For Mark Roberts' Use: In the past few years, you might have seen encouraging reports on the state of the economy. Unemployment is low, and in general we’ve seen positive trends in the stock market. Of course, many people’s feelings about the economy are still divided along party lines. But with regard to personal household [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If you’re like many people, you might be feeling a bit of anxiety over filing your federal income taxes this year. This is especially true for those who have heard what seems like bad news regarding certain deductions. If you’re accustomed to claiming all of your state, local, and property taxes [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As retirement planners, we always remind our clients to anticipate potential rising costs throughout retirement. That way, you can adjust your budget and withdrawal schedule accordingly. The cost of healthcare is one of those fluctuating expenses. While Medicare and supplemental insurance plans can help you keep your expenses more predictable, their [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: It’s that time of year again! Did you set any New Year’s resolutions? If so, you’re probably ready to dive in and tackle your new goals. But if you do, keep in mind that changing your lifestyle often means changes to your budget. To avoid adding additional strain to your financial [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As financial advisors, we often hear of individuals who allowed their term life insurance contracts to expire. Twenty or so years after selecting the policy, replacing it with a permanent life insurance plan might require a premium increase that feels uncomfortable. But going without life insurance is an enormous risk of [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, and the leftovers in your refrigerator have finally disappeared, the holiday shopping season is in full swing. We know it’s easy to get carried away at this time of year, and suffer a bit of buyer’s remorse when credit card statements arrive in January. To [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: We all know that the purpose of auto and homeowner’s insurance (and certain types of business insurance) is to cover financial losses in the event of an accident or natural disaster. When your personal assets are damaged, your insurance policy kicks in to cover the loss, up to the limits stated [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Imagine you receive a phone call, and the voice on the other end of the line informs you that they are a representative from Social Security. This person goes on to tell you that due to suspicion of illegal activity, all of your accounts have been suspended. Unless you call another number [...]
You’ve maintained life insurance coverage for years now, because you understood the importance of protecting your family in the event that something might happen to you. But as retirement approaches, or if you’re already retired, you might be thinking about that decades-old plan. Your children are grown and self-sufficient, so do you still need that [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Giving to charity feels good and makes a difference in the world, but it can also earn you a valuable income tax deduction. Of course, as with anything concerning taxes, strict rules and procedures apply to these donations, in order to be counted on your tax return. So, how can you give [...]