Blog

Tax Planning Strategies for Business Owners

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Political and economic factors suggest a higher tax environment is possible. Understand your options for income, corporate and estate tax planning. Democratic U.S. Senate candidates swept the Georgia run-offs in early January,...

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment

Alina Aloian

Monday, November 9, 2020

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored...

Insurance solutions later in life

Sue Chung

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Key Points Life insurance can do more than provide financial support for your beneficiaries. It’s good to revisit life insurance during your 50s and 60s as solutions may be more accessible and less costly than you might think. An...

Annuities can Protect Lifetime Income and Mitigate Retirement Risk

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Saving for retirement can be difficult—that's just reality. This may especially be the case when investors have expenses right now that need addressing. Fortunately, there are several different ways that Americans can save for...

How Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?

Gregory J. Sneed

Thursday, August 20, 2020

"Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years.So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they...

Federal Student Loan payments paused due to COVID-19

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Thursday, August 20, 2020

This month, many universities and colleges are welcoming students back to campus, even if most campuses are largely online this year.But that's not all that's different. The current administration has issued an executive memorandum...

Retirement Income: 5 factors to consider

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Key Points Key financial decisions can impact your income and taxes at a certain stage of retirement. Strategic planning may extend your retirement income. Your Ameriprise financial advisor can help you consider your options across...

How To Make Financial Comeback

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Friday, July 17, 2020

Key Points Most investors (73%) have experienced at least one major financial setback of some kind in their life, according to the Ameriprise Financial Comebacks study. The most common financial setbacks among investors in the past are...

The Last 6 Months

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

After a six-month sprint through a diabolical obstacle course of new laws, a pandemic, record unemployment, deaths, confusion and complete disruption of everyone’s professional and personal lives, this seems like a good time to...

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? Here’s How to Find Out

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

A good rule of thumb is 10 times your salary. But your actual number may be different. How much life insurance you need is like your fingerprint — it’s unique to you. Your employer’s policy may cover your salary for...

Some people may think they can't work — or shouldn't work — while collecting Social Security benefits. But that's not the case. However, it's important to understand how the retirement earnings test (RET) could affect your benefits.

A full trip around the sun is always reason to pause and celebrate. It’s also a good time to reflect, to think about where you are, and where you want to be.

According to the report, the percentage of women in SVP and C-suite positions rose from 40% to 49% over the last six years. Despite this progress, women are often still seen as the primary caregivers of children, elderly parents and others

No one is ever ready emotionally for the death of a spouse. But you can prepare financially for the decision-making and reduced income you may someday face.

A living trust is a legal document that places your assets into a trust for your benefit (you’re the trustee) while you’re alive and then transfers those assets, via your “successor trustee,” to beneficiaries after you die or become disable

Just because you can lower your monthly payment doesn’t mean you’ll save money. That’s especially true if you pay closing costs — one-time fees due when you take out a loan — when you refinance.

It’s shocking to me that people will spend more time and money investigating and paying for the right summer camp for a child than putting together a plan that can impact that child’s well-being for the rest of his or her life.

There’s never been a great coach worth a damn who didn’t believe in planning. Coaches will stay in the office late at night planning. Heck, they’ll stay in the office all night if they think it will give them an edge.

More advanced plans can model certain capital gains strategies, including tax-loss harvesting, which helps to offset investment gains and preserve more of your principal.

Statistically, of course, older couples who have passed their peak earning years will have more assets (and more savings) than younger couples, so deciding how to divide them will be crucial.

Saving and paying for college can be a challenging goal and you may be among the many people who worry about the financial pressure that funding higher education can bring.

Most people don't want to think about the health-related what-ifs that come with aging, let alone talk about them—especially with family. Nonetheless, that conversation is critical to have.

The next time you switch jobs, be sure to have a plan for your retirement funds so you don’t lose track of them. After all, when you’re saving for a decades-long retirement, every dollar counts.

Deferrals. What is the average deferral rate among plan participants? Is it higher for the highest-earning employees? While this tendency is common, you want all plan participants to contribute to their accounts at a decent level.

You can contribute to a Roth IRA if your MAGI is within certain limits. For 2021, if you file your federal tax return as single or head of household, you can make a full Roth contribution if your income is $125,000 or less.

Yes, Medicaid will begin to cover your long-term care expenses, but only if you are in a nursing home and only after you have spent your assets down to $2,000. Medicaid can also dictate which nursing home you will go to.

What women need to know:Have you earned a retirement benefit(s) at any of your jobs?Do you know how much your benefit(s) will be?Do you know what happens to your benefit if you change jobs?Do you know what happens to your benefit if...

In an extreme example of the 5-Year Forever Clock, James is 43 years old. He opens his very first Roth IRA with a $5,000 contribution. Two years later, when James is 45, the account is worth $6,000 and James is in financial straits.

Teaching kids how to work hard and save money is challenging for many parents. It certainly was for me. My wife and I were never quite sure we were getting through, but we kept trying. Somehow something must have worked.

It’s not unusual for the Super Rich (those with a net worth of $500 million or more) to have family offices and a legion of professional advisors to help them create and implement financial plans.

The first step in developing a successful income plan for retirement is understanding your options. Here are points you should discuss with your financial professional to make sure you’re on track for the retirement you want.

One of the primary benefits of fixed-indexed annuities is tax deferral. Much like an IRA, the money you place in a fixed-indexed annuity grows tax-free as long as it stays in the fixed-indexed annuity.

Because hiring and training new workers can be time-consuming and costly, some employers may be more willing to make concessions to keep the employees they already have.

Some pundits claim that investors can only survive the overvalued U.S. equity markets as selective stock pickers, but this kind of advice always seems to be offered in the midst of market volatility.

"How can I plan?" asked Mary. "We just sold our home and bought a retirement condo. Our older child just moved across the country and our younger child will be getting married later this year. With so much change, how can we make plans?"

Regardless of how older moms and dads come into parenting, they all want to create a stable financial life for their little ones while negotiating the life changes that come with age. Here are some ways to help juggle both those goals.

In the most literal sense, whole life insurance is not an investment — it’s life insurance. But it also accumulates cash value that’s tax-advantaged, guaranteed to grow and never declines in value.

Estate Planning is an essential component to your overall financial plan.  It allows you to gain more control over aspects of your life both during your lifetime and after your death. 

As you go through life, you’re likely to have many financial goals: saving for retirement, paying for your child’s education or wedding, or having enough for emergencies.

If you want guaranteed income in retirement and don’t have a need for your life insurance anymore, you can do something known as a 1035 exchange for an annuity.

Perhaps you are facing financial challenges but have never worked with a financial planner. Maybe you are asking yourself whether you need help with your finances, which could be a sign you do.

Inheriting money is a mixed blessing. It likely means that you lost a loved one while also experiencing the gift of a financial legacy. But when you’re about to receive an inheritance, you may be unsure as to what to do with it.

If you and your spouse disagree on whether to let your child move home, Abramson says you may need a third party to help you sort it out. She says the decision can be particularly tough if you are remarried.

Update your will and any trusts to designate who you want to inherit your assets, now that what you own and your wishes are different than they had been in the past.

Roth IRAs face some significant restrictions, however. The first is that your child must have earned income. The second restriction is that Roths have annual contribution limits.

Most experts recommend keeping an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months of living expenses. Some even say your emergency fund should be enough to last a year.

Open communication is vital when you and your partner talk about current and future financial goals. Your financial advisor is a neutral guide who can help you work together to bring your shared vision to life. 

Kids or no kids, people are living longer, which makes retirement planning a priority for everyone. This means you’ll have to think about how to make your retirement income last.

Even if you still make mortgage payments, the equity in your home is a valuable asset. And current low interest rates might give you an opportunity to pay off your home more quickly. Here are some ideas to consider.

The powerful financial planning experience I am talking about starts with the right kind of financial planner. Not all financial plans are equal and neither are financial planners.

With an estimated $3.2 trillion expected to be passed down to inheritors in the U.S. over the next generation, the question of how and when to transfer assets is one that many families will have to grapple with.

Even if you have a hands-off approach to your finances most of the year, taking a few key steps at year’s end can make a big difference in your finances short-term and get you on track for a stronger financial future.

Almost half of adult Americans in their 40s and 50s are part of the sandwich generation — meaning they have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a child under 18 or financially supporting a grown child.

Get other family members in on the goal of saving for college by asking them to contribute to your kid’s 529 college savings plan in lieu of gifts for holidays or birthdays.

January is the time for resetting, redefining and redesigning our lives. Enjoy a strong start to the new decade with these five financial planning tips for women.

But how do you know what you’re supposed to do? It can feel very overwhelming. Here’s a list of common steps to help reduce stress during this time.

Even potentially profitable investments, such as a stake in a business or limited partnership, must be weighed against liquid assets you can use now to establish long-term security.

If health care is a potential concern, consider contributing the maximum amount to a health savings account. Your financial advisor can discuss the strategy and benefits with you.

It’s a tough conversation for any parent to have: Do you know what would happen to your kids if you were to pass away? Who would be their primary caretaker? Would they have enough money for necessities, let alone college?

In states that impose a separate estate or other transfer tax, there may be a sixth reason if state law doesn’t afford a portability election similar to federal law.

As a financial advisor, I work with my clients in all phases of their lives – estate planning, retirement, inheritance, sale of business, death of a spouse, and divorce.

One of the more difficult realities of estate planning is recognizing that while you can provide for your family after you’re gone, your presence will be missed

Designating Beneficiaries

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The beneficiaries you select for your retirement accounts can have a significant impact on the financial future of your family and/or other heirs.

Designating Beneficiaries For Retirement Accounts, Part I Introduction

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

A beneficiary designation form is a simple and accessible tool that allows donors to make testamentary charitable gifts and streamline the administration of their estates.

What do these three stories have in common? At some point, others had to make decisions on behalf of the person who did not have comfort planning in place.

Deciding who will care for your child while you work can be overwhelming. If you don’t have family members to help, you’re likely deciding between a day care center, an in-home day care or a nanny.

Prenuptial agreements don’t carry the same type of stigma they may have had in the past. In fact, more and more young people are signing prenuptial agreements.

Baseball stadiums are filled with optimists. Fans start each new season with the hope that even if last year ended badly, this year could finally be the year.

Be Sure Your IRA Beneficiaries Are Designated Beneficiaries

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Even worse, charities and estates as non-humans have no life expectancy. Thus, if either one was also named on the form, the human beneficiaries, such as Jack Jr. and Jack III, would not be entitled to a stretch at all.

Marriage. Divorce. Remarriage. Retirement. Nothing ever stays the same. Here are three strategies to help you navigate life’s major, often scary and unexpected, turning points.

Whole life insurance provides death benefit protection, creates a living legacy that will accumulate cash value with each passing year, and may help your child or grandchild get a head start on their financial future.

Boar’s Head brings to mind juicy cold cut meats, but according to the The New York Times, there’s now a different type of beef sizzling between the heirs of the NYC company.

Having a team of advisors that you really trust is important when it comes to the needs of your aging parents'. Here are a few different types of advisors you'll want to consider:

There’s a reason why world-class athletes work with coaches who push them to constantly improve their game. When it comes to financial planning, everyone can benefit from having a coach working with them, too.

I’ve built a multimillion-dollar business and am the CEO of seven privately held companies. But there’s always room for improvement — even at age 61. In order to do that, it’s important to acknowledge past failures and learn from them.

In a relationship, one person might be more interested in managing finances than the other. But CFP Michael Hackler of Horizon Financial Group says it's important to maintain a team mindset and share financial responsibilities.

If you receive assets from your spouse’s retirement plan and want to cash out the assets by taking a distribution, here is what you need to know about distribution penalties:

Social Security income is an important discussion to have with your financial advisor before you stop working. Below are commonly asked questions and answers to help you prepare for the conversation.

5 Ways To Maximize Your Social Security Benefit

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

According to the Center for Retirement Research, roughly 45 percent of Americans begin claiming Social Security benefits before reaching full retirement age, permanently — and significantly — reducing the amount they receive every month.

The new year is a great time to reflect, revisit priorities and take actions — big and small — to help you stay on track to reach your financial goals.  Here are five smart actions to consider.

Financial advisers and planners can get a bad rap. When it comes to investing and planning for retirement, you don't have to look long to find a flood of bloggers telling you that "you can just do it yourself."

To determine if a fixed indexed annuity is right for you, it’s important to have full knowledge of how they work and how they may fit into your overall retirement plan.

Many men and women may approach money management and financial wellness differently and this difference often extends to planning for retirement.

While you should be tax planning throughout the year, sometimes you don’t know exactly how much you’re going to earn or you get busy and forget to make the contributions you intended on making.

Discover four shared traits of happy retirees and how to make them your own.

Do you want more customers to choose you over your competition? Smart marketers use a compelling value proposition to show prospects why their company is better than the competition.

If the new year has you reflecting on goals and what’s ahead, it’s a good time to also review your financial priorities. Here are three areas to consider:

If you've got your mind set on early retirement, it won't be easy. Retirement is becoming more expensive, and Americans are living longer.

If you ultimately decide to seek a divorce, the following financial planning tips can help you achieve a reasonable financial settlement to establish a strong foundation for your new life: 

Becoming a parent comes with a lot of responsibilities, and financial obligations are no exception — from budgeting for everyday needs to forward-thinking about investing in your child's future.

Fortunately, talking to your parents about their finances isn't as difficult as it might seem. That's because there are several ways to start the conversation.

For 2022, you can contribute up to $3,650 for individual coverage and up to $7,300 for family coverage into an HSA. Remember that an HSA is not a “use or lose it” benefit.

When you first set up your estate plan, go over all the designations you previously made and align them with your plan. After that, you should review and update them regularly—once a year would be ideal.

The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt from coast to coast. And, unfortunately for many pre-retirees, it could potentially impact Social Security benefits as well.

The expression suggests that borrowers benefit from inflation because they pay back lenders with dollars worth less than when the money was initially borrowed.

You may have considered all these strategies to some degree already. This letter is just a reminder that you are now Medicare-eligible, so these choices may soon need to become considerations.

Have you enrolled in Medicare, or are you considering it? If so, you should know that anyone who receives Medicare is eligible to receive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.

Perhaps you’ve heard the maxim, “Preparation is the key to success.” But when it comes to life insurance, knowing when to prepare is almost more important than the preparation, itself.

Will the government take care of you? Many disabled people discover that they don’t qualify for state assistance. Others find that the amount or length of coverage available is not sufficient to support them.

Women and Financial Strategies

Sue Chung

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Although more women are providing for their families, when it comes to preparing for retirement, they may be leaving their future to chance.

How Women Can Prepare For Retirement

Sue Chung

Saturday, December 10, 2016

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension.

Helpful Retirement Strategies for Women

Sue Chung

Friday, December 9, 2016

According to one report, women contribute 30% less to their retirement accounts than men.

Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions.

When Should You Take Social Security

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Thursday, December 8, 2016

The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you?

Social Security: The Elephant in the Room

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

The Social Security system has undergone periodic scares over the years that have inevitably led many people to wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed.

Social Security: Maximizing Benefits

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status.

Social Security: The 64,000 Dollar Question

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

At first blush, the decision may seem a bit clear-cut: Simply calculate the lifetime value of the early benefit amount versus the lifetime value of the higher benefit, based on some assumed life expectancy.

Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Monday, December 5, 2016

Social Security can be complicated, and as a result many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.

How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Sunday, December 4, 2016

"Full retirement age" is the age at which individuals become eligible to receive 100% of their Social Security benefits. Individuals born in 1960 or later can receive 100% of their benefits at age 67.

9 Facts About Social Security

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Social Security's been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you.

Your Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Friday, December 2, 2016

During your accumulation years, you may have categorized your risk as “conservative,” “moderate,” or “aggressive” and that guided how your portfolio was built.

Where Will Your Retirement Money Come From?

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources:Social SecuritySocial Security is the government-administered retirement income program. Workers become eligible...

Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider.

Tax Efficiency in Retirement

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans?

The Sequence of Returns

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The BlackRock study assumes that the three hypothetical investors evaluated their financial ability to continue making purchases through periods of declining and rising prices.

Navigating Retirement Pitfalls

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too.

Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Monday, November 28, 2016

An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer.

What to Look for in an Extended-Care Policy

Gregory J. Sneed

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies.

Preparing for the Expected

Gregory J. Sneed

Thursday, October 13, 2016

The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the unique challenges that come with aging.

Insurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

The preservation of your assets may not be solely a function of your investment strategy, but may include a comprehensive insurance approach to protect you against an array of financial risks, most especially health care.

Important Birthdays Over 50Important Birthdays Over 50

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last.

Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Despite not being as well known as some other retirement tools, annuities account for 6% of all assets earmarked for retirement. With about $2.6 trillion in assets, annuities hold more funds than Roth IRAs.

How Retirement Spending Changes With Time

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate.

Healthcare Costs in Retirement

Alina Aloian

Sunday, February 21, 2016

In a 2022 survey, 35% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement.

Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.

Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Since a new business is unlikely to generate income right away, you may want to construct your portfolio with an income orientation in order to provide you with current income until the business can begin turning a profit.

Inflation & Your Money

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Inflation is defined as an upward movement in the average level of prices. Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases a report called the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to track these fluctuations.

Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

One survey found that nearly 25% of Americans have no emergency savings. Another survey found that 40% of Americans said they wouldn't be able to comfortably handle an unexpected $1,000 expense.

Traditional vs. Roth IRA

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Monday, February 15, 2016

For individuals covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction for a traditional IRA in 2022 is phased out for incomes between $109,000 and $129,000 for married couples filing jointly, and between $68,000 and $78,000 for single filers.

The Cost of Procrastination

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Some of us share a common experience. You're driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops.

The Business Cycle

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

An upswing, or recovery, occurs when the economic indicators improve over time. A recession occurs when the same indicators go through a contraction. A particularly long or severe recession is referred to as a depression.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Friday, February 12, 2016

When stock prices are trending lower, some investors can second-guess their risk tolerance. But periods of market volatility can be the worst times to consider portfolio decisions.

IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Yet, policymakers also recognize that life can present more pressing circumstances that require access to these savings.

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible.

Countdown to College

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity.

Choices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Monday, February 8, 2016

One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

One of the worst decisions may be the failure to enroll, although more and more companies are automatically enrolling workers into their retirement plans.

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement.

9 Facts About Retirement

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor.

Why Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy

Alina Aloian

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations.

Ways to Supplement Your Medicare Coverage

Alina Aloian

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Retiree insurance: Some employers provide health insurance to retirees and their spouses to fill in the gaps of Medicare coverage. Retiree insurance always pays secondary to Medicare.

The Basics of Medicare

Alina Aloian

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

If you want Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) with Original Medicare, in most cases you will need to actively choose and join a stand-alone Medicare private drug plan (PDP).

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

Alina Aloian

Monday, February 1, 2016

Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care decisions.

Prescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare (Part D)

Alina Aloian

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage.

Qualifying For Medicare Under Age 65

Alina Aloian

Saturday, January 30, 2016

You may qualify for Medicare due to a disability if you have been receiving SSDI checks for more than 24 months, also known as the two-year waiting period.

Medicare At 65+

Alina Aloian

Friday, January 29, 2016

How much you have to pay for your Medicare coverage depends on your work history (i.e. if and how long you have paid Medicare taxes). Everyone owes a monthly premium for their medical insurance (Part B).

Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)

Alina Aloian

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Medicare Advantage Plans must offer, at minimum, the same benefits as Original Medicare (those covered under Parts A and B) but can do so with different rules, costs, and coverage restrictions.

Medicare Advantage 101

Alina Aloian

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers in conjunction with the Medicare program, and can provide you with additional health insurance coverage.

Is Term Life Insurance for You?

Michele EF Hamlett, MBA

Monday, January 25, 2016

Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Here’s how it works:

Can Group, Private Disability Policies Work Together?

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Loss of income for such a duration has the potential to cause significant financial hardship. And while Social Security Disability Insurance may help, it's critical to understand that about two-thirds of initial applications are denied and

A Primer on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts

J.P. Hamlett, Sr.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

The irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be an important estate strategy tool that may accomplish a number of estate objectives; however, it may not be appropriate for every individual.

When Life Insurance Becomes Taxable

Gregory J. Sneed

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

According to the most recent estimates from the US Census Bureau, the population of people over the age of 55 grew twenty times faster than the population of people younger than 55 between 2010 and 2020. The fastest growing age group was pe

Universal Life Insurance

Gregory J. Sneed

Monday, January 18, 2016

Universal life insurance is permanent life insurance — that is, it remains in force for your whole life. But universal life insurance has an important difference from other types of permanent insurance: it provides a flexible premium.

Understanding Extended Care

Gregory J. Sneed

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Addressing the potential risks of extended term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy.

Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance

Gregory J. Sneed

Thursday, January 14, 2016

According to industry experts, most people don't have enough life insurance. LIMRA, which keeps close tabs on the industry, recently reported that average coverage equals $163,000, which is equivalent to approximately 3.5 years in terms of

Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children

Gregory J. Sneed

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations—both present and in the future. Raising children can increase your insurance needs and heightens the urgency for being properly prepared.

Disability and Your Finances

Gregory J. Sneed

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Rather than depending on a government program to protect their income in the event of a disability, many individuals prefer to protect themselves with personal disability insurance.

Consider Keeping Your Life Insurance When You Retire

Gregory J. Sneed

Monday, January 11, 2016

Do you need a life insurance policy in retirement? One school of thought questions this decision. Perhaps your kids have grown, and the need to help protect the household against the loss of an income-earner has passed.

Assess Life Insurance Needs

Gregory J. Sneed

Sunday, January 10, 2016

If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.

Breaking Down the Parts of Medicare

Alina Aloian

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Under Original Medicare, the government pays directly for the health care services you receive. You can see any doctor and hospital that takes Medicare (and most do) anywhere in the country.