Financial Advisor

July 25, 2023You’d think before they hand a large sum of money over to a financial advisor, wealthy investors would check out and interview a number of candidates to handle their life savings. However, a new study shows you’d be wrong. Consider working with a financial advisor for expert advice on managing assets and creating or updating a… read more…

July 28, 2023Virtual financial advisors that are based online are emerging as an attractive option for those seeking more affordable, yet tailored financial advice. It’s important to recognize the potential benefits virtual financial advisors offer, grasp the process of working in tandem with one and learn how to select the right advisor for your specific needs. If… read more…

July 19, 2023I’m in my mid-40s, married with four kids. My husband doesn’t want to work and has left the financial responsibilities to me for as long as I can remember. I don’t have much in my savings account or in my 401(k). My annual income is only around $85,000. My eldest is about to start college,… read more…

July 18, 2023I purchased a Ford electric vehicle in February 2023. According to the IRS, it qualifies for a $6,843 tax credit. So in order to get my taxes to this amount, I’m not paying estimated taxes and will take a little more than my required minimum distribution from my IRA to get my tax liability up… read more…

July 28, 2023Navigating the complex world of finance is difficult enough on its own, but when you combine it with the emotional upheaval and legal proceedings of a divorce, it can become overwhelming. Financial planning at different stages of the divorce process is vital to minimize financial risks, ensure fair asset division and build a secure financial… read more…

July 13, 2023I have $800,000 sitting in a money market account because I don’t know what else to do with it. My hope was that I could put it in something that can yield around 4-5% growth. I also have $900,000 in my 401(k) that is sitting in minimal-risk accounts with Vanguard. I will be turning 62… read more…

July 11, 2023I’m looking for a financial advisor who can help me manage my tax-advantaged workplace retirement plan. Finding such a person is turning out to be a real challenge. Some are too expensive (for me) and some don’t take a holistic view of my needs, including goals, risk profile, sources of income and so on. What… read more…

September 14, 2025Working with a financial advisor can make it easier to clarify your financial goals and develop a plan for reaching them. But what makes a good financial advisor? There are certain traits and characteristics that successful financial advisors share, from experience and professionalism to transparency and adaptability. Knowing what to look for can help you… read more…

July 25, 2023My husband and I are both in our early 40s, and he recently received a monetary gift from his deceased father of more than $20,000. We have nothing to speak of in regard to savings or retirement funds. As we’re in our 40s, what would you recommend we do? –Aubrey First of all, I’d like… read more…

August 12, 2025Drivers who would like to make the switch to electric can find a few different tax breaks to help them out. For people who lease, the best option comes via the Inflation Reduction Act. This law can give lessees access to a $7,500 tax credit for electric cars. While a similar credit exists for people… read more…

June 29, 2023I’m trying to nail down what metrics I should use to evaluate how well my retirement account is being managed. I’ve vetted the company that “actively” manages my account. I have $1.5 million invested in a 50/50 mix of stocks… read more…

June 22, 2023I’m 64. I just inherited $50,000. I’m leary of investing it in stocks as I took a bath after 9/11 and saw my $70,000 401(k) cut in half. I have been looking at high-interest savings in digital banks such as… read more…

June 21, 2023The existence of fiduciary duty does not prevent potential conflicts of interest. Could you explain a little more about this idea? What types of conflicts could arise even with a fiduciary? – Marianne Finding a fiduciary is a great start… read more…

June 14, 2023We are a dual-income couple in our mid-50s with over $2 million in our 401(k)s. Should we “sacrifice” the pre-tax benefit and switch to Roth contributions at work? -Wendy Like most tax-related questions, the answer is “it depends.” Based on… read more…

June 30, 2025If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably already suffered through a few tax seasons. While taxes for individuals can be complex, filing business taxes is arguably even more challenging. Hiring a CPA, a certified public accountant, can help, but… read more…

August 15, 2023My wife and I are both 65 years old. She will retire this year and I’ll work until I’m 67. We’ll get about $42,000 in Social Security and have about $1 million in savings. Can we live on $90,000 per… read more…

September 5, 2023I recently attended a retirement seminar at a local community college where the instructor talked about potentially higher tax rates in retirement due to the new RMD age. I have been under the impression throughout my saving career that tax… read more…

June 9, 2023Working with a financial planner has been shown to give retirement investors higher returns, lower stress and more confidence that they’ll have enough money on hand to enjoy their old age. And according to a new survey from Morgan Stanley,… read more…

June 7, 2023Is it possible to have someone advise me on only part of my portfolio and does that make sense? -Marda It really depends on both what you’re trying to achieve and what your financial advisor is willing to accommodate. In… read more…

August 26, 2025How much am I able to earn from an employer if I opt to take my Social Security at age 62 next year? – Glenn To be very clear, you can earn as much money as you want while collecting… read more…

June 2, 2023I’m 54, retired military and get $1,500 a month after taxes and medical deductions. I also have a 457(b) account for my current government job and I have been putting $300 into it each payday. I was paying $1,000 a… read more…

May 31, 2023My company provides both a traditional and Roth 401(k) option. My question is whether I should contribute to a traditional 401(k), Roth 401(k) or a mix of both. I am 31 years old, single and live in San Francisco. My… read more…

September 5, 2023Eight million is the sobering figure economists urge you to remember. If the U.S. were to default on its debt, the repercussions would be large: a staggering loss of more than 8 million jobs, accompanied by a protracted recession that could… read more…

May 30, 2023President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) reached a tentative agreement to raise the U.S. debt ceiling over the weekend, allowing a ray of hope to peek through the fiscal cloud that had been hanging over D.C. This… read more…

May 25, 2023A financial advisor told me the pros of building a two-part bond ladder (three-year Treasurys and 10-year corporates) to generate fixed income and cover required minimum distributions (RMDs). What are the cons? -Ken When used in the right circumstances and… read more…