Budgeting Building Wealth Cash Management Forbes Prioritizing financial goals

The True Cost of Lifestyle Inflation

Lifestyle inflation happens when your expenses increase along with your income. As earnings increase, it’s natural to want to buy a better car or take another vacation. After all, it seems feasible. But if your savings rate isn’t at least keeping up with your rising expenses, you could end up…

Kristin McKennaJune 30, 2020

Brokerage Account Tax planning Updated for 2020

What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Tax

What is a capital gains tax? When you sell an asset like a stock or a home, your gain could be taxable. The tax rate will depend on several factors, such as your holding period, type of asset, and your taxable income for the year. Depending on your income, it's…

Kristin McKennaJune 29, 2020

ISOs NQSOs Stock options Updated for 2020

How Are Stock Options Taxed?

How are stock options taxed? If you have stock options or equity-based compensation as a large part of your income, the tax treatment of your stock options is especially important. How stock options are taxed depends on the type of options you have (incentive or non-qualified) and your sale and…

Kristin McKennaJune 24, 2020

Asset Management Cash Management Forbes Investing Investing During a Crisis

Is Dollar-Cost Averaging in Volatile Markets Better than Investing a Lump Sum?

How should investors navigate wild swings in the stock market? Investing is never easy, especially during one of the most volatile years in the stock market’s history. Whether you have extra cash sitting on the sidelines or are second-guessing your investment strategy, it’s easy to let hindsight bias or a…

Kristin McKennaJune 23, 2020

Current events Diversification Forbes Investing

Big Tech Stocks Are Worth More Than Ever, But New Lawsuits May Create Problems For Investors

Despite the pandemic and global economic shutdown, the S&P 500 was flat on the year as of market close on June 8th, 2020. Since hitting the recent low on March 23rd, the index has rallied more than 45%. During this time, the five largest companies in the world (Apple, Microsoft,…

Kristin McKennaJune 15, 2020

Cash Management Forbes Investing During a Crisis

Coronavirus Distributions From An IRA Or 401(k): Who Can, And Should, Tap Retirement Accounts?

The pandemic has impacted Americans in so many ways. Business owners and individuals laid off as a result of coronavirus may have immediate cash needs. The CARES Act passed by Congress allows some individuals to use money from IRAs, 401(k)s, or 403(b)s to bridge the income gap. But not all…

Kristin McKennaJune 9, 2020

Cash Management Forbes

Here’s How Much Cash You Need In An Emergency Fund And Where You Should Keep It

Having an emergency fund is more important than ever, at any income level. But the good news is Americans have been saving more recently, despite historic unemployment from the pandemic which hit a wide range of professionals, from dentists to bartenders. With extra money in the bank, the top priority…

Kristin McKennaJune 5, 2020

Boston financial advisor Choosing a financial advisor

How to Find a Fiduciary Investment Advisor

Looking to find a fiduciary investment advisor and wealth manager? Only fiduciary financial advisors are legally bound to act in your best interest at all times. Finding the right advisor can seem daunting, but here are several resources to help you find the right investment advisor for your situation. (more…)

Kristin McKennaJune 4, 2020

Brokerage Account Cash Management Debt Management Financial Planning Infographics Investing Updated for 2020

What To Do With Excess Cash: 7 Ways to Use Extra Savings

What should you do with excess cash? If you are holding too much cash, consider how to use the extra money to your benefit. If you have extra cash in the bank, you may be wondering if you should invest the money or pay down debt. Assuming you already have…

Kristin McKennaMay 27, 2020

Asset Management Financial Planning Retirement Planning Roth IRA Secure Act Traditional IRA Updated for 2020

Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth Before or During Retirement

It doesn't always make sense to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Your current and projected tax rate is often a main component of the decision, but there are other issues at play. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth doesn't make sense unless you have cash to…