Utilizing a powerful risk management module, Money Guide provides a score which informs us of the percentage likelihood of you realizing your specific goals. Along the way, we modify assumptions, make recommendations and stress test all scenarios to help you stay in the “confidence zone". Log in to the client portal to see your score at any time.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Your current age may be the biggest factor when it comes to retirement planning. Taking full advantage of the time you have before retirement is vital; maximizing contributions to a tax-deferred plan (hopefully aided by employer matching funds) and investing thoughtfully is critical..
Factors such as increased longevity, healthcare costs and inflation all come into play but the goal ought to be building your assets such that a comfortable income in retirement can be achieved. To realize this goal, you need a plan. That’s where we can help.
Whatever your definition of wealth is, we assist in managing your cash flow and allocating your resources, striving to ensure to the degree possible that you’ll never out-live your income.
IRAs AND ROTH IRAs
Individual retirement accounts have long been an important resource in saving for retirement. These accounts represented an addition to an employee sponsored retirement plan that an investor may already enjoy and, depending upon age, every working individual can contribute as much as $7,500 tax deferred per year.
Roth IRAs feature the added benefit of future tax-free withdrawals of the contributions. Important restrictions and penalties can occur (hyphen) let us help guide you in selecting the path forward that works best for your situation.
A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.
EDUCATION PLANNING
Although saving and investing for college education is a daunting task, it may also be one of the more rewarding aspects of our relationship. With rising inflation and the already high cost of college education, an early start is more important than ever.
There are a variety of investment vehicles and tax-efficient options available to help address this problem.
529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS
With the advent of 529 College savings plans in the late ‘90s, funding higher education costs became much more achievable. 529 plans are a tax advantaged way to save for college tuition and expenses. Future withdrawals are free from federal tax as long as you use them for qualified education expenses like room and board, tuition and books.
We are enthusiastic advocates of the CollegeAmerica 529 education savings plan by American Funds. They offer flexible investment options, low fees and minimum investment and a proven investment track record.
Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.
UGMA/UTMA CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS
Although UGMA and UTMA accounts are not intended Specifically for college savings, they offer advantages including many investment options and certain tax benefits. Importantly, the contributions to the accounts are irrevocable; the assets are owned by the minor takes control of the funds when he or she becomes age 18 to 21 (varies by state).
