In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement. The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it’s a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, passed in 2019. Read the full article…
Retirement Planning
Year End Planning Checklist 2022
As we approach the end of an extraordinary year on many fronts, it is a perfect time to take account of the year and begin to plan for the future. Whether it is economic models, capital market assumptions, or political headwinds, we can consider year-end planning techniques that may increase your net worth with changes Read the full article…
Assess Life Insurance Needs
If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances. In fact, according to a 2019 study conducted by Life Happens and LIMRA, which closely follows life insurance trends, nearly Read the full article…
CalSavers Program Information
On September 29, 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill 1234, also known as CalSavers. CalSavers mandates that all California employers must offer either a retirement plan for their employees or join the CalSavers program as an alternative. The program defines employees as anyone over the age of 18 who are paid by Read the full article…
Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment
How much do you know about the different coverage options? Presented by Philip Clark, CFP®, November 2020 Medicare’s open enrollment period runs through December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, you will discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored group health plan.1 When you are enrolled in Medicare, Read the full article…
How Women Can Prepare For Retirement
A practical financial checklist for the future. Presented by Philip Clark, CFP®, September 2020 When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration estimates that today’s average 65-year-old woman will live to age 86½. Given these projections, it Read the full article…
“Backdoor” Roth IRAs
If you make too much money to open a Roth IRA, you could create one this way. Presented by Philip Clark, CFP®, September 2020 You can sum up the appeal of a Roth IRA in three words: federal tax benefit. Potential earnings in a Roth IRA grow tax free as long as the owner abides Read the full article…
Eldercare Choices in the COVID-19 Era
Exploring your extended care options may be wise at this time. Presented by Philip Clark, CFP®, August 2020 Given the threat of COVID-19, seniors today may be considering their extended care alternatives with extra caution.1 In addition to health factors, the cost can be an issue. According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the Read the full article…
Insurance Needs for Empty Nesters and Retirees
Thinking about coverage as you enter a new phase. Presented by Philip Clark, CFP®, June 2020 With the children now out of the house, financial priorities become more focused on preparing for retirement. At this stage, you may very likely be at the height of your earning power and fast approaching peak savings as you Read the full article…
The Major Retirement Planning Mistakes
Why are they made again and again? Providedby Philip Clark, CFP® Much is out there about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Aside from these blunders, some classic financial missteps plague retirees. Calling them “mistakes” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Read the full article…