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Your annual review with your financial advisor is not just a routine check-up; it's a strategic deep-dive into your financial well-being and future aspirations. In this blog, we equip you with essential questions to bring to your meeting, ensuring you maximize this opportunity to align your financial plan with your life's evolving tapestry. Preparing for Your Meeting Before your annual review, ensure you've gathered all relevant financial documents, including investment statements, retirement savings, debts, and any significant changes to your income. Take some time to reflect on any life changes, such as marriage, children, or career shifts, as these Read More

The right investment advisor can be the key to achieving your financial goals, while a non-compliant one can jeopardize your financial security. In this guide, we explore the critical aspects of advisor compliance and how you can ensure that your financial future is in capable and ethical hands. What Makes an Advisor Compliant? At its core, compliance in investment and financial planning is about adhering to legal and ethical standards to ensure clients' best interests are always at the forefront. This includes several key components. Licensing and registration: Advisors must be registered with regulatory bodies like the Securities and Read More

Brokers, broker-dealers, financial planners, investment managers: With so many financial professionals and terminologies, it’s easy to feel lost when deciding who to trust with your financial future. Among the sea of financial terms, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and Financial Advisors frequently surface, but their distinctions aren’t always clear. Here, we take a closer look at these important professions, providing clear insights into what sets them apart and how each can play a pivotal role in helping you navigate your financial waters. Understanding Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) RIAs are professionals or firms that are in the business of providing investment Read More

Achieving financial security can often feel like embarking on a challenging expedition, with rocky terrain, unexpected turns, and distant horizons to reach. But with a comprehensive financial plan as your guide, even the most daunting financial landscapes can be traversed with confidence.Key Components of Your RoadmapThe components of a comprehensive financial plan function as a roadmap, each offering unique insights and strategies to guide you towards your desired destination: long-term financial well-being. From pinpointing your starting location to anticipating the challenges ahead, these components ensure a well-prepared and informed journey.Starting Point: Budget & Cash FlowA foundational step in any financial Read More

Every family has dreams — from owning a home to planning for retirement to ensuring quality education for the kids. The question is, how do you turn these dreams into reality? How do you navigate the complexities of family finances? Discover how finding a financial advisor is the answer to reaching your financial goals. What Is a Family Financial Advisor? A family financial advisor is a financial planner specializing in offering financial advice tailored to families’ unique needs and dynamics. Following core financial planning principles, they help family members optimize their finances to achieve short- and long-term financial security. Read More

Do you have a 10-year financial plan? If not, working towards your goals can feel like scaling a mountain without any tools. But with the right strategies, you can chart a clear path and achieve your long-term milestones. What is a 10-year financial plan? A 10-year financial plan is your blueprint to reach your goals over the next decade. It considers your savings, investments, expenditures, and other financial endeavors, providing a structured approach to achieving various long-term financial objectives. These plans take a slightly different approach than a one- or five-year plan, focusing on growth potential, long-term financial stability, Read More

When you’re enjoying your golden years, the last thing you want is unexpected financial surprises, like Medicare’s Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Luckily, you can keep these charges from impacting your nest egg with some strategic asset management. What Is the IRMAA? The IRMAA is an additional charge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for individuals and couples at higher income levels. In other words, if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds a certain threshold, you’ll be required to pay a higher premium for your Medicare Part B (medical services) and Part D (prescription drugs). How Read More

When working with a financial planner, you want to know that your finances are in the very best hands. To give you the reassurance you need, we look at some of the regulations that competent and trustworthy planners adhere to. Who Sets and Oversees Financial Planner Regulations? The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) are the key players in the regulatory landscape. Both entities work to ensure financial planners and other financial professionals adhere to established standards. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) also sets specific criteria for financial professionals Read More