07.11.19

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Luke Schillo

High-net-worth investors face investment challenges that some would consider unique to their financial status. The fundamental tenets of investing apply equally to them as with any other investor, but the affluent investor needs to be mindful of issues that typically arise only from substantial wealth. Let’s examine a few of these. Being Too Conservative When […]

07.09.19

A Trust Can Be A Mighty Financial Fortress
Eileen Cozzi

You may think of trusts as estate planning tools. While trusts can certainly fill that role, they are also useful for protecting assets, both now and later. Creditors, former business partners, ex-spouses, “spendthrift” children and taxes can all pose risks. Here is how trusts defend against asset protection challenges. To protect assets, your trust must […]

06.27.19

Nine Facts About Retirement
Luke Schillo

Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend to take, here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you. […]

06.17.19

How to Choose a Guardian for Your Child
Tanya Gierut

Having a child is a very exciting time in one’s life.  There are many new firsts not just with the baby, but with the parents too.  While the baby’s current needs take priority, the parents need to think about the future. What if something happens to you and your spouse? Who will care for your […]

06.12.19

A Brief History of Estate Taxes
Frank L. Washelesky

Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded. Tip: Regardless of your net worth, it is critical to understand your choices when developing an estate strategy. In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when […]

05.29.19

Four Reasons for the Return of Market Volatility
Luke Schillo

Until early 2018, stocks were enjoying their longest period without a five percent pullback in nearly ninety years.1,2 But in early February, that calm came to a sudden and decisive end, as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell more than six percent during the first three trading days of the month. By February 8, stocks […]

05.24.19

How to Plan for a Tax-Efficient Retirement
Justin L. Sylvan

People today are living longer than ever. These longer life expectancies mean that your retirement savings may have to stretch for more years than you anticipated. Effective tax planning strategies will ensure that your retirement goals are met. Review Your Income Sources The first step is to estimate your cash needs in retirement and evaluate […]

05.10.19

Estimating the Cost of College
James V. Petitpren, II

It does not take a degree in finance to see the cost of college continues to rise. In its 2017 report, the College Board showed that public four-year institutions raised prices an average of 3.2% annually between the 2007-08 and 2017-18 school years. Put another way, a $5,000 education in 2007-08 would cost $6,851 in […]

03.12.19

Intrafamily Loans Offer Family Value
Jeffrey R. Green

When children or other family members need financial assistance, it may be tempting to simply hand them a check. But lending, rather than giving, money to your loved ones offers several advantages.

02.26.19

Maximize the Benefit of Nondeductible IRA Contributions
Thomas Kosinski

Many taxpayers choose to contribute to Roth IRA accounts because they provide for tax-free distributions in the future. However, not all people are eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. If your income is too high, you may want to consider making nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA.