Blog
Q&A: Self-Employment Tax
What is self-employment tax? It’s the combination of Social Security and Medicare taxes every worker pays. W-2 employees split this cost with their employer, each paying half. As a self-employed individual, you cover the full amount...
Read MoreQ&A: Quarterly Estimated Taxes
Who is required to pay quarterly estimated taxes? Anyone whose income isn’t subject to sufficient withholding may need to pay quarterly. This includes: Self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors: no employer withholds on their...
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What Exactly if Tax Planning?
What is tax planning? How can a financial advisor help high-earning individuals, businessowners, and retirees plan for potential income taxes during the year?
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Using Roth Accounts in Retirement
This blog helps explain many uses of Roth IRAs and 401k's throughout and during retirement. Many investors will have Roth accounts, but how they can be a useful tool for financial security.
Read MoreQuestions About Roth IRA Accounts
A summary and history of Roth IRA and Roth 401k accounts, as well as a summary of some of the biggest questions I get about Roth accounts, and some of the most unknown parts of how Roth IRA's and Roth 401k's work.
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When should someone take Social Security early?
Case studies of when filing for Social Security early (prior to Full Retirement Age, for many which is 67 years old) may make sense. And options when it does not. From an emotional, sentimental and financial review.
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The BIG questions around Social Security
Social Security - It's a Big Question In my practice of advising clients especially around retirement income planning, the big question often arises: "When is the best time for me to take Social Security?" And it's a hard one to answer...
Read MoreJump-Start the New Year With These Year-End Planning Tips
As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and focus on the opportunities that lie ahead. It’s also a great time to review your financial plan to ensure it aligns with...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace
As a reminder, the 2025 Open Enrollment Period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace is November 1 through January 15, 2025. Anyone looking to enroll, re-enroll, or opt out of private health, vision, and...
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Retiring in North Carolina
Key considerations for those looking to retire in North Carolina.
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6 Reasons to Include Your Children in Estate Planning
As people transition into the later stages of their lives, their thoughts inevitably turn toward the complicated matters to be addressed upon their death. Having an Estate Plan in place can significantly ease the burden of those...
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Retirement Expertise without Retiring
Being an expert, it takes hours and lots of reps. Being a retirement expert? It takes lots and lots of client interactions, those I've done. Even as someone who hasn't retired, you become an expert by doing and living (vicariously!).
Read MoreIt’s Time for a Mid-Year Check-In.
With the first half of the year in the rearview mirror, summertime is a great chance to touch base. A mid-year financial review can help to take stock of your accomplishments thus far and uncover any needs for adjustments. It’s...
Read MoreMedicare and Travel – What to be Aware of
Retirement evokes different dreams for everyone, but for many, travel is part of the image. If travel is part of your retirement vision, before you leave town, it’s important be aware of whether Medicare coverage will protect you...
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Common Mistakes for People with their Estate Plan
Six very common estate planning mistakes I see people make. Even if you have a Will, it's important to consider these items and ensure your estate planning goes smoothly, and is not a disaster!
Read MorePreparing Your Business for Crisis
One thing we all learned throughout the Covid pandemic is that life is unpredictable. That's why it's essential to have a documented Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place to help your company stay afloat during unexpected times of...
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Tariffs and the What If's
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important information and news.
Read MoreApril 2025: Retirement Readiness
This month’s Retirement Readiness newsletter features helpfulinformation on navigating retirement pitfalls, tips for managing healthcare costs in retirement, and common assumptions about retirement. It also includes tips on how to...
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Tax Filing Review Items
It's almost April, and with April comes April 15th, the tax-filing deadline (outside of extensions). Getting past filing taxes is a worthwhile anticipation. For many though, they find out that their tax situation changed for the worst...
Read MoreDon’t Shred Those Tax Documents Yet!
Once you complete this year’s taxes, you may wonder what to do with that pile of records, 1099s, receipts, and bank statements. The IRS recommends holding on to any documents related to the income you’re reporting or any deduction or...
Read MoreStudy: Hobbies Keep You Sharp
Did you know that hobbies can help you live a longer and more fulfilled life? Many scientific studies have found that having a hobby can improve your physical and mental health, keep you sharp on the job, and help your relationships....
Read MoreIs Your Internet Footprint Compromising Your Identity? Yes!
We don’t always hear about it in the news, but identity theft is on the rise. Our constant internet usage has given us a large digital footprint. And the more you’re online, the greater your risk of criminals hijacking your...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace
As a reminder, the 2025 Open Enrollment Period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace is November 1 through January 15, 2025. Anyone looking to enroll, re-enroll, or opt out of private health, vision, and...
Read MoreProtect Yourself Against Cyber Crime
The internet makes it possible for many of us to work from home, shop, attend religious services, and stay connected with family and friends. Unfortunately, those conveniences come with risk, and cybercriminals are upping their game....
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September is Life Insurance Awareness Month
Life is an amazing journey full of challenges and triumphs. No matter where you are on the journey, preparing can be a key part of success. That’s why we are happy to remind you that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Life...
Read MoreIs Your Lineup Championship-worthy?
Fantasy Football – it’s a compelling and competitive game that allows you to be the owner, GM and coach of your very own football team! But first, you have to know the rules. With a myriad of complexities and endless customization...
Read MoreKeep Your Cool and Save 💰
As a financial professional, I’m always looking for ways to help clients be more efficient with their money. Now that summer’s here, staying cool can make electricity bills skyrocket, so here are some strategies to help keep cool and...
Read MoreIt’s Time for a Mid-Year Check-In.
With the first half of the year in the rearview mirror, summertime is a great chance to touch base. A mid-year financial review can help to take stock of your accomplishments thus far and uncover any needs for adjustments. It’s...
Read MoreWays to Put Your Tax Refund to Work
Saving money is a bit like eating healthy; you know you should eat your veggies, but it’s hard to resist indulging in something more fun. Like making healthy choices, a tax refund can present the opportunity to splurge. But, more...
Read MoreKey Tips on How to Convert a Roth IRA
For those who are considering Roth conversions, this is a summary of key considerations and how to organize the process.
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Can You Deduct Your Work From Home Expenses?
The pandemic changed the way a lot of Americans work, and working remotely from home is the new normal for many. If you’re one of them, you may be wondering if you should consider claiming the home office deduction on your taxes. We...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace
As a reminder, the 2024 Open Enrollment Period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace is November 1 through December 15, 2023. Anyone looking to enroll, re-enroll, or opt out of private health, vision...
Read More8/11 Market View Weekly
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news. Please find this week’s Market View Weekly from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist attached below. This commentary...
Read MoreJune 2023: Retirement Readiness
Our newsletter this month features nine retirement facts that might surprise you, the differences between retirement perception and retirement reality, an inside look at the different retirement adventures you might choose, and...
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5/26 Market View Weekly: By the Numbers
Debt Talks DominateStocks were weighed down for much of the week by stumbling debt ceiling negotiations, which appeared to reach an impasse at one point. Technology stocks, which have led the market this year, were under pressure as...
Read More3 Investment Terms You Should Know
Even if you’ve been investing for years, the language of investing can sometimes feel confusing. Getting a better grip on investing terminology (which is often a complex combination of legalese, colloquialisms and slang) can help...
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3/24 Market View Weekly: By the Numbers
A Turbulent Week for StocksThe stock market was unable to find sustained direction as investors weighed comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Stocks initially rose as banking fears eased following a...
Read MorePlanning for those you Love
All of us have something in common, there are people that we love and people that we would do anything for. And while it doesn’t matter if it’s a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or even a dear friend, we all have those we care about.
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November Consumer Spending May Signal Brighter Holiday Season
As the year’s final month, December brings holiday gatherings and hopefulness for brighter days ahead in 2023. Looking back at how the economy performed in November, we saw lighter holiday-week trading at Thanksgiving...
Read MoreHelpful Info About Midterm Elections & Market Performance
It is hard to believe we are in the midst of yet another election cycle. With inflation soaring, economic growth slowing, and extremely choppy markets, midterm elections seem like an afterthought. But on Tuesday, November 8th, 435...
Read MoreThe Inflation Reduction Act: What Does It Mean for You?
As you probably heard on the news, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on August 16. Among other things, the legislation includes various initiatives such as locking in the American Rescue Plan health coverage...
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July Markets End on a High Note
July was yet another month of roller coaster ups and downs, marked by continued consumer concerns about supply chain issues and higher costs for goods and services. The weather wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, as torrential...
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May's Bumpy Ride Was Tiresome for All
Welcome to June!What a relief to have May in the rearview mirror after a volatile month (in both the markets and the headlines). Surprisingly, despite weeks of negative performance, the major stock indexes actually finished flat,...
Read MoreDon’t Let Unexpected Expenses Derail Your Retirement
While it’s natural to look ahead to a leisurely retirement, it’s prudent to prepare for expenses that catch many retirees by surprise. In a recent survey, nearly one-third of retirees reported they faced at least four...
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Are Capital Gains Taxes Changing?
There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes.One of the proposals Congress is considering sets the top rate for taxing...
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The Underutilized Benefits of a Health Savings Account
Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Take Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), for example.In 2019, 55% of those with HSAs...
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A 6.1% Bump in Social Security?
The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...
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A Note About Inflation
As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic over the past year, you may have noticed the term ‘inflation’ coming up in the news. But don’t let it scare you! The fact is, some inflation is...
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Life Events that Impact your Financial Plan in a Big Way!
When you have a major life event such as getting married, having a child, or buying a home, your financial situation and priorities may change. As your life changes, your financial decisions must stay in line with your goals, values,...
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The American Jobs Act – 3 Potential Changes We’re Watching
Recently, there’s been a lot of noise about the Biden Administration’s American Jobs Plan, commonly referred to as the ‘infrastructure bill.’ We’ve heard a lot about infrastructure over the few years, and...
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Avoid Becoming the Bank of Mom and Dad
You spend your whole life raising your children to be self-sufficient. You give them your time, your love, and your money to set them up for success. So, what do you do when your now-adult-child asks for financial aid?As more baby...
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Don’t Let Unexpected Expenses Derail Your Retirement!
While it’s natural to look ahead to a leisurely retirement, it’s prudent to prepare for expenses that catch many retirees by surprise. In a recent survey, nearly one-third of retirees reported they faced at least four...
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Haven't filed your taxes yet?! Not to worry...
Preparing your taxes can be a real drag. It can feel like tax day looms over your spring! Well, fear not: the IRS has given you another month to file your taxes! The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service has announced that...
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5 Mistakes of Do-It-Yourself Investors
Many people wish to take the reigns of their investing and account management. And that is totally OK for the right person! However, a common denominator is we are all human, and as humans, we have our own bais, beliefs and emotions...
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Video: Target Date Funds Reviewed
What is a Target Date Fund? How do they work? Watch this video to learn more and also see how not all funds are invested equally.
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Video: Target Date Funds Part 2
In Part 2 of the Target Date Fund series we will discuss if target date funds can deliver predictable retirement income. And what risks should be reviewed?
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Cyber Risks
Technology advances have made our life a lot more simple; from keeping in contact with friends and family and even completing transactions. But as we know, with news of data breaches and concerns of scams, hacks and identity theft,...
Read MoreInvesting Amnesia
What were your fondest childhood memories? What is the farthest experience or fact you can remember? For me I have a few, that are clear as day. Like the first time I ate a Bojangles Cajun Filet Biscuit, I was probably around 7 years...
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StepUp Ministry
Andrew Rose has served on StepUp’s board for the past two years, but his StepUp journey began in 2009 when he was invited to take a tour of the Life Skills program. StepUp serves approximately 160 adults in its Life Skills...
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#CapitolCares
Happy to share this video montage of some of our #CapitolCares events throughout the years. https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=adb7de5b-f5d4-4104-b277-9a4244153c94
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Andrew Rose and Will Smith Inaugural Vlog
Andrew Rose and Will Smith Inaugural Vlog
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“Honey, did you check the stove?”
It’s August, as many would call the “8th inning of summer” or the “Sunday of the week”. Nonetheless, days are slowly getting shorter and kids are going back to school. Another season is gradually coming to...
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What Will You Leave Behind?
History. Everything and everyone has a story and a past. All of us have some attraction to events and places of the past and a desire to relive the stories of long ago. Think of the millions of visitors per year visiting The Colosseum...
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The Best Time to Plant an Oak Tree
This month I was able to celebrate the second birthday of my niece and nephew, Avery and Gabriel. My wife and I became an uncle and aunt back in September of 2012 and since then my sister and brother-in-law have brought four amazing...
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