**Please note: a previous version of this blog post should have noted that the ability to use your own life expectancy to calculate Required Minimum Distributions may not be available to certain beneficiaries under the SECURE Act. Selecting beneficiaries for retirement benefits is different from … [Read more...]
Choosing a Beneficiary for Your IRA or 401(k)
Perspective on Recent Stock Market Volatility
If you have been watching the news about the stock markets, you have likely noticed that volatility in the markets is rearing its ugly head. We know it’s difficult to watch your account balances fluctuate and we understand the anxiety. While turbulence is unsettling, we believe it's important to … [Read more...]
The Power of Health Savings Accounts
Most tax benefits have symmetry. If you defer income in to a 401(k) or traditional IRA contributions are deductible and then your account distributions are taxable. Similarly, if your contributions are not deductible (i.e. a Roth IRA), your distributions are tax-free. Health Savings Accounts … [Read more...]
Compensating Yourself as Business Owner
If you work in a business you own, you may be able to increase your take-home dollars by carefully planning how you compensate yourself. If you're like most owner-employees, you want to get the most out of your company, and that often means minimizing the amount you give to taxing authorities. As … [Read more...]
Windward Passages: How to Measure Portfolio Performance
You may question if your investments are on track. How do you know? Mutual fund and hedge fund managers frequently compare their performance to a stock index such as the S&P 500, or perhaps to similar funds. When assessing the growth of your personal finances, we think there is a better way. … [Read more...]