Company Stock in Your 401(k)? Consider Net Unrealized Appreciation. Company Stock in Your 401(k)? Consider Net Unrealized Appreciation. June 1, 2024 If you are currently holding company stock in your pre-tax retirement account, you may want to consider a tax planning strategy called Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). The NUA strategy primarily aims to reduce your

Your Credit Score: That Important Three-Digit Number Your Credit Score: That Important Three-Digit Number May 1, 2024 Your Credit Score and the SAT’s Your credit score is kind of like taking the SAT’s (something most of us never want to think about again). They are both important numbers that help others make decisions about your

4 Ways Improving Your Financial Literacy Can Change Your Life 4 Ways Improving Your Financial Literacy Can Change Your Life April 1, 2024 April is celebrated as Financial Literacy Month, an opportune time for the finance community to share their wealth of knowledge, aiming to enhance our financial understanding and confidence. Learning fundamental skills such

Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)? Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)? March 1, 2024 Given the current interest rate environment, it may be tempting to consider taking a loan from your 401(k) as a source of financing your needs or wants. Assuming your employer plan permits borrowing, be sure to review the impact on

Backdoor Roth: Not so “Hush-Hush” Backdoor Roth: Not so “Hush-Hush” February 1, 2024 Summary: If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is too high to make direct Roth IRA contributions, backdoor Roth contributions can be made. Be aware of pro-rata taxation of pre-tax IRA assets when implementing backdoor Roth. Backdoor Roth contributions may be optimal

4 Simple Ways to Financially Prepare for 2024 4 Simple Ways to Financially Prepare for 2024 January 1, 2024 Setting and pursuing new goals isn’t confined to a calendar. However, there’s a distinct sense of purpose and momentum that accompanies the start of a new year, making it an opportune time to lay the groundwork

Secure Act 2.0: Reminders for 2024 Secure Act 2.0: Reminders for 2024 December 1, 2023 On December 29, 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0 (SECURE 2.0) was signed into legislation. Many provisions included in the bill will be phased into effect over the next several years. Here are some of the notable provisions for individuals that

Estate Planning Basics: Don’t Leave Your Estate in a “Purple Haze” Estate Planning Basics: Don’t Leave Your Estate in a “Purple Haze” November 8, 2023 Estate planning may be one of the last things that anyone wants to think about. Not only is it difficult to contemplate our mortality, but human beings may also have

Understanding the FAFSA Simplification Act: What It Means for You Understanding the FAFSA Simplification Act: What It Means for You September 5, 2023 In recent news, you might have caught wind of the buzz surrounding student loans—from talks about potential loan forgiveness, the return of interest, and the resumption of payments. While these discussions mainly

Where are Interest Rates Heading? Where are Interest Rates Heading? October 1, 2023 The chances are high that many have seen the recent headlines that interest rates could stay “higher for longer.” But what exactly does “higher for longer” mean and is this a foregone conclusion or just a possibility? Also, where did this “higher