Company Blog

Could an HSA Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy?

June 4, 2026

By one estimate, some couples who retire at age 65 in 2025 could spend as much as $428,000 on health-care expenses in retirement. This figure includes lifetime premiums for Medicare, supplemental insurance, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs for medical care and prescription drugs.1

Online Shopping in the Tariff Era

June 4, 2026

The de minimis exemption was a long-standing trade policy that has allowed U.S. shoppers to buy goods worth $800 or less directly from online marketplaces based outside of the United States without having them pass through customs or incur duties.

Corporate America Is All-In on AI

June 4, 2026

A chatbot with uncanny human-like abilities became the poster child for generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) when it was released to the public in late 2022, inspiring new levels of attention, excitement, and concern.

Overlook the Value of Social Security Survivor Benefits

June 4, 2026

Life insurance might play a central role in helping to protect your family’s financial future. But did you know that another important source of income for your survivors could be Social Security.

Trade Update: The Supreme Court Stepped In, but Many Tariffs Stand

June 4, 2026

Starting in early 2025, President Trump issued executive orders to impose tariffs on goods from nearly all trading partners under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as well as targeting industries seen as critical to national security with Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

Is Your Dream Kitchen a Good Investment?

June 4, 2026

According to Harvard’s Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, annual U.S. spending on home improvements and repairs is projected to reach $522 billion by the end of 2026, after a modest rise of 1.6% (year over year).1

Business: Coping With the End of De Minimis Imports

June 4, 2026

Small businesses that rely on imported goods have been significantly affected by recent shifts in U.S. trade policy. The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed duty-free entry for shipments valued under $800, was eliminated for all countries as of August 29, 2025. This action was deemed necessary to help prevent counterfeit goods and illegal drugs such as fentanyl from entering the United States.1

New Auto Loan Interest Deduction Explained

June 4, 2026

With the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in 2025, taxpayers may now benefit from a new annual deduction of up to $10,000 for interest paid on qualifying new auto loans, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028.

Medicare or Medicaid?

June 4, 2026

It’s easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid, because they have similar names and are both government programs that pay for health care. But there are important differences between the programs. Medicare is generally for older people, while Medicaid is for people of all ages who have limited income and resources.

The Evolution of Retirement Savings

June 4, 2026

The retirement savings landscape has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, starting with the introduction of traditional IRAs in 1975. The 1980s and ’90s brought 401(k)s, other workplace plans, and Roth IRAs; the early 2000s welcomed health savings accounts (HSAs); and over the last decade, state-sponsored retirement savings plans came into existence. Most recently, 2025 introduced 530A accounts (also known as “Trump Accounts”), which could have a positive impact on wealth-building.

Be Storm Smart: How to Prepare for Extreme Weather

June 4, 2026

According to a 2025 report from Realtor.com, an estimated 26.1% of U.S. homes are exposed to at least one type of severe or extreme weather risk.1 Extreme weather can strike unexpectedly, resulting in costly damage to your home and putting your family’s safety at risk. While you can’t control the forecast, you can control how prepared you are for it.

What Is Split-Dollar Life Insurance?

March 11, 2026

Life insurance can be an important part of a business owner’s financial strategy. It can also be a great benefit to offer to key employees. However, sometimes the cost can be prohibitive. With split-dollar life insurance, the cost of life insurance can be managed by splitting it up.

Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon

March 11, 2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, includes many provisions that affect higher education. Here are some key changes and the implications for students, parents, and colleges.

Strategies for Smarter Giving

March 11, 2026

With Americans contributing about $592 billion to charitable organizations in 2024, it is clear that charitable giving remains a powerful way to support the causes that matter most.1

Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

March 11, 2026

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” This famous saying, adapted from 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns, could apply to many aspects of life, including retirement. In 2025, four out of 10 retirees said they retired earlier than they had planned.1

Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance

March 11, 2026

According to data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, taken every three years, slightly more than one in five U.S. households had received an inheritance as of 2022.1 If you expect to receive an inheritance one day, these tips may help you better manage your financial windfall.

Cash Balance Plans Help Some Business Owners Supersize Retirement Savings

March 11, 2026

Cash balance plans are technically defined benefit plans (or pensions) that share some key characteristics with defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s. These hybrid plans have generous contribution limits that increase with age, and they are often stacked on top of a 401(k) and/or profit-sharing plan.

Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation

March 11, 2026

Are you a middle-aged adult juggling raising children and providing care for an aging parent? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the “sandwich generation,” a growing group of people supporting both their children and elderly parents at the same time.

Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?

March 11, 2026

The end of the year is a time when families often gather together. Although these gatherings may keep you busy, this could be a good time to think about the future and make sure that you have correctly designated family members and any others you wish as beneficiaries in your will, insurance policies, and financial accounts.

Closed-End Funds Could Help Boost Investment Income

March 11, 2026

Most mutual funds are open ended, which means that the investment company can issue and redeem fund shares to meet investor demand. By contrast, closed-end funds issue a fixed number of shares in an initial public offering (IPO), and investors who want to purchase shares after the IPO must do so on a secondary market, such as the New York Stock Exchange. In this regard, closed-end funds are more similar to stocks.

Life Insurance for Two

March 11, 2026

Many people allow their life insurance policies to expire once their children are grown. This may not be a good idea, especially if you have a mortgage or other substantial expenses and your spouse would need continued financial support. But a new policy can be expensive when you are older. Survivorship life insurance may be a more cost-effective solution.

Unpacking the Real Limitations on Unlimited PTO

March 11, 2026

About 7% of U.S. companies offered unlimited paid time off (PTO) as an employee benefit in 2024, up from just 1% in 2014.1 When companies adopt unlimited PTO policies, there is no specific cap on the number of paid vacation and/or sick days employees can take, although requests for time off are typically subject to a manager’s approval.

Location, Location, Location: The Premium Parents Pay for Top Schools

March 11, 2026

In much of the United States, the public school that a child is allowed to attend is determined by the location of the family’s residence. As a result, the inventory of homes for sale near the best schools is often limited and properties tend to sell at a premium.

Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time

March 11, 2026

Did you know that if you postpone claiming Social Security past your full retirement age, you have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when you finally apply?

Don’t Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025

March 11, 2026

As tax filing season approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers to watch for scams that can cause identity theft, financial loss, or criminal penalties. The agency’s “Dirty Dozen” list, published annually since 2002, highlights 12 common tax schemes.

Q&A on RMDs

March 11, 2026

Tax-deferred retirement savings accounts, including IRAs and employer-based plans, are an appropriate way to build assets. Your accounts can potentially grow without losing ground to income taxes each year, and depending on the account type and your income level, you may also benefit from a tax deduction for your contributions.

Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets

March 11, 2026

International conflicts and other global events dominated the news in early 2026, most notably the U.S. action in Venezuela and pressure to obtain control of Greenland, as well as anti-government protests in Iran and a snap election in Japan.

Keeping Cool in Volatile Markets

March 11, 2026

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs that were larger and different in structure than expected. Over the next two days, the S&P 500 Index plunged by 10.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 9.3%, and the tech-heavy NASDAQ Index dropped 11.4%.1 The two-day rout erased $6.6 trillion in market value, the largest two-day loss of shareholder value in U.S. history.2

What Is Asset Allocation?

December 11, 2025

Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” This is certainly true when it comes to investing: If you don’t know where you’re headed financially, then it is not as vital which investments make up your portfolio. If you do have a monetary destination in mind, then asset allocation becomes very important.

What Is a Money Purchase Pension Plan?

December 11, 2025

A money purchase plan is a type of defined-contribution plan that is similar to a profit-sharing plan, except that the contribution amounts are fixed rather than variable. Thus, employers are required to make annual contributions to each employee’s account regardless of the company’s profitability for the year. These plans can be used in conjunction with profit-sharing plans to achieve the maximum contribution levels allowed each year.

Could Employee Ownership Be Part of Your Succession Plan?

December 11, 2025

An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is a type of qualified retirement plan that enables a business owner to gradually transfer ownership shares to employees. Moreover, establishing an ESOP sets up opportunities for the owner of a closely held business to cash out (in whole or in part) in the future, while keeping the company going for employees and the community.

Three Ways to Help Build Financial Resilience

December 11, 2025

Roller-coaster markets, global events, and unexpected life changes can catch you off guard. Little wonder that you might worry about the potential effects on your financial well-being. Fortunately, you can take steps to build the resilience you need to help handle challenging times and hopefully emerge even stronger.

Will Tax Law Changes Impact Your Giving Strategy?

December 11, 2025

You may donate money to charitable organizations throughout the year, simply because you wish to support causes that you care about. However, beginning in 2026, a new set of tax rules will determine the deductibility of your donations and might affect how much you can afford to give — for better or worse.

Life Insurance Might Help During Turbulent Economic Times

December 11, 2025

During times of economic uncertainty and when the stock market is volatile, life insurance may be a useful tool to consider.

Grocery Games: Strategies to Help Stretch Your Food Budget

December 11, 2025

After several years of unusual price hikes, many shoppers still feel stung when they check out at the grocery store. Measured by the consumer price index, grocery prices rose just 2.2% over the 12 months through July 2025. Even so, prices had risen more than 22% since the beginning of 2020.1

Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account

December 11, 2025

If you want to leave your home to your children or other heirs and keep the property out of the costly and time-consuming probate process, you could place your home in a living trust. Trusts offer numerous advantages, but they incur up-front costs, often have ongoing administrative fees, and involve a complex web of tax rules and regulations.

Consider Roth for Tax-Free Income

December 11, 2025

The adage “pay me now or pay me later” applies to the differences between traditional and Roth accounts in both IRAs and employer retirement savings plans. Traditional accounts (pay me later) offer a current-year tax deduction, but future withdrawals, including contributions and earnings, are subject to ordinary income tax.

Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment

December 11, 2025

If you have Medicare coverage, the Medicare Open Enrollment period is a good time to review your options, compare costs, and make sure that your current Medicare coverage meets your needs.

What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement?

December 11, 2025

In investing, “time horizon” refers to the amount of time you have to pursue a financial goal. Along with that goal and your tolerance for risk, your time horizon is one of three key factors that typically help determine the mix of investments in your portfolio.

Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?

December 11, 2025

End-of-life care and the death of a loved one not only carry an emotional price tag, but they might impose a substantial financial strain on families, compounding the emotional challenges that come with losing a loved one. Considering the true costs and unexpected fees can help illustrate why it is important to plan ahead for yourself and your loved ones.

How Can My Gift Benefit Me and the Charity?

October 7, 2025

You’re free to give almost any type of property to whatever organization you choose. But in order to retain the tax benefits associated with charitable giving, contributions need to be made to qualifying tax-exempt organizations that have been organized in the United States and meet certain criteria.

Consider Munis for Tax-Free Income

October 7, 2025

In 2024, the municipal bond market saw record trading for the third consecutive year. New issues also set a record at $508 billion, the first time muni issues exceeded $500 billion. The trend continued through the first half of 2025; in the second quarter, trades were the highest since 2008, and new issues set a record quarterly high.1

Navigating Financial Conversations with Aging Parents

October 7, 2025

Having a conversation with your parents about their finances can seem like a daunting task. However, it is an essential step in helping to ensure their financial well-being as they get older. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate these discussions.

Voluntourism: A Vacation That Makes a Difference

October 7, 2025

Voluntourism: A Vacation That Makes a Difference Is your idea of a perfect vacation spending time alone on a beach with a good book? Or would you prefer a more active experience where you are part of a group, challenging yourself, and using your talents and skills to help others? If the latter sounds more appealing, then a volunteer vacation might be right for you. A volunteer vacation allows you to give back, meet new people who share your interests.

Mega Backdoor Roth: A Tax-Friendly Retirement Strategy for Serious Savers

October 7, 2025

Mega Backdoor Roth: A Tax-Friendly Retirement Strategy for Serious Savers Contributing to a traditional 401(k) or IRA can help reduce your current tax bill, but you may run into some drawbacks in retirement. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 73. On the other hand, qualified Roth distributions are tax-free after age 59½, as long as you’ve held the account for at least five years.*

Why Renters Should Have Their Own Insurance

October 7, 2025

Why Renters Should Have Their Own Insurance A recent survey found that 35% of Gen Z adults pay for a cell phone protection plan, but only 21% have renters insurance. Young renters who are just striking out on their own may not realize that a landlord's insurance policy typically will not provide financial protection against the destruction or loss of the tenants’ possessions.

Mining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines

October 7, 2025

Mining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines Over the past several years, news reports have grown more intense about the precarious global supply of rare-earth minerals. Yet outside scientific and national security arenas, many people may not fully understand the importance of rare earths. What are these mysterious materials and why are they receiving so much attention?

How Can I Benefit from a Wealth Replacement Trust?

August 27, 2025

Charitable giving can be a rewarding experience by allowing you to both give and receive. To enjoy the benefits of charitable giving, you can utilize a variety of strategies.

Why Purchase Life Insurance?

August 27, 2025

We’ve all heard about the importance of having life insurance, but is it really necessary? Usually, the answer is “yes,” but it depends on your specific situation. If you have a family who relies on your income, then it is imperative to have life insurance protection. If you’re single and have no major assets to protect, then you may not need coverage.

529 Lesson Plan: High Scores for 529 Plans

August 27, 2025

Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings plan that has no age restrictions and no income phaseout limits — and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition? Consider 529 savings plans, a common way to save for higher-education expenses. Named after the section of the tax code that authorized them, 529 plans are now offered in almost every state. You may find that 529 plans make saving for college a little easier than before.

What Does the Changing Pension Landscape Mean for Retirement?

August 27, 2025

John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” This is certainly true of preparing for retirement. If we continue to expect that the ways of the past will see us through to our futures, we will be left behind. The methods that helped prepare us for retirement are quickly disappearing, and we must start using others.

Home Appliance Economics

August 27, 2025

As a category, the prices of major home appliances have fallen 19.5% over the past three years (between April 2022 and March 2025), and they cost less now than they did ten years ago, despite having lots of convenient new features.1 The flip side is that the cost of repairing today's complicated appliances has gone through the roof. Even worse, many homeowners are convinced appliances have become less reliable and don't last as long.2

How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle

August 27, 2025

Couples who have opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground, and money arguments frequently erupt. But you can learn to work with — and even appreciate — your financial differences.

Investing with Market Cap in Mind

August 27, 2025

A company’s market capitalization (or market cap), calculated as the number of outstanding shares multiplied by the price per share, is a measure of its size and value. Small-cap stocks continued to trail the performance of large caps of the S&P 500 Index in 2024, partly because small companies are more likely to depend on floating-rate debt to fund their growth.

Buying a Condo? Focus on the Financials

August 27, 2025

Condominiums, or condos, appeal to home buyers of all ages and life stages, but they are especially attractive to younger families and retirees who want to reap the benefits of homeownership while spending less time and money on upkeep.

Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?

August 27, 2025

It’s difficult to reach a destination unless you know where you’re heading. Yet only 54% of workers or their spouses have tried to estimate the savings they would need to live comfortably in retirement.1

What’s in the New Tax Legislation?

August 27, 2025

Legislation signed into law on July 4, 2025, commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), fundamentally changed the federal tax and spending landscape. The law is so broad that this report can only summarize some key provisions that affect individuals and business owners.

Is a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit Right for Me?

June 30, 2025

Home equity financing uses the equity in your home to secure a loan. For this reason, lenders typically offer better interest rates for this type of financing than they do for other, unsecured types of personal loans.

What Is the Most Tax-Efficient Way to Take a Distribution From a Retirement Plan

June 30, 2025

If you receive a distribution from a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k), you need to consider whether to pay taxes now or to roll over the account to another tax-deferred plan. A correctly implemented rollover avoids current taxes and allows the funds to continue accumulating tax deferred.

What Is an Indexed Annuity?

June 30, 2025

If you want to limit potential losses while participating in the potentially attractive returns of a market-driven investment but would also like a guaranteed return, an indexed annuity might be worth checking out.

How Should I Manage My Retirement Plan?

June 30, 2025

Employer-sponsored retirement plans are more valuable than ever. The money in them accumulates tax deferred until it is withdrawn, typically in retirement. Distributions from a tax-deferred retirement plan such as a 401(k) are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty if withdrawn prior to age 59½. And contributions to a 401(k) plan actually reduce your taxable income.

Convertible Bonds Straddle the Line Between Fixed Income and Potential Growth

June 30, 2025

A convertible bond is a regular corporate bond that comes with a special added feature: the investor has the right to convert it into shares of that company's common stock.

Look Out for Observation Care

June 30, 2025

Generally, no one wants to be admitted to a hospital, but the use of observation care (also called observation status) — during which a patient may be in a hospital room with hospital services but is not officially admitted — has raised concerns for both patients and providers. Anyone can be under observation care, but it is of particular concern for Medicare beneficiaries, who may lose certain benefits and pay higher costs.

Catch Up for a More Comfortable Retirement

June 30, 2025

A 2024 survey found that only a third of U.S. workers age 50 and older feel that their savings contributions have them on track to enjoy a comfortable retirement.1 If your retirement account balance is lagging — or even if your nest egg seems robust — you can give your savings a boost by taking advantage of catch-up contributions that are available to those age 50 or older.

Life Insurance in Retirement

June 30, 2025

What role can life insurance play in your retirement plan? Most of us think of life insurance as protection against financial loss should we die prematurely. But when we reach retirement and the kids are all self-sufficient, do we still need life insurance? The answer is maybe. Here are some situations where life insurance may make sense for retirees or those close to retirement.

Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College

June 30, 2025

529 plans were originally created in 1996 as a tax-advantaged way to save for college. Over the past several years, Congress has expanded the ways 529 plan funds can be used, making them a more flexible and versatile savings vehicle.

Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?

June 30, 2025

On Friday, May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded its rating on U.S. government long-term debt from its highest rating of Aaa to the next highest rating of Aa1. The move was particularly significant because Moody’s was the last of the Big Three credit rating agencies to maintain the triple-A rating for U.S. debt. S&P Global Ratings made a similar downgrade in 2011, and Fitch Ratings did so in 2023.1

Could My Family Benefit from a Family Limited Partnership?

May 13, 2025

Effective estate planning should address wealth transfer from a practical and cost-effective approach. One estate planning strategy that families with closely held businesses should consider is the family limited partnership.

What Is Last-Survivor Life Insurance?

May 13, 2025

Last-survivor or second-to-die life insurance covers two lives under one policy. The death benefit is paid after the second person covered under the policy dies. Generally, premiums continue to be paid after the first insured dies. However, this type of policy may feature less expensive premiums than two individual policies, allowing the policy owner(s) the potential to buy a policy with a larger death benefit than might otherwise be affordable using separate policies.

Read a Good Beige Book Lately?

May 13, 2025

Read a Good Beige Book Lately? The Federal Reserve has been at the forefront of economic news since the spring of 2022, when the central bank started aggressively raising interest rates to combat inflation. Now that the Fed has begun to lower rates, each move will continue to be analyzed for its potential effect on the economy.

Could There Be a Shift from Growth to Value?

May 13, 2025

Could There Be a Shift from Growth to Value? Growth stocks have dominated the market for two decades, led by large technology companies and recently riding investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. While this trend may continue — and no one can predict the market — extreme volatility among tech stocks in the summer of 2024 led to a period when value stocks outperformed growth stocks.

Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition

May 13, 2025

Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition In a recent survey, 52% of workers said they would prefer to gradually decrease their hours as they transition to retirement. The percentages were even higher for Gen X (67%) and millennials (56%).1 The federal government has offered a formal phased retirement program since 2014, allowing eligible full-time employees to collect half their pensions while working half time.

Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings

May 13, 2025

Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings. Almost half of U.S. families headed by a married couple include two working spouses. With dual careers, many spouses accumulate assets in separate retirement accounts. Each might have funds in an employer-sponsored plan and an IRA. Even if most of a married couples retirement assets reside in different accounts, open communication and teamwork can help them craft a unified retirement strategy.

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025

May 13, 2025

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025 Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2025. Estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax The annual gift tax exclusion (and annual generation-skipping transfer tax exclusion) for 2025 is $19,000, up from $18,000 in 2024.

HOT TOPIC - Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects

May 13, 2025

Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects On February 1, 2025, President Trump authorized an additional 25% tariff on all goods entering the United States from Canada and Mexico (except for a lower 10% tariff on energy resources from Canada) and an additional 10% tariff on all goods from China. Nine days later, Trump authorized a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, which strengthened and elevated tariffs levied by the first Trump administration in 2018.

Frank Deptola Awarded Five Star Award Recognition for 11th Consecutive Year

March 18, 2025

We are thrilled to share that Frank Deptola, President of Frank Deptola & Associates, LLC, has been recognized as a 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager in Orange County by Five Star Professional.

What Are the Basic Types of Life Insurance?

March 10, 2025

One of the best ways to protect against the financial consequences of a primary wage earner’s premature death is life insurance. However, choosing from the many types of life insurance policies that are available can be a difficult process. A few main categories are described here to help you search for a life insurance policy that is appropriate for you.

What Are My Retirement Planning Options?

March 10, 2025

There are a variety of retirement planning options that can meet your needs. Your employer funds some; you fund some. Bear in mind that, in most cases, early withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. The latest date to begin required minimum distributions is usually April 1 of the year after you turn age 73 (75 if age 73 is reached after December 31, 2032). In most cases, withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.

Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch

March 10, 2025

Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays.

Indexed Annuities: Potential for Growth with Some Downside Protection

March 10, 2025

Following a record year in 2023, U.S. annuity sales increased by 23% during the first three quarters of 2024 and were expected to set another annual sales record, due to investor concern with potential market volatility and still-high interest rates that allowed insurance companies to offer more appealing withdrawal rates.

Is Tip Fatigue Wearing You Out?

March 10, 2025

Traditionally, tipping has been a way to reward workers for providing good service. But the norms around tipping are changing, and if you’ve recently felt more pressure to tip, you’re not alone. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of adults said that tipping was expected in more places today than it was five years ago, a phenomenon known as “tip creep” or “tipflation.”1

What’s New for 2025?

March 10, 2025

Higher catch-up contributions for some. As of January 1, individuals ages 60 through 63 may be able to make increased catch-up contributions (if offered) to their workplace plan. The catch-up amount for people age 50 and older is $7,500 for 2025, but for people ages 60 through 63, the limit will be $11,250.1

The HOT TOPIC: Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions

March 10, 2025

Under the Social Security Fairness Act signed by President Biden on January 5, 2025, almost 3 million Americans will receive a boost to their Social Security benefits.1 This bill, which had bipartisan support, restores full Social Security benefits to some public-sector employees, including teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and others who have been affected by two provisions of current federal law — the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Financial Safety Nets: Exploring Available Sources of Emergency Funds

March 3, 2025

In moments of unexpected financial turmoil, having access to emergency funds can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major life disruption. Whether you have a sudden medical bill, car repair, or job loss, knowing where to turn for emergency financial support is crucial. However, not everyone has access to a financial safety net — nearly 60% of U.S. adults are uncomfortable with their level of emergency savings.1

What Are the Tax Benefits of Charitable Trusts?

January 14, 2025

Americans give freely to support the causes they value, from churches, education, and the arts to medical research. Fortunately, current tax laws encourage and even reward philanthropy. Beyond the basic tax deductions for charitable giving, setting up one or both of the following types of trusts could provide financial advantages in addition to the personal satisfaction that comes from giving.

How Can I Better Manage My Short-Term Cash?

January 14, 2025

The most important attribute of a cash reserve is its availability in time of sudden need. And even though a federally insured savings account is considered one of the safest places to put money being reserved for emergencies you may want to consider other alternatives when interest rates are low.

What Does Medicare Cover?

January 14, 2025

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for persons age 65 and older as well as certain disabled individuals. In 1965, Medicare was enacted to provide a “safety net” of health-care coverage for qualifying individuals.

Is There Such a Thing as a Tax-Free Investment?

January 14, 2025

The simple answer to this question is “yes.” There are two main types: (1) municipal bonds and municipal bond mutual funds and (2) tax-free money market funds.

Home Energy Rebates Could Save You Money

January 14, 2025

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included two provisions allowing rebates for home energy efficiency retrofit projects and home electrification and appliance projects. These home energy rebate programs are to be administered by state energy offices, with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) providing guidance and oversight.

A Critical Combo: Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits

January 14, 2025

An important part of any retirement strategy involves accounting for potential long-term care (LTC) expenses, which can be surprisingly high. The median cost of a private room in a nursing home was $9,733 in 2023, while a full-time home health aide was $6,292 per month.1

Extreme Weather and Your Home Insurance: How to Navigate the Financial Storm

January 14, 2025

With wildfires in Maui, Hurricane Idalia in Florida, and the heat wave that blanketed the South, Midwest, and Great Plains, 2023 was a record-setting year for extreme weather in the United States. In fact, last year the U.S. saw more weather and climate-related disasters that cost over $1 billion than ever before.1

A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing

January 14, 2025

If you would like to reduce your monthly mortgage payment without having to refinance, then you may want to explore a mortgage recast. When you recast your mortgage, you put money toward the principal balance of your current home loan. Your mortgage lender then recalculates (reamortizes) your loan based on your new, lower balance, which reduces your monthly payment. Your interest rate and the number of years remaining on your loan stay the same.

Social Security COLA Lower for 2025

January 14, 2025

Social Security COLA Lower for 2025 The 2.5% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 continues the return to a more typical adjustment after high inflation resulted in big COLAs in 2022 and 2023. The COLA will take effect with December 2024 benefits payable in January 2025. The percentage is based on the Q3 to Q3 change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

Would You Be Prepared for an Unplanned Early Retirement?

January 14, 2025

Would You Be Prepared for an Unplanned Early Retirement? How would you rate this content? Most of us would prefer not to think about an unexpected (and unwelcome) early retirement, but it does happen frequently. In fact, nearly half of current retirees retired earlier than planned, and of that group, more than 60% did so due to changes at their company or a hardship, such as disability.1

Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch

January 14, 2025

Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays.

What's New for 2025?

January 14, 2025

Higher catch-up contributions for some. As of January 1, individuals ages 60 through 63 may be able to make increased catch-up contributions (if offered) to their workplace plan. The catch-up amount for people age 50 and older is $7,500 for 2025, but for people ages 60 through 63, the limit will be $11,250.1

HOT TOPIC: Data for Sale - Tips to Help Protect Your Private Information

January 14, 2025

On December 3, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed settlement in legal action against a data broker named Mobilewalla, which was accused of using location data obtained through online advertising auctions to identify consumers by factors such as private home address and visits to health-care clinics and churches.

Can You Put the Brakes on Rising Auto Insurance Premiums?

November 12, 2024

When your auto insurance policy renews, chances are that your premium will be going up, possibly by a lot. Rates vary by state and location, but nationwide, premiums increased more than 18% between July 2023 and July 2024.1

Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

November 12, 2024

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase but then decrease after your children are grown.

Making the Most of Your Credit Card

November 12, 2024

A growing number of Americans are moving towards a “cashless” society. As a result, credit cards are being used more often than ever — especially by those with higher incomes.1

A Pension Strategy That May Boost Your Income

November 12, 2024

If you have a traditional pension — also called a defined benefit plan — when you retire, your plan may offer several payout options, including a qualified joint and survivor annuity (QJSA) if you are married. A QJSA is an annuity that pays a dollar amount (usually monthly) for the rest of your life, with at least 50% of that amount continuing to your spouse after your death.

What’s Your Real Return?

November 12, 2024

As an investor, you probably track the return on your investments. But it’s likely that you look at the nominal return, which is the percentage increase or decrease in the value of an investment over a given period of time, usually expressed as an annual return. To estimate actual income or growth potential in order to target financial goals — for example, a certain level of retirement income — it’s also important to consider the real return, which includes the effects of taxes and inflation.

Brian Baldwin Promoted to Chief Administrative Officer & Minority Owner

June 26, 2024

I am delighted to announce that due to his years of consistently competent work servicing our clients, I have promoted Brian Baldwin to the firm’s Chief Administrative Officer. This new title carries a commensurate increase in salary, and also gives Brian the opportunity to become a minority owner of the voting equity in my firm.Those of you, who work with Brian, have experienced his continuously improving high level of “concierge” client service. As background, I hired Brian,

Investor, Know Thyself: How Your Biases Can Affect Investment Decisions

June 26, 2024

Traditional economic models are based on the premise that people make rational decisions to maximize economic and financial benefits. In reality, most humans don’t make decisions like robots. While logic does guide us, feelings and emotions — such as fear, excitement, and a desire to be part of the “in” crowd — are also at work.

Do You Need to Adjust Your Tax Withholding?

June 26, 2024

Once you’ve filed last year’s tax return and can see where your finances are headed this year, it may be a good time to adjust your income tax withholding to help make sure you’re having the right amount withheld from your paycheck.

Insurance Gaps May Pose Risks for High-Net-Worth Households

June 26, 2024

Serious accidents don’t happen very often, but when they do, the impact can be devastating. And unfortunately, you could be held legally responsible if a member of your household causes a car wreck or if someone is injured on your property, even if you go to great lengths to help make your home and the surrounding area safe for visitors.

The United States Is Older Than Ever Before

June 26, 2024

The median age of the U.S. population rose to a record high of 38.9 in 2022, primarily because birth rates have declined in recent decades. More women have been going to college and focusing on building careers in their 20s, causing many to marry older and have fewer children.

Are You Spending Money to Keep Stuff You Don’t Need?

June 26, 2024

It’s estimated that almost one in five Americans leases a storage unit. In March 2024, the nationwide price for a climate-controlled storage unit averaged nearly $150 per month. Storage renters may pay more than that for large spaces and at facilities in high-cost cities such as Los Angeles and New York.1

HOT TOPIC: Real Estate Roundup: Feeling the Impact of Higher Rates

June 26, 2024

U.S. commercial real estate prices fell more than 11% between March 2022, when the Federal Reserve started hiking interest rates, and January 2024. The potential for steeper losses has chilled the market and still poses significant risks to some property owners and lenders.1

Market Measures: Beyond the Dow

June 26, 2024

When you hear or read that the market is up or down, what does that really mean? More often than not, it reflects movement in the two best-known stock market indexes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500.

New SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Key Benefits

June 26, 2024

In July 2023, the Department of Education launched a new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan for federal student loans called the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. The SAVE Plan is the most generous IDR plan to date, and like all IDR plans, it calculates a borrower’s monthly payment amount based on income and family size.

ESG Investing in the Spotlight

June 26, 2024

It’s probably safe to say that most people choose an investment with an eye toward adding financial value to their portfolio. Over the past two decades, however, many investors have added another layer of values in making investment decisions. The most common criteria are related to environmental, social, and corporate governance issues, typically referred to as ESG factors.

Where Will You Live as You Grow Older?

June 26, 2024

Where Will You Live as You Grow Older? Many people would rather not think about the consequences of aging in general, much less the possibility that they might need help meeting their daily medical or personal needs in the future. Yet recent research projects that most Americans (56%) who are age 65 or older will require long-term care support and services in their lifetimes.1

HOT TOPIC: What Stubborn Inflation Could Mean for the U.S. Economy

June 26, 2024

On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March, and the increase in CPI — the most commonly cited measure of inflation — was higher than expected. The rate for all items (headline inflation) was 3.5% over the previous year, while the “core CPI” rate, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, was even higher at 3.8%.

Frank Deptola Awarded Five Star Wealth Manager Award for 10th Straight Year

June 11, 2024

Frank Deptola, President of Frank Deptola & Associates, LLC, has been recognized as a 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager in Orange County by Five Star Professional. This 2024 Five Star honor marks Frank Deptola's tenth consecutive year of recognition. Data shows that while Five Star considered 2,682 financial advisors, just 140 of those candidates received the honor in Orange County.

What Investment Risks Should I Know About?

April 12, 2024

What Investment Risks Should I Know About? Taken by itself, the word "risk" sounds negative. But broken down into what it really stands for in terms of investing, it begins to be a little more manageable. By understanding the different types of risk and keeping an eye on your investments, you may be able to manage your money more effectively.

What Is a Required Minimum Distribution?

April 12, 2024

A required minimum distribution (RMD) is the annual amount that generally must be withdrawn from a traditional IRA or a qualified retirement plan (such as a 401(k), 403(b), and self-employed plans) starting no later than April 1 of the year after the year the account owner reaches the age of 73 (for individuals who reach age 72 after December 31, 2022). If you attained age 72 in 2022 or earlier, you are already required to take RMDs. The RMD age will rise to 75 in 2033.

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2024

April 12, 2024

Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2024.

How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle

April 12, 2024

Couples who have opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground, and money arguments frequently erupt. But you can learn to work with — and even appreciate — your financial differences.

The Federal Reserve’s Key Meeting Dates in 2024

April 12, 2024

The Federal Reserve’s rapid series of interest rate hikes throughout 2022 and 2023 — initiated in an effort to bring down red-hot inflation — rippled throughout financial markets and the broader economy.

Roth 401(k) News: Is It Time to Rethink How You Save for Retirement?

April 12, 2024

The SECURE 2.0 Act, part of the federal spending bill passed in late 2022, ushered in new rules for workplace retirement accounts. For instance, starting in 2026, workplace plan participants with $145,000 or more in wages the prior year will no longer be allowed to make pre-tax catch-up contributions to a traditional 401(k) or similar plan.

Can Your Personality Influence Your Portfolio? New Research Points to Yes

April 12, 2024

Academic researchers have been exploring how investors’ personalities might affect their financial decisions and wealth outcomes.

HOT TOPIC: Can Productivity Keep Driving the U.S. Economy?

April 12, 2024

Productivity of U.S. workers increased by 2.7% in 2023 — well above the average annual rate of 2.1% since the end of World War II, and a dramatic change from 2022, when productivity dropped by 2.0%. It’s also a big improvement over the 0.9% growth rate in 2021.

What Advantages Does a Biweekly Mortgage Offer?

February 29, 2024

Most homeowners make their regular mortgage payments every month for the duration of the loan term, and never think of doing otherwise. But prepaying your mortgage or making biweekly payments can reduce the amount of interest you'll pay over time.

How Much Money Can I Put Into My IRA or Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan?

February 29, 2024

IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to annual contribution limits set by the federal government. The limits are adjusted periodically to compensate for inflation and increases in the cost of living.

What Is the History of the Federal Estate Tax?

February 29, 2024

The history of estate taxes in America has been a long and winding road. Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.

A New Year, A New Opportunity to Save with a 529 Plan

February 29, 2024

The start of a new year is typically a time when people resolve to implement or recommit themselves to a personal financial goal. This year, why not consider opening a 529 plan account, or increasing your contributions to an existing account, to enhance your child’s or grandchild’s financial future? 529 plans are the most flexible they’ve ever been since their creation more than 25 years ago.

Don’t Forget About Credit When Planning for Retirement

February 29, 2024

As you plan for retirement, you might not give credit a second thought, especially if your plan includes paying off your mortgage and other debts, and relying more on cash than credit. But retirement could last many years, and your need for credit doesn’t necessarily disappear on your last day of work. At some point you may want to buy a second home, move to a retirement community, take out a home equity loan, or buy a vehicle; it’s also possible you will face an unexpected expense.

Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents?

February 29, 2024

Estate planning is the process of managing and preserving your assets while you are alive, and conserving and controlling their distribution after your death. There are four key estate planning documents almost everyone should have regardless of age, health, or wealth. They are: a durable power of attorney, advance medical directive(s), a will, and a letter of instruction.

Small Businesses Could Face Borrowing Challenges

February 29, 2024

According to an October 2023 survey, higher interest rates impacted more than half of small businesses, and over 20% reported that higher rates and tighter lending standards influenced their hiring decisions.

Tax Season News and Survival Tips

February 29, 2024

It’s not easy to keep up with complex tax laws that always seem to be changing, much less figure out how they might affect you personally. Even so, it’s important to consider the potential impact of taxes when making many types of financial decisions.

Much Ado About RMDs

February 1, 2024

The SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in late 2022, included numerous provisions affecting retirement savings plans, including some that impact required minimum distributions (RMDs). Here is a summary of several important changes, as well as a quick primer on how to calculate RMDs.

Medical Debt and Your Credit Report

January 25, 2024

It's no surprise that consumers are contacted by debt collectors about medical bills more than any other type of debt. After all, the complex world of medical billing and collection practices is extremely difficult to navigate. Many people have trouble understanding what the various billing codes on a medical bill even mean. Historically, this has led to consumers racking up unpaid medical bills because they were unaware of what they owe.

New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices

January 11, 2024

New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government.

ISM Indexes Watch for Trouble on Both Sides of the Economy

January 4, 2024

Economists and investors pay attention to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) not only for information about the health of U.S. factories but also for clues about demand in the national economy. A reading below 50% generally means that manufacturing activity is contracting, and a reading below 48.7% indicates that the overall economy is contracting along with it.

After a Surprising 2023, a Cautiously Optimistic Economic Outlook for 2024

December 28, 2023

After a Surprising 2023, a Cautiously Optimistic Economic Outlook for 2024 Despite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict, the U.S. economy outperformed the expectations of most economists in 2023.

Should You Bank Your Retirement on Your Business?

October 26, 2023

Should You Bank Your Retirement on Your Business? Investing in your own business makes sense. Many businesses achieve significant growth each year. However, when you consider that many small businesses fold every year, it becomes clear that banking your retirement solely on the success of your business might not be the best idea. There is no guarantee that your business will continue to grow or even maintain its current value.

Will Your Sources of Income Last a Lifetime?

October 24, 2023

Will Your Sources of Income Last a Lifetime? At age 65, a healthy man or woman can reasonably expect to spend up to 20 or 30 years in retirement. There is a 63% chance that one member of a couple will live to age 90. Social Security offers benefits similar to a lifetime pension. Not only does it provide a guaranteed income stream, but it also offers longevity protection, spousal protection, and even some inflation protection.

How Can I Control the Distribution of My Estate?

October 20, 2023

How Can I Control the Distribution of My Estate? There are a number of ways your estate can be distributed to your heirs after your death. Each allows a different degree of control over distribution, and each poses different challenges and opportunities.

How Will I Pay Estate Taxes?

October 18, 2023

When it comes down to it, you need to plan how you and your family will eventually pay them. The Estate Tax Dilemma Estate taxes are generally due nine months after the date of death. And they are due in cash. In addition to estate taxes, there may be final expenses, probate costs, administrative fees, and a variety of other costs.

What Key Estate Planning Tools Should I Know About?

October 16, 2023

Wills and trusts are two of the most popular estate planning tools. Both allow you to spell out how you would like your property to be distributed, but they also go far beyond that. Just about everyone needs a will.

Mutual Funds: What’s in Your Portfolio?

October 12, 2023

Mutual funds pool investment dollars from many individual investors to purchase a group of selected securities aimed at meeting a particular objective. This offers a convenient way to invest across a wide range of market activity that would be difficult for most investors to do by purchasing individual securities. More than 52% of U.S. households owned mutual funds in 2022.

SECURE 2.0: Big Impact for Small Businesses

October 5, 2023

SECURE 2.0: Big Impact for Small Businesses A recent AARP study found that nearly half of all private sector employees ages 18 to 64 had no access to a retirement plan at work. It also found that small businesses are more likely to lack a work-based plan, putting their workers at a significant disadvantage when it comes to retirement preparations.

HOT TOPIC: What’s Happening in the World of Higher Education?

October 3, 2023

A 2023 survey revealed a notable shift in public opinion over the past decade about the value of a college degree: 56% of Americans think a four-year college degree isn't worth the cost due to students graduating with significant debt and a lack of specific job skills vs. 42% who believe college is worth it. The survey numbers have almost reversed from ten years ago, while college enrollment has declined by about 15% .

Does the Social Security COLA Help If You’re Not Receiving Benefits?

June 29, 2023

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2023 was 8.7%, the largest benefit increase since 1981. Obviously, the COLA helps current beneficiaries, but you may wonder whether it will make a difference if you're not yet receiving retirement benefits. The answer depends on your age.

A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing

June 27, 2023

If you would like to reduce your monthly mortgage payment without having to refinance, then you may want to explore a mortgage recast. When you recast your mortgage, you put money toward the principal balance of your current home loan. Your mortgage lender then recalculates (reamortizes) your loan based on your new, lower balance, which reduces your monthly payment.

How Taxes Impact Your Retirement-Income Strategy

June 22, 2023

Retirees face several unique challenges when managing their income, particularly when it comes to taxes. From understanding how taxes relate to Social Security and Medicare to determining when to tap taxable and tax-advantaged accounts, individuals must juggle a complicated mix of factors.

Most Grocery Shoppers Aren’t Fooled by Shrinkflation

June 20, 2023

Most Grocery Shoppers Aren't Fooled by Shrinkflation — Have you noticed that packages are smaller at the grocery store? If so, you're not alone. A survey of consumers taken in 2022 found that a majority of U.S. adults have noticed shrinkflation — products shrinking in size while prices stay the same or increase. This is a common strategy among manufacturers, but it accelerates in periods of high inflation, when companies are under more pressure to control their costs.

HOT TOPIC: Rescuing America’s Safety Net

June 16, 2023

A March 2023 survey found that more than 90% of Americans worry about the Social Security program, and about half of those said they worry a great deal. A separate survey the same month found that more than 80% of Americans worry Medicare will not be able to provide the same level of benefits in the future.

HOT TOPIC: Transformative Tech: Will AI Upend the American Workforce?

June 16, 2023

Transformative Tech: Will AI Upend the American Workforce? A chatbot with uncanny human-like writing abilities has become the poster child for artificial intelligence (AI) since it was released in late 2022, inspiring new levels of attention, excitement, and concern about recent advances in this life-changing technology.

Frank Deptola Named Five Star Wealth Manager for the 9th Consecutive Year

May 1, 2023

Frank Deptola Awarded Five Star Wealth Manager Recognition for 9th Straight Year

What Is a Stock Index?

April 27, 2023

In 1884, Charles Henry Dow averaged the closing prices of 11 stocks he considered representative of the strength of the U.S. economy in a paper that preceded The Wall Street Journal.

What Are My Retirement Planning Options?

April 26, 2023

There are a variety of retirement planning options that can meet your needs. Your employer funds some; you fund some. This list describes 10 of the most common planning options.

Double Up with a Spousal IRA

April 26, 2023

If you and your spouse are looking for a way to build your retirement savings but one of you is not working, you might consider funding a spousal IRA. This could be the same IRA that the spouse contributed to while working or it could be a new account.

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2023

April 26, 2023

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2023 Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2023.

How Long Will It Take to Double My Money?

April 26, 2023

Before making any investment decision, one of the key elements you face is working out the real rate of return on your investment. Compound interest is critical to investment growth. Whether your financial portfolio consists solely of a deposit account at your local bank or a series of highly leveraged investments, your rate of return is dramatically improved by the compounding factor.

How Can I Upgrade My Insurance — Tax-Free?

April 26, 2023

Responding to the changing needs of consumers, the life insurance industry has developed some alternatives that go much further in satisfying a variety of financial needs and objectives than some of the more traditional types of insurance and annuities. Modern contracts offer much more financial flexibility than traditional alternatives do.

The Inflation Experience Is Painful — and Personal

April 26, 2023

The Inflation Experience Is Painful and Personal Inflation is a sustained increase in prices that reduces the purchasing power of your money over time. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), inflation peaked at an annual rate of 9.1% in June 2022, the fastest pace since 1981, before ticking down to 6.5% in December.

Red Ink: The Debt Ceiling and Deficit Spending

April 26, 2023

Red Ink: The Debt Ceiling and Deficit Spending On January 19, 2023, the outstanding debt of the U.S. government reached its statutory limit, commonly called the debt ceiling. The current limit was set by Congress at about $31.4 trillion in December 2021.

What Are the Basic Types of Life Insurance?

March 2, 2023

One of the best ways to protect against the financial consequences of a primary wage earner's premature death is life insurance. However, choosing from the many types of life insurance policies that are available can be a difficult process. A few main categories are described here to help you search for a life insurance policy that is appropriate for you.

How Long Will It Take to Double My Money?

March 2, 2023

Before making any investment decision, one of the key elements you face is working out the real rate of return on your investment. Compound interest is critical to investment growth. Whether your financial portfolio consists solely of a deposit account at your local bank or a series of highly leveraged investments, your rate of return is dramatically improved by the compounding factor.

When Must Taxes Be Paid on IRA and Employer-Sponsored Retirement Funds?

March 2, 2023

When Must Taxes Be Paid on IRA and Employer-Sponsored Retirement Funds? Traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are tax-deferred accounts, which means they are typically funded with pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars. As a result, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn, generally in retirement. Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts are subject to income tax at your current tax rate.

What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging?

March 2, 2023

Every investor dreams of buying into the market at a low point, just before it hits an upswing, and garnering a large profit from selling at the market's peak. But trying to predict market highs and lows is a feat no one has ever fully mastered, despite the claims by some that they have just the right strategy that enables them to buy and sell at the most opportune times.

Unforgettable Birthdays

March 2, 2023

Beginning at age 50, there are several key birthdays that can affect your tax situation, health-care eligibility, and retirement benefits.

Importance of Naming a Trusted Contact

March 2, 2023

Naming a trusted contact is optional but may help protect your account assets. This individual may be contacted in certain situations, such as when financial exploitation is suspected or there are other concerns about your health, welfare, or whereabouts. Naming a trusted contact is optional but may help protect your account assets.

Is the Yield Curve Signaling a Recession?

March 2, 2023

Is the Yield Curve Signaling a Recession? Long-term bonds generally provide higher yields than short-term bonds, because investors demand higher returns to compensate for the risk of lending money over a longer period. Occasionally, however, this relationship flips, and investors are willing to accept lower yields in return for the relative safety of longer-term bonds.

Frank Deptola Awarded Five Star Wealth Manager Recognition for 9th Straight Year

March 2, 2023

This 2023 Five Star honor marks Frank Deptola's ninth consecutive year of recognition. "This is a very unusual occurrence, and Frank is in rare company," says Chrissy Mattson of Five Star. "Perhaps 15 people have won this award nine consecutive times in Orange County."

Fraudsters and Scammers Pocket Nearly $6 Billion in 2021

January 31, 2023

Nearly 1 million consumers lost more than $2.3 billion to imposter scams, with a median loss of $1,000. Imposter scams happen when an individual posing as someone else.

Why Are Annuities Considered an Insurance Product?

January 26, 2023

Why Are Annuities Considered an Insurance Product? Annuities are financial vehicles that can be sold only by insurance companies. Basically, an annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company, which promises to pay you a future income in exchange for the lump-sum payment or premiums that you pay. The payments specified in the annuity contract will be paid to you during your retirement (or, in some situations, to your beneficiaries after your death).

How Much Money Can I Put Into My IRA or Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan?

January 24, 2023

Distributions from traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income, except for any after-tax contributions you've made, and the taxable portion may be subject to 10% federal tax penalty if taken prior to reaching age 59½ (unless an exception applies).

What Are Some Tips for Managing My Money?

January 19, 2023

What Are Some Tips for Managing My Money? As with virtually all financial matters, the easiest way to be successful with a cash management program is to develop a systematic and disciplined approach. Spending a few minutes each week to maintain your cash management program, can help you keep track of how you spend your money and pursue your financial goals.

Sectors: Overweight, Underweight, or Just Right?

January 17, 2023

Some market sectors — such as health care, consumer staples, and utilities — are considered “defensive” and may be good to hold through a bear market or economic recession because businesses in these sectors tend to remain strong regardless of economic conditions.

IRA Distributions Can Benefit Your Favorite Cause … and Your Tax Bill

January 12, 2023

IRA Distributions Can Benefit Your Favorite Cause and Your Tax Bill. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nearly doubled the standard deduction beginning in 2018 and indexed it annually for inflation through 2025 ($12,950 for single taxpayers and $25,900 for joint filers in 2022; $13,850 and $27,700 in 2023).

HOT TOPIC: ’Tis the Season for Tax-Friendly Giving Strategies

January 10, 2023

You may donate money to charitable organizations throughout the year, for no other reason than your heart-felt desire to support causes that you care about. But if philanthropy is important to you, keep in mind that the associated tax breaks could potentially increase your ability to give.

How Can I Better Manage My Short-Term Cash?

December 13, 2022

The most important attribute of a cash reserve is its availability in time of sudden need. And even though a federally insured savings account is considered one of the safest places to put money being reserved for emergencies you may want to consider other alternatives when interest rates are low. When selecting ways to invest your cash reserve, you should balance your liquidity needs with potential returns.

What Is the Gift Tax?

December 8, 2022

The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living. The federal estate tax, on the other hand, applies to property conveyed to others (with the exception of a spouse) after a person's death. The gift tax applies to the donor. The recipient is under no obligation to pay the gift tax, although other taxes, such as income tax, may apply.

What Gifting Strategies Are Available to Me?

December 1, 2022

There are a number of different gifting strategies available for planned giving. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Instead of making an outright gift, you could choose to use a charitable lead trust. With a charitable lead trust, your gift is placed in a trust. The recipient of the gift draws the income from this trust. Upon your death, your heirs will receive the principal with little or no estate tax.

Virtual Health Care Is Here to Stay

November 29, 2022

The use of telehealth skyrocketed early in the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of remote office visits and outpatient services, 78 times higher in April 2020 than in February 2020. Usage has stabilized since that extraordinary rise, but as of early 2021 remained 38 times higher than the pre-pandemic level.1

Famous People Who Died Without Proper Planning

November 23, 2022

You might think that those who are rich and famous would be way ahead of the curve when it comes to planning their estates properly. Yet plenty of celebrities and people of note have died with inadequate or nonexistent estate plans.

HOT TOPIC: What Does a Strong Dollar Mean for the U.S. Economy?

November 22, 2022

A broader inflation-adjusted index that captures a basket of 26 foreign currencies reached its highest level since 1985.

What Are the Pitfalls of Probate?

October 21, 2022

What Are the Pitfalls of Probate? Have you ever wondered what will happen to your estate after you die? How long will it take for your loved ones to receive the estate you've left them? Will each receive what you'd like them to have? If you're like most people, your estate will go through a lengthy probate process. Probate consists of the court proceedings that conclude all your legal and financial matters after your death.

How Will I Pay Estate Taxes?

October 20, 2022

How Will I Pay Estate Taxes? When it comes down to it, you need to plan how you and your family will eventually pay them. The Estate Tax Dilemma Estate taxes are generally due nine months after the date of death. And they are due in cash. In addition to estate taxes, there may be final expenses, probate costs, administrative fees, and a variety of other costs.

How can I control the distribution of my estate?

October 19, 2022

How can I control the distribution of my estate? There are a number of ways your estate can be distributed to your heirs after your death. Each allows a different degree of control over distribution, and each poses different challenges and opportunities.

How Can a Living Trust Help Me Control My Estate?

October 18, 2022

How Can a Living Trust Help Me Control My Estate? Living trusts enable you to control the distribution of your estate, and certain trusts may enable you to reduce or avoid many of the taxes and fees that will be imposed upon your death.

What Key Estate Planning Tools Should I Know About?

October 17, 2022

What Key Estate Planning Tools Should I Know About? Wills and trusts are two of the most popular estate planning tools. Both allow you to spell out how you would like your property to be distributed, but they also go far beyond that. Just about everyone needs a will.

Dividends for Income and Total Returns

October 13, 2022

Dividends can be a dependable source of income for retirees and others who want an income stream without selling their underlying investments.

How Life Insurance Could Help Mitigate Taxes in Retirement

October 6, 2022

How Life Insurance Could Help Mitigate Taxes in Retirement. Permanent life insurance offers a tax-free death benefit, and a portion of each premium goes into a cash-value account that accumulates on a tax-deferred basis. The policy owner may also access the cash value, if needed, without triggering income taxes.

HOT TOPIC: Unpacking the Inflation Reduction Act: What’s in It?

September 29, 2022

Unpacking the Inflation Reduction Act: What's in it? The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law on August 16, 2022, is a package of climate, energy, health-care, and tax legislation.

What Are Some Tips for Managing My Money?

September 16, 2022

What Are Some Tips for Managing My Money? As with virtually all financial matters, the easiest way to be successful with a cash management program is to develop a systematic and disciplined approach. Spending a few minutes each week to maintain your cash management program, can help you keep track of how you spend your money and pursue your financial goals. Any good cash management system revolves around the four A's; Accounting, Analysis, Allocation, and Adjustment.

What is a 401k?

September 9, 2022

A 401(k) plan is a self-directed, qualified retirement plan established by an employer to provide future retirement benefits for employees. Employee contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, and employer contributions are often tax deductible.

Hot Topic: Tech Sector Turmoil and the Bear Market

August 26, 2022

Tech Sector Turmoil and the Bear Market During the intensely volatile first 100 trading days of 2022, the stocks of companies in the S&P 500 index delivered their worst performance since 1970.The S&P 500 continued to tumble, and the benchmark index descended into a bear market.

529 Lesson Plan: High Scores for 529 Plans

August 23, 2022

529 Lesson Plan: High Scores for 529 Plans Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings plan that has no age restrictions and no income phaseout limits and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition? Consider 529 savings plans, a popular way to save for higher-education expenses.

Am I Prepared for Long-Term Care Expenses?

June 16, 2022

In general, Americans are not sufficiently prepared to pay for long-term care. Many of them go through their lives simply hoping that they won't ever need it. Unfortunately, in the event that you or a loved one does need long-term care, hope won't be enough to protect you from potential financial ruin. Self-insurance as an option To self-insure,that is, to cover the cost yourself, you must have a sufficient income.

Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention to Accessibility

June 16, 2022

Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention to Accessibility The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which passed more than 30 years ago, made it illegal to deny job opportunities to people based on their disabilities, mandated reasonable accommodations to make buildings accessible, and required most private businesses to offer equal service to disabled customers. About 61 million people in the United States & one in every four adults live with a disability.

Are You Ready to Cancel Your Cable TV?

June 16, 2022

Are You Ready to Cancel Your Cable TV? An explosion in the number and variety of streaming services, coupled with the high cost of cable and satellite television packages, might have you wondering whether it’s time to cut the cord. But streaming costs money, too, and you may have to subscribe to multiple services to access all your favorite programs. You might also need to buy a streaming device and pay for a pricey high-speed Internet connection.

Rising Rates Join Long List of Housing Dilemmas

June 16, 2022

Homebuyers braving the hot U.S. housing market have run headlong into a striking transition. The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage jumped from around 3.2% at the beginning of 2022 to 5.3% in mid-May, the highest level since 2009.

When Buying Is Easy, Paying Later Can Be a Problem

May 6, 2022

BNPL plans are more popular with younger consumers trying to stretch their paychecks, partly because they are more comfortable shopping online (and particularly on smartphones). At first glance, it may seem like a worthwhile convenience, but there are good reasons to think twice before committing to installment purchases.

How Does Inflation Affect Me?

May 6, 2022

Are you saving for retirement? For your children’s education? For any other long-term goal? If so, you’ll want to know how inflation can impact your savings. Inflation is the increase in the price of products over time. Inflation rates have fluctuated over the years.

Mutual Funds: Do You Know What’s in Your Portfolio?

May 6, 2022

An estimated 102.5 million investors — representing almost 46% of U.S. households — owned mutual funds at the end of 2020 (most recent data). These individual retail investors held about 89% of the $23.9 trillion in assets invested in U.S. mutual fund companies.1

How Can I Protect My Home?

May 6, 2022

Since your home is one of your greatest assets, you should make sure it is adequately protected. That's where homeowners insurance enters the picture. Homeowners insurance protects against liability (in case someone is injured on your property), damage to the structure of your home and/or personal belongings, and theft.

When Two Goals Collide: Balancing College and Retirement Preparations

April 13, 2022

When Two Goals Collide: Balancing College and Retirement Preparations You've been doing the right thing financially for many years, saving for your child's education and your own retirement. Yet now, as both goals loom in the years ahead, you may wonder what else you can do to help your child (or children) receive a quality education without compromising your own retirement goals.

What's the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

April 13, 2022

What's the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid? It's easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid, because they have similar names and are both government programs that pay for health care. But there are important differences between the programs. Medicare is generally for older people, while Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources.

Is the Russia-Ukraine War a Threat to the Global Economy?

April 13, 2022

Is the Russia-Ukraine War a Threat to the Global Economy? Before Russia stunned the world by invading Ukraine, it was widely believed that the economic ties formed through globalization would help promote peace. But the war is testing that assumption and drawing attention to the vulnerabilities in far-flung supply chains, which were already under pressure because of the pandemic and recovery.

Colliding Forces: Russia, Oil, Inflation, and Market Volatility

April 13, 2022

Colliding Forces: Russia, Oil, Inflation, and Market Volatility The Russian invasion of Ukraine has drawn condemnation and punitive sanctions from the United States, Europe, and their allies. The humanitarian cost of war cannot be measured, and the long-term economic effects could take months or years to unfold. However, the early stages of the conflict pushed oil prices upward and sent the U.S. stock market plunging, only to see stocks bounce back and drop again.

Podcast: Not Repeating Lessons from Costly Past Mistakes by Frank Deptola

March 23, 2022

In Season 1 of Ken Burns documentary series on the Vietnam War entitled, “The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick (Vietnam: Burns and Novick),” his narrative helps illustrates mistakes the United States made in managing a war we intentionally provoked...

Podcast: Inflation and Printing Money – Common Sense Discussion by Frank Deptola

March 23, 2022

Inflation, in the basic sense, is a rise in price levels. Economists believe inflation comes about when the supply of money is greater than the demand for money. Inflation is viewed as a positive when it helps boost consumer demand and consumption, driving economic growth. Inflation is one of the greatest threats to a healthy economy. Inflation eats away at our standard of living if our income doesn't keep pace with rising prices over time.

Podcast: Market Update and Perspective by Frank Deptola

March 3, 2022

I am writing today, during this turbulent and historic time, to try to provide an objective perspective on some of the effects current major geo-political events are having on the “market’s” performance, and how we are trying to address these concerns for our clients over the balance of this year...

What Tax Deductions Are Still Available to Me?

March 3, 2022

What Tax Deductions Are Still Available to Me? Tax reform measures are enacted frequently by Congress, which makes it hard for U.S. taxpayers to know which deductions are currently available to help lower their tax liability.

The Fed Pivots to Fight Inflation

March 3, 2022

The Fed Pivots to Fight Inflation On December 15, 2021, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve System made a significant shift in monetary policy in response to rising inflation.

Help Wanted: Why Can’t Businesses Find Enough Workers?

March 3, 2022

Help Wanted: Why Can't Businesses Find Enough Workers? The headline U.S. unemployment rate fell from 6.7% at the end of December 2020 to 3.9% in December 2021.

Frank Deptola Named Five Star Wealth Manager for the 8th Consecutive Year

March 3, 2022

Frank Deptola was recently notified by Five Star Professional that he has again been selected as a 2022 Five Star Wealth Manager - one of the top financial advisers and wealth managers in Orange County, CA.

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Company Blog

Could an HSA Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy?

Online Shopping in the Tariff Era

Corporate America Is All-In on AI

Overlook the Value of Social Security Survivor Benefits

Trade Update: The Supreme Court Stepped In, but Many Tariffs Stand

Is Your Dream Kitchen a Good Investment?

Business: Coping With the End of De Minimis Imports

New Auto Loan Interest Deduction Explained

Medicare or Medicaid?

The Evolution of Retirement Savings

Be Storm Smart: How to Prepare for Extreme Weather

What Is Split-Dollar Life Insurance?

Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon

Strategies for Smarter Giving

Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

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Cash Balance Plans Help Some Business Owners Supersize Retirement Savings

Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation

Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?

Closed-End Funds Could Help Boost Investment Income

Life Insurance for Two

Unpacking the Real Limitations on Unlimited PTO

Location, Location, Location: The Premium Parents Pay for Top Schools

Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time

Don’t Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025

Q&A on RMDs

Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets

Keeping Cool in Volatile Markets

What Is Asset Allocation?

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Could Employee Ownership Be Part of Your Succession Plan?

Three Ways to Help Build Financial Resilience

Will Tax Law Changes Impact Your Giving Strategy?

Life Insurance Might Help During Turbulent Economic Times

Grocery Games: Strategies to Help Stretch Your Food Budget

Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account

Consider Roth for Tax-Free Income

Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment

What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement?

Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?

How Can My Gift Benefit Me and the Charity?

Consider Munis for Tax-Free Income

Navigating Financial Conversations with Aging Parents

Voluntourism: A Vacation That Makes a Difference

Mega Backdoor Roth: A Tax-Friendly Retirement Strategy for Serious Savers

Why Renters Should Have Their Own Insurance

Mining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines

How Can I Benefit from a Wealth Replacement Trust?

Why Purchase Life Insurance?

529 Lesson Plan: High Scores for 529 Plans

What Does the Changing Pension Landscape Mean for Retirement?

Home Appliance Economics

How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle

Investing with Market Cap in Mind

Buying a Condo? Focus on the Financials

Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?

What’s in the New Tax Legislation?

Is a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit Right for Me?

What Is the Most Tax-Efficient Way to Take a Distribution From a Retirement Plan

What Is an Indexed Annuity?

How Should I Manage My Retirement Plan?

Convertible Bonds Straddle the Line Between Fixed Income and Potential Growth

Look Out for Observation Care

Catch Up for a More Comfortable Retirement

Life Insurance in Retirement

Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College

Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?

Could My Family Benefit from a Family Limited Partnership?

What Is Last-Survivor Life Insurance?

Read a Good Beige Book Lately?

Could There Be a Shift from Growth to Value?

Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition

Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings

Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025

HOT TOPIC - Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects