Financial Advisor

October 28, 2025I am 57 and have $1.1 million in my 401(k) and $50,000 in a high-yield savings account. I earn $300,000 per year and put $30,000 in my 401(k) each year plus a match on the first 6%. I have a $220,000 mortgage on a home valued at $550,000. I would like to retire at 62… read more…

January 10, 2025Borrowing from your life insurance policy can be a quick and convenient way to get cash in hand whether you need the money for an emergency expense or an impromptu vacation. Below, we’ll explore how quickly you can borrow from your life insurance policy, the potential benefits and drawbacks of life insurance loans, as well… read more…

December 5, 2023Red-hot inflation pushed the cost of living in the U.S. higher and higher over the last two years. But as inflation abates and Americans continue to migrate to different parts of the country, the relative expense of different areas may still change with demand.   To see where the cost of living has gone up the… read more…

August 8, 2023If you’re looking to build wealth, get ready for retirement or anything in between, you may find it helpful to work with a financial advisor. Not only can these experts guide your investments and saving during your working years, their advice can be vital to managing the complicated questions of taxes and withdrawals after you… read more…

August 4, 2023When it comes to managing your hard-earned money, would you rather entrust it to a registered investment advisor (RIA) or an investment adviser representative (IAR)? An RIA often refers to a firm that is registered with the SEC or their state’s securities agency while an IAR refers to individuals working at the RIA, who provide… read more…

August 2, 2023Inflation has begun to cool, and that may translate to some assets. The Treasury’s Series I Bonds, or “ I bonds,” are no longer the prized savings tool they were 12 months ago. As cost increases slowed over the past year as Federal Reserve raised interest rates, it was inevitable that this inflation-tied asset would… read more…

January 9, 2025Developing money management skills can help you get better at saving and investing, both of which are important for building wealth. A financial advisor can lend their expertise to help you get where you want to go. If you have a low income or limited budget, you might assume that hiring an advisor is off… read more…

September 25, 2025I’m 73 and my 401(k) hasn’t been doing well for the last few years. Would it be a good idea for me to withdraw my money from my 401(k) and pay the tax that I will have to pay eventually anyway, and then invest the rest of my money in CDs? -Archie Your desire for… read more…

August 2, 2023In my 401(k) retirement plan, I’m 82% stocks. I’m 65 and still working. Should I be moving my stocks to bonds? -Bob While it’s not a satisfying answer, the real answer is that “it depends.” The decision of whether to shift your 401(k) to a more conservative asset allocation will depend primarily on your longer-term… read more…

August 1, 2023I am a hairstylist working as a commissioned employee, not an independent contractor. My employer offers no benefits, so I have been doing it on my own with a Roth IRA and taxable brokerage account. Are there any other tax-advantaged options for my situation? -Darcy Yes, as an employee your options are more limited. If… read more…

July 31, 2023It’s been well-documented that American workers aren’t saving enough for their retirement, and both federal and state governments have been taking action to avoid having a nation full of poverty-stricken senior citizens. Now, a total of 18 states are requiring employers who don’t offer a 401(k) account or similar workplace retirement savings plan to automatically… read more…

July 28, 2023The choice between engaging a stock broker or a financial advisor can be a question occupying your mind as you embark on organizing and growing your finances. Making informed decisions about your financial management requires understanding the distinguishing aspects of these two roles. Both professionals have different responsibilities, qualifications and payment methods. A financial advisor… read more…

July 25, 2023I’m 77 years old and I requested my 401(k) fund administrator to prepare my RMD. I was told I do not have to withdraw my money if I am still employed. Please confirm if this in fact an IRS rule or that of the fund management company? -Bea That is correct, Bea. If you are… read more…

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…