
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.

Marriage, Divorce, and Financial Planning: Building and Protecting Your Financial Future
Marriage is not just a union of hearts. It is also a merger of finances, responsibilities, and legal commitments. When that union ends, whether amicably or not, the financial consequences can be significant. Preparing for these transitions with a clear financial strategy is one of the most empowering steps you can take.

Planning Strategies for Remaining 529 Balances
If you saved more for college than you needed, here’s how to make the most of the leftover funds.

Life Events May Trigger Lending Needs
Life is full of events and circumstances that may throw financial curveballs, which is why when it comes to your liquidity needs, your financial plan should address borrowing solutions that may be immediately accessible, when and if necessary.

Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached.

Leveraging Annuities During Market Uncertainty
During economic uncertainty and market instability, annuities can be a powerful tool for securing your investments and financial future—offering asset protection, tax deferral, guaranteed income, and peace of mind.

June Investment Perspectives
In this issue, we discuss how Corporate America has defied challenges, how trade balance might influence the “flow” theory of bond demand, and why it’s important not to overlook the value of a picture.