Financial Advisor

November 21, 2025Retirement is a new stage of life that may include travel, part-time work, new interests or a slower pace. Preparing for it often involves more than saving, since you may need to think about how your income will change, how long your savings might last and which accounts to use first. A financial advisor who… read more…

November 17, 2025I’m 68 and currently receive spousal survivor Social Security benefits. Can I switch to my own Social Security benefit? –Sylvia Sylvia, I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. Thank you for the question, and yes, you can switch to your own benefit. It would make sense to do that if your own benefit is… read more…

November 10, 2025I am a 60-year-old male and I want to retire when I turn 63 and move to Colombia. My house will be paid off in one year and I plan on transferring the deed to my son. When I retire, I will have a $400-per-month pension, an estimated Social Security benefit of $2,700 per month,… read more…

November 7, 2025A financial advisor for investing may help you develop and manage a portfolio based on your financial goals. They can provide guidance on diversification, risk exposure, and potential tax considerations. An advisor may also assist with reviewing your investment approach as your circumstances or the market change. If you want to create an investment plan,… read more…

November 7, 2025A financial advisor who specializes in working with women can help create strategies tailored to the financial challenges that many women experience. From balancing caregiving responsibilities and career changes to planning for longer retirements, this type of guidance focuses on goals that reflect real-life priorities. Support in areas like investing, retirement planning and estate management… read more…

November 5, 2025Both home equity loans and personal loans can help you access the funds you may need for a large expense, but they come with different costs, risks and eligibility requirements. A home equity loan uses your house as collateral and may offer lower interest rates, while a personal loan is unsecured and typically easier to… read more…

November 5, 2025A secured loan is backed by collateral, such as your home or vehicle, while an unsecured loan does not require any pledged assets. Each type of loan comes with its own set of trade-offs. However, the most appropriate option typically depends on your credit and financial goals, as well as the amount you want to… read more…

November 3, 2025I’ve received letters from the thrift savings plan (TSP) and from my IRA holder that I am subject to RMDs this year. I’ve also been advised that converting these qualified funds to annuities and beginning distributions (which would then be completely taxable) satisfies the RMD requirements, which would then no longer apply. What are your… read more…

October 23, 2025Families comparing a 529 plan vs. a Trump Account are weighing two distinct ways to build long-term savings for education and other child-related expenses. A 529 plan remains a dedicated education savings vehicle, allowing tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified academic expenses. The Trump Account, created in 2025, provides more flexibility: each eligible child receives… read more…

October 20, 2025My husband does not have a living trust, nor am I on his bank accounts as a beneficiary. I’m also not on the title of our home that we have lived in for the past 30+ years. What are the repercussions that I may run into should he perish before me? All I have is… read more…

October 13, 2025Applying for a loan can be challenging, particularly if a significant share of your income already goes toward debt. Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to measure repayment capacity, and a high DTI may limit your borrowing options. However, it does not automatically disqualify you. Understanding how lenders interpret your DTI and reviewing strategies to… read more…

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…

October 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…