Financial Advisor

October 13, 2025I’ve been hearing more and more about using home equity as an asset class for retirement planning. It now makes up more than 50% of my net worth, with no mortgage remaining. Please share your thoughts or strategies. – David Home equity can absolutely be an asset class to consider in your retirement plan. There… read more…

October 9, 2025A financial advisor for estate planning provides a future-forward perspective. They can help you build a long-term plan for your financial goals that aligns with the needs of your heirs. From coordinating with attorneys and tax professionals to structuring trust-based wealth transfers, financial advisors can help turn your legacy intentions into actionable strategies. Want to… read more…

October 9, 2025Teachers spend their careers guiding students toward brighter futures, but many face challenges when it comes to securing their own financial well-being. Between managing pensions, navigating complex benefits and planning for retirement, the financial landscape for educators can be overwhelming. An advisor who specializes in helping teachers understands these unique needs, making them a valuable… read more…

October 7, 2025A financial advisor for a Roth IRA can provide guidance on contribution strategies, investment selection and long-term tax planning. Because Roth IRAs grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, how the account is managed over time can make a significant difference. Advisors often help clients decide between traditional and Roth accounts, choose diversified investments… read more…

October 7, 2025Bankruptcy is not a common niche for financial advisors, but many advisors offer support to clients who are rebuilding after a filing. Rather than focusing solely on bankruptcy, they usually include this guidance as part of a broader financial planning approach. Advisors can help design budgets, prioritize debt repayment and develop long-term strategies for financial… read more…

October 6, 2025I have to take RMDs this year. How do I decide if I should convert that money into an existing Roth? What needs to be considered? If so, how should it be done: at one time or in increments? I am considering incrementally over several years. – Ella In many cases, doing Roth conversions even after… read more…

October 1, 2025A financial advisor can help families save for education using 529 plans and align education planning with their broader financial goals. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account, where money grows and is withdrawable for qualified education expenses without federal income tax. While many people open and fund these plans on their own, a financial… read more…

October 1, 2025A financial advisor can helps individuals understand different investment options within the stock market, manage portfolios and align strategies with personal goals. These professionals may guide clients on selecting individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or broader equity strategies depending on risk tolerance and time horizon. By analyzing market conditions and company fundamentals, they can provide… read more…

October 1, 2025An inheritance can feel like both a blessing and a challenge. While it may provide new opportunities for financial security, it also brings complex choices about taxes, investments, and long-term planning—often during an emotional time. Without the right guidance, it’s easy to make decisions that diminish the value of what you’ve received. That’s why working… read more…

September 29, 2025I am a 59-year-old human resource professional with $45,000 in a 401(k), to which I contribute 6%. My husband and I have $95,000 in the market, with $27,000 being in a Roth. My husband is a teacher and has $110,000 in his Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) pension. We still have $40,000 to pay on our… read more…

September 22, 2025I owe about $80,000 on my mortgage and will be retiring within a year but I want to be free of the mortgage payments. Should I use my Roth IRA or IRA to pay off the mortgage? Should I pay off the mortgage in full at once or make large payments over a four-year period?… read more…

September 17, 2025Planning for early retirement requires a different approach than retiring at a traditional age. You have to make your savings last longer, balance growth with stability and manage the risk of leaving the workforce early. A financial advisor who focuses on early retirement can help you build a plan that covers these challenges. They can… read more…

September 15, 2025Net worth and liquid net worth are related financial concepts that provide different insights into your financial picture. Net worth represents the value of everything you own minus what you owe, providing a big-picture view of your wealth. Liquid net worth narrows the focus to assets that can be quickly converted into cash, showing how… read more…

September 15, 2025I am retired but not yet 73. I have been doing Roth IRA conversions for a few years. I know you can’t withdraw the converted principal for a period of five years. My question is when I can access the on-going dividends that were generated from the converted stocks without paying a penalty? – Mayboline  If you’re… read more…

September 8, 2025I’m 44 years old but I’m a late starter in regard to thinking about my retirement. I have a little over $17,000 in my 401(k) and I would like to know what options would be best suited to get the maximum return considering my age and late start. I would also like to work with… read more…

September 2, 2025I’m 73, married and file my taxes jointly with my spouse. My IRA is in Vanguard mutual funds. We make about $8,000 annually in contributions to charities. I understand that direct contributions from an IRA to charities can reduce the amount of taxable RMDs. Do these contributions need to be direct wire transfers from Vanguard… read more…

August 25, 2025I am 66 years old and I still intend to work into my 70s. I have over $250,000 in an IRA (100% no risk, based on interest rates). But as interest rates go down, so does the money it makes. Is there a better solution that is 100% safe? – Ed I take your use… read more…

August 18, 2025My wife and I are 66 years old. She retired at 62 and is already collecting Social Security. I plan to retire at the end of this year at 67. We only have approximately $150,000 in a 401(k) account together and we will get approximately $6,500  in Social Security per month when we retire. We… read more…

August 12, 2025I’m self-employed and own a karate studio in California, which is an S corporation. I have two employees. I don’t have any kind of 401(k) or IRA set up, though I do have approximately $180,000 in U.S. Bonds. My challenge is that I make around $100,000 annually and have very few tax deductions since I… read more…

August 7, 2025Savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts serve different purposes for managing cash. Savings accounts offer flexibility and quick access to funds, making them useful for emergency savings or short-term needs. CDs typically pay higher interest but require you to keep your money locked in for a set period, with penalties for… read more…

August 5, 2025I inherited an IRA from an aunt in 2009 and have been receiving the RMD each year since 2010. If the 10-year rule went into effect in 2019, how does it affect my inherited IRA from that point forward?  Does that mean I have to draw it down to zero by 2029? If so, can any… read more…

July 31, 2025While 529 plans offer tax-advantaged growth and withdrawals for qualified education expenses, they also come with restrictions that may not suit every family’s needs. There are several alternatives to 529 plans worth considering, depending on your financial goals, risk tolerance and level of flexibility. Options like custodial accounts, Roth IRAs and taxable investment accounts can… read more…

July 31, 2025If you own or plan to buy a second home, you can often deduct property taxes. But, the IRS limits how much you can claim each year. These deductions apply only if you itemize, and the total cap for all state and local taxes (including property taxes) is $10,000 per year. A financial advisor can… read more…

July 31, 2025The One Big Beautiful Bill Act proposes significant changes to federal student loan programs that could impact millions of educational borrowers. Most impacts will be felt in 2026, but some will start in 2025. Key changes include eliminating subsidized loans for undergraduates and ending PLUS loans for graduate students and parents. The law also imposes… read more…

July 31, 2025If you want to buy a $400,000 house, you may be wondering how much income you need to qualify. This can vary based on your down payment, interest rate, debts and even location. However, there are some general rules that can help you set a realistic target. Most lenders evaluate your ability to repay using… read more…