Asset Management Asset Protection Cash Management Current events Diversification Forbes Investing Investing During a Crisis Managing Risk

Should You Go To Cash Until The Market Recovers Or Ride It Out?

When the stock market is in turmoil, many investors are tempted to go to cash and wait for the dust to settle before getting back in. One of the issues here is how to time your exit and entry—unlike a flash flood or significant weather event, investors aren't going to…

Kristin McKennaMarch 15, 2020

Business owners Forbes Retirement Planning SEP IRA Tax planning

Small Business Owners: There’s Still Time to Save on Taxes (and for Retirement) with a SEP IRA

Update: The IRS has delayed the 2019 tax filing deadline until July 15th, 2020. Accordingly, the latest date to fund a SEP IRA for the 2019 tax year is July 15, 2020. A SEP IRA offers business owners the benefits of accelerated retirement contributions from a workplace retirement plan with…

Kristin McKennaMarch 12, 2020

Asset Management Diversification Forbes Investing Investing During a Crisis Managing Risk

During Times of Market Volatility, Focus on What You Can Control

Amidst the vast uncertainty in the markets right now, it's more important than ever for investors to understand the benefits—and limitations—of diversification. Having the right investment mix for your situation is critical in good times in the financial markets and during downturns. While you can't control the ups and downs…

Kristin McKennaMarch 11, 2020

Forbes Investing Real Estate

Is It Just a Myth That Real Estate is a Better Investment Than Stocks?

Owning real estate can certainly pay off, but to say it's unequivocally a better investment than putting money in the financial markets is short-sighted. Over the years I've spoken with numerous investors who ended up renting their home when they moved instead of selling, buying an income property just because…

Kristin McKennaMarch 5, 2020

Early Retirement Forbes Home buying Real Estate Retirement Planning Updated for 2020

Should You Buy Your Retirement Home Before You Retire?

This article was written by Darrow advisor Kristin McKenna, CFP® and originally appeared on Forbes. When should you buy your retirement home? Buying a retirement home too early could be short-sighted, despite long-term intentions. Whether you're in your 30s or 60s, it's important to objectively weigh the pros and cons…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 27, 2020

Financial Planning Forbes Tax planning

You Shouldn’t Be Too Happy About Getting a Big Tax Refund

A tax refund isn't free money. It's also not a good indication of whether you paid more or less in taxes compared to the year prior: income, life events, financial circumstances—even tax law—can change at any time and can materially impact your tax situation for the year. Regardless of the…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 25, 2020

Forbes Retirement Planning Secure Act Tax & Estate Planning

You Can Now Take Required Minimum Distributions At 72. But Should You?

This article was written by Darrow advisor Kristin McKenna, CFP® and originally published by Forbes. (more…)

Kristin McKennaFebruary 18, 2020

Early Retirement Forbes Home buying Real Estate Retirement Planning

What to Look for When Buying a Home for Retirement

There are plenty of ways to buy a home, but for many pre-retirees, it may be a good idea to wait until you're much closer to retirement to begin seriously searching for a retirement home. By waiting, you'll have the best and most current information possible about what your current…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 11, 2020

Forbes Inheritance IRA Rollover Roth IRA Secure Act Tax & Estate Planning Traditional IRA Trusts Updated for 2020

The End of the Stretch IRA and What it Means for Your Estate Plan

The Secure Act became law on December 20th, 2019, bringing the most significant changes to the retirement system in over a decade. Among the changes is the end of the so-called 'Stretch IRA' which allowed non-spouse beneficiaries of an IRA (or other type of retirement account) to 'stretch' withdrawals over…

Kristin McKennaJanuary 15, 2020

Forbes Inheritance Retirement Planning Tax & Estate Planning

Want to Leave Your Kids an Inheritance? They May Only Have 10 Years to Take it.

The Secure Act, which was signed into law in December 2019, brings about several major changes to the retirement system. One such shift marks the end of so-called “stretch IRAs” for non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit a retirement account after 2019. Although there are a couple of exceptions, starting in 2020, most…

Kristin McKennaJanuary 14, 2020