Congratulations, graduates! You've worked hard, gained valuable skills, and are now standing on the precipice of an exciting new chapter. Whether you've earned a degree or a trade certification, you're about to embark on your first career job, and with it, your first taste of substantial income. This pivotal moment presents a unique and often overlooked opportunity to lay a financial foundation that will change your life.
Each spring, the tax documents emerge from their hibernation as people prepare the information they need to meet their civic duty. Oftentimes, your tax preparer or financial advisor might take this opportunity to talk to you about deferring some of your income for tax purposes, but what does that mean, and is this right for you?
Each year, millions of Americans file their income taxes with the federal government to reconcile their tax bill. While tax season comes and goes every single year, the best time to file your tax return depends on several factors. Most of which have to do with what kind of documentation you need and your personal situation. The IRS generally starts accepting returns in late January, with the typical annual tax filing deadline being April 15th. There is no right or wrong answer as to when you should file your personal income tax return, but there are several factors to think about. Below, we will look at different filing times and best practices to consider.
People frequently refer to the stock market as a “casino”, as if they have zero influence over the financial result of their decision(s). However, there are at least two important differences between gambling on slot machines and investing in an actual business, or a collection (portfolio) of businesses: Entitlement and predictability.
As a financial advisor, I spent a lot of my day indoors. Either sitting at a desk or a conference table. However, every once in a while, I get a chance to support a local charity and play in a golf outing, or even skip out of the office early to play a quick nine before I head back home. Here in the Midwest, we only have a few good months for the golf season. So, as I’m taking advantage of the sunshine while we have it, it has me thinking: How can golf help with money management?
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.
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.
Partnering with an independent, local, family-owned financial advisory firm offers a range of benefits that can enhance your financial planning experience. Full disclosure: I am a little biased in this opinion. Financial Strategies Group (FSG), the firm I am blessed to be a part of, fits this criteria.