to Estate Planning for Those With High Net Worth
For many individuals who hope to leave a legacy for their loved ones, estate planning may take on new importance. Here are two estate planning tips every high-net-worth individual should consider.
Read MoreOptimizing Your Social Security Retirement Benefits
Optimizing your Social Security retirement benefits means getting the best return possible on each dollar you've contributed to the system. The amount of Social Security benefits you receive will partly be determined by law, inflation...
Read MoreSECURE 2.0 Top 10 Provisions
Congress enacted retirement legislation known as SECURE 2.0 which will incentivize individuals to save for retirement, while increasing access to workplace plans.
Read MoreCharting the Course
Charting the CourseAugust 30, 2022Recently, I took some time to get my ASA sailing certification. Spending 5 nights on a 40-foot catamaran with an instructor and a few other students was quite the experience. We all knew our end...
Read MoreBiden's Student-Loan Fiasco - First Trust Advisors L.P.
This month I share a blog from a group of economists that I routinely follow at First Trust Advisors L.P.Biden's Student-Loan Fiasco
Read More"I" for Inflation. Is an I Bond a Good Option for Me?
Have you heard about the I Bond? It is making a name for itself because it currently offers an attractive yield to fight inflation.I Bonds are inflation-protected savings bonds and are 100% backed by the U.S. federal government....
Read MoreInteresting Times
As they say, “May you live in interesting times”. Russian forces invading Ukraine, oil prices skyrocketing, and market gyrations through the first 5-months of the year have created plenty of uncertainty. Let me...
Read MoreUnprecedented - First Trust Advisors L.P.
This month I share a blog from a group of economists that I routinely follow at First Trust Advisors L.P.Click Here to Read the Article
Read MoreRecession Unlikely in 2022 - First Trust Advisors L.P.
First Trust - Recession Unlikely in 2022
Read MoreBaked Brie
Baked Brie 2 TBSP Unsalted Butter1 Small Onion Diced (about 1 cup)½ TBSP Minced Garlic 8 oz Brie (rind trimmed)8 oz Cream Cheese½ Cup Sour Cream2 tsp Lemon Juice2 tsp Brown Sugar½ tsp Worcestershire SauceSalt &...
Read MoreInflation - Where Are We Headed?
Inflation continues to be one of the most discussed topics in financial circles. The bottom line: it’s here and will continue for several years. In my last blog I discussed the M2 money supply and its effects on investable asset...
Read MoreFrom The Lookout Tower
Are stocks and real estate part of an asset price bubble? Lately, I’ve been asked by many clients, friends, and acquaintances if I think we are in an asset price bubble. Should they sell their investments and their home and wait...
Read MoreIRS Makes 2021 IRA Cost-of-Living Adjustments
IRS Makes 2021 IRA Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Read MoreYou Can't Be Reached...Now What?
As part of your overall financial health, let’s look at an often-overlooked scenario. Hopefully, this is something you’ll never need, but what if you can’t be reached for an extended period of time. Sometimes it as...
Read MoreThe National Debt is at Record Levels. Should Investors Be Concerned?
For years, the mounting federal debt burden has been a major point of contention between political parties, economists, and fiscal planners. Some claim the escalating debt is a time bomb -- a mortgage on America’s future. Others...
Read MoreFinding a Financial Path: The Big Boy Pants Plan
As you read this blog, if a friend or relative comes to mind, please share it, as I’m sure someone in your life will appreciate the read. You may find yourself in the milestones below, as well. So, let’s get started…...
Read MoreShould You Take an Early Retirement?
The story is a common one these days. You have been furloughed or laid off, just a few years before you plan to retire. Or, your work-from-home arrangement is ending, and you're not keen on resuming the commute or going back to a...
Read More3 Things To Do if Your Credit Card or Debit Card is Involved in a Data Breach
This month I share an article from Brian O'Connor at Experian. With the frequency of online transactions increasing, the article is a reminder of actions to take if you are involved a credit/debit card breach. Click Here to Read the Article
Read MoreThe Economy and The Virus
This month I share an blog from a group of economist that I routinely follow at First Trust Advisors L.P.
Read MoreSmart Financial Strategies for Unexpected Events
A once-in-a-lifetime event such as the coronavirus pandemic forces us to reassess many things we may have taken for granted. Most of us take our personal good health for granted. Many of us assume we will always get by financially,...
Read MoreCoronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act Highlights
The new $2.2 trillion stimulus package that was passed by our Federal government has features intended to keep workers paid and employed, allow businesses to remain operational and make necessary health care system enhancements to...
Read MoreThinking of Timing the Market? Think Again
Volatility is back. The sustained rally that produced 30%+ gains in the S&P 500 in 2019 and continued into 2020 came to an abrupt halt in late February, when fears of the new coronavirus epidemic and its effects on the economy swept...
Read MoreCoronavirus - What Are We Going To Do?
In periods of extreme volatility like we have witnessed over the past few days, I want to assure you that I am no ostrich hiding my head in the sand. Our process at Miller Wealth Management is to construct a personalized portfolio...
Read MoreWhy the New SECURE Act Matters to You or A Loved One Now
Effective January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act is in effect. While there are several areas that this new legislation impacts, these four changes may impact you and your friends now: Inherited IRA distributions must now be taken within 10...
Read MoreSetting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act
Click here to read about the top 10 provisions of the SECURE Act.
Read MoreShould You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and supports in their remaining years. Whether you or your spouse will...
Read MoreFIRE - Financially Independent, Retire Early
Some folks, whether 30, 50, or 70 years old, might feel they are too young to retire. But others, can’t wait to get retirement started. A millennial buzz word in the past few years has been FIRE, an acronym standing for...
Read MoreLowering Your Tax Bill with an HSA - Today and in Retirement
For years, Americans have been schooled on the benefits of saving: for retirement, for a child's higher education, and even for a rainy day. It's time to add another item to that list: health care. As health insurance premiums,...
Read MoreGoals: Steering in the Right Direction?
As the famous saying goes, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Will you end up on the side of a Mt. Everest when you want to be on Waikiki Beach. Hopefully not. So, let’s...
Read MoreHow Much Social Security Can You Expect?
Independent Investor – June 2019 Title: How Much Social Security Can You Expect? One of the first steps in planning for retirement is to get an accurate read on just how much income you can expect to receive from Social Security....
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