Blog
End of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all.
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
When it comes to financial planning, people often think of financial professionals as people who assist with strategies for retirement planning.
Read MoreKey Estate Planning Documents You Need
There are five estate planning documents you may need, regardless of your age, health, or wealth: 1. Durable power of attorney, 2. Advance medical directives, 3. Will, 4. Letter of instruction, 5. Living trust.
Read MoreTips to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes
With a few simple actions, you can ensure your estate planning is effective. Whether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details, which are often overlooked, that can undermine your plan’s effectiveness.
Read MoreFinancial Planning at Every Age
In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic.
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Finding Focus with Financial Planning: A Step-By-Step Guide
You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition.
Read MoreStocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes
Managing Investment Returns with Tax-Efficient Strategies. Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income.
Read MoreHow Emotional and Behavioral Barriers May Impact Your Investing Decisions
Ah, Money. The word leaves you with a positive or a negative feeling when you hear it. The feeling we get from money, and investing, has deep roots inside our emotions, although we may not understand why.
Read More4 Tax-Efficient Ways to Help Your Kids Pay for College
From 2008 to 2022, the cost of in-state tuition at public universities rose nearly 80%.(1) The high price tag now associated with a college education makes it critical for families to carefully plan how to pay for higher education expenses.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2023: The Path Toward Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change.
Read MoreRetirement Revolution: 3 Reasons to Rethink Your Retirement Plan
Not sure if your retirement plan is still in line with your future life or financial goals? Give your current retirement plan a second look.
Read MoreThe Tax Benefits of a Backdoor Roth IRA for High Earners
A Backdoor Roth IRA is a strategy that allows individuals who earn too much to directly contribute to a Roth IRA to still contribute to one indirectly. Read on for more information.
Read MoreA Mid-Year Financial Plan Review Makes Sense
“Old-fashioned” practices, such as periodic financial reviews, can lead to greater confidence in the long run. As the year passes its midpoint, why not spend a few hours reviewing your finances?
Read MoreDo You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?
Every day we’re bombarded with reports of what’s hot and what’s not – fueling a fear of missing out (FOMO) on some great investment opportunity. Here are some tips.
Read MoreTaxation of Investments
It's nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. When it's time to fill out your federal income tax return, you may be left scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are they taxed?
Read MoreMarket Volatility and the Importance of Staying the Course at Different Ages
To safeguard your potential for long-term growth, you need to understand the importance of staying the course through market volatility. Check out these tips.
Read MoreWhat Are Stock Buybacks?
Companies have been buying back their own stock at record levels – something President Joe Biden doesn’t care for. What are stock buybacks, and why do some people consider them to be a bad thing? We share some insight.
Read MoreRe-fired Not Retired: Making the Best of the Rest of Your Life
Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from excitement. In fact, it is the perfect time to ‘refire’ your passion and make your retirement the newest chapter in your life.
Read MoreSectors to Consider if Inflation Continues to Rise
Are there certain S&P 500 sectors that might perform better if inflation rises? Here are some sectors to consider if inflation continues to rise.
Read More7 Tips for Time Management
When you’re busy juggling multiple obligations, you may end up feeling as if you don’t have enough time. Often, the solution lies in improving how you manage your time. To get as much done as possible, here are some time management tips.
Read MoreFiguring Out a 401(k) Strategy That Works for You
One of the most challenging aspects of investing involves matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Read MoreThe Differences Between Growth, Core and Value
Are you a Growth investor or a Value investor? Or do you prefer a mix of the two? Understanding your style of investing is an important step in deciding where to allocate your portfolio- keep reading for insights.
Read MoreWays to Minimize Tax on an Investment Portfolio
To make sure you aren't paying unnecessary taxes, follow these tips on how to minimize the taxes on your investment portfolio. Taxes lower the actual return on your investments, and these planning strategies can help you.
Read MorePersonal Deduction Planning
Taxes are inevitable, but you can minimize your liability by understanding the rules and making the most of your planning opportunities. Use your deductions efficiently and take all the ones you can. Read here for personal deduction tips.
Read MoreHow to Minimize Taxes During Market Downturns
Understanding long-term capital gains taxes when you sell investments Market downturns could be a good time to adjust your fund portfolio to minimize the tax bite. Here’s how to calculate the best ways to do that – now and...
Read MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...
Read MoreYour Long Term Care Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Those turning 65 this year have a 7 in 10 chance of needing long-term care (LTC) at some point.1 With the cost of a private room in a nursing home now topping $100,000 per year, the thought of paying this — or for a loved...
Read MoreOctober is National Financial Planning Month
Tips to help you find a financial professional and financial planning firmThe financial professional and financial planning firm you pick to manage your assets and advise you on key financial decisions can affect your retirement and...
Read MoreWhat WA State Residents Need to Know About Estate Taxes
In Washington State (WA), there is no inheritance tax but it does have an estate tax. An estate tax is a tax on your right to transfer property at your death. Estate tax accounts for everything the deceased owns or has specific...
Read MoreWorking with a Financial Professional: Your Interests Come First
In these uncertain times, the value of objective financial guidance cannot be overestimated, and the importance of the financial profession has never been more apparent. Regulatory changes initiated well before any of us had even heard...
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