A few weeks ago, Geoff and I were discussing whether it made sense for a potential client to contribute to a 529 plan (“college savings plan”) for their kids who were entering college in a few years. Yes, the gains would be tax-free, provided the...
When I was a freshman in high school, someone convinced me it would be a good idea to run cross country as a way to get in shape for basketball season. Looking back I don't believe that was particularly good advice, since there is very...
Halloween is in the books and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. 2019 still has some important planning opportunities, and getting ahead of 2020 could pay huge dividends, too. With that in mind, here’s a quick list of seven things you might consider doing...
We are thrilled to introduce you to Liz Glenn, our new Client Services Specialist at Beacon Wealthcare. Some of you have already met or spoken to Liz and agree that she is an excellent addition to our team. If you have not had the pleasure,...
Most Roth IRAs are used incorrectly. It’s not only some DIY investors that are getting it wrong, but, based on my experience, a good percentage of financial advisors, too. In order to understand why most are getting it wrong, it’s important to know the three primary...
By cyclonebill - Spejlæg, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8822885 In 1987, The Partnership for a Drug Free America released one of the most famous commercials in TV history, featuring an egg in a frying pan and the dramatic line: “This is your brain on drugs.” Like most...
Planning for your child’s (or grandchild's!) college education can be stressful and confusing. What schools should they consider? What criteria do schools look at in potential students? What kind of financial or merit-based aid should they expect? Are they more suited for one career over...
Just a few years ago, before the populist revolution in our country, the 'sausage-workings' of government were largely carried out behind heavy gilded doors by professional politicians, appointees and bureaucrats. Every two, four, and six years we judged their finished products in terms how much...
There’s ample research about how much you can safely withdraw from your portfolio once you retire. There’s less research about how much you need to save annually so you can retire (this is called your “savings rate”), probably due to the large number of variables...
What would it take for your finances to get better? I mean, you have a life, I have a life (although my friends may object...
