Retirement Planning Consideration for Employees of Publicly Traded Companies
Most employers that are publicly traded companies offer employees the ability to buy company stock within their retirement plan. If this happens to be an option within your company 401(k) and you decide to take advantage of it, beware of your distribution options when you decide to retire. Many soon to be retirees make the mistake of rolling over the entire balance of their 401(k) into an IRA before fully understanding the options available to them. This is often done out of ignorance for the rules or lack of working with a qualified financial planner, and the consequences can be costly.
Tax Diversification Matters
The creation and preservation of wealth go hand in hand with reducing ones tax burden. However, avoiding current taxation in hopes of being in a lower tax bracket in retirement may not work out as many expect. The top federal income tax bracket in 2019 is only 37%. You may believe 37% is not low, but it has been much higher in years past. According to the Bradford Tax Institute, the top federal income tax rate was above 60% from 1932 all the way to 1981. Why worry now? The primary driver of future tax increases will be the escalating federal debt, and that figure is ever increasing due to a mismatch in government spending versus revenues.
Building Better Password Habits
Cyberfraud does not always begin with a data breach. Sometimes it starts with a password that is too easy to guess, reused across accounts, or stored in an unsafe place. Building better password habits can help protect your financial information and may strengthen your overall digital security.
Choosing the Right Trust for Your Needs
Trusts can be a flexible and effective planning tool for a variety of purposes, including addressing estate planning needs. Because there are many types of trusts, the right structure depends on an individual’s objectives, assets, beneficiaries, and long-term financial plan.
June Investment Perspectives
In this month’s issue, we look at what’s next for the Strait of Hormuz, compare funds versus bonds, and commemorate the 234th birthday of the New York Stock Exchange.
Managing Finances in a New Marriage: A Checklist for Newlyweds
Marriage is more than a milestone—it’s a meaningful opportunity to align your financial lives and build a shared foundation. Use this checklist to coordinate accounts, clarify goals, and position yourselves to Plan for More together.
5 Top Cybercrime Trends—and How to Protect Yourself
From smart homes to digital wallets, more of our financial lives now live online. While technology creates convenience, it also creates opportunities for cybercriminals. Staying informed about evolving threats—and taking proactive steps—can help you protect one of your most precious assets: your personal and financial information. Here are five cybercrime trends to keep on your radar.
Building a Personalized Asset Allocation for Today’s Markets
A well-defined asset allocation is the foundation of any successful investment strategy. It shapes how your portfolio responds to market changes, balances risk and return, and ultimately helps you stay on track toward your long-term financial goals.
