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Unlocking Your Social Security Potential: A Comprehensive Guide
Nearly every American worker includes Social Security benefits as part of their comprehensive retirement plan. As a member of the workforce, you pay Social Security taxes, which earn you “credits,” that go toward your Social Security...
Read MoreMidyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn
Midyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn By LPL Financial Research As we reach the halfway point of 2024, a sense of persistence defines the economic and market landscape. Trends from late 2023 have continued, with surprisingly...
Read MoreThree Types of Insurance You Need Even on a Budget
Insurance is designed to provide coverage for some of life's biggest disasters—fire, floods, car crashes, disability, and death. But when you're on a tight budget, paying even a few extra dollars a month for an insurance policy you may...
Read MoreExercise, Diet, and Financial Wellness - 3 Tips to Ensure You're in Good Financial Health for Retire
To maintain good physical health, most people must exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and keep stress to a minimum. Achieving financial wellness is no different. It requires careful planning, smart decision-making, and consistent...
Read More529 Plans Demystified: What Affluent Families Need to Know
As an affluent family, planning for your children's education is likely a top priority. You want to ensure that they have access to the best education possible without worrying about the high cost of tuition; thought about a 529 plan?
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The Role of Luck in Retirement Planning: Separating Myths from Realities
What is luck? Most dictionaries define it more or less as something good or bad that happens to you, by chance or otherwise, that you find, or don’t find, desirable.
Read MoreDigital Payments and Taxes: What You Need to Know Before You File
In an unexpected turn of events, the IRS announced another delay in the implementation of the new reporting rule that would require third-party payment apps, for example, Zelle, PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, to report earned income over...
Read MoreGen Xers: “Can I Afford to Retire on My Terms?”
Financial education, planning, lifestyle adjustments and advice are crucial As Generation X, often referred to as the "forgotten generation," inches closer to retirement, a unique set of challenges and concerns emerges. Born between...
Read MoreHigh-Net-Worth Retirement Planning: 6 Ideas to Help You Get Your Finances in Order
Do you consider yourself a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? Most people tend not to categorize themselves or see themselves as anything more than a spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss, or business owner. However, society does...
Read MoreHow Portfolio Diversification Can Be Sweet Like a Box of Chocolates
In the world of investing, risk and reward go hand-in-hand. To help manage risk and reward, investors often utilize a portfolio diversification strategy that mitigates risk while working toward accumulation across asset classes....
Read More5 Homeowner Estate Planning Tips to Consider
Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...
Read More4 Tax Planning Tips for High-Net-Worth Families
Tax planning might be complex, but it's also essential—especially for high-net-worth families, where missing tax breaks or failing to optimize income could cost significant dollars, maybe millions, over a lifetime. And even in...
Read MoreKey Estate Planning Documents You Need
There are five estate planning documents you may need, regardless of your age, health, or wealth: 1. Durable power of attorney, 2. Advance medical directives, 3. Will, 4. Letter of instruction, 5. Living trust.
Read MoreYear-end Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals
As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning.
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all.
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer and Generation X
A call to action for Generation X to improve their retirement readiness. For many members of Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1980, a comfortable retirement may feel like an increasingly distant dream.
Read MoreOwnership of Life Insurance: Estate Planning
What are the ownership issues of life insurance? In estate planning, life insurance is purchased for several reasons.
Read MoreFinding Focus with Financial Planning: A Step-By-Step Guide
You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition.
Read MoreTips to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes
With a few simple actions, you can ensure your estate planning is effective. Whether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details, which are often overlooked, that can undermine your plan’s effectiveness.
Read MoreDisconnect Between the Markets & the Economy
Trying to reconcile recent market advances with not-so-good economic data. U.S. stock markets continue to trend up as optimism returns to Wall Street while Main Street USA continues to struggle.
Read MoreStocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes
Managing Investment Returns with Tax-Efficient Strategies. Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income.
Read More4 Tax-Efficient Ways to Help Your Kids Pay for College
From 2008 to 2022, the cost of in-state tuition at public universities rose nearly 80%.1 The high price tag now associated with a college education makes it critical for families to carefully plan how to pay for higher education expenses.
Read MoreA Look at Your Portfolio Mix
With the onset of higher taxes, taxpayers in the upper brackets may want to reposition their portfolios.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2023: The Path Toward Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change.
Read MoreA Mid-Year Financial Plan Review Makes Sense
“Old-fashioned” practices, such as periodic financial reviews, can lead to greater confidence in the long run. As the year passes its midpoint, why not spend a few hours reviewing your finances?
Read MoreDo You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?
Every day we’re bombarded with reports of what’s hot and what’s not – fueling a fear of missing out (FOMO) on some great investment opportunity. Here are some tips to avoid derailing your investment strategies.
Read MoreHigh Net-Worth Individuals: Are You Missing Opportunities in Your Financial Planning?
High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Here are a few tips for preparing for retirement after earning a high income.
Read MoreInvesting in Your 60s and Beyond
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? Here are a few ideas.
Read MoreAs Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry
Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. Here are a few exercises that you can take to get ready for the reality of retirement.
Read MoreShould Retirement Be Hard Work?
It may be safe to say that, when it comes to retirement, the best-laid plans can be made well before the traditional retirement age of 65.
Read More6 Tips for Reducing Social Security Taxes
Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Here are some factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances.
Read MoreRe-fired Not Retired: Making the Best of the Rest of Your Life
Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from excitement. In fact, it is the perfect time to ‘refire’ your passion and make your retirement the newest chapter in your life.
Read MoreSectors to Consider if Inflation Continues to Rise
Are there certain S&P 500 sectors that might perform better if inflation rises? Here are some sectors to consider if inflation continues to rise.
Read MoreGary Edmonds Recognized as One of LPL Financial's Top Financial Advisors
GARY EDMONDS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF LPL FINANCIAL’S TOP FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Read MoreBeltway Featured in DC Magazine
We are excited to share our feature in the February issue of DC Magazine! Click the button below to view the magazine column featuring wealth management insights and more.
Read MoreA Quick Guide to Estate Planning for Those With High Net Worth
For many individuals who hope to leave a legacy for their loved ones, estate planning may take on new importance. Here are two estate planning tips our financial advisors recommend for every high-net-worth individual to consider.
Read MoreYour Wallet May Love These 6 Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts
You may not have to spend much money to celebrate Valentine's Day. You can show your special someone that you love them with sweet gifts that might be easier on the wallet.
Read MoreDo You Need Financial Wellness?
Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn't have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial...
Read MoreNew Year, New Goals: Your Countdown to Financial Health
Nothing says "new start" like financial goals. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your buck over the next year? Here we discuss three New Year's resolutions that may help you get your new year off to a great start.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2023: Finding Balance
In 2023, we look to equity markets to find balance between key macroeconomic factors—inflation, interest rates, and Fed policy—and business fundamentals. Our economic and market forecasts for 2023 can help us navigate the year ahead.
Read More2022 Year-End Tax Tips
Here are seven year-end tax tips to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year.
Read MoreHow to Minimize Taxes During Market Downturns
Understanding long-term capital gains taxes when you sell investmentsMarket downturns could be a good time to adjust your fund portfolio to minimize the tax bite. Here’s how to calculate the best ways to do that – now and...
Read MoreWorried About Your Financial Health? It May Be Time For A Checkup
When was the last time you gave yourself a financial checkup? As the saying goes, there’s no time like the present. This is especially true when it comes to reviewing the current state of your finances and figuring out what you...
Read MoreA Quick Guide to Estate Planning for Those With High Net Worth
Even if you never thought of yourself as especially wealthy, there may be a fair chance that you fall into the category of "high net worth individuals"—those who have liquid assets of $1 million or more.1 For many individuals who...
Read MoreValue Investing and Today’s Affluent Portfolio
Every consumer likes a good bargain, particularly value investors, who seek out stocks trading for less than their intrinsic value. By choosing companies the market has undervalued, or investing in mutual funds with similar objectives,...
Read MoreUnderstanding Tax Loss Harvesting
What is Tax Loss Harvesting? When investments in taxable accounts do not perform as hoped and actually lose value, investors may be able to take advantage of tax benefits to help offset their losses. The concept of tax loss harvesting...
Read MoreFive Keys to Investing for Retirement
Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...
Read MoreBack to Basics - Diversification and Asset Allocation
When investing, particularly for long-term goals, there are two concepts you will likely hear about over and over again — diversification and asset allocation.Diversification helps limit exposure to loss in any one investment or...
Read MoreSetting and Targeting Investment Goals
Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...
Read MoreThe Simple Life: 3 Tips for Simplifying Your Financial Life
If you sometimes feel like your financial life has too many moving parts, you may be looking for ways to get back to the basics—without letting anything slip through the cracks. Fortunately, simplifying your finances does not...
Read More5 Financial Facts About the Sandwich Generation
The "sandwich generation" is the descriptive term for adults generally between the ages of 40 and 59 who are raising a minor child (or supporting a grown child) while also caring for a retirement-age or older parent. With financial...
Read More5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs
A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...
Read MoreWhat Should You Do as Markets Flirt with Bears?
Market declines should inform – not drive - your asset allocation decisionsThe standard definition of a bear market is when major U.S. stock indices, such as the S&P 500, drop by 20% or more from their peak. And 5+ months...
Read MoreNavigating Market Volatility–or Not
Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation. Attempting to time the market by...
Read MoreWhat Do Rising Interest Rates Mean for Your Money?
Although rising interest rates make it more expensive for consumers and businesses to borrow, retirees and others who seek income could benefit from higher yields on savings accounts and CDs.On March 16, 2022, the Federal Open Market...
Read MoreHigh Net-Worth Individuals: Are You Missing Opportunities in Your Financial Planning?
High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...
Read MoreApril is Financial Literacy Month
Too many people just don’t have it, but your financial professional can helpApril is National Financial Literacy Month – an entire month dedicated to underscoring the importance of learning, establishing and maintaining...
Read MoreWhat Federal Government Employees Should Know About Retirement
Federal employees have different benefits than other workers, including an annuity (or pension) and the Thrift Savings Plan program. However, navigating these benefits may sometimes be a challenge. What should federal government...
Read MoreHigh-Income Individuals Face New Medicare-Related Taxes
The health-care reform legislation enacted in 2010 included new Medicare-related taxes that first took effect in 2013. These new taxes target high-income individuals and families. Here are the basics:Additional Medicare payroll taxIf...
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