Insights + Resources

Epic Insights

The Cost of Procrastination

Aug 16, 2019

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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 your car has expired?”

You’d been meaning to take care of it for some time. For weeks, you had told yourself that you’d go to renew your registration tomorrow, and then, when the morning comes, you repeat it again.

Procrastination is avoiding a task that needs to be done – postponing until tomorrow what could be done, today. Procrastinators can sabotage themselves. They often put obstacles in their own path. They may choose paths that hurt their performance. (more…)

Tags: retirement, Retirement Planning

Put it in a Letter

Aug 14, 2019

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Actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they [know] two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second, I’ll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.”

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet, many of us have a vision about our memorial service or the handling of our remains. A letter of instruction can help you accomplish that goal.

A letter of instruction is not a legal document; it’s a letter written by you that provides additional, more personal information regarding your estate. It can be addressed to whomever you choose, but typically, letters of instruction are directed to the executor, family members, or beneficiaries. (more…)

Tags: Estate Planning

Money Tips for Newlyweds

Aug 12, 2019

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In a recent study, 35% of married couples described money issues as their primary source of stress. While there are many potential causes of such financial stress, in some cases the root may begin with habits formed early in the marriage.

Fortunately, couples may be able to head off many of the problems money can cause in a marriage. We have put together 10 Tips for Newly Married Couples manage their financial stress. (more…)

Tags: financial advisor charlotte nc, Financial Help

The Chapters of Retirement

Aug 7, 2019

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The journey to and through retirement occurs gradually, like successive chapters in a book. Each chapter has its own things to consider. (more…)

Tags: retirement

Roth IRA Conversions

Aug 5, 2019

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If you own an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), perhaps you have heard about Roth IRA conversions. Converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA can make a lot of sense depending on your situation. But remember, consulting with your financial advisor before making financial decisions is never a bad idea. Ready to learn more? Read on. (more…)

Tags: financial advisor charlotte nc, Retirement Planning

Is Your Company’s 401(k) Plan as Good as It Could Be?

Aug 2, 2019

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How often do retirement plan sponsors check up on 401(k)s?

Some small businesses may not be prepared to benchmark processes and continuously look for and reject unacceptable investments.

Do you have high-quality investment choices in your plan?

While larger plan sponsors may have more “pull” with plan providers, this does not relegate a small company sponsoring a 401(k) to a substandard investment selection. Sooner or later, employees may begin to ask questions. “Why does this 401(k) have only one bond fund?” “Where are the target-date funds?” “I went to Morningstar, and some of these funds have so-so ratings.” Questions and comments like these may seem reasonable and might surface when a plan’s roster of investments is too short. (more…)

Tags: Financial Planner Charlotte NC

Do Your Investments Match Your Risk Tolerance?

Jul 31, 2019

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From time to time, it is a good idea to review how your portfolio assets are allocated – how they are divided among asset classes.

At the inception of your investment strategy, your target asset allocations reflect your tolerance for risk. Over time, though, your portfolio may need adjustments to maintain those target allocations.

Since the financial markets are dynamic, the different investments in your portfolio will gain or lose value as different asset classes have good or bad years. When stocks outperform more conservative asset classes, the portion of your portfolio invested in equities grows more than the other portions. (more…)

Tags: Investment Planning, retirement

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