The temperature here in Michigan has been sweltering. Summer has seemed to drag on, and until recently, it brought a drought with it! The unfortunate circumstances for farmers have not extended to markets, however. The third quarter brought huge gains across stock markets and modest gains across bond markets.
They come every month, but what do all the numbers mean, and how can I make sense of it all? In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of our Fidelity statement, and by the end, we’ll have a better understanding of what we’re looking at.
When it comes to planning for your education, there is no better vehicle than a 529. A 529 is a tax-advantaged account designed to help pay for education. 529 Plans grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free if they are used for qualified educational expenses. The downside if proceeds are not used for qualified educational expenses, any earnings will come out as ordinary income and a 10% penalty is tacked on. However, recent legislative changes now allow for greater flexibility with leftover or unused 529 plan funds!
The transition into retirement can be very exciting, but it is also one of the biggest adjustments a person can make in their life. I have been blessed to help dozens of clients transition into retirement, and everybody, without exception, is a little nervous (or a lot). If you are approaching retirement and feel anxious, unsure, or fearful, you are not alone.
“When do you want to retire?” is one of my favorite questions to ask clients, especially when I have a chance to ask it without much context or build up. I find that a lot of people romanticize the idea of retirement without giving much detail to the thought. Getting an understanding of when (and how) someone wants to retire...
It’s natural to feel concerned when you see the value of your investments or even the world change rapidly. Think of everything we have been through over the past five years! However, emotional reactions to market changes can lead to poor financial decisions...
Patience has been the key so far in 2025. In reality, patience is always the best practice when it comes to investing, but understandably, the first four months of the year tested many people's patience. Thankfully, things have recovered...
Before claiming social security there are some things you should know. When do you meet your full retirement age because that impacts how much you collect. Take a look at your longevity, your Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) and your spousal benefits. Lastly, keep in mind that there may be taxes and penalties that come with claiming too soon. We realize that this is a complex subject and encourage you to work with a financial planner, CFP® or ChFC® who is proficient in retirement planning.