September 27, 2023

We're very pleased to announce that our Westminster, MD branch has once again been named the winner of Carroll's Best in the "Investment Center" category. We sincerely thank all of those who voted as well as recognize the accomplishments of the other category winners and honorable mentions.
September 19, 2023

Determine How Life Insurance Fits in Your Financial Plan
Insurance can be a "dirty" word in some circles, but risk management is a critical component of managing your personal balance sheet and income statement. With so many types of insurance and so many options, where to start can be daunting. Our team takes it one step at a time, and we usually start with life insurance.
If you have more questions than answers when it comes to life insurance, check out this useful checklist to start the process of determining if you need it, and if you do--what solution best fits your needs. If you'd like to dive deeper into the risk management conversation or assess your current approach, please contact our team today!
September 16, 2023

Tax & Estate Planning Virtual Seminar
Whether it’s the possibility of tax laws changing soon or recent updates impacting inherited retirement accounts, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to tax and estate planning.
Join us for this exclusive virtual seminar where we will explore what to do before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets, estate & gift planning strategies, charitable gifting, and income tax planning opportunities, as well as new provisions in Secure Act & Secure Act 2.0, types of beneficiaries and the new 10-year payout, using trusts as beneficiaries, and incorporating Secure Act & Secure Act 2.0 within your financial plan.
September 12, 2023

The Changing Landscape of 529 Plans
Summer is over and America is back to school. The adjustment period for everyone can be challenging but it can also get you thinking about long-term education funding. In recent years, there have been numerous policy changes related to 529 plans that can have significant additional benefits beyond just paying for education. Learn more about these changes and the implications for 529 plan owners and beneficiaries in the linked article.
September 05, 2023

Making a Charitable Gift? Consider a QCD
If you are still looking to satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) requirement for 2023, you should consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution. It is a way to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distributions from an IRA while also supporting your charitable giving. The article can help you learn more and if you have further questions, you can reach out to us directly.
September 05, 2023

Evaluating Your College Savings Withdrawal Strategy
If you have a high school senior who will be attending college next year, you’ll need to start withdrawing from your college savings account(s).
August 28, 2023

Protecting the value of your business for the next generation
If you're a small business owner, it's important to have a succession plan in place. Read more to make sure you are prepared to protect the value of your business.
August 22, 2023

A Family Conversation on Estate Planning
Our team's advice doesn't end after we discuss tax-efficiency or investment planning. We are strong advocates for financial wellness for all our clients and their families, regardless of their stage in life. Legacy planning sometimes gets overlooked in the umbrella of financial wellness. Having a discussion about your estate plan can help avoid surprises, lead to better financial planning, and help develop a long-lasting family legacy.
Read more for some tips on how to get your conversation started. If you're interested in learning more or discussing with us how to facilitate a family legacy conversation, please contact us today.
August 15, 2023

Tax-Smart Charitable Gifting Strategies
Legacy planning is a strategic, long-term conversation we have with clients in our holistic financial planning process. But were you aware that given the current tax law, there are some unique strategies available to you that can benefit your favorite charities while also being tax-smart? That sounds like a "win-win" situation to us!
Click the article below to learn more about charitable gifting strategies that could fit your situation and financial plan.
August 08, 2023

Insurance Solutions for Business Owners
Insurance is a critical component of financial plans for individuals as well as business owners. Furthermore, it has the ability to be a multi-faceted and multi-purpose tool for businesses and their owners. This article shares some important considerations for the protection of you and your business, including how insurance can align with your business goals. If you're interested in diving deeper, we're happy to discuss it in more detail and collaborate with our network of insurance professionals to find the right solution for your situation.
August 03, 2023

Approaching Retirement: What You Should Be Doing Now
After years of saving and working toward your financial goals, it’s finally time to retire - but what’s next? Here are some considerations and questions to ask yourself to ensure a smooth transition to retirement.
We've helped numerous clients through the exciting (and sometimes anxious) transition into retirement, reach out to us today if we can answer any questions or concerns you may have about your financial future.
August 02, 2023

Window of Opportunity: Leveraging the Estate and Gift Tax Exemption
In anticipation of a significant decrease of the estate and gift tax exemption limit, here are strategies to help leverage this opportunity through tax-efficient wealth transfer.
July 25, 2023

Window of Opportunity: Leveraging the Estate and Gift Tax Exemption
Both the estate and gift tax exemption limits are currently at a historic high. Even if these lofty numbers seem out of reach currently, continued asset growth may create a tax liability in the future when the limits revert to their previous levels.
The article below presents some strategies and considerations for a tax-efficient wealth transfer and how they can play a role in your financial plan.
If you'd like to discuss these strategies in more detail, please feel free to contact us.
July 18, 2023

Community involvement is a cornerstone of our team culture and we're always humbled when our engagement and efforts are recognized.
One of our own, Coleen Kramer Beal, was recently selected as an Honorable Mention in this year's Invest in Others Awards for her work with the Marriage and Relationship Education Center (MREC).
The Invest in Others Awards program recognizes financial advisors who are making a different with charities across the country and around the world. You can learn more at the link below:
https://www.investinothers.org/recipient/2023-honorable-mentions/
Congratulations Coleen!
#investinothers #iioawards #bethechangeyouwanttosee
July 11, 2023

Life Events May Trigger Lending Needs
When used appropriately, strategic borrowing can help enhance your overall wealth plan. Here are examples of when borrowing may be beneficial and some solutions.
July 03, 2023

What to Do Before the TCJA Provisions Sunset
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is currently scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025, meaning significant changes are on the horizon for taxpayers. This article provides strategies to help mitigate the potential tax risks.
June 27, 2023

Using insurance to help protect your income
Insurance can be a valuable tool when it comes to your family’s safety and security. Learn about the benefits of life and disability insurance in helping protect your income.
June 26, 2023

The Washington Update
An overview of the political environment, prospective legislation, and strategies for investment and retirement planning.
Congress passed a spate of legislation last year, including SECURE Act 2.0, which extends the “ROTHification” of retirement savings in the United States. Learn about the many opportunities and changes for retirement savers and retirees during our exclusive virtual seminar.
Political and financial correspondent Jeff Bush will provide a nonpartisan, comprehensive overview of the political environment, prospective legislation, and strategies for investment and retirement planning to help you stay on track toward your financial goals.