Employee benefits Financial Planning Financial Planning for Couples Pension Retirement Planning Secure Act Updated for 2021

Should You Take a Pension or a Lump Sum?

Should You Take a Pension or a Lump Sum? Deciding between a lump sum or receiving pension benefits monthly requires careful planning and consideration. Though your personal situation and circumstance will always be the most important factor in any major financial decision, there are several key considerations to keep in…

Kristin McKennaDecember 15, 2019

Estate Planning Secure Act Trusts Updated for 2021

Should Married Couples Use Joint or Separate Trusts?

Revocable or living trusts play an important role in many estate plans. Married couples utilizing trusts in their estate plan need to consider if it's best to set up joint or separate living trusts. There are different tradeoffs which may make either a joint or separate trust a better option.…

Kristin McKennaNovember 6, 2019

Estate Planning Trusts Updated for 2021

Should I Put My Assets in a Trust?

Choosing whether to fund a trust with your assets is an important decision in the estate planning process. Since a trust is different from a will, many individuals need both. Here are three main reasons you may want to consider putting your assets in a trust. Should I put my…

Kristin McKennaOctober 29, 2019

Asset Management Brokerage Account Investing Rebalancing Tax planning Updated for 2021

Is Tax-Loss Harvesting a Good Idea?

Tax-loss harvesting is the process of selling an investment that has lost value in your portfolio to 'realize' the loss for tax purposes. Investors can use this loss to offset taxable capital gains and potentially reduce ordinary income by up to $3,000 for the year. The remainder (if any) can…

Kristin McKennaOctober 22, 2019

401(k) Plans Brokerage Account Cash Management Early Retirement Infographics Investing Roth IRA Secure Act Traditional IRA Updated for 2021

I Maxed Out My 401(k), Now What? What to Do After Maxing Out Your 401(k)

Ways to Invest After Maxing Out a 401(k) Wondering what to do after maxing out your 401(k)? If you're looking for ways to save outside of your retirement plan, most individuals have three options: a brokerage account, Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA. Looking for ways to invest after maxing out…

Kristin McKennaOctober 8, 2019

Financial Planning Infographics Retirement Planning Updated for 2021

6 Retirement Planning Mistakes

Is there a magic number you need to save to retire? Despite what you may read, questions related to personal finance and retirement almost always require personalized guidance as elements of your unique situation can significantly change what's in your best interest. There are numerous elements about retirement that are…

Kristin McKennaAugust 7, 2019

Cash Management Financial Planning Infographics Investing Retirement Planning Secure Act Tax planning Traditional IRA Updated for 2021

Non-Deductible IRA Contributions Aren’t Worth It – Here’s Why

5 reasons you shouldn't make nondeductible contributions to an IRA Are non-deductible IRA contributions worth it? Most high-income individuals are unable to make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA due to IRS limits, yet their earnings level may allow the capacity to save more after maxing out a 401(k). Although any…

Kristin McKennaJuly 23, 2019

Cash Management Home buying Real Estate Updated for 2021

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest Extra Cash?

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest Extra Cash? It's true: the idea of living without a mortgage payment sounds enticing. On the surface, it may also seem like a no-brainer financially...paying off debts is typically considered a positive thing. Unfortunately, many homeowners get so wrapped up in…

Kristin McKennaApril 30, 2019

Employee benefits Financial Planning Job Transition Updated for 2021

How Much Are Benefits Worth? Valuing an Employee Benefits Package

How much are your benefits worth? What programs should you participate in? Unfortunately, individuals don't always know they can or should participate and sometimes the complex nature of benefit plans can lead to costly mistakes. To help ensure you're taking advantage of the most significant financial resources your employer offers,…

Kristin McKennaDecember 16, 2018