Financial Services Articles
College Costs: How to Maximize Your Return on Investment
Posted by Jeffrey Budzinski on May 27, 2020
Many families view college as an investment in their children's futures, but the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing families to reevaluate their options — and, in some cases, make major, life-altering changes. Here's an overview of how much it currently costs to pursue an undergraduate degree and strategies to consider to cut higher education costs during these uncertain times.
Business Continuity Plans
Posted by Jeffrey Budzinski on April 22, 2020
As a business owner, you’ve worked hard for your success. The long hours, the difficult decisions, and the sacrifices you have made have led to where you are today. The last thing you want is to suffer a disruption to your business. However, in the event that you do experience an unavoidable mishap, it may be smart to have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place.
Now May Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion
Posted by D’Marie Murray on April 06, 2020
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. The financial markets have plummeted over the last month. But there's an upside for long-term investors: Low market values may provide a tax-smart opportunity to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. This strategy is simple, but it's not right for everyone. Here are some factors to consider before you execute a Roth conversion in 2020.
March 2020 Market and Economy Update
Posted by David Schlein on March 13, 2020
This March video provides an update and recounts the top events that have affected the market and economy in the last several weeks.
Coronavirus Update: Stock Selloff might be Exaggerated; Economic Impact Still Unclear, Fear Remains
Posted by David Schlein on March 04, 2020
Concern remains elevated about the coronavirus behind an epidemic in China and other countries. On Friday, Feb. 28, the World Health Organization raised the global risk for the new virus from “high” to “very high,” and markets sent a clear message: investors fear the spillover effects of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Roils Global Markets, Investment Portfolios
Posted by David Schlein on February 27, 2020
The outbreak of new coronavirus strain COVID-19 came at a particularly vulnerable point in the global business cycle, and it appears that a meaningful amount of both panic and hysteria in the last few days reflects a rapid rise in investor uncertainty.
December 2019 Market and Economy Update
Posted by David Schlein on December 23, 2019
The December market and economy update discusses the economic expansion and the strong jobs report.
Preserve Your Happy Family With a Total Return Unitrust
Posted by D’Marie Murray on December 03, 2019
When the interests of trust beneficiaries come into conflict, everyone in the family can suffer. If your trust includes both “lifetime” and “remainder” beneficiaries, it's possible to align the interests of both groups with a total return unitrust.
Year-End Strategies to Reduce AGI
Posted by Brian Kern on October 23, 2019
Reducing your current-year adjusted gross income (AGI) is usually a tax-smart idea.
Year-End Tax Planning Moves for Small Businesses
Posted by Kerry Roets on October 17, 2019
Due to political gridlock, federal tax law hasn't changed much since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted. Most of the provisions affecting businesses went into effect last year, so the year-end tax planning strategies that worked for 2018 may still be valid for the current tax year, but your specific tax situation might be different.