Tag: Financial Planner Charlotte NC

The September Market Weakness Effect

Sep 10, 2021

September Market Weakness
Investors ending their fiscal year can lead to some market weakness

The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.1  But stormy clouds may be on the horizon as we roll into the September market weakness effect. (more…)

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Heirs, Value and Family Wealth

Jul 12, 2021

A family at the Beach
Teaching your Heirs to Value Your Wealth

Some millionaires are reluctant to talk to their kids about family wealth. Perhaps they are afraid of what their heirs may do with it.

If a child comes from money and grows up knowing they can expect a sizable inheritance, that child may look at family wealth like water from a free-flowing spigot with no drought in sight. Your child may rely upon your wealth if nothing works out; or simply to whims born of boredom. The perception that family wealth is a fallback rather than a responsibility can contribute to the erosion of family assets. Factor in a parental reluctance to say “no” often enough, throw in a penchant for racking up debt, and the stage is set for wealth to dissipate.

How might a family plan to prevent this? It starts with values. From those values; you can begin to define goals and purpose. (more…)

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The Emergence of ESG Investing

Mar 12, 2021

ESG Investing Globe
How generational and societal change is influencing companies and the markets

ESG: what does that acronym stand for? Those three letters stand for “Environmental, Social, and Governance” and signify an investment that has particular merit to investors of all ages.

A recent Morgan Stanley Bank survey found that almost 90% of millennials would prefer to have investments that suit their values. With young adults, ESG investing could become more and more of an element in investing strategies.1 (more…)

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The New Inherited Beneficiary IRA Rules

Feb 24, 2021

inherited beneficiary iras
DO you know what has changed for IRA Beneficiaries?

New inherited IRA rules took effect on January 1, 2020. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act became law on that day, altering the regulations on inherited Individual Retirement Account (I.R.A.) distributions.

The big change: the introduction of the 10-year rule for beneficiaries.

Most people who inherit a beneficiary IRA now have to empty that IRA of assets within ten years of the original owner’s death. You can do this as you wish; you can withdraw the whole IRA balance at once, or take incremental distributions on the way to meeting the 10-year deadline.1

(more…)

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Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes

Feb 22, 2021

Time to retire calendar
A few things to think about when it’s your time to retire

How do you picture your future? If you are like many contemplating retirement, your view is likely pragmatic compared to that of your parents. That doesn’t mean you must have a “plain vanilla” tomorrow. Even if your retirement savings are not as great as you would prefer, you still have great potential to design the life you want.

With that in mind, here are some things to think about. (more…)

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Eight Retirement Mistakes to Avoid

Jan 18, 2021

retirement mistakes spilling coffee over desk of papers
Will you avoid these retirement mistakes?

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.

No Strategy.

Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at all. Without a strategy, you may have no goals, leaving you no way of knowing how you’ll get there – and if you’ve even arrived. Creating a strategy may increase your potential for success, both before and after retirement. (more…)

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2021 IRA Limits, 401(k)s and More

Nov 2, 2020

Smooth rocks with the words retire, 401K, IRA, roth and save on them arranged in a zen-like way.
Numbers to know for the new year.

On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings (IRA, Roth IRA, and 401(k)s). Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. (more…)

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Financial Planning Month is Here

Oct 14, 2020

Financial Planning Puzzle Pieces
Six areas of personal finance to review

When training to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, much of our course work centers on the six critical areas of creating a financial strategy. Some recognize October as Financial Planning Month, so it’s an excellent opportunity to review those six personal finance areas. (more…)

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CARES Act: Will There Be a Phase 4?

Jul 10, 2020

CARES
Phase 4: What you need to know if it comes.

With the economy and financial markets flashing mixed signals, it’s no wonder that lawmakers are deadlocked on whether to pass a Phase 4 of the CARES Act. (more…)

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Coronavirus and More

Mar 2, 2020

coronavirus virus germ
The 24-Hour News Cycle moves from Impeachment to COVID-19 to the Primaries – What’s next?

In recent weeks, we’ve seen several major stories in the news. On the political front, in addition to the arrival of the presidential election through the 2020 caucuses and primaries, we have just experienced the third presidential impeachment in American history. In international news, the latest coronavirus outbreak has hit China, now referred to as COVID-19, leading to closed borders and heightened screening at hospitals worldwide.1 (more…)

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More Insights

Why DIY Investment Management Is Such a Risk
Oct 20, 2021

If you ever have the inkling to manage your investments on your own, that inkling is worth reconsidering. Do-it-yourself or DIY investment management can be a bad idea for the retail investor for myriad reasons. Getting caught up in the moment. When you are watching your investments day to day, you can lose a sense … Continue reading “Why DIY Investment Management Is Such a Risk”

An Executor Checklist
Oct 18, 2021

If you are an executor to an estate, you must carry out your duties responsibly. Fulfilling these duties is not only a measure of your ability, but a measure of your character.You can approach these tasks methodically. In fact, it is probably best if you do. Here are the common steps required of executors, before … Continue reading “An Executor Checklist”

Understanding Long-Term Care
Oct 18, 2021

Addressing the potential threat of long-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 69% of people over age 65 can expect to need extended care services at some point in their lives. So, understanding … Continue reading “Understanding Long-Term Care”

Market Update: Change May Bring Opportunities
Oct 15, 2021

One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now, there is no shortage of changes to think about, but those changes may set the stage for the next leg higher … Continue reading “Market Update: Change May Bring Opportunities”

Will Fed Chair Powell Get a Second Term?
Oct 13, 2021

Financial markets tend to function best when they have clear, strong leadership. When there’s concern about who’s the boss, markets can struggle.  Jerome Powell is finishing his first term as Fed Chair in February 2022. Until the past few weeks, Wall Street overwhelmingly believed he would be nominated to a second term by President Biden.1

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